georgia mom

Old Word/New Meaning

2012-02-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Having all girls left us in a sea of pink, tulle and tiaras for several years. There was a time when I wondered if M and D would ever wear anything other than a princess dress or leotard and tights. I can also remember wishing for the day when we could read a book with a main character OTHER than a princess. Now we rarely wear pink and Jasmine, Aurora and Cinderella are barely mentioned.
The only time we really hear the word "princesses" is when our very special friend Miss Barbara (she deserves a post all her own) calls us or pays us a visit. The term was coined when we were neighbors and the girls would make the short journey (usually dressed in princess attire) from our backyard to Miss Barbara's front door....plaster their noses against the window panes and ring her doorbell incessantly until she came out to play!

Notice that I am only referring to M and D in the whole princess obsession. MJ never really cared much for those fancy girls in ballgowns and tiaras. The only time she really wants to be a princess is when it means being included in special time with Miss Barbara. So, it is ironic that it was her that coined a new meaning of Princesses.

The girls have quite the obsession with the show "The Voice". Which involves the judge Christina Aguilera and her rather ample bosom. This blessing of a bosom is ALWAYS spilling out of her clothes. A couple of nights ago as the cameras flashed on Christina's chest, MJ said rather emphatically, "She needs to cover her princesses UP !"
I said, "Her what?"
She said, "Her princesses...you know..." as she looks down and pats her chest...
I said, "Where did you hear that term"
She said, "Just made it up...just thought it up..."
So there it is...we have entered a new chapter....a new meaning for an old word. I pray when she's older she will take her own advice and keep thoses princesses covered UP!

2012-02-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes fun is messy....

MJ on book character day at school.

M's birthday cake ended up more on her face than in her mouth.

D fishing gummy bears out of a mountain of flour at her bday party.

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Tim Tebow,

First let me say, I hate to do this. I hate to ask you for one more thing. So much is being asked of you already. Because you have been so bold to share your faith with the world, the world in turn has turned a magnifying glass on your life. They expect you to be perfect. You have professed your faith in Jesus, but as a Christian, I know that doesn't make you capable of actually being Jesus. Let me be the first to say that when you mess up (and you will) I will not accuse you of being a fraud or turn my back on you.  If I hear stories of you losing your patience in traffic, sitting in a hookah bar, or even a brush with the law....I will not question the authenticity of your faith.

However, I do have a favor to ask of you. Let me set the background for this favor. There are mothers all over the world having conversations with their daughters. We are telling them about the value of purity. We are telling them to value themselves enough to dress modestly....to hold themselves to a high standard. We ask them to listen to what God says about love.  To figure out what the Bible says about a Godly man and wait for that man to come into their lives. We tell our daughters that he is out there and that he is worth waiting for.

No pressure, but you are the "poster boy" for that man. You share your faith unashamedly. You share your time and talent with others.  You are showing the world that a Godly man is no wimp! You are strong, passionate and capable.

So, I need you to do me a favor. When you pick the girl who will be your wife don't choose as the world would choose. I'm asking you to prove to these young girls staring dreamy eyed at you that they are not following an empty promise...that while they are rejecting what the world believes is beautiful....there are men out there like you who are looking for that kind of beauty.

Sincerely,
Mother of 4 girls

Lost and Found

2011-10-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

Don't really know why I'm posting this--since I know that I will never forget it. We were in the mall shopping for me a new pair of COMFORTABLE jeans---which if you have done that lately you know what an impossible mission that is....with the invention of the style "low rise". I'm ready for mom jeans to come back en vogue.

So, you could see why I might be a little distracted picking between boot cut, skinny, barely boot cut....short, regular, petite....etc.

My kids have never been wanderers...even as toddlers. They typically just stay around me like ducklings following the mama duck. When I turned around and couldn't find D, I really wasn't too worried.

As I went all over the store for the second time...I started to feel the panic grab hold of me.

I knew it was bad when I resorted to yelling her name all over the store.

I knew it was really bad when I started to yell at the poor young man working in the store.

When he suggested maybe she just saw the playground and wanted to go over there...I responded with, "NO--- SHE WOULD NOT....SHE WOULD NEVER DO THAT...SERIOUSLY....YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND...SHE WOULDN'T JUST GO TO THE PLAYGROUND"

As I realized that she REALLY wasn't in the store, I stepped into the main part of the mall. I looked up one side and down the other...she was no where.....

I heard myself describing to people what she looked like....what she was wearing.....

I really thought I might fall out and die

I was in freak out mode....so I did what I always do when I freak out....I called G. and just yelled, "I can't find D! I'm in the mall and I can't find D! She is gone!" and then hang up because I start talking to someone that is trying to help me and realize that calling G isn't going to help (even though in most circumstances it always does.)

Finally, poor young man working in the store says, "Maam, here she comes...she is with the security guard."

Then....I thought I would fall out and die for the second time. We found her.....Ugh the relief. There is truly nothing worse than that feeling. It is the most helpless feeling in the world....

After I rehashed it with everyone who was helping me....I realized that I might want to call poor G. He of course was in the car headed to the mall....poor thing....

It is amazing how things can go from normal....to horrible....to normal again in a matter of minutes. I thought how much hinged on the outcome of those few minutes. The day could have ended very differently. For this happy ending I am so. very. thankful.

credit

2011-10-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

I wonder how many times I have heard the comment "She looks just like you!" or "She looks just like G". And many times I try to figure out which gene pool certain looks, mannerisms, or abilities come from. But, as much as I want to claim some of their good qualities....and as much as G tries to claim them as his own...we both know that sometimes it clearly comes from neither.....

It is hard to claim responsibility for MJ in 1st grade remembering which day to bring her library book back to school......when I payed a 13.00 late fee at the library yesterday.

It is hard to claim responsibility for the fact that when M has a week to turn an assignment in she does it the first day.....when I found myself doing something I knew about for a month....10 minutes before deadline.

It is hard to claim responsibility for D keeping up with all test, projects, homework without any parental help.....when I had to go to the grocery store yesterday because I had no food to pack their lunches with. Then I dropped M and D's lunch off at school, got all the way home before I remembered that I had a third child that needed a lunch, too. I turned around and went back to the school to find MJ eating a lunch the teacher had provided for her.

I guess I will give credit where credit is due....and it is clearly due somewhere else!

2011-09-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

This really isn't a recap of the day---just something funny I want to remember and it completely encompasses N's creative and funny personality. We recently went to visit her. While there we ate at this funky little ice cream shop that specializes in unique homemade flavors.

N said, "I think I would like to own an ice cream shop one day. I would name it The Frozen Chosen."

This is funny because we are Presbyterians......

Yesterday...

2011-09-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

As soon as I post that I will be recapping the day in one sentence, I have a day that couldn't possibly be summed up in one sentence. Due to the private nature of the events I can't go into great detail. But yesterday will forever be a day where I "raised my ebenezer". That word (ebenezer) always brings funny images to my head, but it is basically a type of monument built meaning....(in my interpretation)...we have come this far by the help of the Lord. It is in a song that is very special to me and G and we even had it played at our wedding (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)

Yesterday I experienced the culmination of a week of hard core prayer. In a nutshell, we had some hard decisions to make and some hard conversations to have. Someone told us....Let's just wait before we make any definitive decisions or have any conversations with her. She said, "I really believe that God will work this weekend. Let's see what He does and then talk next week." So, I started praying and asking any person who cares about us at all to pray.

Long story----short-----God worked and took away the need for the hard conversation and decisions. He replaced them with rejoicing!!

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

hither by thy help I'm come;

and I hope, by thy good pleasure,

safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

wandering from the fold of God;

he, to rescue me from danger,

interposed his precious blood. —Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

What to say about yesterday?

2011-09-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

So, clearly I'm having trouble blogging on a regular basis. Yesterday I was in B&N and saw a journal. It was basically a calendar with tiny spaces each day of the month. It was for people who want to journal, but are intimidated. The intent behind this particular journal was for you to compose one simple sentence a day. Think I may try that for this blog. Of course, my sentences will for sure be run-ons and contain a whole lot of dot...dot...dots... but its better than nothing. Atleast my children will have something to hold on to while all the other kids have their very own scrapbooks...especially since now I can't even find the camera. So, hear it goes:
Never thought I would get nostalgic over Johnny Appleseed Day, but it is the last one we will have in this family, and it is not often that you see Johnny Appleseed rockin' the skinny jeans...sure wish I could find the camera......

(See---I told you...run on and dots.....what would I do without them?)

Father/Daughter

2011-08-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

Having four girls it is hard to believe they have never gone to a Father/Daughter dance. This year MJ and D REALLY wanted to go. So, their father kindly obliged.

I heart this picture....don't know what he said or did to get that reaction....but I love it!

I'm not sure G was envisioning putting her in the car for college or her wedding day. Not sure men think like that...but this mama was weepy.....

Not sure who was luckier...G. with two beautiful dates or the girls with such a handsome father

quotable

2011-08-19T04:48:00.001-07:00

fact or fiction

2011-08-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Well behaved women rarely make history.

I see this quote everywhere....on pillows....cocktail napkins...coffee mugs....

It made me chuckle at first and even raise my eyebrows at the possible truth of the statement.

Some of my favorite people share the same qualities...a little quirky, a little bold, and definately not perfect. Some of the great stories that my funny friends tell about themselves usually end up with me saying, "No. You. Did. Not!!! Did you really say that (do that)? That is hilarious!"

Some of my very favorite heroines in books are the women that behaved in a less than conventional manner. They are the characters who dared to do things that might cause trouble or take a risk that could damage their reputation.

But what do I do with this statement when raising girls?

Truth be told----I've been thinking of this statement because that is the most common compliment I receive about the girls. Insert eye roll here:) I'm not bragging (although I'm not above bragging about my kids). I KNOW they are not perfect...and I know there is plenty of time for their behavior to change....but most of all I KNOW THAT I CAN TAKE NO CREDIT FOR THEIR SPIRITS. I give that credit to their Creator.....alone......trust me......

However, I hear over and over how "well behaved" they are. How sweet they are. How 'good' they are. How the teacher wishes they had a room full of them....etc.

So, according to the above quote, am I to believe they will never make history?

And I have heard other parents, when commenting on their children's behavior, claim that their misbehavior is because they are vivacious, energetic, gregarious.....etc. Or their kids are too strong willed, creative, "out of the box" thinking to adhere to a set of rules or behaviors.

So because my children are "good" they are boring and common? Should I hope that they act out to prove that they have personality?

All of that said, I don't really trouble myself with those thoughts because I see who they are when free to be themselves. However, I do admit that sometimes I equate "well-behaved" or "good" with pushover. I worry less that they "won't make history" and more that their good behavior will stand in the way of asserting themselves when they need to.

My prayer is that they continue with their good behavior as it aids in our charge as christians to live at peace with one another. I am pleased that their behavior rarely impedes someone else's right to be heard, to have attention, to learn or to listen.

But.....I also pray that when the time comes....they will not be afraid to step outside the confines of certain rules in order to right a wrong, correct an injustice, defend themselves and especially defend others. Those actions are the very ones worthy to go down in history.

No more fairy princesses

2011-08-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

I have been mourning things around here lately. Things that I thought would happen, that I realize never will. And things that used to happen, but are slowly fading into memories.

Throughout the summer changes have come about. Although these changes seem small, I feel their collective weight. A lot of small changes eventually add up.

I have realized that while I continue to buy juice boxes....more and more often M and D's friends ask if there is any Sprite or Coke. I know...I know....I told you they were small things......

Also, when picking out backpacks, lunchboxes and folders, they asked specifically for "just plain" ones. "Mom, please NO characters or anything on them." I asked if a simple sunshine, flower or butterfly would be ok. But, they just wanted plain colors. Well, not plain colors because they wanted red, green, black or blue. Notice a color missing? PINK...... D even said, "Mom, do I have to have a pink folder again this year?"

Amidst all the perks of them gaining more skills and independence is a feeling of inevitable loss. I can see it coming....the day when they don't want to hold my hand walking down the street. The day when they don't crawl in my lap. The day when they don't shout I love you a million times before they walk out the door.

Just when I picture them in graduation caps and wedding gowns, two feet tiptoe down the stairs. I feel the weight of my 8 year old crawling in my lap. Tears well up in her almost 3rd grader eyes and she tells me she is excited for school to start, but she will miss me....

Pink may be gone for good....but I have a feeling the other colors will be just as sweet.......

The Williams sisters showdown

2011-08-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

It was like watching Venus and Serena. Well....not exactly, but just as exciting for me if no one else! M and D played in a tennis tournament this spring. They played all the other contestants and the only thing standing in M's way of winning her first tournament was her sister!!!

The older sister showed no mercy....all's fair in love and tennis

In the end, the older more experienced player won!! Her sister was a good sport. They are looking forward to many more battles on the court!

The future

2011-07-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

It was the 100th day of school. In D's class they were to dress as if they lived 100 years from now. Hence the futuristic outfit that D is wearing fully equipped with her own set of wings. Aren't we all just waiting for the day when we will fly around without the need of pesky red lights and stop signs?

MJ's class dressed as if they were 100 years old. Hence the grey hair and walking cane.

This summer has me really thinking about the future. I think mainly because this summer has been SO different from our previous summers. This summer finds us sleeping late....an amazing thing I. thought. would. never. happen. This summer we also have extended play time and swim time until 9 sometimes 10....and even sometimes 11. Something I. thought. I. would. never. allow.

For the first time we have all piled in front of the t.v. to watch shows. Now that is not really something new...its just that we aren't watching Barney....they are shows that I enjoy too. Like The Voice, America's Got Talent, and Minute to Win It.

They can toast their own bread, make their own waffles, and even make grits and mac n cheese.

So, with all this change, it has me thinking of the future.....when they are pre-teens, teenagers, and college bound. It won't be in a 100 years....it is right around the corner.

Riding in style....

2011-07-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in the last post, we used a variety of transportation in D.C. We traveled mainly by the metro which had a station under our hotel. We felt like true D.C.ers among all the locals hurrying (and I mean hurrying) off to their jobs.

And of course I don't have any pictures of us on the metro because I was too scared that one of the kids (or G.) would not get off the metro in time and I would see their face behind the closed sliding door as they whizzed off to the next stop never to be seen again!!!! So I spent the whole metro ride on alert and certainly didn't whip out the camera.....plus we were trying to act nonchalant and not like slow talkin, southern tourists...

However, I couldn't resist taking a picture of us on the pedicab. I didn't realize in planning our trip that Washington is a lot like Las Vegas, in that just because you can see the next building in the distance......doesn't mean it is all that close. In fact, it just might be a good 2 miles away, but I just kept saying to the kids-----look it is just right over there----come on----we can make it!!

A few times....they just said.....no....mom.....we.....can't.....walk....anymore...... But I wouldn't give up----we only had a couple of days and lots to see!!!

So, two times we convinced a poor college student hard up for cash to bike us places....all six of us....in a cart meant for 3. It really was not very nice of us. But we were tired. And M.J. wanted to see Obama.....or atleast where he lived......:)

Planes, trains, automobiles, metro, and pedicab?

2011-07-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

I went to Washington D. C. as a kid and LOVED it! I have been waiting to take my own children, and this year seemed like the year to do it. M. J. might have been a little young, but if we waited any longer we might have missed our window of opportunity with N. who will be 18 in August.

We decided to travel by train on the way there....sounded fun...exciting....maybe even a little educational? In reality, it was cramped, claustrophobic, not all that convenient, tiring (it is hard to sleep on a train) and comical!! We had two sleeping cars both boasting of showers....so I thought....how small could they be?

Ummmm......small
That is D's foot hanging down.........

This is where she was sitting........

And the showers? Imagine a porta potty with a shower nozzle over the potty......

However, it was something to check off our list, and it was definitely memorable. We ate in the dining car which was pretty cool, and waking up to Virginia flying by is something to experience!!!

Making a Decision

2011-07-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a year since I posted! I started this blog several years ago to record my family's memories since I am a scrapbooking flunkie.

Several people have asked why I dropped out of blogger world, to which I found myself replying, "This year I've not had a whole lot that A. I want to remember and B. I want all of cyber space to know." The last time I heard myself say that I thought.....well that it is a pretty cruddy, ungrateful attitude!! There is some truth to the statement in that we had some heavy issues crop up this year that I wouldn't want to broadcast. However, we have a ton of great things that I DO WANT TO REMEMBER!

It is amazing how trials and struggles can overshadow a whole year's worth of God's provisions and blessing. IF YOU LET IT. It occurred to me that I was allowing the painful part of this year block out all the victories, laughter, joy, peace, and growth that we experienced as a family. So, I've made a decision to reverse that backwards thinking.

It is overwhelming to try and go back (from the first day of school) and record all that has taken place....so I am just going to be like a time traveler and jump from past to present as I see fit!!

Sometimes you realize your perspective is skewed. The great news is that you can make a decision to see things differently.

new year

2010-08-23T05:10:00.001-07:00

My baby goes to "big girl" school!

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

2010-08-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

No, this is not a book review. Or a movie review. I think this title sums up our summer.

EAT
Eat doesn't begin to describe it. We have gorged ourselves. We have dined on things from frozen corndogs to chinese take-out. We have visited fancy restaurants and sat at a booth at the Waffle House.

PRAY
I have had an interesting journey with God this summer. I dug up the past....re-examined it, and buried it again. I think God was saying, "Seriously, can this be the last time for this? I HAVE COVERED THIS---LITERALLY" I have prayed for grace---prayed to receive it and to give it away---again and again.....Prayed to be rid of some things that should have been given up a LONG time ago. And prayed to take on only the things that God would want for me.

LOVE
As a family, we have loved this summer. Loved each other through laughter and tears. Celebrated with one another. Had some major fun. But most important, we have loved each other when it has been hard---when we were sick of "togetherness", when we were too hot and tired to care about anyone but ourselves, when we would rather be somewhere else with someone else!! But we loved through it all.....sharing or not sharing.....sweet or sour......through the giving and the taking!

I know in the movie the Julia Roberts character abandons all her responsibilities to find a full, satisfying life. I have found this summer that I can live a rich and full life right in the midst of the mundane. And we didn't have to pack up a suitcase to learn one thing!!

Crazy Hair

2010-07-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

It looked like Who ville at my house for cheerleading camp's crazy hair day. You can't see the glitter in the picture or the bottles hidden underneath their big hair!!!

Keepin it Real in the summertime...

2010-07-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Mostly, summer has been blueberry pickin', coconut sunscreen smellin', lightnin' bug catchin' wonderful. However, summer is never totally beautiful. There is always a certain amount of ugliness that happens with beautiful family togetherness. So here goes....

1. We had a nutrition filled dinner last night of frozen chicken bites, frozen tater tots, frozen egg rolls, and frozen buffalo bites. What can I say? I was playing clean out the freezer.

2. M has learned the skillful art of driving her 5 year old sister into the looney bin by pushing buttons she didn't even know she had.

3. MJ is on her 3rd day of wearing the halter top and yoga pants, and I simply don't have the energy to convince her otherwise.

4. I think we have been to church once the whole summer.

5. Something in my refridg. smells.

6. I got a huge burst of energy and started rearranging rooms and then the energy went back to wherever it originated from. The bedrooms are now in limbo until the energy revisits my body.

7. There is a huge pile of laundry on my closet floor that I keep staring at as I walk by several times a day.

Keepin it real........

Before You Exit

2010-07-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

MJ got a very special treat on her 5th birthday. We were at Fuddruckers having a birthday lunch when a friend's son was passing through town heading to do a show nearby. Even though MJ was turning 5 not 15, the joy of being serenaded by a boy band was not lost on her! They placed her on a chair and sang a very special happy birthday song and even did one of their originals.

We will keep these pictures and signed CD on hand when these guys make it BIG! The band is called Before You Exit.......thanks guys!!!

LOST

2010-07-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

M and D went to camp this year for the first time (more on that later). When we came to pick them up M was crying. At first I took this as a bad camp experience until through teary eyes she said, "Momma, I lost blankie."

Blankie has been with us from day one. It was actually passed down to us from my nephew Luke. I had no idea when I accepted this hand me down how important this blanket would be. This blanket is really nothing special to look at. It is mainly white with black striped trim. Who knows why M built such a special bond with this blankie.

The sadness over this loss has continued now for several weeks. I honestly am surprised at the longevity---I kind of thought this would take a couple of days and she would be over it. Not so. Each night around bed time she will become teary. As I was tucking her in the other night she said, "Mom, will we ever find blankie?"
"No, M I'm very sorry, but we may never find blankie. Have you prayed to find it?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe that God hears you and doesn't want you to feel sad?"
"Yes."
"Do you trust that God can comfort you even if you never find blankie?"
"Yes."
"Well, this is an opportunity for you to really trust in Him."
"I know mom, but I still want my blankie."
"God knows that, too."

This is a life long lesson. Knowing that God is really my only source of TRUE comfort I still hang on to the metaphorical blankie. The comfort that resides in these "blankies" can be so easily stripped from me. They can be lost, damaged, and stolen. Not to mention the living "blankies" that so easily disappoint, make mistakes and betray us.

Even with this knowledge---I am begging-----Blankie if you can hear me----PLEASE COME BACK!!!

Evil Cake

2010-07-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

We asked for a "little girl" with wavy curly hair for MJ's 5th birthday. Instead we got a middle-aged teacher looking woman.

Notice the pumps......cinched waist.....

and evil looking eyes..... I felt like saying, "Happy Birthday MJ! This is a cake with a picture of a mean librarian on it! Bet you can't wait for school to start!"

But she loved it!! I guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. But our cake is nothing compared to these http://www.cakewrecks.com/

4th child

2010-06-25T07:19:00.001-07:00

This child. Oh my this child.

This is the child that never really got into princesses. When I asked her a couple of weeks ago if she just didn't really like princesses she said, "They don't really do anything fun. They just marry a boy and stuff."

She swears she sleeps with her eyes open....she has a pair of yoga pants that she wants to wear everyday...with a halter top.

She says, "Mom, when I think something in my head---I JUST LET IT OUT AND SAY IT!" (And that is the truth)

The other night when I was hugging her goodnight, I said "Goodnight, MJ, I will see you in the morning" To which she replied, "Goodnight momma, and I will see YOU later on tonight---in YOUR bed!" How is it that we NEVER let the others sleep with us. I mean we really stuck fast to that rule. It was like it was the 11th commandment. And then the 4th child came along....and well....I don't know. I can't explain it. Maybe we are just tired? Maybe we know that she is the last baby? I really don't know---it is a strange phenomenon.

One that I have heard about all my life---and denied adamantly. You see---I am the baby of my family. My siblings ranted all my life at how I was treated differently. I thought it was crazy talk, but now...I see....maybe they were right all along!

And everything is just moving faster with this 4th child. Here she is ready for her first sleepover. My others were worried sick about spending the night away from home. MJ couldn't get out the door fast enough.

She is ready. She is ready to do what her sisters are doing. She is ready for life.

This morning she came up to me and said, "Mom, will you teach me how to roll my eyes."

I didn't even have to think about it...."No, MJ I won't. But don't worry---this is like everything else. When you hit a certain age it will just come naturally."

Vacation

2010-06-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

This year's vacation was a pleasant surprise. We have been so used to packing up all kinds of equipment (snacks, cooler, floaties, swim diapers, etc.) just to head to the pool. And most times we would pack up all of that stuff only for someone to have a melt down and want to turn around and head right back to the house. For us, with 3 small ones, usually that meant only 1 wanted to go back to the house and the other two wanted to stay. Which ultimately meant G and I might as well have been on two different vacations. He would stay inside while someone napped or rested, and I would be at the beach or pool with who ever was still playing. Or I would stay with the kids while G would jog or get some time to himself. And then we would switch so that I could vacate. But this year was different. We didn't even realize it was going to BE different.

All of their time was spent hanging with their cousins. I found myself on a lounge chair of all places---reading a book----or having a conversation. Every once in awhile I would look beside me and there my husband would be!! We were finally on the same family vacation. When one of them wanted to go in, you know what they did? They walked themselves back to the house!!

Sibling rivalry was put aside for a week. Everyone had their own age appropriate cousins to hang out with. All was well with the world.

Independence blossomed. They got their own snacks. They walked from beach to pool. They didn't need everything and the kitchen sink to keep them entertained. I even had a lunch date with G by ourselves!!

Each night I felt like calling, "Goodnight John-Boy" For we felt like the Waltons. I used to say vacation with quotation mark fingers, but now it truly is vacation for all of us. Who knew?

Family

2010-06-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

GranDot is so gracious each year to give her whole family a beach trip for Christmas. As I was looking back at the pictures and recently listening to GranDot tell N about how she met her husband, I couldn't help but notice the long legacy they created.

As I watch my kids grow up, I find myself more and more intrigued with genetics. It is so amazing for me to see how three children made by the same two people can be so different. Yet, it also blows my mind to see how similar they are all at the same time. When we go to the beach with G's family, it is even more apparent as I see how far the genetic pool extends.

When they are all together you can see the traits passed down from mother to daughter and mother to son. Some are genetic and some are just a product of her love for them. It is clear to this in-law that each of her kids are continuing to model her parenting style as they create their own families. This model is a worthy one as it produced 4 strong believers who are compassionate, honest and loving. I love to hear stories about G's dad and can see so clearly the strength of character he passed on to his children---both genetically and by the way he lived his life. I enjoy picking and pulling out different characteristics of G's parents---serious ones and quirky ones---and matching them with the different siblings. Somehow God weaves all these traits together to make 4 different people who stand on the same firm foundation.

From those two, came four that produced 11! Watching these stair step cousins you could surely do a science fair project on chromosomes. They are very different and weirdly alike! They all share a common thread.
Some genes are stronger than others and can be seen in aunt and niece.

But family is so much more than science, isn't it? Science just can't explain it. Genes don't get to take credit for the way an adopted child blends in or the way in laws become like sisters and brothers. Or the way cousins bond. That is something much more amazing and much harder to explain. Science just can't do it justice.

Pardon me....

2010-06-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

They whine. They bicker. They tattle. They are not perfect. With that in mind, pardon me, while I brag a minute.....

These two girls make me proud.

I feel like I can brag because I can take no credit for their hearts. God made them this way. D and M got an award called the Spirit of Unity. M received it for her 3rd grade class and D earned it in her 1st grade class. It is an award not from the teachers, but from their peers. Not a popularity contest---but something more. They are given this award for the way they treat others. Nothing could make me prouder than knowing they are showing kindness to their classmates! Way to go M and D!!

mj

2010-06-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

She sleeps in our bed. She is constantly hungry. She wants to wear the same purple halter top every single day. She can be a little sassy. She gets away with it because of the scenario below...

The other day she was holding both sides of her mouth. I said, "MJ, what in the world are you doing?"
Her reply, "Ohh mommy!! I just can't stop myself from smiling!!"

lost and found

2010-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I had contemplated giving up blogging. The reason I entered this weird little blogging world was to virtually scrapbook the life of my family. A while back my camera went MIA. I have not had good luck with electronics. So, I knew that my sweet husband may never buy me another one. I may be doomed to disposable cameras for the rest of my existence. I have been through quite a few cameras. What good would a blog be without any pictures?
Deep down I knew I had not lost it. I just knew it. When I finally found the camera I felt totally vindicated when I flipped through the last shots taken. The camera losing culprits were caught red handed.

Stickers

2010-04-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

I got the privilege to celebrate Ivey's 4th birthday on Sunday. It is such a gift to have this little girl and her family in our lives. She has made an impact on US. I am so thankful to her mother for sharing her. Ivey is making us better people.

Instead of presents, Gwen asked us to bring books in honor of Ivey. They would then have them translated into braille and given to the library to use.

In Barnes and Noble, I scoured the shelves looking for the perfect book that would be worthy of honoring Ivey. This just couldn't be any old book. For nothing when in it comes to her life has been purposeless or futile.

I finally found a book by Max Lucado called You Are Special. The main character is a wooden "Wemmick" named Punchinello. All of the Wemmicks go around giving each other stickers. If you are talented, good or beautiful the wooden people give out gold star stickers. But if you don't have a special talent or make mistakes they give you grey dots.

Sometimes, seeing all of Punchinello's grey dots, the people gave him more grey dots for no reason at all. And seeing someone with lots of gold stars, people assumed they were special so gave them more gold stars for no reason at all.

Finally, Punchinello met a wooden girl who had no stickers at all. The others tried to put stickers on her, but they just wouldn't stick. Punchinello had to know how she managed this. She tells him that she spends time with Eli the wood carver---the creator of all the Wemmicks and urges him to go visit.

Eli tells Punchinello that he had been waiting for him. That he just wants Punchinello to hear what HE thinks of him and not listen to what the other Wemmicks think. Because the wood carver created him---special---unique----like no other.

I knew this was the book that was worthy of Ivey. There are no labels that can limit her. No stickers that could describe her. She is special.

And for my 4 girls as well, I pray that the gold stars won't define them and the grey dots won't discourage them. I pray that they be the girls to whom the stickers JUST WON'T STICK.

Lives Well Lived

2010-04-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have blogged. Life is full and busy. If you read Joni's Joy, Mom of Eleven, Lots of Scotts, and God's Design you know that our community has suffered great loss in the past two weeks. There have been back to back funerals for two champions of the faith. Both remarkable husbands and friends. But most notably, remarkable disciples of Christ.

I knew both of them vaguely, but there impact on my life has been significant. The stories of their lives are a powerful portrait of two lives well lived.

I can remember upon being diagnosed with cancer Sweeney and his wife Cabell graciously shared their experience with our Sunday school class. I remember him talking about a country song by Tim McGraw, "Live like you were dying" The song talks about what you would do if you found out you only had a short time here on earth. The man in the song would go sky diving, mountain climbing, ride a bull....etc. I will never forget Sweeney's saying he didn't feel that way. He felt like by following Christ he was truly living life. He didn't have to wait on a cancer diagnosis to begin living. I could tell he lived such an intentional, purposeful life that there would be no regrets about how he spent his time on earth when he left this life to grab hold of the life eternal.

And their wives, oh my, the strength, beauty, grace and love that they have shown this community can't be described. If I had the words and skills, I could tell story after story of the way they have ministered to people while walking through a valley themselves.

I was able to share with my children the account of one of the men being ushered into heaven. I was able to describe to them that there is no fear in death for believers. I was able to tell them that his wife and friends knew that he was seeing things they couldn't. That he wanted to go be with Jesus. In his final moments, he cried out for the Word of God to be read. And the headmaster of their school had the priviledge of reading scripture over his friend at Shane's urging. Shane knew where he was going....

I love to think of Shane and Sweeney's entrance into heaven. I love to picture the GREAT CROWD that will receive them. The great crowd of people that Shane and Sweeney effected in their lifetime-----evidence of lives well lived.

in the rearview mirror

2010-03-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

Something that should be harmless is starting to scare me these days. It is the rearview mirror or really just the side mirrors. We are trying to prepare N for the road ways. I can't explain how awful this is. I love her. I know she is trying hard. I know that everyone has to start somewhere. I just can't keep my cool when I am the driver's ed. instructor. I am holding on to the handle, the one built into the roof of the car. My eyes are darting from spedometer, to side mirror, to oncoming traffic. My heart is racing, and I am holding my breath.

Then she makes a mistake and either I sigh really loud or a squeal comes out of my mouth or I yell. Inevitably, N says, "Daddy never does this. He never freaks out." I never thought that common sense things like looking both ways before pulling out or checking the rearview mirrors while backing up needed explanation. But it seems they do. I have to remind myself that she is starting from scratch and the unneccesary lane change wasn't on purpose.

Throughout the driving lesson I am always studying my side mirror. Is she in her lane? Is she too close to traffic? Is she too close to the shoulder of the road? (You can just picture the life analogy coming can't ya?)

And what I really want to do (and have done) is throw up my hands, tell her to pull over and get back into my rightful place in the driver's seat. WHERE I BELONG--IN CONTROL. But I know that driving is one of those skills that just can't be learned by talking about it. You have to do it. You have to practice and make mistakes. And such is the pattern of life with a teenager. They have to live it-test it out-practice what they know.

God is so gracious to have taught G and I this lesson last year. We are not in control of N. But He is good enough to let us ride in the passenger seat. I'm not saying that seat is a fun one all the time. Quite frankly most of the time it makes me in need of a smoking or cussing habit. But I know there will be a time when she will not need my lessons any more and we will cruise down some scenic roads with my only job being to enjoy the ride. (And maybe regain control over the radio:)

In the middle of it....

2010-03-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

I need help! I need a wash tub full of chlorox, some fresh sheets and towels, some clean mountain air, a fumigator. I need a full time maid.

Since Tuesday, the following has occurred--N threw up in Gs car on the way to school, next was MJ who hasn't mastered the art of making it into the toilet, then ME!!, next to go down was M....and now we are waiting...waiting...for the next shoe to drop.

Anyone who doesn't believe in the devil has never had the stomach virus go through their whole family. Period. It is evil. Pure evil.

I have puked my guts out. I have caught my children's guts as they puke them out. (Sorry this post is graphic. That is the only way to explain it.) I have shed tears. They have shed tears. Some of my tears have been tears of pain and some have been tears of pity. I cried when G walked in with Sprite and a movie for me to watch while I was re cooping. (It was Julie/Julia a movie about blogging that he would never watch with me!)

Being sick makes me put a reality check on my fierceness. Sometimes I get to thinkin' that I'm tough girl. Not so. I am a big baby. Example: I really value my friendship with Joni and family. Even though her husband is my doc., I never want to pull the friendship card and take advantage of the fact that I know their home number. Well, G tried to remind me of that fact on Thurs. night when I was begging him to call their house--begging. I will admit in that moment of weakness I would have sacrificed my friendship with Joni's husband for a magic pill to make the yaks go away.

So now I am wandering around my house with chlorox wipes. I feel like I'm in that movie with Denzel Washington. You know the one? Where they pass some weird evil spirit of a serial killer to each other by touch? Remember? And they sing that song, "Ti-i-i-ime is on my side, yes it is..." If only it was that easy to predict who would throw up next. Instead, I am a nervous wreck. Anytime anyone coughs I jump and spring into action. It is nerve wracking. I'm spraying Febreeze on everything, even though I know it isn't really doing anything. I'm spraying it just because the scent is called Spring and Renewal. I think I am slowly losing my mind. I know one day I will laugh, but not while I'm in the middle of it.....

Watched

2010-03-01T05:05:00.000-08:00

N has been with us for almost 4 years now. In ways it seems like yesterday. But in most ways, it is like she has always been here. 4 years ago I would have said our family was anything but "normal". We were adjusting--all of us. There were times when I battled fear, and I'm sure N did too. But now "normal" is definitely what we have settled into--and I'm thankful. People who know of our adoption will occasionally ask, "How is N doing? Have yall had any problems?" And I joyfully reply, "Yes..but the normal problems you have when you are raising a teenage girl."

Although I never forget that N had a life so different, hard, and separate from ours---we are so all encompassed with our "normal" life that her past doesn't come up like it used to. Last week I was busy pulling something together for dinner and she was making an after school snack when randomly she started talking about a conversation she had with her music teacher.

She was telling the teacher that she used to put on plays all the time for her mother and her mother's boyfriend. She said they never paid attention or watched her performances. And then she said to me, "I remember on one of our first visits, I put on a play--and you and dad watched."

Never would I have known that something so small would mean so much. It was such a great lesson to me. I read all kinds of books on parenting, on being a godly mom, on parenting teens, parenting girls, parenting godly, teen girls :) You name it---I will read it. But this was a lesson to me on what is truly important. Yes, love is VERY complicated, but it is shown in such simple ways. What is needed most is to watch, to see, to pay attention, to be there.

Finally....

2010-02-08T05:05:00.001-08:00

I can still remember the first time I stepped foot in a dance studio. I took dance from the age of 5 until after college. I am still known to bust out in a jig when I hear a good beat. So you can imagine the thrill of having 4 girls. Count them 1-2-3-4! I envisioned the house being littered with pointe shoes, tights, and leotards---maybe even a mother daughter dance number!! But, as I entered the rigors of parenthood, I was just glad they were healthy and happy. If they would rather be pro wrestlers than ballerinas, I'm fine with that. If they want to trade their tutus for a softball bat--fine with me. I'm just glad they are here.
However, I think I have one last pink hope. MJ loves dance. But so did M, D, and even N for a period of time. I really thought D would be my dancer, but the recital killed the dream. It really wasn't even the recital. It was waiting in the basement of our city auditorium for her turn on stage. She refers to it as the "white room". It scarred her for life.
I feared the effects of the white room for MJ, but she was undeterred. She was pumped all day for her recital. She must have asked 100 times if it was time to go.

So, finally....maybe......I have a ballerina!!!!

re-entry

2010-02-04T05:11:00.001-08:00

If you have wondered where I have been----this was my view.

We spent a couple of days celebrating our 10th anniversary in Jamaica, mon. And I can't say enough about our trip. We reconnected and got renewed. However, now I am dealing with re-entry!!! It seems to be a fact that when you are lucky enough to have these rare moments alone or indulging in some time away from it all---when you come back everything seems harder, tougher.

It is easy to practice the presence of God when you are on your back, in the warm sunshine, having people serve you. It is another story when you are on your feet, walking in the rain, serving others. So that is my goal---I don't want to wait until I get to paradise to enjoy the presence of God. I want to walk through the tough times, the mundane times and enjoy the journey with Him.

Back to The Basics....part 2

2010-01-27T04:55:00.001-08:00

I don't think it is an accident that the theme mentioned earlier, "Back to the Basics" has coincided with my anniversary. On January 29 we will celebrate 10 years of marriage.

There have been MANY changes over the last 10 years. We look at our wedding pics or pictures from our engagement and can't help but say, "Look how young we were!" I usually say, "Wow, I have really aged you."

But more than our looks have changed. We were married in 2000. Baby M in 2001. Baby D in 2002. A miscarriage in 2004. Baby MJ in 2005. And a pre teen N in 2006.

We have both changed over our years of marriage. Me from a young teacher to a mommy and wife. I thought he couldn't get any better than he was in 2000, but boy was I wrong. I have had the honor of watching him grow in his relationship with the Lord and witnessing it has spurred me on as well. Seeing him evolve as a daddy and father has been one of the great joys in my life.

Although there have been many changes and most for the better---I am so very thankful that our basics remain the same----our faith, love, respect, honesty, friendship and overall oneness.

I can distinctly remember saying to myself over and over again, "I can't believe I get to be married to this man." And I am thankful beyond comprehension that on our 10th anniversary I am still repeating those very words.

Me, Me....the Phar-i-see

2010-01-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

Our church has a great location in the center of our downtown area. We have three buildings that spill over two streets. One of the buildings backs up to the downtown bus station. After 10 years of membership in our church there are familiar faces among the people waiting for the bus, eating at the soup kitchen and in general coming in the church for a meal or some help. Though many of the faces are familiar...there are a handful that stand out to me or that I have some type of relationship with.

There is one lady in particular that I see all the time. She always acts like we have known each other forever---that we are friends. I am pretty sure she has no idea what my name is. She is loud and outgoing. She has an abnormally red face--I'm not sure why. Coke bottle glasses. Long stringy, greasy hair.

This past wednesday I got the kids all situated and went to the restroom. There she was....greeting me with a loud, "Hey Girl!" And she didn't miss a beat, telling me everything that was going on, where she was going next, who she was with...etc. All of a sudden she turned to me and said, "Will you put my hair in a ponytail?" And she handed me a what once was white, dingy scrunchy. I was stunned. And honestly I don't know what happened next but she changed the subject and we finished our conversation and left the restroom.

I can't tell you how relieved I was. I had just watched her comb her hair, pull wads out and distribute it into the trash. I felt like I had dodged a bullet.

I went back into the dining hall checked to see that the kids were eating and went to grab myself some food. My bathroom friend was talking to another lady in the church when I heard, "Oh never mind. I saw her in the bathroom. She will do it." She hands me the scrunchy and turns around.

We were no longer in the confines of the bathroom. We were no longer alone. People were looking. So I slowly started pulling my fingers through her long hair. As I was trying to make a bump free ponytail I was praying....Lord, please don't let anyone see this and think that this is a sweet moment or that I am a "good" person. Because I don't want to do this...my heart is black as tar right now....

The funny thing is I had been praying for God to put people in my path that I could serve!! I now know that my prayer should be for Him to prepare my heart to serve. He doesn't need my acts of service. He is concerned with the condition of my heart.

Back to the Basics

2010-01-21T04:45:00.000-08:00

I have a theme running through my life these days.... back to the basics. It seems everywhere I turn this theme is repeating itself through books, sermons, friends, and prayer time. Every "problem" or "struggle" going on right now can be solved by this very simple statement.

One of the kids seems to be going through a little something right now....she is a little needy, a little disgruntled, a little different from her usual self. This is the time I usually talk to friends until I am exhausted or read books until I am thoroughly confused trying to find a solution. Instead of staying focused on the matter at hand---I envision years in the future--where my mishandling of the situation causes catastrophic events in her life. But this theme is sinking in....back to the basics......she needs to be reminded of the basics too. God loves her. I love her.

I can start to question decisions that we have made for our family. Are we headed in the right direction? Is this the best plan? Once again....back to the basics.....How did we reach these decisions and plans? The basics.....God first....and the rest will follow.

In this wintry month I can feel secluded and a little too self aware. I wonder why I feel discontent and disconnected. Once again the basics.....time with Him always puts my feelings about me in the right perspective.

We are studying 1 John in sunday school right now. It speaks to young and mature believers. When speaking to the younger believers he reminds them of the truth of the gospel. But to the mature believers, he reminds them several times that they have believed from the beginning! They don't need to fall away from what they knew from the start! Reminding them of the basics....love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.

Sidenote: As I was typing this I was watching Good Morning America (multi tasking), and George Stephenopaulus said to Dr. Oz "Let's get back to the basics" Weird HUH????

Lemonade Award

2010-01-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

My awesome friend Gwen at Just Another Ordinary Miracle gave me a Lemonade Stand Award. I am truly honored!! Especially because I think so highly of the person who gave the award to me. I mean, come on, forget Pioneer Woman---I know Ivey's MOM----BOO-Yah. (Boo-Yah is actually a comment that my husband asked me kindly -never to say again---so sorry honey--that was the last time:)
I quite frankly am surprised that she gave me THIS award. Especially since I have been avoiding her. Close to New Years I promised that I would do an exercise program with her called Insanity. I hate exercise. So, she probably wants to give me an award called "Least likely to Do What They Say Their Going To Do" or "World's Biggest Loser---and I don't mean weight"
I am also honored at being included among the other recipients that Gwen chose. Truly remarkable stories and people. The difference between me and most of them is well, I tend to make my own lemons.....grow em' right here in the house, car, backyard. I tend em', cultivate them.... Basically, my lemons are mostly of my own doing----I have to make a lot of lemonade. My kids and husband are quite frankly tired of lemonade. They would rather have something a little less sour. I'm working on it!
I am actually supposed to give this award away to ten other people.....but I can't for the life of me figure out how to get the little lemonade stand copied to my blog...This may take a few days....

Roll Tide

2010-01-07T04:49:00.001-08:00

It had been a long time....A long time since I felt the intensity of watching an Alabama game with TRUE Alabama fans. I watched a game a couple of years ago with my mom. It has been even longer since I watched one with my brother (who was also my college roommate). And a VERY long time since I watched with the biggest Bama fan I know--my grandmother. I had forgotten what it was like to have people watching in different rooms, pacing, and some just walking outside because they couldn't watch a big play.
We won't be together tonight for the National Championship---but three generations of Alabama fans in three different towns will be glued to the screen. ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!

Christmas....in a very short post.

2010-01-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

I don't know what I have been doin' roun' here....it can't be cleanin' because my house is too dirty---it can't be meticulously groomin' my children because they pretty much all look like refugees---it can't be schoolin' or educatin' em...because they are havin' too much fun---and it can't be bloggin' because I have not put the first Christmas picture up....so here goes....and fast because.....I gotta get back to what ever it is I've been doin'....

We started off the Christmas season as we always do. The girls decorate their own mini Christmas trees to go in their rooms. We always watch a Christmas special on tv while we are doing that....but I make sure it is a REAL Christmas special...like old school Christmas special. Did anyone but me notice the random "Christmas" tv shows? I alway rip the 25 days of Christmas tv schedule out of my Family Fun mag. so we will know what's ahead. As a kid, I loved waiting for the Grinch, Rudolph, The Little Drummer Boy, and my favorite Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas (can I get a witness?) However, what is Christmas about Harry Potter? Someone explain. It's not that I have anything personal against Harry and his movies, but come on. Or all these weird spin offs of the oldie but goodies....like Frosty takes a wife....that's just weird. Ok I said this would be short....sorry...

OH My....MJ holding the two things she wanted...her "dark" baby and her pink sequinned hat....and Santa threw in a snazzy little outfit. You don't know how long it took me to stretch that shirt over that purple cast.

Alex the elf. He was not a naughty elf, but the last night he was with us he really went all out...He must have a 16 year old sister back at the North Pole.

Everyone with their Pillow Pets. Santa's workshop almost ran out of these prized possessions...but you know Santa he's quite crafty. M got the horse, MJ the ladybug, and D the monkey.

This was the hit of Christmas. We walked into GranDot's house to find this bear with D's name on it. He is great because no one has to fight over him. They can all sit on him at the same time. OK...more later...gotta go...I remembered what I've been doin'....

marry me

2009-12-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

For some reason MJ keeps telling her daddy that she doesn't want him to die. I don't know what is making her think about this. Who knows...but she keeps saying---usually while wrapping him in a one arm bear hug----OHHH Daddy I don't want you to die.....when you die I want to die too.
Is that sweet? I can't tell. Maybe it is a little morbidly sweet.....but, I know what is sweet.....

Before school the other day, when G came out of our bedroom dressed and ready for work, she ran to hug him. She buried her little head in his chest and said, "Oh Daddy, I love you. I want to marry you. I want to marry you because you smell soooo good."

#1 mom part II

2009-12-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

OK--emergency handled---made it to performance---child had Christmas clothes--all is well......until the next time I forget where I am supposed to be.

So, the quick version is....took MJ to emergency room where she explained several times to nurses and doctors and the general public that a TV FELL ON HER. And I don't know if it was the softness of her 4 year old voice or just the plain horror of the news but everyone said, "What? A TV FELL ON YOU? How did that happen?" At the last question they always looked at me.

We had to wait 48 hours to get the arm set. Meanwhile, I'm trying desperately to figure out if I can still be a good mom if I:
A. LEAVE MY CHILD WITH A BROKEN ARM HOME WITH A BABYSITTER WHILE I GO MEET THE PIONEER WOMAN WITH JONI.

B. TAKE SAID CHILD TO ATLANTA TRAIPSING ALL OVER THE BIG CITY--TO MEET PIONEER WOMAN WITH JONI.

We decided to choose option B. Joni and I have waited and waited to meet Ree. We even made t-shirts. (Actually, Joni painstakingly made the t-shirts)....(she should keep her day job.) We just couldn't miss this once in a lifetime experience to meet Ree---Who should be my best friend...and invite me to her lodge...where she would like me so much she would invite my family to come and live with her. Actually, scratch that last part...that is kind of creepy. Scroll down to see our T shirts....

2009-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read correctly. We are shameless. It reads, "Please find me lodge worthy....Lodgapaloosia 2010" On the back it said, "Team P-dub." We couldn't narrow it down to one cheesy saying so we decided on all 3. And yes, my child with a broken arm is sitting patiently in a stroller nearby chanting, "I want to go home....I want to go home...." I know this will be a great memory for her.

#1 mom... part one

2009-12-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

I'm going to say this very fast to lessen the pain and embarrassment. A tv fell on MJ. There I said it. Sunday afternoon G was on a chair upstairs cleaning the vents. (Wait a minute...did I just say that? That doesn't sound right at all...I should have known- right then -that something was way off about this day.) All of the sudden I heard a boom...and then a yell from G that shook the house. I thought, Oh my Gosh he has fallen off the chair and broken his neck.

I was thankful that wasn't the case but was mortified to find out that our old outdated tv fell on my sweet, precious, vivacious four year old. This next part is for my conscience---the tv was VERY secure...we don't understand how it happened...she wasn't climbing on it....we are good parents...SO THERE. I have to keep reminding myself of that this week. Because people keep looking at her and going, "OOOHHHH, sweetie what happened? Do you have a boo-boo?" and she keeps saying, "My arm is broken...a tv fell on me....I wasn't climbing on it."

She was crying very hard (which isn't her--she is very tough) and saying that she just didn't want to get a shot...or a mask (cast). I knew instinctively (because I am a darn good mom) that it was broken. So off we went to the ER.

OOps....to be continued.....M just called to tell me that the chorus is singing and she wants me there...and she is supposed to be in Christmas clothes....I'm a good mom....I am....I promise...

Me and Ree

2009-12-08T10:36:00.001-08:00

So the day finally arrived!!! Joni and I met the Pioneer Woman last night. So-ok-"met" is a stretch since I was immediately struck mute when it was our turn to be introduced. I waited all this time to meet her---and what do I say? --- Hi, nice to meet you. Love your blog?--- No, I said--and I quote, "I have nothing to say. I'm a complete dork." I had my chance to tell her how we are best friends separated at birth--but, alas, no--I choked. I have so much to say about our journey to meet Ree, but I am going to stick with the mute theme for right now so I can tend to my poor 4 year old!

MJ broke her arm on Sunday, and yes, I drug her around yesterday to meet PW. And, Yes, I feel bad and guilty for it. So, today I will lounge around with my patient. I will find my words and tell all of the exciting events of our adventure in the big city!!

Christmas Pics

2009-12-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

I needed pictures of M and N for our Christmas card.....I did not need pics of these two hams.... but they kept posing and posing....and yelling, "Mom get this one!" "Mom, how about this one!" Like chickens pecking me....cute chickens....but chickens nonetheless....

But I managed to get a few good ones of N.... I was in a hurry....the light was fading....my battery was low....

....and then the chickens pecking me again---"Mom---get this picture. Isn't this cute?"

Yes...it is cute...but I want to get my Christmas cards...because I'm going to be organized this year and not send them the day before New Year's.....

I managed to get some good pics of N and M all while chickens were practically pecking me to death.

The Elf

2009-11-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

I have posted before (I think several times) about my beef with Santa. It is sometimes confusing to explain why we need to give to other kids at Christmas when Santa can just do it. The perfect example is what happened when we pulled our Angel Tree ornament from the tree. We were reading what the little girl requested for Christmas and M said, "Why doesn't Santa bring what she wants?" This leads me to backtracking and sort of making up things that makes Santa not look like a meanie--and kind of undermining how blessed my kids are and the importance of giving charitably. I could be mad at him---but he is just so much dang fun!

Over the weekend, my mother gave the kids an Elf on the Shelf. They have been talking about this toy since last year! They begged to get it out of the box and start right away. Which means we have to remember to hide it---EVERY NIGHT UNTIL CHRISTMAS! Sunday night I shot straight out of the bed at 3 in the morning because I remembered the crazy elf! And yes, I got out of the bed searched for it in the dark and hid the little thing.

The kids start searching for the elf the minute they get out of bed. Yesterday, after M found the elf she said, "I knew it was going to be in the sunroom. The elf was sending messages to my head. It was saying sunroom, sunroom, sunroom." Seriously? Sounds like the beginning of a scary movie.

That night we couldn't find her blankie. She said, "Do you think Alex the elf took it?" I explained to her that the elf was not mean. She replied, "Well, if I'm really bad, do you think that Santa will tell the elf to take my blanket?" OK-- my beef with Santa came back to the surface. I said, "M!! Santa does not rule the world! He can't do that kind of stuff! He does not rule the world! Who rules the world?" She said sheepishly, "I know God does." Your right and God would not want to take your blankie!

So, now I have a beef with an elf and the fat man!

Anticipation

2009-11-17T05:02:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! It is the Holiday Season--I feel it!! Isn't it funny how the Holiday Season is the only thing that makes waiting fun? Usually, I hate to wait. In fact, I feel like a lot of what I do is wait----waiting in carpool line, waiting for tennis lesson to be finished, piano lesson, cheerleading to be finished. But with the holidays the anticipation is part of the fun! Here are some of the things I am anticipating....

1. hiding the elf on the shelf
2. dressing the kids up like pilgrims or Indians
3. walking through all the Christmas decor at Wal mart
4. having my family over for Thanksgiving and
5. packing up the family (for the first time ever) to see family out of town--even if it is only 1 hour away. This is something that we usually don't get to do-because most of both sides of our families are right here in town.
6. our local Christmas parade (which G hates-but has to endure every year)
7. my mom and sister's church doing their live nativity scene
8. the searching....and searching for some of the hot ticket Christmas gifts for my kids
9. and especially Christmas EVE---I love it

and a new addition to my anticipation........Dec. 7
going to see the Pioneer Woman !!!!!! Yes, Joni and I will be travelling to a cookbook signing!!! Woo Hoo-----Here we come P-dub! By the way, DOES ANYONE HAVE A BABY I CAN BORROW? PREFERABLY A CUTE ONE WITH A CUTE OUTFIT? MAYBE TWINS? NEWBORNS? She loves babies and I'm thinking if I just stand out a little bit she will realize that we were meant to be great friends, and then she will invite me to the ranch. So much to anticipate--the list could go on and on. I'm ready to get started! Anyone seen any pillow pets for sale?

Outward Appearances

2009-11-12T04:57:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been trying to talk to MJ about "stranger danger". From that I have to answer about 1 million hypothetical questions a day like:
What if a person who I know, but looks different than before, asks me to give them some candy?
or
What if I'm walking down the street and someone who looks like a grandma wants me to come with her and then I do and then she makes me go swimming without my floaties?

Most of the hypothetical questions don't make much sense and are kind of funny. So my ears perked up when she said, "What if a stranger takes me and then I die?" To which I said, "Well, I don't think that will happen and I will try my hardest to keep you safe. But if it did, I would be very sad. But you would be happy because you would be with God."
Then the conversation changed topics, as it does with a 4 year old.
"Mom, what does God look like?"
"Well, I'm not really sure. We won't really know until we get to heaven."
"Oh, mom, I've seen Him."
"You have? Well, what does He look like?"
" He is a black man."
"Oh, well. He might be."

I'm wondering if that has something to do with the Christmas shopping experience we had today. We went to a local doll shop to pick out some items for their wish list. D and MJ want a Lee Middleton adoption doll. They were picking the babies out from the "nursery". D got the one that looked most like her, and MJ picked the African American babydoll. I didn't ask any questions. I don't know if she picked it because the doll looked like God's baby doll, but I'm so glad that all colors are beautiful to her!!

Halloween

2009-11-06T05:01:00.000-08:00

Halloween was different this year. In years past, the kids were so little and slow that after making it around to 3-4 houses, they would want to head home to hand out candy to the other kids. Those Halloweens moved at a snail's pace. I can remember G and I standing out at the road while the kids moved slowly across yards, timidly rang the doorbells, and returned to us proud of their loot. It wasn't too long ago that we watched MJ climb the stairs to the other houses thinking, Can she do this by herself? Will she fall? BUT ALL THAT HAS CHANGED!
This year we could not keep up with them! I was constantly saying where are they? Where is this one? Where is that one? They were moving at the speed of light.

I had to threaten Tinkerbell to get her to stop long enough for me to capture the memory.

Riding in the back of truck--no seat belts--they loved it!!

M was a scary witch and D was Little Red Riding Hood. In order to take this picture, I made them stop. Can you see the tense and fake smiles?

I realize that our lives are following the same trend as our Halloween experience. When they were little, it seemed that time was moving in slow motion. The days seemed to last forever. But now, I don't know where all the time is going. It seems like yesterday was the first day of school--and here we are ready to celebrate the holiday season.

It seems like every empty nester we talk to says the same thing--"You better enjoy this. You will turn around and they will be all grown up." I have to admit that I always say the same thing to them, "That's what I keep hearing." And I'm thinking, "Yeah, right. I'm exhausted. Last night lasted forever. Do you expect me to believe the years are flying by?" But now I see... I can already feel this weird phenomenon of child rearing. The time is whizzing by. Hopefully, this will be inspiration to enjoy every moment!!

2009-11-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

It is fall. The leaves are changing, and it feels great outside. I guess that is why my blogging has slacked a little. Who wants to be inside on the computer with all that is going on outside? That is exactly what M and D think. They were supposed to be inside doing their homework and this is where I found them. They were actually doing their homework---just in a tree!!

Commentary

2009-10-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Poor D....She has had a rough month. After battling the swine flu, I thought her turn for sickness would be over. But no...life isn't fair....

I ask you, "What is worse than grocery shopping at Wal-Mart?"
Answer: Getting a phone call from school, while grocery shopping at Wal-Mart, that a child is throwing up...."

I hurriedly threw my groceries in the car and rushed to the school. It was pick up time for MJ so she commentated the events that I missed out on.....

MJ:"Mom, D frew up on her clothes...so we were hanging out in the office."

Then on the way home.....MJ: "Mom, D is frowing up!! It is in her hands....she just did like this (insert re-enactment). And it is all over her." At this point, MJ is craning her neck all the way around to watch her poor sister.... "Mom, she just did it again. Mom, what will happen if she does it again? We should get a bag. Mom, what would happen if we get out of the car and go to chick-fil-a and D frows up in the parking lot and no one can get in the restaurant? Mom, do you think that D is going to frow up on me? When we get home, is she going to frow up all over the house?"

This kind of running commentary can't make D feel any better. It continued on as MJ tried to figure out ways she could still make it to her ballet class with a sick sister..."Maybe, we could sit D in another room with a bag, and she could just frow up in the bag, while I do my ballet." Nice try....

2009-10-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

I love to hear the chatter from my backseat when I pick up MJ. Her pick up time is at 12, so I have a couple of hours one on one time with her. I am not surprised to hear her teachers say that she doesn't talk AT ALL during her school day. M and D were the same way. But, when I pick her up it just starts all tumbling out. All of her words have been stuffed down, and the second the car door shuts they come out in a rush and don't stop.....
The conversation we had yesterday was priceless. The second the teacher walked away she said, "Mommy, Elijah asked me to marry him, and I said yes, but I was about to tell him that I didn't really want to. That I really just want to marry a girl."
Her father's reaction? "Good. That was a good answer-----for right now."

Plugged In

2009-10-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we woke up to find that our cable, internet, and telephone service was out. This sounds like no big deal. Ok. Let me rephrase that. This sounds like no big deal to those people who live in another part of the country or world where on Saturdays, in the fall, you do something other than watch football. I guess they play soccer? garden? um..weave baskets? I have no idea...What color is the sky in that world, I wonder? But here in the south---by golly---if it is a Saturday you best have some cable TV!!!!!!

Which is what I tried to explain to various comcast representatives that spoke with various different accents. When they didn't seem panicked after hearing my problem, I would (quite bluntly) say, "Wait a minute. Where are you? After their hesitant response I would say emphatically---WELL- I am in the SOUTH and Alabama and Georgia are playing today, and not each other--because then I wouldn't be acting half as nice as I am now. However, even though I know Alabama will beat Kentucky profusely---we pay money each month so WE CAN WATCH IT."

These people are pros. They know I can't find them. So, they are very calm when they tell me over and over again how they can't get a tech out until Monday. And not just Monday....they have the nerve to tell me my problem won't even be handled first thing!! I get the time slot of 2-5......

In the midst of all this, it did not fail to resonate with me that I kept saying to the reps., "You mean to tell me that I have to go 3 days disconnected from the rest of the world?"
Disconnected to me, I guess means:
1. talking to my husband
2. watching my 2 girls cheer at a pee wee football game where,
3. I talked to several friends and
4. talked at length with my sister in law
5. went to a good friends' daughters' bday party
6. talked to people on my cell phone
7. hung out with a couple that we have fun with, at their house, while our kids played outside
8. went to church and saw at least 100 people
9. went to my mother in laws and celebrated a family birthday and
10 watched a movie we rented at blockbuster.

If those comcast workers could have seen me---they would have felt so sorry for me....all alone...and disconnected.

SWINE-SHMINE

2009-09-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who are TOTALLY disenchanted with the media. If they are sayin' it-I'm not believin' it. I think it all started with the whole Y2K "phenomenon". It seems that the media feels it is successful only when they produce pure panic among the people.

I never worried about the West Nile Virus. We live in the South. I would have 10 mosquito bites before I made it to my car in the drive way, and I never knew anyone to contract it. Plus, I figured after 1 million mosquito bites and still no virus--I must be immune to it.

You never see me clearing out the bread aisle during a "winter advisory".

So, when the media started in on the swine flu....quite frankly.....I didn't even pay attention. I mean I could hear them talking about it, but it sounded to me much like the teacher on Charlie Brown.

It is not that I didn't think it existed---I just didn't think anyone I knew would actually come down with it.

When D started running a high fever Fri. after school I calmly took her to Urgent Care so she would not have to suffer through the weekend. I kept reading the signs that said, "If you are showing symptoms of flu-please ask for a mask." She just had fever--so that didn't apply to us...

Imagine my surprise when the doctor stated she had the flu. And then imagine my surprise when he nonchalantly told me she had the dreaded H1N1!!

This media desensitized momma.....FREAKED. I mean I wasn't scared of the swine flu when I thought no one would actually get the pig disease.

I started stuttering.....IIIII....mmmeannn....should I be a-a-alarmed? I mean should I r-r-ush her to the nearest hospital? And I'm thinking to myself---Why is this guy just standing there? Why is he not ushering us to some padded room or bubble and slapping masks on us?? Why is he not giving me some sort of instruction?

Fast forward a couple of days.....and now I know why he didn't panic. D was up the next morning-playing-eating-smiling and fever free. The sky did not fall. If the media ever reports something that IS an actual threat--it will wipe my family out--because I won't believe it.

Swine flu--shmine flu.

300

2009-09-22T04:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! I have reached the milestone of 300 posts to this blog! Don't worry--I'm not going to make a list of 300 things to commemorate the milestone. The only appropriate list that could contain 300 items would be titled, "300 things I could/should be doing instead of posting on this blog."

It would probably start with 1. Laundry--- and end with 300. Clean out crumbs in plastic silverware tray thingie.

Even though I do in fact waste a lot of time on blogger world---I also have recorded moments that would have otherwise been long forgotten. For instance--the time D had a bad dream or my run ins with the Devil Corporation. And definitely milestones like growing up and just growing.

I have also made new friends and kept up with old ones.

I have learned from the pioneer woman my cooking limitations.

But mostly I have learned that life is full and even in the dark times it is pretty darn special.

I love the artist who does the Story People prints........and I think this saying puts my wasted time on blogspot perfectly.....

Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life.

Girl Talk

2009-09-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

I try not to worry. I really do. However, it seems that I literally can find something new to worry about each week. This week's new worry was brought on by a conversation I had with a mother of a child in M's class.

She started the dialogue with this statement, "Does M ever say anything to you about.......?"

The answer----Why no she hasn't ever said anything to me about......!

The worry......... It has started already---she doesn't feel she can talk to me.

Psycho mom that I am--I couldn't wait to bring this subject up with her. Even though we were at a football game, I went casually and sat with her. Carefully, (not really because it was totally random) I brought the subject up. She looked at me with some confusion and said, "Um, I don't know. I hadn't really heard anyone talk about that. Oh yeah, I think there was this one time but I don't know...shrug" It was clear--the subject had not even hit her radar screen. Nevertheless, it started my fear cycle.
"What if she doesn't feel comfortable talking to me?"
"What if she doesn't think I will understand?"
"What if I don't slow down enough to hear her?"
"What if she listens to her friends, and is scared to come to me?" And the big one------
"If she is already not coming to me, what will happen when she is a teenager?"

I have spent the week telling her how she can always talk to me---about anything!

Last night at 3 in the morning, D was standing by my bed. In a sad little voice she said, "Mom, Suzy tells me that Billy likes me like a girlfriend....and it embarrasses me. I don't like it."

Here it is----she is coming to me----but I never imagined it would be so late at night. My brain was having a hard time processing the situation. What do I say? What is the answer? How do I fix this?
I know the boy's parents. I know that he is a great kid and that their family is a great deal like ours. Do I go to them?

I told her to tell her friend that they do like each other---but as friends. And in true D fashion--she said she didn't think she could say that. She was scared.

Sooooo---moving on to the next worry. Once they decide they can come to me to talk--what will I have to say? Where are my words of wisdom?

But this worry has an easy answer.......

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

Football

2009-09-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

Well...it is back. Of course, at our home, it never really leaves. Football season. I love it.

Football has always played a major part in my life. My parents were both HUGE Alabama football fans. Only to be outdone by my grandparents. My grandmother is one of the biggest football fans I know. I seriously think she is one reason G agreed to marry me...he saw potential.

There are two articles of clothing that I remember from my childhood....an ET shirt and a t shirt with a houndstooth hat on it that read "I heart the Bear". Most people remember where they were when JFK died or Elvis....I remember where I was when Bear Bryant died.

I also attended a high school where football was legendary. I'm not sure if we still hold it, but at one time we held the record for the most consecutive state championships (4 in a row). I got to be a part of the last state championship team as I served as the cheerleader mascot.

I chose to attend college at Alabama where football is a religion. My freshman year at Alabama we won the National Championship. (That really doesn't have anything to do with this post...I just had to add it in there.) I love the excitement of an Alabama football game!!

To add to the football madness...I married a completely obsessed UGA football fan. While I was growing up hearing stories about Joe Namath...he was hearing about Herschel Walker. While I was listening to stories of all 13 National Championships. He was listening to..........uh well.......stories about their 1 or is it 2? (I just had to add that in there).

In fact, the crazy man just got back from a 14 hour trek to Oklahoma on an RV to cheer on the Dawgs.

I really thought I knew all there was to know about football....

And then I became the coach of the first Varsity cheerleading team at my children's school. I have witnessed things that I have never seen with any other football team.

Periodically, before the game, I will see a small group of football players gathered around a coach in prayer.

Until this season, I have never seen the cheerleaders from the other team come and ask if they can pray with us--- for their team and ours.

Before this season, I had never seen two cheerleader squads getting to know each other during a rain delay. It is clear the game is on the field. Even though they are on different teams for the night---they are united by something so much bigger.

I have coached other cheerleaders, but I have never had the freedom to give a devotion on the power of our words. How we can use words to hurt or heal. I got to witness these girls internalizing this...and having the best practice of the season.

I had never heard a coach talk about the men of the school playing fantasy football with all the male students---so that they can build relationships with them--and influence them for Christ.

I had never heard a coach tell his team, after a win, that the scoreboard is not who they are, they are not defined by it---they are defined by Christ.

I had never heard a coach tell his team, after a loss, that the scoreboard is not who they are, they are not defined by it---they are defined by Christ.

When I saw a player lose his temper after a late hit, I waited to see how this sideline would react. Slowly, several coaches made their way to the player and spoke right into this kid's face. I knew that the lesson was going to be about so much more than football.

I thought I knew all there is to know about football.....but now I am learning what it looks like to use this game to glorify God.

life

2009-09-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying, "Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink."? That is what I feel like with my blogging. I have everything to blog about and nothing at the same time. Life is full, messy, complicated, joyful, sad, disappointing, happy,........etc.

With children life is like a roller coaster. With 4 children---it is like they are all on different rides. One is fearfully going up a steep hill--while the other has hands in air, joyfully enjoying the freefall down. And me? Sometimes I am on board---sometimes I am standing at the beginning of the ride with hope and encouragement----sometimes at the end with relief----sometimes I am on the ground watching all the rides go at the same time---just trying to keep up with each of them.

I am having to learn how to handle going through a struggle with one child, while enjoying the victories of another child. It can be a bit overwhelming.

That is when I thank God for age 4-------where poses like these are every day occurences. And life is just not all that serious or complicated.......

Shop Better

2009-08-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

For some reason, even though we have A LOT of stuff going on in our family, I have nothing to blog about. I am tired of clicking on my blog and seeing the Buxton. So, this is an email that is circulating.. you might have already seen it. I am going to be more mindful about what I choose to spend my money on---and try to buy American....

One light bulb at a time

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.

One light bulb at a time . . .Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA. Start looking.In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more. My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger (can be true for any store). I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand, but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio.So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . . . yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada. The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!(We should have awakened a decade ago . . .)Let's get with the program . . . help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the USA.

The Buxton

2009-08-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

I have back problems. It hurts. Sometimes I feel like an old person. I started going to the chiropractor in the spring. My back miraculously quit hurting over the summer.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. The pain is back. So now I think I have narrowed the culprits for said back pain down to two evil suspects: big, huge purse filled with everything the family needs and a lot of what nobody needs AND carpool line.

Just like a scientist I began to test my hypothesis. Of course, I had to start with the big fat purse because what can I really do about carpool? You think the others in line would let me in front because my back hurts? I DON'T THINK SO. I can just see me cutting in line in front of mom of eleven 's crew, I mean they are King of the carpool. I can just hear it now......"Hey, I know you have a million kids to pick up and probably disperse all over town to different activities and get homework done for a million different grade levels and cook for a family of a dozen or so-----but could I get in front of you? My back kinda hurts."

Or maybe Joni would let me hop in front of her.....I can just imagine the ugly texts....or she might just bump me with her car. No, there is no room for kindness in the carpool line. Once you enter the carpool line it is every person for themselves.

So, I did away with big fat purse. I transferred down to a purse that looked like something MJ would carry. This clearly didn't work....I do have things that I need like credit cards.

I was talking about this with my friend Martha. I was telling her my back dilemma and how the purse was just too small. I said I really need one of those Buxton over the shoulder numbers as seen on tv. To which she exclaimed....I have one!! Her daughter was evidently the victim of over advertisement and decided she wanted the Buxton. Then I guess she realized she didn't need something that could carry everything plus two bottled waters.....she has a mom for that.

So, I am now the proud owner of the Buxton. Which ain't half bad I may add. But, the funny thing is, that I think I am too cool for the Buxton. I poke fun at my teenager for being all about the brands and labels--and here I am embarrassed of the Buxton. I need my mom to say, "Some people would kill to have even a purse--much less a Buxton. It is not about the labels it is about who you are. If people judge you for carrying a Buxton than they are not your real friends."

I find myself explaining the Buxton. "Hey, look--I am carrying the Buxton....ha ha...." I want people to know that I KNOW that it is cheesy. I never knew I was so prideful.

If you think I am about to somehow relate this to my christian journey you are wrong. This post is way too long already, and you can gather the lessons on your own. Needless to say....the Buxton has not helped my back. So that leaves the evil carpool line.

If this post is not about letting everyone know that I carry the Buxton and that I know it is not cool. It is about gathering sympathy from all the people that sit in carpool line at my kids' school---and the hopes that they will wave me in front of them. Come on guys.....it is a christian school.

First Day

2009-08-13T05:39:00.001-07:00

The sophomore, the 3rd grader, the 1st grader and the Pre-Ker ready for school!! It was such a nice feeling for everyone to be EXCITED about going to school. No tears, no fears-just joy! (For me too)

Thankful

2009-08-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

I am tired and weary. I need a list of things.....

I need: (in no particular order)
a break
a schedule
earlier bedtimes
for my kids to eat at least one meal away from home
a cleaner house
some order
my kids to have a break from each other.......

I will be thankful for school to start....there I said it......and I know I'm not the only one. It has been echoed by other moms I run into.
But it hit me last night, that I have so much to be thankful for when it comes to my children's school. I am VERY thankful for what school will do for me---selfishly-----but I am also thankful for what their school does for them. In better terms.....what the people involved in their lives do for them. For the next couple of days, I want to commit myself to offering praises of thanksgiving for the faculty at their school.

- I am thankful for the principal. Let me never take for granted the fact that I see him at church...not just sitting in a pew but teaching, serving and leading. I am thankful that this is the person entrusted with seeing that my children are treated with kindness and that they, in return, do the same. I am thankful that he is making decisions concerning their education---because I know his decisions were arrived at through prayer.

- I am thankful for the football coach. This man that I usually hear complained about....because he makes M do "burpies" and push tires and makes N run and worse......sweat. I am thankful that last night I heard his prayer at the booster club,"Lord, let nothing that we do glorify an individual--but glorify You." I am thankful that Coach C is in charge of building my children physically. That he proves that following Christ is not for WIMPS.

- For N's teachers------for one sending a card on her b-day----for one that texted her on her b-day.

- For Ms. Payne who listens when N doesn't want to talk to me. Who loves her and gives her sound advice.

- For Mr. Jolly who knows a lot about the Bible....a lot that I don't.....and that they all think he is "cool". I am thankful that he is teaching his students to search out answers for themselves.

- For M's new teacher Ms. Lindstrom. I opened up her classroom info. to find that she will be modeling a Love and Logic classroom. Is it a coincidence that I spent my summer reading these parenting books......I think not.....

- Also, that she is someone I would invite to babysit (and have) and that she loves kids enough to accept (and did!) But most important, that my kids loved having her babysit and request her to come back!

- I offer praises for Mrs. Davidson...for her energy and love for teaching. It was such a blessing to see her on her knees...eye level with my 3 youngest...arms wrapped around all of them....praying for our family.

-I am thankful for her nurturing M's love for reading....and building her up....and giving her confidence. (and know she will do the same for D)

-I am thankful for Mrs. Edwards who is organized enough to have a peaceful class full of 4 year olds.

-Thankful that she built such a strong foundation with D that she excelled in Kindergarten.

- Thankful to hear my children give her accolades for bringing eggs in the classroom for them to watch hatch....and butterflies....and frogs......

-I am thankful that all of the teachers see my children as a gift...and that even their struggles are seen as part of God's purpose in their life.

- I am thankful that the teachers see their jobs as ministries.....from the art teacher to the after school coordinator.....they see their jobs as so much more than a job.

I hope that I can adjust my thinking from being thankful for a break to thankful for these people in my children's lives.

LIVE

2009-08-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

I overheard a conversation last night between G and MJ that I just had to record. There have been many funny little exchanges while raising 4 girls, but the ones that I don't write about simply get crowded out of my brain!

Last night G went upstairs to put the Wiggles on for MJ. She is in a Wiggles phase....and I'm talking OLD Wiggles videos. I heard her tell G---

MJ: "I want to like, see the Wiggles, for real."

"for real" is another product of raising a 4 year old in the same house as a 16 year old. So is the over use of the word "like".

G: "You do?"

MJ: "Yes, I want to see them----for real."

G: "Oh, you mean you want to see them live?"

MJ: "No, I mean I don't want to see them sick---or in heaven or anything---I just want to see them--- for real"

So, we are now looking for the next time the Wiggles are in our area "for real".

clear the roads

2009-08-05T13:24:00.001-07:00

N finally got her learner's permit. Finally. She will be 16 in a couple of days and just now got her permit! She really just wasn't all that interested in getting it! Which is so different from me....I couldn't wait to get my license.

It took us 2 days to chase the paperwork in order for her to get legally licensed. 2 days!! Because of her being in the foster care system and then a legal adoption, makes getting any legal document a nightmare!!! When we finally got the papers necessary, we returned for the 3rd time to the DMV. N said, "What if I fail the test after all this....?"

Thankfully, she passed. She is on her way to being a driver!! Scary....

Watch out-----clear the roads!!

Me and O.R. Ganize

2009-08-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Seen the trailer for the movie Julie/Julia? Where the girl (Julie) blogs her way through a Julia Childs' cookbook? I thought I would steal the idea and go through a book I have on the way via Amazon.com about organization. But, after thinking about it........how boring does that sound?

And there in lies my problem with organization, it is boring. I don't like going through my clutter drawer. Or cleaning out closets. I like it when it is done. I like it even better when done for me.

However, with the start of the new school year looming, I have a renewed interest in being organized and efficient. These are two words that I would never use to describe myself. But I am turning over a new leaf.

And this time I mean it.

I won't give up.

Like I have so many times. I am going to say no to procrastination.....

I am going to read this book on family management and do everything it says.....

Wait and see......

You won't even recognize me.....

I am not going to bore my few readers with the details (I don't think) because I really don't think they would ever make this experience into a movie---but I am going to use this blog as my accountability partner. I am just trying to figure out how to gauge my failures or successes (let's think positively). Should it be by the amount of clutter in my house? Amount of things I forget in a day? (appointments, errands, permission slips)? Amount of money I save by cooking efficiently instead of eating out? stress level?

I'm already getting tired of organizing thoughts......I will keep you posted.......

8 is great!

2009-07-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

M turned 8, and we celebrated with a sleepover. There were 13 little girls (including mine) stuffed in our home. It was mass chaos. I am not a very organized/well thought out planner. As was evident when the day before the party my sister asked how many were coming to the party and when I answered her jaw dropped. I honestly had not thought it through until that moment.
But I began to really think it over as they all began making bracelets and necklaces with tiny beads.

It was crazy, but it was fun.

We made pillowcases in the driveway.

We played hide the magic cupcake. The cupcake was given to us by cabell. I hid the cupcake somewhere in the yard and the person who found it got to make a wish along with M when she blew out her candles. They wanted to do this again and again. One time the finder got a prize inside the cupcake. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Cabell!

After we ate cake and opened presents, it was time to settle down with a movie. Just after the movie began.... one of the girls lost a tooth. They all came to the conclusion that the tooth fairy would know just where she was. As she placed the tooth under her pillow, I asked her how much the tooth fairy usually left under the pillow. She replied, Ummm 10 or 20. Uh Oh....this tooth fairy rarely has cash!!! The tooth fairy didn't even know if she could stay up late enough to bring the loot!! I really didn't want to ruin M's b-day by letting the cat out of the bag!! Everything went fine---that tooth fairy is sneaky I tell ya.

When all was said and done.....we had a great time celebrating. M got so much money that she doesn't know what to do with it. In fact, she paid for ice cream the other day because the tooth fairy.....I mean her mom......didn't have any cash!!! Happy birthday M!! You are a special little girl!!

Give me a ......

2009-07-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Haven't had a great deal of time to blog because of my new title as "cheerleading coach". The kids' school is having their first ever Varsity Football season!! I signed on as co-cheerleading coach. This week we had an intense schedule. And in a lapse of judgement, I invited the whole squad to spend the night. My cheer for today is Give me a T-I-R-E-D!!

Even though I know this will make my life hectic. Even though I know that I will wonder at times "What was I thinking?" I know that God has put me in this situation for a reason. Plus, this may be the only time I get to coach N in something. I missed all the opportunities to be her room mom, etc. So, this will be a great chance to share those memories.

I know that this will give me many blogging subjects, as I delve deep into the world of teenage girls. So far, I am REALLY impressed with these girls. I am sure I will learn much more from them than they will from me!

I don't know....

2009-07-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like I make this statement a lot with my children. Maybe a little too much. Sometimes I really don't know the answers. Sometimes I think the explanation would be way over their heads. Sometimes, ashamedly, I just don't have time to think of an appropriate answer for a touchy subject. I was definately called on the carpet last night concerning how much G and I don't know.....

Our pastor's wife called and invited us into their home for dinner. When I got off the phone with her, D asked who it was. I replied that it was Pastor Chadwick's wife and they wanted us to come over for dinner. She said, "Ohhhh!! Yeah!!!" Then I had to burst her bubble by saying the dinner party was for adults only. To which she said, "Oh man."

I was taken aback a little at her excitement surrounding having dinner with the Pastor and his wife. I asked, "Why did you want to go so badly to dinner at their house?" She said without a pause--"I would get to ask them questions that you and daddy don't know the answers to."

Even though I thought this was a cute little exchange, it also made me realize how important those seemingly unimportant questions are to her. While I have long forgotten the question, she is still pondering, searching for the answer. Someone will answer the questions if I don't. Thank God, in this case, she was planning on going to the pastor and his wife. I pray that she will always go to wise people for the answers that her parents can't provide.

No Boys Allowed

2009-07-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

I overheard two conversations that I am very thankful for. I know they won't feel like this forever---but for now---I am thankful.

Conversation #1

D- Don't you think school would be SO much better if boys didn't go there?

M- Yeah. Well, they could go to school. It just would be good if they didn't have to be in our classes.

Conversation #2

A Friend: This ring is from my boyfriend Jack, this ring is from my boyfriend Will and this one is from Griffin. D, who do you like?

D- Sammy. (our dog)

A Friend: No it has to be a boy.

D- Ummm. Mommy, who should I like?

A friend- MJ who do you like?

MJ- Chas. (our cousin)

I am thankful that the only boys right now that they like are their cousins. And I only hope D asks my advice when she becomes a teenager!!!

List

2009-07-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Don't have any ideas for a coherent post. So, I will resort to a list. Things I have loved in the past week:

1. MJ calling me "Super Highness" as she served me tea.

2. A casual dinner at home with close friends---which leads me to #3.

3. Lots of laughter

4. Getting new ferns and a new table for my screened in porch

5. Finding out that my awesome dog Sammy loves me so much that even when allowed to escape the fenced in back yard--she won't leave the front yard without me.

6. That even though N is on a trip that we "made" her go on, she is having a good attitude and is texting me at least 5 times a day.

7. That we have a new ipod that we have loaded up with good tunes like Motley Crue's "Girl Don't Go Away Mad (Girl Just Go Away)" Remember that one? and "Pancho and Lefty" by Willie Nelson. Quite the eclectic playlist.

8. That I started and finished a good book.

9. That I got up at 5:30 to take N to her trip and came home and spent some quiet time with God on the porch. It was cool outside and the sun was coming up. God whispered something to my heart.

10. I love that this week M is becoming more and more like her Dad. She has now acquired 3 of his quirky sleeping habits.

black cloud

2009-07-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

We can't do technology. We just can't. It is weird. It is not just N--the teenager---it is all of us. And you know what? It is not just technology....it is anything mechanical that we own.

It all started with N's cell phone disasters, well no,, it started with her birthday present last year, the ipod touch. After a year of ownership, we have returned it for a new one, sent it to be fixed---and now it sits lifeless in a drawer.

Then, she got a cell phone---that was recalled. Then she got another one---that fell in a lake. Then I gave her my old one--which she stepped on--the very next day.

Meanwhile, we can't find our video recorder. I sat my prized camera down on the table at MJ's party. A table full of 4 year olds. It ended up on the floor-where it met its demise.

Our biggest tv, the one we gather around, quit working. Which required a very expensive new lamp. I tried to get a cheaper one online and realized I got one without the casing. So, I spent about 2 hours watching a video on how to put a new one in the casing......I'm thinking of going into tv repair.

To top it all off......At the lake last weekend G ran over the ski rope with our new jet ski. Which meant hours and hours of man power to get it going again.....

G woke up the next morning to a very dead car........

We are the Griswalds--no doubt about it.

Goin' All Out

2009-07-03T06:40:00.001-07:00

I was packing up the goodie bags for MJ's party the other day. G sat down to chat and said, "How many of these things do you think we have packed?" As I was laughing at the "we" part he then said, "Remember? You used to go ALL OUT."

In an instant-I thought- what about these goodie bags does he think isn't "ALL OUT"

And then I started reflecting......

There was a day when my children would only go to birthday parties with some sort of smocked attire with balloons, birthday cake, or atleast a cupcake some where on it---lest they forget where we were going :)

There was a day when my children didn't leave for said birthday party (or anywhere for that matter) without a bow perfectly placed in their hair.

There was a day when I spent hours looking for the perfect birthday invitation in cute little paper boutiques. Or I hand made them. Yes, you heard that correctly--hand made them.

There was a day when their birthday cakes rivaled any wedding cake in decor and taste.

There was a day when the goodies bags took sweat and hours of labor to put together--and look just the right degree of cuteness.

Fast forward to MJ's birthday party---where I bought the invites at CVS. The party was held at a local bouncy house establishment. And we picked out the items for the goodie bags a day before the party. The girls showed up in outfits with no visible smocking and not a bow was to be seen.

What has happened? I could feel guilty. But I refuse. There are so many things to feel guilty about--I'm not choosing this one. Because.....

MJ carried around her CVS invite for days. SHE picked out what her friends were to take home in their goodie bags and loved doing it.

Concerning their attire.....I'm not one of those moms that think letting their kids go out looking like refugees does something for their self esteem or helps their individuality. There really is no theory behind it. Only that it keeps me in a good mood and them in a good mood. If I had to go upstairs 3 times and have a battle in the closet--I think I would lose it before we even got out the door. Now, I don't let them go out not matching--I mean come on---let's not get crazy. They come down stairs and say, "Can I wear this?" and I approve or don't. It's kind of like a fashion show.

I think the going all out thing ended when D had a birthday party to plan. I said where do you want your party? She said--at our house. What do you want to do? Her answer--play with my friends. Crazy mom said--No, I mean you have to do something--what do you want to do at your party? D said ...UM.....play with my friends?

Sometimes the going all out part was about me. And it made me no fun. When I went "all out" I also was STRESSED OUT. I had to give it up.

I think we all have to redefine what motherhood means to us--what works--and what doesn't. I have learned that I have to give some things up--hand them over---give myself a break. Sometimes I have to give up the appearance of perfection to have a good attitude and to be a nice, fun mom.

While I would love to "go all out" I'll put it to rest so that my nerves and my brain won't "go all out" :)

FOUR

2009-07-02T16:56:00.001-07:00

MJ turned 4 yesterday. I can't believe it. I don't have a baby anymore. I have a big girl.

I love her poses when I snap pictures of her. She really seizes the moment. Not just a normal smile for her. She goes all out. Which figures, I can't count how many people have asked me,"Is she always smiling and happy?" So, when the camera comes around she doesn't give her normal smile--she gives the super charged smile.

The girl loves life. And she makes me love it. I love when she grabs me by the face, smushes in my cheeks, and makes sure I'm looking her straight in the eyes when she tells me something. I also love that she motions me over to her and then makes me bend down so she can whisper something in my ear.

I love that even though she may be the youngest of the family--she definately does not get pushed around. She holds her own. She sings and dances and loves with reckless abandon.

She maybe 4, but she will always be my baby.

Frontal Cortex

2009-06-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

I joke with N all the time about her frontal cortex. Whenever she makes a decision that is less than cautious or decides to do something "off the wall", I tell her she made that decision because her frontal cortex is not finished developing. And until it develops, she needs to listen to me. I also say things like, "Ohhh-- I can't wait until your frontal cortex grows up."

It has been explained to me several times that teenage behavior can be explained scientifically. I just can't ever remember all the details--so I just call it the frontal cortex. However, in the book I have already referenced Raising Teens with Love and Logic, they explain it perfectly. I won't bore you with all of it, but this is a good way of summing it up--

Actually, it's the physical changes in the brain that account for most adolescent behavior. Cortical changes in neurons lead to the apparently crazy behavior on skateboards and other reckless acts. It's those brain changes that can lead the compliant to become defiant, the modest to become revealing......The hypothalamus, which deals with impulses, is being impacted by very provocative hormones........

This is really not a post about N's need of a frontal cortex----it is a post about my obvious OVERDEVELOPED frontal cortex. I have realized that my frontal cortex is very mature. I came to this realization by the purchase of the jet ski.

When I was a teenager I had a friend who owned a jet ski. We would travel to a lake just over the state line for hours and miles of rip roaring watercraft madness. Did I ever thank him for all the GAS he purchased for these fun outings? Or even offer him a couple of bucks? No, probably not. Why? No frontal cortex. I know I had some extra money because lifeguards make the big bucks, and it only cost me 5 dollars worth of gas in my Honda Civic to cruise around town for a week.

Looking back, I can't believe that we survived all those trips to the lake. I would purposely try and throw my friends off of the back of this MOVING--MOTORIZED---WATERCRAFT. What was I thinking? (no frontal cortex) Not to mention that I was on the back of this thing as my friend went over a ski ramp. Yes, a ski ramp. We were airborne. Flying. What was wrong with me? (no frontal cortex)

Fast forward to maturity and motherhood and I find myself on the back of a jet ski with my very loving and responsible husband--whose sole purpose is to keep me safe and happy. And what do I feel? Sheer terror. I am afraid. I am afraid for him. I am afraid for me. I am afraid of what may happen when my kids get on it. I am even afraid for the jet ski. I am afraid we will hit a rock. That we will go over the dam. That a snake may jump up and bite us. What happened to that teenage girl in the string bikini? (overdeveloped frontal cortex)

While riding on the jet ski as a mature adult, I realized that it is not only the frontal cortex that has changed since those teenage years. I was trying to conquer my fear by going on the jet ski alone--figuring that if only my life was in danger I might be able to calm down. As I was getting up the nerve to really start to fly--I noticed something whipping in the wind. It was not my frontal cortex--it was the flab of my arms. So I realized while I have found my frontal cortex---I lost a few things from those carefree jet skiing days. Such as---firm breasts, firm muscles, smooth cellulite free skin. So I pose a question---is a frontal cortex really worth it?

Teenageness

2009-06-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have been wondering if the few people that read this blog wonder why I don't say much specifically about N. Well, she is 15 and she knows I have this blog. I have to be very careful about what I post because in her words we can sometimes be "weirdos" and "awkward". Which I believe to be her terms of endearment.

I do want to chronicle her life specifically. However, I want to honor her privacy. And quite frankly all the things that I would post about her lately are coming of age things that I don't think she would appreciate being on the internet for all to see.

Our relationship is really growing and becoming something that is fun and unique. It is not at all what I thought it would be like. I learned something pretty quickly in parenting a teen, and I would like to pass it on to Janet Jackson............You are not in control. Miss Jackson--- it doesn't matter that "Now your all grown up".

If you have a teenager or if you have a child that will one day be a teenager, reading the book Parenting Teens with Love and Logic might be worth your while. It has been eye opening and enlightening. I am also reading Love and Logic for the younger years. I rarely agree with EVERYTHING in a parenting book, and this is no exception. However, I like the concepts.

The teen version is all about the teens owning their own problems. We had to learn that while raising younger children we feel we have a certain amount of control. If we say--"You WILL look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you." ---they believe it! With teens, the reality is, we can't MAKE them look us in the eyes. Short of plucking their eyes out and sitting them on the counter. And they know it. So, instead of acting like we have total control (which is futile), we let them own their own "stuff". Scary isn't it? Listen to this excerpt---it might make you cringe---and if you don't yet have a teenager you will say, "Oh, that's just georgiamom, she can't control her teenager, but I can control mine.....uh huh.....oh yes I will.....you just wait and see. They will do everything I have taught them."

Teens may try to meet their needs through foolish or even dangerous actions. As a result, parents feel threatened. We feel as if we're doing a bad job. We feel guilty. We're failing----we'd better tighten control. We worry some more.

What do our teens feel when we clamp down on their actions? A stronger desire to show us how important those needs are. So they act out to communicate to us, "you will not control me. I will get my way." The teenager also feels a loss of love:"My needs are not being met, and Mom and Dad are doing everything they can to control me."

Then we feel a loss of control, and we too feel a loss of love. The relationship starts to go downhill. It's a deteriorating cycle.

Here's the kicker------------

What should you do when your teen is acting out? Relax. Listen and learn. Don't worry. We often dig a grave that's pretty hard to get out of during these teenage years.

Relax. Relax.........seriously? I had the complete opposite theory. When they do something stupid---you lecture----and then lecture----and then say, "In THIS family we don't think like that (act like that, do that, etc)" or this is an oldie but a goodie "Is this how much we mean to you---how could you do that to us" or this will bring back memories "You are a reflection of us."

Talk about control...it takes some control to step back. Step back and listen. How can we get through this without screaming and ruining our relationship. How can a lesson be learned and leave us both with our dignity? I am practicing. It is hard work. Another excerpt from the book that I particularly like is........

a lot of people spend a lot of time worrying about what could go wrong. Remember, worry is the price you pay in advance for most of the things in life that never happen.

You only have so much time with your children, and you have two basic ways of looking at it. You can choose to spend that time thinking about all the things that could go wrong. Yup, plenty of opportunity there. Or you can put that energy into thinking about how you can build a more positive relationship with your children. It's up to you.

Don't let me lose you.....this next part is good.....hang in there.......

Many parents over analyze their parenting until they're afraid to open their mouths because they might say the wrong thing to their teens. And sure, they often do say the wrong thing. So what? That's not going to hurt the teenagers. That can get repaired along the way. It's a whole lot better to communicate something than to clam up because you're afraid it's going to come out wrong. Relax. Don't let worry make you tongue-tied

It is a new concept for me-----relax. I am determined to not fear these teenage years---because I have 3 more of these phases to live through. I am determined to find a way to enjoy them!!! I'll keep you posted!!! literally.

thus ends the 2nd longest post ever--what has gotten into me?

Devotion

2009-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful 2 weeks at the beach--of which Joni chronicled the second week to sheer perfection. I hate to come right out of the shoot and talk about the down part of summer, but I did a Bible study yesterday that spoke to me so strongly I just had to blog about it.

I have to admit, even though two weeks at the beach and almost 4 weeks of no school schedules is great, I AM FRAZZLED. I have answered the questions, "Mo-om, can I have......" or "Mo-om, will you....." or "Mo-om, can I do ......" or "Mo-om, can we go....." or "Mo-om, do we have to....." until I feel like my head is going to spin right off of my body.

I was having a very elaborate pity party for myself the other morning that went something like...."I can't believe that no one helps me around here. No one even picks up after themselves. And I try so hard to make each of them feel special....." You get the picture. I was really camping out on the hard knock life of stay at home motherhood and all its non-glamour. The grunt work-----that is what I do. The stuff no one wants to do. First one up--last one to sleep---(well, not always:) When God, in His sweetness, revealed something to me through a Max Lucado study. Here is your warning--I am paraphrasing him---and I will not do him justice.

He retold the story of the two Marys going to the tomb on Easter morning. They were headed to the tomb, not to see if it was empty, but to clean a body---wipe the blood----wrap a mutilated corpse.

They are there. The last to leave Calvary and the first to arrive at the grave.

I always need a good Bible teacher to remind me to really try and put myself in the shoes of the people in the Bible. Sometimes I find myself thinking of them as two dimensional--static---Sunday school cartoons. Instead of living, breathing people that did not have the New Testament to read. These women had put all their hope in Jesus and it appeared He had failed. If I were them, would I have even made that journey to the tomb? Would I have been too angry at Him for disappointing me to remember my devotion to Him?

Mary and Mary have come to place warm oils on a cold body and bid farewell to the one man who gave reason to their hopes. But it isn't hope that leads the women up the mountain to the tomb. It is duty. Naked Devotion. They expect nothing in return. What could Jesus give? What could a dead man offer? The two women are not climbing the mountain to receive; they are going to the tomb to give. Period.

There is no motivation more noble.

Ooohhhh. That sentence REALLY got me. They could have slept in. They could have left the work undone---I mean who would have really cared? It seems this man was just that---a man.

And what did they receive for their devotion to a man they loved? What did they receive for doing their duty?

They thought their journey was unnoticed. They were wrong. God knew. He was watching them walk up the mountain. He was measuring their steps. He was smiling at their hearts and thrilled at their devotion. And he had a surprise waiting for them.

They felt the earthquake, saw an angel and watched the stone being rolled away. This is the part where Max Lucado really had me intrigued....

Why did the angel move the stone? For whom did he roll away the rock?
For Jesus? That's what I always thought. I just assumed that the angel moved the stone so Jesus could come out. But think about it. Did the stone have to be removed in order for Jesus to exit? Did God have to have help? Was the death conqueror so weak that he couldn't push away a rock? (Hey, could somebody out there move this rock so I can get out?")

Jesus was already out of the tomb. So, who was the stone rolled away for? The two Marys. A gift from God for their naked devotion. They were the first to see the empty tomb. Not only that, the angel then tells them to go tell everyone else!! How awesome would that be???? What if I was the first to tell people---He is Risen!!! God saves this precious gift for the faithful women. Just doing their duty. And as if that wasn't enough------you remember what happens next------you got it-------Jesus appears to them!!!!!!!!! He pours on the surprises for these two faithful followers.

The story of the two Marys made me really reflect on my summer doldrums. Yes, I am doing my duty, but with the duty comes reward. With faithfulness comes delight. Yes, I have to prepare the plates at lunch and then clean the plates after---but I get to hear the chatter and I was there for every new prayer. Yes, I have to answer all the monotonous questions---but I will be there when the important ones roll around too.

This story made me think in general of the role I have as a woman. We cook the meals when someone needs comfort. We sit for hours on the phone or in person listening to others hardships. We do our duty. We keep each other's kids, run errands for each other---pull each others loads. We listen with heartbreak as our friends struggle with illnesses, infertility, problems with their spouses. Men don't do this. Have you noticed? I never hear G on the phone with another man listening intently to their problems. And while they don't bother with all that "girl" stuff-----man do they miss it.

Because we get to hear the news when the much prayed for baby has been created. When there is good news from the doctor. When a marriage has been healed. We get to see the Master at work. Doing our duty as women, we get to experience the whole journey. With the grunt work--comes real life-----the good stuff.

I pray I don't take the fruit of "naked devotion" for granted. Instead of dreading my duties, I want to look forward to the time when my devotion allows me to run ahead--shouting the good news to everyone.

Thus ends my LONGEST post ever.

Don't Tell Him I Told You

2009-06-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

He is shy. He doesn't like the spotlight. So, don't tell him I told you....that he is the best father ever. Or that my kids couldn't have a better person to model their life after. Or that all they want to do is show him things, talk to him, play games with him and make him proud.

Don't tell him I told you how he bought his first "toy" so he could make memories with his family. Or how he rode relentlessly up and down the lake for hours pulling his daughters and everyone else on the lake just so we would have a good time.

Don't tell him I told you how he models Christ to all of us every single day. That he comes home from a hard day at work to have dinner with us and never complains or is in a bad mood. Don't tell him that I told you how he puts us first and would rather be with us than anywhere else in the world---even when it is hard.

Don't tell him how he makes me a better mother because he is such a great dad---how he makes me a better mother because he supports me, encourages me and loves me. Or how I would never make it through the day if I couldn't count on him to make me laugh at the wild and crazy life that we have made together.

He always points his daughters to their Heavenly Father, but they are blessed to have him as an earthly example of what a husband and father should be. But he would be embarrassed that I am giving him any attention at all.....so......shhhhhh.........don't tell him!!!

GONE

2009-05-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm off for two weeks to enjoy the beach!! First, we will be with G's family. Then we will meet two good friends and their kiddies for another week full of surf and sun!! What a blessing! Because I am not Pioneer Woman (have ya'll been reading her posts from NYC? Too funny) I have no way to blog while on vacation. So long!!!!!

Speed Reading

2009-05-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

It is summer, and I should be reading some fluffy, beach book about old sorority sisters or high school sweethearts. Instead, I am speed reading two parenting books. For the first time my kids are arguing and tattling on each other-----it is driving me crazy. I told G there was NO WAY I could listen to it all summer. I was about to pull my hair out, and it was the second day of summer break! So, before we embark on a 6 hour vacation drive, I have to get this situation resolved!! After I figure it out--I will blog again :))

HONORED

2009-05-22T04:32:00.001-07:00

Well, we made it--the end of the school year. People always say, "This year just flew by." I never say it because it has never felt that way to me, but this year I see what they mean. We have been RUNNING to wrap up this year. It has been a whirlwind. But, for two separate occasions we got to slow down and honor all the accomplishments of the last year.

First honors program was M's. At her school they give honors for academic achievement and honors for character. I love this. It enforces the idea that it is not just what you DO--but who you ARE that is important. M received the Principal's award for all A's. The next award she received was better than any academic award I can imagine. She received the Purity Award: for keeping her thoughts, words and actions pleasing to Jesus.

Next, was D's K- graduation. It was full of all the pomp and circumstance of a high school graduation :) She, too, was honored for academic achievement and for character. D received the high honor roll for all A's, Excellence in spelling, Citizens Award, and the Dorcas award for putting others first. I will admit-we had never heard of Dorcas. Turns out she was a seamstress that was very kind to others. So kind, that when she died everyone in the town was mourning her death. When Paul arrived, he was overcome by the sadness. Everyone asked him to raise her from the dead, and he did!

I am very proud of their accomplishments this year. More importantly, I am proud of who they are becoming!

Winner

2009-05-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

I knew it would happen someday. I always felt like one. My mother told me I would be one. Now I officially am one. A winner. Yes, a winner. I travelled via blogland to twinkle's blog one day and she was having a giveaway. I couldn't believe that I WON. I was the WINNER. WOO-HOO. What was the prize? A magazine subscription. I love, love, love getting magazine subscriptions as gifts because sometimes when you are budgeting that luxury is the first to go. So, I was highly excited to receive my first issue of Life:Beautiful. I had never heard of it. It is awesome! It is kind of like a Christian version of Southern Living. I am loving it! Thank you!!!!!!

Pioneer Woman---my hero

2009-05-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

For sure, this is the last post about the fishing escapade. I had to blog about these pics because I want a good laugh in 10-20 years at my expense. It is no secret to those who know me well that I love Rick and Bubba's radio show (those of you who aren't in the south just won't understand) and..... The Pioneer Woman. I love her. We are friends in my imaginary world. I love that she homeschools (even though I don't). I love that she cooks awesome homemade meals (even though I don't). I love that she takes awesome pics (even though I don't).
So far I have tried to cook like her, that didn't work out if you recall. I won't try the homeschool thing. I even thought about writing my love story with my husband....(which could never be published on Blogspot because he would divorce me). Even though I am convinced we would be best friends----we really have nothing in common, the Pioneer Woman and I, apart from taking dance all our lives. So, in a last ditch effort I decided I could try photography......

Look closely....can you tell what this is? It is my creative shot of an ant pile.

OOOHHHH! Ree would be proud of this one... I'm calling it "Bird In Flight"

This one is 'Bird in Flight from a Distance".......OK So I'm not the Pioneer Woman. My next decision is.....should I strive to become more like Pioneer woman? Work on my cooking and photography and blogging? Or just accept mediocrity and stay just as I am? HUMM.....I think I'll go pour another cup of coffee....

campin' in

2009-05-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

These pics are of the "tent" that G made for the girls in our closet. We had just about every pillow in the house on the floor and three sleeping bags. This was another reward for sleeping in their beds for a week. The irony is---that 2 of them crawled out of their "tent" to sleep with us!! Even though we are a little uncomfortable with two extra people in our bed, I know that this won't last forever. M hasn't wandered into our room in quite some time. I know that someday we will miss cold little feet smashed up against ours, barely hanging on to the side of our bed, being head butted, forced off of the pillow, and covers jerked off of our tired bodies----- maybe NOT.

God Bless America

2009-05-16T06:32:00.001-07:00

Mj's spring musical had a patriotic theme. I'll never forget how amazed I was when I heard this 3 year old practicing the Lee Greenwood hit from the back seat. "If tomorrow all the things were gone........and I'm proud to be an American where atleast I know I'm free..." It was very cute and very refreshing. In this day and age, you don't hear many people celebrating how great it is to live in this country! She did a great job waving her flag and really ENUNCIATING all the words. It was precious!!!

enough with the fishing trip...

2009-05-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

I promise this is the last post about our fishing trip.

This is N reeling in the big one. The joy of catching the biggest fish was overshadowed by the loss of the cell phone.

Have you ever seen a 3 year old look like an old man fishing? Or a plumber fishing?

Is this happiness? I can't tell.

Guess the saggy britches attract the fish.

She caught my leg, her hand, but not this fish. (The man who owns the pond caught it for her).

It never ceases to amaze... part 2

2009-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how long I can go without blogging.

It never ceases to amaze me how long I can hold out on a to be continued story....

So long that I don't even feel like blogging about the rest of the story....

So in a nut shell.......I had to throw away my tweezers because we pulled a tick out of G's leg. However, part of the tick didn't come out which left me googling things like Rocky Mountain Fever and Lyme's disease. But, alas, after my 150th call to Dr. Joni's Joy, we realized that all was well.

As I was looking back on my pics from this fateful day I realized how painful looking back can be...........

That pic is going to hurt. We are still figuring out just how the lesson can be driven home....and cell service restored.

It never ceases to amaze...

2009-05-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how much can happen in the first 30 minutes of an outing with 4 kids.

It never ceases to amaze me how something can sound like so much fun and wind up so disastrous.

It never ceases to amaze me how at the end of the day, no matter what happens, G and I sit in the bed at night and find ourselves laughing at the joy of the disaster. This weekend was the perfect example.

We have been having a little problem at night. MJ and D just don't want to sleep in their own beds. For quite a while now we wake up in the middle of the night to find a little creature hopping in our bed. This doesn't sound like a problem until it becomes an every night occurence. This results in interrupted sleep and very grumpy parents.

G made a deal with the girls that if they slept in their own beds for a week we would go fishing and have a slumber party in our closet. So, with every good bribe, we talked it up for a whole week. Even I began to think, "I hope this is as much fun as we are building it up to be. "

They made it!! So Saturday we headed out to the country to fish. You could feel the excitement in the air. We had to pull over at a country bait store to buy some crickets and worms. There was a sign that advertised the store's top sellers. The girls' and I had a great time saying in very country accents--"Heeey Ya'll we're gonna need some crickets, worms, some hoop cheese, stick bologna and some homemade bickets (biscuits)." --what in the world is stick bologna?

We even got semi-lost and I had to turn around in the mud which I sped out and let fly all over the road and car. Saying, "Ya caan't go fishin' without gettin a little mud on yur tars."

We pull up to the lake, get out the fishin' gear and start fishin'. Within 5 minutes, D goes to cast. I'm watching D--her line is caught on something. I feel a pull and some pain. She is trying to figure out what her line is caught on---all of the sudden I realize it is my leg!!!!! The hook is in my leg!!!! I just remember looking down to see the hook in my leg with the wriggling worm still attached. I yell, "Quit pulling. Quit Pulling. G------help" It was a minor snag---didn't even bleed....yet it sent tender D over the edge. 5 minutes into fishing---we have a major meltdown. I wanted to yell, "There's no crying in fishing!!!" I felt so sorry for her---she was the most excited of all the kids about this excursion and now she is in tears and vows to never hold another fishing pole in her life.

The next tragedy happened within the next 5 minutes. G had just warned N about the dangers of having electronic devices on a dock. To which she answered in all her teenage wisdom that it would be "fine". The next thing we know, we hear a plop in the water and it was no fish. Yes, the high dollar phone she got for Christmas sunk to the bottom of the lake. Ohhh. What a lesson in idols. They are here today gone tomorrow. She felt sick. And even though for the most part I despise that phone and think it is from the devil---I felt sorry for her. She was fighting us on getting a summer job, but I think she has changed her mind.

After more tears, fights over reeling in the fish, another cast made by D that hooked herself this time instead of me and it was time to call it a day. Whew. We were tired. And the thought occurred to us that we still had a slumber party in our room that night!

We were laughing about the trip turned disaster last night and thinking we were glad it was behind us when we realized the disaster wasn't quite finished. G said, "Hey is this a scab or a tick behind my knee." You guessed it. A tick. Immediately we started trying to remember the correct way to remove a tick. (We should have asked that question in the store that sold hoop cheese and stick bologna) He said, "I think you burn it." I said, "I think you try to smother it."
OOPs.... I must go.....to be continued......

Ready, Set, Relax

2009-04-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Babysitter. check. (mom came through)
new bathing suit. check.
sunscreen. check.
books. check. In case your interested---The Bible--by God
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks--light easy read. Don't know anything about it just saw it at the library.
Crazy Love--heard so much I had to read it
Darcy and Elizabeth--one of the many sequels to Pride and Prejudice which is my all time favorite, and I love that modern authors keep trying to sustain these characters for me.
Firefly Lane--liked the cover--saw it at Barnes and Noble---found it at the library. I love when that happens.

Also, Family Fun magazine which I love to get ideas from.
Favorite pimento cheese from local restaurant
Lots of junk food
Lots of coffee
Wine
comfy clothes
ipod
Tylenol PM so I can sleep when I start missing my family.
The movie Secret Life of Bees.
Sister Schubert sausage wrap roll thingies. Nothing but good white bread!!
Everything I need to fill my tank.

TO DO LIST

2009-04-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Things to do:

1. Clean very untidy house.
2. Fold laundry thrown on the stairs so that another load could go in dryer.
3. Get book for N's project. The book is called Do Hard Things. Sounds good doesn't it? I think I may read it first.
4. Get book Crazy Love for my weekend respite.
5. Get babysitter so husband can join me for one night.
5a. Hope my mother reads my blog and feels sorry for me or feels guilty for things she did/didn't do in my upbringing--like the time she let me get a punk rock haircut complete with rat tail, or when she let me quit piano, or those couple of times she was late picking me up from school. Hope said guilt leads her to offer to babysit without me having to ask.
6. Make appointment with Joni's husband to check out painful back---hoping Joni doesn't try to diagnose.
7. Figure out how I'm going to be 2 places at one time i.e. at D's piano lesson and N's dentist appt.
8. What am I cooking for dinner?
9. Go to school for meeting.
10. Iron G's pants so he doesn't look like a bum and so people don't talk about his lazy wife.
11. Order petit fours for mom of eleven's shower!!! Yeah!!
12. Sign permission slip for field trip.

Need Fuel...

2009-04-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

So, I have hit that limit. Surely you other moms know what I'm talking about. I'm on E. My nerves are tattered and my body is tired. Basically, I'm not a very good mom right now. UUGGHH---even though I know it is true....I feel so selfish. Why can't I just muster it up? Just put my big girl panties on and toughen up? Just get over myself....I mean there are a lot of women out there who do this alone!!! For Heaven's sake. I don't want to admit that I need some time...alone. G definitely subscribes to the idea that if Momma ain't happy......nobody's happy. He has planned a little get away for me and possibly him this weekend to GranDot's cabin. Even though I just want to say, "It is too much trouble to plan to go away. I'll be OK. I'll shake it off." I know that telling the kids, "NOBODY ask any more questions!!" or "NOBODY say my name for 5 minutes!!" is never a good thing. So I believe I will take the chance and refuel.
Because I am mentally drained I will be posting lists for the next couple of days to keep from having to put coherent thoughts together.

Events of the weekend......
----N spent the night with a friend
----N had a steel drum concert.
----M had a tennis lesson of which she learned that for tennis purposes' she is a right hander...weird.
----went to blockbuster video for Prince Caspian and Bedtime Stories. M and D really got the metaphors of Prince Caspian which made me happy!
----M had spend the night company which meant that D got to share the spend the night company.
----We had family pics made at GranDots old house in the country. It would have been one of those warm fuzzy family memories except for the huge army of gnats that joined the photos. We felt like we were in the jungle....or south Georgia.
----MJ's first real tea party. So fun. Pictures to come. The mother really went all out. It was precious!

Strange traditions

2009-04-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

So, MJ must have been disappointed to find out that today was just an ordinary day. There were no new dresses, no Easter prizes in her basket and no egg hunts.

As we were getting ready for school today she said, "Mom, what animal is coming next?" At first I didn't understand and after much contemplation--N said, "The turkey." Which precipitated the next statement from MJ-"Is the turkey a boy for Easter or a girl for Easter?". My response, "Well, the turkey is a boy and he is for Thanksgiving." Conversations like these have led to confusion for me. I have really been perplexed by the Easter bunny. I don't really understand it. I don't even know the story behind it. I'm not knocking Peter Cottontail---it's just I don't really know his significance. Furthermore, is Peter Cottontail the Easter Bunny?

Not only was MJ wondering what furry little creature would be invading our house next, but M and D wanted to know how the bunny gets in. M said does the bunny come down the chimney? I had to think of something, and the thought of a sleigh being pulled by 8 flying squirrels didn't seem to make much sense. So, on the fly, I just said, "I think the bunny has magic dust on his fluffy bunny tail, and it shakes its fanny on the door, and the door opens up." All the sudden the flying squirrels didn't sound to0 bad. I don't know----I've never heard anybody else's explanation of this weird phenomenon-----how does the Easter bunny get in?

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is how our day started. Not quite the bright shiny Happy Easter face you want in your picture album!! She did not like her new shoes. She wanted tights. She wanted shoes like M and D's. She wanted lots of things----but not those shoes!!!!!!! Needless to say we delayed the Easter pics until later in the day. Which was a good thing, because once Mimi painted MJ's toes in her signature bright red color---it made her like her new shoes. I can understand this---sometimes it is all about the pedicure.

2009-04-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

We hunted eggs at Mimi's three times--2 for the kids and one for the adults. I must say that even though I won by a slim margin---I will bring a change of clothes next year because my new Easter wedges just didn't give me the speed I needed.

M and her loot.

Sisterly fun.

Cousins (minus Olivia and new baby Hudson) with grandmother (Mimi) and great-grandmother (Pempie or Grammie Tempie). Notice N and D striking a pose and MJ oblivious. She's still admiring her mani-pedi.

Risen

2009-04-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

We started celebrating Easter on Saturday by watching a performance that N participated in called "Risen". It was performed by a group of students at her school. She has been working on this since December!! They really worked hard, and it was a great performance. It is amazing to see these kids worship in this way!! We were very proud of N!! We didn't get any good photos of her on stage. So here is a rare pic of the proud Dad.

3 year old randomness

2009-04-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

3 is hard, but 3 is great. The best part is the newly independent speech and mind. It leads to much randomness such as this conversation that took place while D was taking piano.

MJ- What's a mister?
Mom- It is something you call a man.
MJ- Does Spiderman have ears?
Mom- Umm. I'm really not sure.
MJ- Knock-Knock.
Mom- Who's there?
MJ- Spiderman.
Mom- Spiderman who?
MJ- Spiderman I DO have ears.

So random. So random it is very entertaining.

ray of hope

2009-04-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the 5-8 people who keep up with us through this blog you know my love/hate relationship with the mega corporation/monopoly known as WAL-MART. If you need a refresher there was this experience and this one and countless others--but I'm too slow at the linking thing to get to them. (Thanks twinkle-for the tips--I had to look back at your comment about 7 times to finally get it!)

Well, last night the fine people of Wal-Mart redeemed themselves! Because we had nothing for breakfast, I ventured to the melting pot of consumerism-big-bad-walmart at 8:15 no less. I decided to go ahead and get my shopping for the week out of the way. I know better--but at wal-mart you lose all common sense. I think it is some kind of gas they pump in through the HVAC. Anyway, at our local Wal-Mart you are bound to run into a friend. This is like meeting up with a fellow weary traveller on a journey. Last night I saw Gwen--(look at me--I am a linking fool) She was on a mission to find already stuffed easter eggs. The last time I saw her she had found some and was off to another task---I pray she made it out alive. I haven't heard from her yet---you never know what can happen in the abyss called Wal-Mart.

An hour and a half later with a bill well over 100 bucks---I made it to the finish line. I was in luck and got a friendly check out person--this is rare. Made a b-line to the parking lot and unloaded the groceries into the back of the suburban in record time and was on my way home.

After unloading, I started looking for my purse so I could lock up the car for the night. Uh-Oh. Not in the house. Not in the car.------That only leaves one place-----W.-M. I couldn't even say it out loud. I panicked---I'm doomed. If I did leave it at W.M. I know the outcome---Nothing good happens at the W.M. It is a fact.

Furthermore--how could I have done this? I had my purse when I was unloading because I got my keys out of it. If it was at Wal-Mart that meant that I unloaded the buggy---pushed the empty buggy holding only my purse to the shopping cart holder---and wheeled it in and left it with nothing but my purse in it! How could that be? I am not that crazy!!!

Evidently, I am. I hurried back to the Wal-Mart with a pit in my stomach. The nice ladies at Customer Service said that they did have it. They watched as I checked to see if everything was still there. Cheers erupted from the surrounding cashiers as I whipped out my credit card!!! They were actually helpful and nice. As I walked out even the greeter who usually reprimands me--said "Was everything there?" and a "Praise God" when I confirmed. So, I had to post this after all the negative posts on the establishment. Wal-Mart gets a couple of points. They get 2--So, the score is Wal-Mart 2---Me--10. But atleast they are on the score board. Sam Walton would be proud.