Robertson.....Party of Six!

Sorry...I've Been MIA!

2011-12-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I went over a month without blogging...oops! Time really has gotten away from me. I honestly haven't been in a "blogging" mood. Our house is so crazy, but I don't want to bore you with normal chaos. Now, I COULD have used my blog to vent about crazy, demanding, self-centered, etc. people I have encountered, but that my friends, is pretty much an every day occurrance for me. I have always been one to shoot off at the mouth but lately I have been trying VERY HARD to hold my toungue and just let it pass. Don't get me wrong -- fireworks are going off in my head -- but I have done very well in restraining what I rant about. I have decided in the long run it really doesn't matter. My fuming isn't going to change anything. People are still doing to be ignorant, arrogant, self-centered, demanding, unreasonable, etc. You get the idea. I really could care less. The only thing that matters in my little world are the five worm bodies living under my roof (six if you count the furry one!) At the end of the day, they are the ones I care about. Nothing else is that important to me (well you know -- on earth -- as far as other people are concerned). Time is too short to worry about the small stuff! Make the BEST...make the MOST of every moment you can. Other people aren't worth the stress! :-)

Thank You Jesus...

2011-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Right up there with "I Love You", I think "Thank You Jesus" are three of the most important. Lately, my perspective has changed - in some areas at least.

I grumble when the weekend approaches because unlike "normal" people, there is no such thing as a "relaxing" weekend at our house. My husband has go to bed early Friday night because he as to be up early. Friday nights (for the most part) and Saturday mornings are a wash because he works for his dad Saturday mornings. I hate it. We have been married (almost) 15 years and I have always hated it. There has never been such a thing as curling up with the kiddos and watching cartoons, or going out for breakfast, or getting a jump on yard work, or even just being lazy. He is gone before sun up and doesn't get back until lunch. He breaks his neck to catch the end of a soccer game if it is a late one. It stinks.

Thank you Jesus for blessing me with a husband who loves and works hard for his family and always makes the most of every situation. I thank you that he is able to come home every night. I thank you that he does not cheat and is an honest person with high morals and standards that he is passing down to his own sons. Many others have spouses who are abusive, non-caring, or have been taken from their families too early. I am beyond blessed...

There are days I feel like if Ava or Sarah yell "Mom!!!" one more time, my head is going to explode! Once they bound through the door, (and I am not exaggerating) I am unable complete a single thought in my head the rest of the day. Ava is forever testing her boundaries.

Thank you Jesus that (at least for today) my kids are healthy and can speak to me and call my name. So many children are sick and in the hospital for various diseases who cannot speak, or communicate with the parents who love them and would trade the world to take their place. So many others long to have a child and are unable to conceive. There are parents whose hearts are literally broken because their child was taken unexpectedly....much too early. You have given me four and I love them more than words could ever express. They are the light of my life and I am in awe that you have given them to me.

I get frustrated when I miss things because of my work schedule. I always feel like I let my kids down if I can't drive for every field trip, or be at every class party. Sometimes I can switch things around, but I'm not always so lucky. Granted, there aren't many things I miss, but still... I hate hearing the disappointment in the girls voices when they ask, "Mommy, will you be home before we go to bed?" and I have tell them "no".

Thank you Jesus that I have a job that I (for the most part) enjoy. So many people are struggling to find work these days. Thank you for this provision. Help me to be content where I know you have led me, and use me to minister to others.

Three words...bad.hair.day!

Thank you Jesus for my health. I know many who are battling cancer and would give anything just to be able to have a "bad hair day".

I remember when we moved into our house a year ago, the walls were freshly painted, the carpet (although far from being new) was clean, and the whole place was immaculate! Now, a year and a half later, (thanks to four kids, a couple of sippy cups and a new puppy) there are carpet stains, finger prints on door frames and some inconspicuous crayon marks. It is far from immaculate. I remember how it looked the first time we saw it and sometimes I grumble (under my breath) when I see how um - "lived in" it looks. I don't know why. There are six of us living there for goodness sake...plus a dog! I guess I will always be a little OCD...

Thank you Jesus for house full of love, noise and laughter. There are so many "signs of life" here. My goal is not to impress anyone, but to make everyone who enters to feel welcomed. Spills and spots are so trivial in the grand scheme of things!

Lord, I know my life circumstances could change in the blink of an eye, but just for today - for this moment - I thank you for all the little things that tend to drive me crazy. In the end, they really are just trivial things that I (ashamedly) take for granted. I don't deserve any of this. Thank you for blessing me beyond measure...my cup truly overflows.

The "Cliff Notes" Version

2011-09-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a whole two weeks (and then some) since my last post...so let's do a quick catch up ~ shall we?

Birthday for me -- best part being the "little things" from my family. My kids DO like me! :-)

Soccer started for Josh and Sarah. I love watching them!

Ava started ballet. My little "delicate flower" loooves Carrie Jean!

Zachary is in full swing with cross country. I am so proud of his determination and dedication! Each week his times and placement get better!

Josh auditioned for the school play - still waiting to hear about that.

My first "Mom's In Touch" (for Crosswind) meeting is tomorrow...I'm excited!

Lot's of "firsts" this week....more about that later! :-)

Lots of "friends" time...and more to come next week.

Lunch date with hubby last week. Loved it! Nothing like uninterrupted time together...so refreshing!

Loved watching tv Friday night with oldest son piled on top of me - he will never be too old or too big :-)

Frustrated with certain aspects of life...but trying to learn to be content with where I am right now.

My love for Target gets deeper every day...it is my happy place...and having Starbucks inside is bonus ~

I am also developing a love for tennis shoes - particularly running shoes. The flashier the better!

Love to "blog stalk". I will catch up on friends blogs, then check out their friends blogs, etc. I like "real" blogs...people who are honest about what they are going thru, how they feel about things, etc. I hate reading blogs written by people who make you think that woodland creatures are cleaning their house and the fairy godmother is making dinner....

Trying to juggle work, schedules, and quality time = failure most of the time. My friends make me believe they do it with no problem, so why am I struggling with it? Some of us have to work outside the home....(insert guilt here)....

I have decided Ava needs a personal assistant for our morning routine. If she is left alone for a split second she is off playing in her room, or with Bernie, etc. She is on her own schedule and just moves along as she deems necessary. "Hurry up" is NOT in her vocabulary. Neither is "WE HAVE GOT TO GO!!!"

My garage is hideous....must get rid of LOTS OF STUFF!!

I think my walls in my house need to be chocolate brown...that would hide a multitude of sins! Come to think of it, maybe the carpet should be chocolate brown too...

My laundry basket was empty last week....for about 3 minutes....but that was a glorious 3 minutes...

Warm Fuzzies

2011-09-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a birthday to make you feel all warm and fuzzy....even on a mild September day! I have had the best birthday...and it wasn't because of gifts or anything like that. It was because of all the little things....the posts on my Facebook wall from people I have known for years or even a few months. No really....it is amazing how taking a few seconds to just write "Happy Birthday" on someone elses' wall can make a huge impact (spoken from the one on the receiving end!)

The best has been my own little family. I love my family...really I do. They gave me the best cards,and Josh even gave me cash for a present! It was HIS cash too - not like he went to his dad and "borrowed" it. If you know Josh, that is HUGE!!! He hand-made his card...wrote a poem and took up all four sides of the paper! It was really funny...I'm going to scan it and keep it...maybe even find a way to frame it. He made videos of everyone (individually and as a group) singing "Happy Birthday" to me. They ALL went out of their way to make me feel so very special ~ and it worked!

I love my little family....they give me "warm fuzzies".......

:-)

A Reminder....

2011-09-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to just post a link to this (because I take no credit for it whatsoever), but there is no "direct" link. It is a daily devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministires. I actually read this on a friend's blog and to me it really was a ~~pull-you-up-by-your-bootstraps-slap-you-in-the-face~~ gentle reminder of something I have always known but so very much needed to be reminded of right now. I'm not even going to elaborate....just read the devotion for yourself. It is long, but well worth the read:

“…for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5b (NIV)

I spent months working on it, with big expectations and high hopes. In the blink of an eye it was crushed. This reality tore into my heart like a jagged knife, ripping my dream into tiny little shreds. Disappointment was so great it was difficult to process my feelings. I had worked tirelessly on this project and now I felt disappointment and rejection.

Disappointment soon turned to irritation which morphed into resentment. I didn’t FEEL it was fair.

Why didn’t God answer my prayers? Why had He placed a dream in my heart only to allow it to crumble? Why had He let this happen? Why me?

I knew I needed to have a good attitude and not give up, but I did not FEEL like doing that at all!

Questions pummeled my brain. What is the use? Why try again? If God didn’t answer my prayer after all this time, why bother keep trying?

I allowed my FEELings to overtake my FAITH.

All I could think about was how this disappointment made me feel, instead of what God may be doing that my faith could not see. I felt things weren’t fair, without remembering God’s ways are best. I felt a longing for immediate results, instead of trusting God’s timing is perfect.

My feelings had gotten in the way of my faith, so I turned to Psalm 25 (NIV) for perspective. The following verses washed over my spirit.

Verse 1, “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.”

I felt discouraged, unworthy, hopeless, rejected. So I poured my feelings and my soul out to God. And He listened.

Verse 2, “I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.”

God reminded me to trust Him, not a desire or a dream. Not the world’s view. Not my abilities. Not my timeframe. Not my ideas. Trust Him alone. I prayed about my enemies—intangible feelings such as self doubt, insecurity, frustration, and discouragement.

Verse 3, “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”

Regardless of whether or not my desires become a reality, I will not be put to shame, because God is my God. If His plans coincide with my dreams, I know He will keep His eternal promises.

Verses 4-5a, “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me,”

These words stopped me in my tracks. I began to think more rationally. Why did I beat my head against a wall? Why was I consumed with anxiety and frustration? Was I allowing God to direct my paths? God gently reminded me He is the teacher, I am the student.

Verse 5b, “…for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

If I put my hope in my own desires and abilities, I set myself up for failure. My only hope for joy and fulfillment comes from Christ alone. Hope is found in Him, not people, a career, your husband or children, church, financial success, a carefree life, or dreams that come true.

Disappointments will happen. With God, however, we can turn those disappointments into God’s appointments to trust Him. The first step is to exercise faith over feelings.

"Dear Lord, You know the hurt in my heart and the sting of disappointments I have experienced. Please help me trust You, instead of being consumed by feelings. Empower me with a faith that is stronger than my emotions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

Already?

2011-08-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

No really...it can't be that time already? I distinctly remember holding my newborn babies in my arms in the hospital and thinking I had FOREVER with them. School? That was light years away! (Cindy Pillow -- I know you remember this too!!!!) Now look where I am...a semi "empty nester"! All four are in school. Sarah started kindergarten and Ava is now in K-4. No more little voices at home asking for a snack or chocolate milk or for me to watch a movie with them. On the flip side that are no little voices at home protesting when I tell them to leave the dog alone or to brush their teeth or to brush their hair or please get in the car because we have to leave NOW! I can honestly say I am quite conflicted. I miss them....terribly! I think of all the things I "wish" I had done, and yet I think of all the things I will be ABLE to do with much more ease! One thing I do not regret is keeping Ava at home with me last year. In spite of all the power struggles, I really liked having her around and I know she liked her "mommy" time! I love my "Bitsy"! I love my "Sissy" too (as well as Zachary and Josh), but you get the idea. A momma bird knows when her babies are ready to leave the nest, and mine most definately are. It's time for them to spread their wings and see what they can do! I'm just praying that this year is blessed...that they have teachers who love them, nurture them, and challenge them... that they make new friends and are a blessing to others as well...that the older ones are aware of how their choices impact others...that they continue to seek the Lord's face in all they do...that they are not easily influenced but rather are an influence on those around them...

So far things are off to a great start...no one needs their wings clipped.....YET! :-)

So It Begins

2011-08-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

School that is....for one of my four kiddos. Josh started yesterday - at full throttle too. He not only went all day - but he rode the bus - and is at a new school this year. Personally, I find all that a little overwhelming, but for his flexible self, it was just another day. He had a great day and I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief. He was beside himself because he has a former classmate from his old school in his class, and then saw two others at lunch. I think he just like the fact that 2 kids were calling "Hey Josh!" in the cafeteria! :-) This morning he was up and had made his lunch before I even made it to the kitchen. Then he left for the bus stop without me having to tell him! I just wonder how long that will last .. haha!

And then there is the whole bus thing. He LOOOVES riding the bus! I'm not sure why, but it makes him happy and I am realizing that I like not having to go thru car line. Our stop is the last one on the way to school and the first one after school, so he is really on there for literally 10 minutes or less. Sarah is going to be riding to and she cannot wait!

So one down and three to go. Sarah goes for her K-5 "stagger" day on Thursday, and Ava has her K-4 stagger day on Friday. I have heard from reliable sources about what is happening this week and it sounds like Thursday I am going to be one big puddle! All my chicks are growing up! I'm not sure to be :-) or :-( ......

Two Years (Yesterday)

2011-07-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I started a blog post about my grandmother because it was two years since she passed away from pancreatic cancer. It was a great post....all about how wonderful and yet how stubborn she was. How if she thought the sky was green it didn't matter tha tyou could prove it was blue...it was green! How she was an amazing cook. I never saw her use a recipe. She made the best dressing I have ever had - not to mention banana puddin', candy, cakes, you name it. EVERYTHING was better at her house....seriously. It was also about how much she loved her great-grands...all 6 of them...and how they still talk about her and miss her to this day. Ava mentions from time to time that she "talks" to her - and quite frankly I believe her. If you have ever read "90 Minutes in Heaven" or "Heaven Is For Real" then you know what I am talking about!

So anyway...that was it. Nothing much....getting ready for school and the stress level is rising. Four kids....2 different schools...trying to figure out practices, shuttle services....it all throws me into a panic attack! I'm not sure how this is all going to work out, but I guess it will.

Maybe we can just sell the house, buy an RV and travel America. Hmmmm... that is starting to sound pretty good about now! :-)

Summer Is Winding Down (And I'm NOT Happy About It!)

2011-07-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I have failed miserably as far as blogging goes this summer. I just seem to always run out of time. These lazy, hazy days of summer are slipping through my hands and I don't like that at all! We have been busy, and we still have lots to do! I guess that is good tho. I have never been a fan of school starting back, but I am REALLY fighting it all the way this year. There are too many changes going on. Up until this year, Charles had been my "point-person" witht he kids. He works there, so he runs into them during the day and can get in a quick "hello" or "how's your day?" This year won't be that way tho (insert big frowny face here). Zachary is in a different building and Josh and Sarah are at totally different schools. Ava however, is good. I'm not worried about her...she is in GREAT hands! (Love you Cindy!) I am already stressing about all three of the older ones. Zachary - just because he is in 7th grade....Josh and Sarah because they are going to totally new schools, new friends, riding the bus, what if there are bullies? I have no inside go-to person to check on them! (Well, I do know a teacher there, but she will have her own classroom to deal with.) This is crazy! All I can do is pray about it. That is powerful - yes - and literally all I can do. I just seem have a problem of letting go of it. I'm sure NO ONE has ever had that problem! :-)

So, until then, I will relish the rest of my time. The days we can stay up late and sleep in...go swimming...whatever we want with no bedtimes or schedules. That is my kind of life! Is that wrong? Maybe I just need a vacation.....yes....another one - ha!!

One Of Them...

2011-06-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

turned 4 years old yesterday...loves candy...hates having her hair brushed...loves a headband over a "clip" (even tho her head is flat on top and thus not conducive to a headband!)...is a "mini-me" of her older brother Josh...is happy wearing her princess dresses every day...sings all the time...sleeps aaaallll oooooovvver the bed...is extremely strong-willed...tells me she loves me all day long...weighed just over 6 lbs. at birth (which is why her nickname has always been "Itsy Bitsy")...has a favorite blanket that she not only sleeps with every night but sleeps with it in her mouth!...can change her mood like a light switch...must always be touching someone no matter if she is sleeping, eating, or watching t.v....likes her cereal plain with no milk...has to have her chocolate milk in the mornings like most adults have to have their coffee!

The Other One...
turned 5 years old last week...loves every kind of fruit on the planet...is a "mini-me" of her older brother Zachary...tells me all the time how much she loves her short haircut...is a mother hen to her little sister. weighed over 8 lbs. when she was born...sleeps curled up in a ball most of the night...cannot have too many baby dolls...prefers dresses and flip-flops to anything else...loves riding her bike and playing outside...is always happy...has such a big, grateful heart...has a heart murmur (that is slowly getting better)...is very much a "mommy's girl"...will most likely be riding a two-wheeler and swimming with no floaties by the end of the summer...got three stitches in her chin and didn't even whimper...tells me all the time how much she "loves her whole family"...can pray longer than some pastors preach!

THEY...
melt my heart every day...keep growing even though I want them to stop (just for a little while)...love each other fiercely...are bff's...will always first and foremost forever be SISTERS...

Captain's Log ~ Day 5 (I think!)

2011-06-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Okay....laptop has gone kapooey on us, so for now, no serious blogging until I get home. Drats! Anyway...I'm pretty they are going to have to drag me away kicking and screaming. I love sitting on the balcony...listening to the waves...the whole family playing "tag" in the pool...shutting everything else out but us and making lots of memories. Every night I use my phone and jot out the day's events in my "Notes" app. I'll use it to catch everyone up later. See y'all next week! :-)

Captain's Log ~ Day Two

2011-06-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today was our first full day here at the beach. Yesterday really doesn't count I guess, because it was a travel day. We made great time! Since we couldn't check in before 3, I didn't see the need to leave in the middle of the night to try to get here. So, we managed to leave about 10:15 and still made it here in about 8 hours...only stopping once ~ yes ~ ONCE! With four kids (one of whom has a bladder the size of the head of a pin), that is nothing short of a miracle! We were reminiscing about past trips - as a family and as teenagers with friends and church trips. Good times!! As soon as we unloaded the car we had to get to the beach. After a short walk we talked the girls into coming in so we could go buy food and get some dinner. It was still close to midnight before everyone was asleep, but sleep they did! The kids didn't get up until 9:15. Actually, Ava was up about 6 but I sent her back to bed. We hit the beach...swam, looked for seashells (which the seashells here are SO TINY!!!! What is up with that?) Sarah did find two of the smallest sand dollars I have EVER seen. I was amazed! I have never found a sand dollar on the beach - only in a shop! So anyway...the girls got tired of building sand castles and burying Josh on the beach so we headed to the pool. Then back inside for lunch and downtime. The girls talked me into going back down to the pool so Charles and I headed back out while the boys stayed upstairs (actually, Josh just crawled in his bed and took a nap!) Then when the boys decided to join this, we realized the importance of keeping one of the spare keys in the lock box on the door. It's in case you are locked out BTW! One hour and $50 later we were back in. Yes - it was a little frustrating and poor Zachary really beat himself up about it, but you know...it's a lesson learned. It's over, it all worked out, so why dwell on it? Things happen and you have to consider them a "lesson learned" - THE END!

So that was our drama for the day, but the biggest laugh of the day was when Zachary posted as his Facebook status that he went "Booby" boarding earlier. Oh. My. Word. I just happened to check my FB after he posted that and after I composed myself and told him what he had done, he was scrambling to get to his iTouch to change it but couldn't. We were all laughing soooo hard! I didn't think about having him sign on the laptop, but oh well...lots of people got a kick out of it. He is such an amazing kid. I just love his heart -- I just wish he wasn't so hard on himself! As soon as we got let back into the condo, he grabbed his wallet and tried to pay Charles the $50. He felt it was his fault we got locked out because he and Josh were the last ones out the door. Of course Charles refused, but I admire him for even offering. How many 12 year olds would even think about doing that?

Tomorrow's agenda again involves beach and pool time but I really don't know what else. I know we plan on going to the Naval Aviation Museum later this week to see the Blue Angels practice. Charles and Zachary are going to go parasailing and Sarah and I will rent a jet ski one day. Who knows? That's really my idea of vacation ~ no agenda! We do what we want when we want. This week is all about us being just the 6 of us....and in Sarah and Ava's words "This is the best vacation EVER!" :-)

There's 104 Days of Summer Vacation.....

2011-06-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

C'mon - you know you want to finish it - "and school comes along just to end it." Nothing beats a good Phineas and Ferb lead in! Actually, I don't know if we really do have 104 days, but nevertheless I will take what I can get. I love the lazy days of summer. Being able to wake up on my own before 7 a.m. is so much better than trying to drag myself up at 5:30 a.m.! We don't have huge plans, but here's what I love about our "104 days":

Sleeping in

Staying up late

Grilling out

Swimming

Celebrating birthdays! Bernie, Sarah and Ava all have birthdays in June...

Hanging out with the other "cove moms" at night, sitting outside and chatting while the kids (all 12+ of them) play all over the cove.

Going for walks

Riding bikes

Jerry's Snow Cones ~ never got there last year!!

VACATION! (CANNOT come soon enough!)

Dancing - the girls do at least. The other day I asked Ava what she was doing and she said, "I'm shaking my booty - that's what you are supposed to do when you are dancing!")

Not caring if the house is spotless. This fall all four kiddos will be in school so there will plenty of time for me to catch up on that later. Within reason of course -- I don't exactly let mold grow or anything!

Watching movies - I'm so glad the girls are old enough to sit thru movies now

Ice cream at the square. This is a new one...Just sounds like fun. I like some of the new yogurt places, but their stuff is so expensive...we could eat a full meal at Chick-fil-A cheaper!

Watermelon....lots of watermelon!!!!!!!!

Sunshine! Love the feel of it on my skin - but not when it is 100+ degrees!

Not having a schedule ~ deciding to do things on a whim ~ spending lots of time with my kiddos ~ that's what those "104 days" are ALL about! :)

Another Year Over

2011-05-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yeeeee haaaaaaa! Let summer vacation begin! No more lunches...no more folders...no more lunches...no more permission slips...no more lunches...no more backpacks...no more LUNCHES! I know it is trivial, but I hate packing lunches. It's not that it is hard, I just hate doing it!

So anyway, this time of year always make me sad ~ especially this year. Zachary goes to 7th grade. A new building, a new schedule for him. He's excited tho. I love my guy. He received the award for "Most Christ-Like Boy" this year. I am so proud of him!

Josh had to say good-bye to his friends (for next year anyway). He (along with Sarah) is going to the neighborhood school next year. That makes me sad too. He really wanted to go last year but (for whatever reason), we didn't let him go. I think now the reality is setting in that he won't be with his old friends next year. He's having second thoughts. We told him to give it a year. If he doesn't like it he can go back to his old school next year. I think he will be fine. He makes friends easily. He is such a positive, upbeat kid with a generous heart.

Sarah....sweet Sarah will be changing schools too. She is excited. Her graduation was one of the most ~~heart-wrenching~~ emotional things I have gone thru in a long time ~ lol~! No really...I have been thru K-4 graduation twice already, but this time was especially hard. There was not a dry eye in the house! The poor teachers were crying as they called out their names. I made the mistake of reading the inside of the program right after I got there. It was a letter from the teachers to the parents. I am going to copy it and make it a prayer for all my kids teachers in the years to come. I pray they all will feel this for their students. Here's what it said:

We give back your children, the same children you confidently entrusted to our care last fall. We give them back pounds heavier, inches taller, more responsible, and more mature than they were then.

Although they would have obtained their growth in spite of us, it has been our pleasure and privilege to watch their personality unfold day by day and marvel at the splendid miracle of development.

We give them back reluctantly, for having spent ten months together in the narrow confines of a crowded classroom, we have grown close, have become part of each other, and we shall always retain a little of each other.

Ten years from now if we meet on the street, your child and I, a light will shine to our eyes, a smile to our lips, and we shall feel the bond of understanding once more, this bond we feel today.

We have lived, laughed, played, studied and enriched our lives together this year.

We wish it could go on indefinitely, but give them back we must.

Take care of them, for they are precious.

Remember that we shall always be interested in your child and their destiny, wherever they go, whatever they do, whoever they become.

Their joys and sorrows we'll be happy to share.

We will always be their friends.

With much love,
JR K Teachers
Can you see why I was a puddle through the whole thing? This class is so special. No really...they are a great group of kids. The all got along, and were just really an amazingly sweet bunch. Everyone - parents included - just "clicked" this year. They are so special. I'm going to miss being with them. Ava will be in that class next year, so I get to do it again. I just hope next year is even more amazing! Is that possible tho? :-)

My kids were blessed with amazing teachers this year. They love their students and have their best interests at heart. I love them all and am eternally grateful for them and the impact they have made on my kids lives this year. Love you ladies ~ so very much! Hope you have a happy, restful summer!

Toddlers and Tiaras

2011-05-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yes -- now THIS is the real deal. Forget that show on TLC (or whatever channel it is on). Watching that show is like watching the aftermath of a bad accident. You watch in awe and think it is so bad but you can't not watch!

No, this is about the most beautiful little (and big!) girls dancing to "Aurora's Wedding". (QUIZ: Do you know which princess is named "Aurora"? You are not allowed to answer if you have a little girl under the age of 9! If you don't know, I'll tell you ~ at the end of the post!) Maybe it was because one of them was my own. Nevertheless, even though it literally was "a dark and stormy night" outside, the performance inside all but made up for it.

Mrs. Carrie Jean is an amazing woman. She choreographs the entire ballet - which incorporates the tiniest little jumping beans up to the most graceful ballerina. Being able to do that and do it well is a feat in itself. :-) She truly loves these girls (and boys!) She invests time ~ lots of time ~ and with little compensation. She teaches them scripture and prays with them. She brings it down to their level. In December, she had a "Mommy and Me" class (which btw ~~kicked my butt~~ was not as easy as it sounds). At the end she told the kids the Christmas story using miniature candy bars (like, the 3 wise men [aka "Three Muskateers"] found the babe ["Baby Ruth"]). I love how she calls them (the three and four year-olds) "little ballerinas". Even at the recital, she is out there on stage with them and when it was time for them to run off you could hear her calling, "Run to me ballerinas!" Precious I tell you...or maybe I am just sappy.

Before the performance, she went to every room (each age group had their own "dressing" room) and quoted their Bible verse and prayed with them. That just warms my heart!

I am so very greatful for Carrie Jean. She invests so much into the lives of these kids and she does it selflessly and with lots of love. Thank you for being Christ's servant!

Better Me Than You

2011-04-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

I really can't add more to this......please click HERE to read the blog post from another blogger. As a parent, I can totally relate. As a child, I am so thankful! Thank you Jesus for loving me!

Do You Ever Feel Like It Is Only "Two Steps Back"?

2011-04-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Haha! I do lately! I don't feel like I am making any steps forward! My last fb status said I'm sure all of my kids teachers think I am a moron! Let's see - over 2 weeks..Josh AND Zachary have out-of-town field trips...maybe...but parents like me who forget to turn in forms and money make it impossible to make it happen! Aaaagh! Okay - in my defense - it was all a matter of things falling into place. Like, if this happens then we will do this but I can't do this until I know when this is going to happen and what if......? See what I mean? THEN the boys have rehearsals this weekend for Palm Sunday, Sarah has a birthday party and field trip (another form and $). I CANNOT KEEP UP THIS WEEK! Aaaaand.....my mom is having an out-patient procedure which meant I had to change my work schedule which has thrown me for a loop because I now have trouble remembering what day it is! Aaaaaand Ava has 2 ballet recitals coming up and I have to make sure I have the right leotard and tights for the right performance. Add all of this on top of the usual chaos that is our lives and there you have it! I want to pull the covers up over my head for a couple of weeks until all the action passes! :-)

So that fills you in on what I have been up to...no baby birdies yet, but the time is getting close! Mamma bird sits on the nest all the time now (except for when we get too close or if too many of us come out). We also have another addition coming. It looks like pigeons have nested on top of a ceiling fan on our patio. I'm guessing since mamma bird NEVER leaves, she must have eggs in there too. Don't these creatures see there are 4 kids and a dog all over that backyard? It's ironic how they pick the wildest atmosphere to have their babies, but I'm so glad they did! We have all learned from it. Can't wait for their arrival and I will post pics as soon as I see little beaks popping up!

Quick Trip, Cute Babies and Crazy Weather!

2011-04-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Yep - it has been a whirlwind...and I don't mean the weather today! Josh and I made a quick overnight trip to Nashville Friday. He had a JBQ tournament - and all the kids did well. I'm so proud of them! Short synopsis..check in...eat dinner..go to swim...pool closed...kids (and parents) upset...went to Wally World and bought fixins for ice cream sundaes...popped pop corn...played games...crashed in room...up early..tourny all day...nice dinner...home at 10 p.m. Yeah - we were both pooped!

So Sunday afternoon, we were looking at the nest this robin has built in a tree right outside our kitchen window. Momma has been sitting on the nest so Charles took a look-see and (in case you didn't see it on my FB page) here is what is inside:

Is that just so cool? I am amazed by it! The girls tried to tell me several days ago that they thought the momma bird was sitting in the nest looking like she was "pooping" - I guess they were right! But really - just look at that nest. Look at how it is built! I mean, I know we have all seen a bird nest, but I am in awe of this one. This tiny creature with two wings, a beak, and tiny feet built this! God is awesome like that. Momma bird sat on these babies today during the storm and all is well. I have tried to get a pic of her on the nest but have not been super-successful. She was sitting on the fence giving me all kinds of heck when I took this picture. The nest is actually low enough that all I have to do is hold my camera (or phone) up and point down and I can take a picture. I can't wait to see these little babies! The kids are all excited too. We check on them - from a distance - several times a day. I will keep you posted on the progress!

So all this and then the crazy storm this morning. Ava and I were at her ballet class (which is in the basement of a church thank goodness!) I had actually run to Kroger to get some milk but the sirens went off just as I pulled into the parking lot. Sooooo....I turned around and went back. When I got there, they were all lined up against the wall in the hallway, sitting down, practicing their positions (arms only!) At that point the power went out (which is REALLY dark in a basement hallway), so they took requests from the kids. They sang "Jesus Loves Me", "Frosty the Snowman", "ABC's", "Mary Had A Little Lamb"....just to name a few. The storm passed and they still had about 10 minutes left to practice (BIG recital coming up May 2nd at GPAC!!!) ****SIDEBAR**** I just love Carrie Jean McDonald (her teacher)...she is such a blessing to so many families! I'm sad that Ava will not be able to take again next year since she will be in school :-( **** Lights were still out and Ava informs me she has to go potty. Seriously? You went RIGHT before class started! She must have a bladder the size of a squirrel's...so she did...while I used the flashlight app on my phone to create some sort of illumination so she could see what she was doing.

So that's been our craziness the past few days. Zoo trip tomorrow with the K4 class (because it is "Z" week you know!) Thank goodness it was rescheduled from today! It will chilly in the morning, but as long as there is no rain, we are GOOD!!!

Being A Mom Stresses Me Out!

2011-03-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

I worry too much...but only about certain things. I realized today that I am -- well -- I'm just gonna come right out and say it -- overprotective! Charles told me yesterday that one of the boys in the cove was going to teach Zachary how to ride a rip-stick. I seriously think my heart skipped a beat. I blame it on my job. Is that a good excuse? I have seen some pretty bad things. The smallest thing gone wrong can injure you for life. This is definitely a case of "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing"! Aaaaagh! Actually, it is quite frustrating. I'm trying to get better - really I am. There are some things I do not bend on tho. I am and forever will be a helmet nazi. I don't care what you are riding on, if it has wheels on it, you'd BETTER be wearing your helmet. That is non-negotionable. I'd also prefer to you to be wearing wrist guards and knee and elbow pads, but you know... I'm also fanatical about knowing who they are with and where they are going. I want to be able to put my hands on them at all times. We all know it, but there are crazy people out there. It is a sad state of affairs when you have to remind even the older ones about being careful when they go to the bathroom at Chik-fil-A! I know they will grow up and this too shall pass, but we live in the end times...this isn't Mayberry (but it would be cool if it was!) :-)

Even when they spend the night out...a TINY part of me is a little anxious. It isn't that I am worried about them...I know they are in excellent care. I don't know -- I just like having all my chicks under the same roof. I'll be a basket case when they go to college (yes - that is already being talked about!) Maybe it's just my job to worry. Now don't misunderstand...I'm not biting my nails or wringing my hands...it's not like that. It's the "mom" in me. I see lots of parents who frankly appear to not really give a flying flip about what their kids do - whether it's wearing a helmet or jumping in the car with a group of friends to go across state lines to go to a party. To which I wonder, "why are you a parent?" Well, I could guess, but that is a whole different blog!

I suppose as a mom you start to "worry" that moment your heart starts beating outside your body. When you look into that little face and promise them you will always love and protect them. As they age, the things you "worry" about change too. When they are tiny you fret over every little cough...then when they start to eat nothing but mac and cheese you "worry" they aren't getting the nutrition they need...then they start school and you "worry" about social skills...then they get more independent and you "worry" -- well, you get the idea. It is a never ending cycle! Fortunately, I know each of my kids rests in God's hands. He had loaned them to me to guide them and teach them and for that I am very honored. He knows their plans and nothing comes a surprise. To me? YES! To Him? NO! That is a huge load off me....but still....I'm going to do my best to steer them in the right direction! Now where is the bubble wrap????

Stumbling Blocks

2011-03-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

I have a huge one right now.....can't really "blog" that often because our home computer bit the dust. It's probably for the best anyway (for me - not the computer!) I have plenty I could ramble about, but they are really more "rants" than actual blogging. That's okay tho. In short, spring break has been amazing, and just makes me want summer to get here even faster! C'mon summer! :-)

It's Monday ~ But Friday's Comin'!!!

2011-03-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Yes it is! Just a few more days!! (I know...It's supposed to be "It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'"!) Friday is the start of spring break and not a moment too soon! I am so ready...ready for sleeping in...catching a movie...going to the library...spending some alone time with the hubby... Yep, you ~~heard~~ read right - Charles and I are getting away for a few days for some MUCH NEEDED time (just a few days!) to ourselves. While I am looking forward to all the aformentioned activities, I am already stressing out about them too. There's the packing...do the kids have the right stuff? Do WE have the right stuff? Are all the details worked out? Will anything happen while we are gone? The kiddos are going to be with my mom part of the time and with Charles' mom part of the time. The boys might actually go out of town with her until Thursday, but they haven't made their final decision yet. I do love that we can all get out and go and have an amazing time, but I am already looking forward to Tuesday and having my chicks under one roof. When we are scattered about, I panic just a little when my cell phone rings. I always fear that something might happen while I am away and vice-versa. Aaaaagh! I don't know what I will do when they go to college. Zachary is already planning to be 5 hours away. (Chest pains starting...breathe in - breathe out!) I can't dwell on that just yet! I need to stop - breathe - and remember Who is in control of the situation. I have to do that ALOT! :-)

So anyway....did you read the status I posted last Thursday? It was "Hush ~ God is in it..." I heard that on the way home from work and seemed so appropriate for so many people I know who are going through some devastating situations right now. It is sometimes hard to remember that God is in the middle of every circumstance - good or bad. Something bad happens and we start to stress out like the person who goes nuts thinking they have lost their glasses when they have been on top of their head the whole time. Psalm 46:10. You know the verse. "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

For those of you who listen to K-Love...remember how they had their listeners pick a "word" for 2011? The word I chose was "see". I have learned that it has a two-fold meaning. I need to learn to stop ("hush") and "see" that God is in EVERY detail of my day. When I am having a bad day, He is still in the midst of it. When I am having a good day, He is still right there. I have to choose to SEE what He is teaching me or SEE where He is leading me. You know something? That is not always an easy task! Hindsight is 20/20! The flip side to this is that I need to live my life so that others can SEE Who lives inside of me. Can they SEE Jesus in my words and in my actions? Can my kids SEE Him? I didn't realize until just recently just how powerful that word really is. Yeah, it really is.

So - all that being said, go forth and prepare for all your spring break activities! I think everyone is very much ready for a well-deserved vaca! Have a great week! :-)

One More Week!

2011-03-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

Actually, only four more days til spring break! I'm so excited! Just a taste of summer to come....ahhh bliss! And of course there is the no-dealing-with-lunches-or-backpacks that goes along with it. I am so ready for it. Well - is anyone ever NOT ready for it? I mean really, c'mon!

So let's see....what's been going on in our house these days. Josh's play was last weekend. Well, the rehearsals have consumed our lives for the last 6 weeks, but it all culminated to "production week" last week. EVERY night rehearsal from 6-9. That - my friends...is a killer. It's all good though. You know what you are getting into when you agree to let them be in it, so it is no surprise - it just makes for a really long week. My kids are troopers...they enjoy what they do and do it with no complaints. Even when they miss a few hours of sleep! :-) Zachary was there too. He did lights and discovered he LOVES that! My kids are pretty awesome. Don't know if I have mentioned that lately, but they really are ~ even if they are mine! They are GOOD kids -- you know? The kind that make you proud....that you actually enjoy having around. They are making good choices and are starting to make very insightful observations about others. They know what sets them apart from the rest of the world and are very much okay with that....I just pray it stays that way! You have to cover them in prayer parents! :-)

So fresh off the heels of last weekend came Sarah's "Top Banana" week at school. Daddy put together a fabulous (as always) princess poster for her...made her favorite oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies for snack...and read "How I Became A Pirate" to her class - eye patch, pirate hat and all! Isn't he a great dad? Yeah, I think so! I read to class one day, took Bernie up as a "show-and-tell", made a snack of a few of her favorite fruits...even Josh and Zachary each took one day and read to her class! I also managed to have "Aunt Tammy" come read too! I personally think she had a great week. We made sure she had something special to look forward to every day. She was very happy, so that really is all that matters!

So, although I had several days off, I was never home and am so far behind on -- well -- everything! Laundry is an ongoing project at my house, so I am NEVER really caught up. I do need to clean tho. But you now what? I have (ssshhhh!) NO PLANS this weekend...and it is supposed to rain Saturday (which really makes me happy!)...and everyone will be home...which means I have lots of help around the house. I'm thinking we all take a nap and spend the afternoon cleaning...hehe. Thinking I will bribe them with baked spaghetti and brownies for supper!

For Moms Of Itty Bitty Ones...

2011-02-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

See this little guy? So little...he wasn't even 1 year old yet! He went from having no hair to a head full of it (obviously he did NOT inherit that from me!). We still have that rocking chair. The outfit he is wearing was always one of my favs....he's so handsome!

Now, this tiny one is 12 years old and taller than me (but barely), His booty doesn't quite fit into that rocking chair anymore. Where does the time go? I know we all ask that question, but I have ben asking myself that more and more frequently these days!

So back to present day news....

Vaca reservations have been made -- WOO HOO!!! It can't come soon enough! I am looking forward to spring break and even more to summer vacation! I'm going to whine and complain once again express my strong dislike for lunches and backpacks. I love Thursdays because it is pizza day and I only have to make one lunch. Ugh...trivial I know...but I have friends who feel the same so I know I am in good company!

This is a three day weekend...again I say WOO HOO!! Unfortunately I have to work this weekend, but we are ALL going to be home Monday! We have already made plans to see "Gnomeo and Juliet" and eat at Ichiban Buffet. Josh is thrilled beyond words! Next week will be a killer for the boys tho. Josh has play practice every night and Zachary is working lights, so he will be gone too since it is production week. Josh is a pirate in the play "How I Became a Pirate" at Harrell Theatre next weekend. On Saturday night, the author of the book will be at the performance, so everyone is really excited! If you want to come and want info on tickets, just let me know! These kids have worked really hard and are so thrilled - plus I personally think the music is really cute!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! I will especially be loving mine when I get off work Sunday night, but still.... :-)

Word

2011-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

No - I don't mean "word" as in "Yo, Yo..." I mean "word" as in I have been thinking about my "word" for 2011. If you listen to KLOVE, you know what I am talking about. You are supposed to think of a word to be your "theme" for the year. One dj has the word "clear"....another one is using "distinct". I LOVE those words! Makes me wish I could have thought of them! That's okay tho....I am deciding between 2. You are supposed to decide by the end of January, so I guess I only have a few days left - guess I need to crack down!

So anyway, today was like a breath of fresh air. The sun and warmer temps were glorious! I am however paying for it now - I can't breathe out of my nose, but it was well worth it! Ava had ballet - had lunch with a friend - I ran a couple of errands - Target being one of them. Have I mentioned how I LOVE Target? Seriously, I think they must have some sort of mind altering drug that flows from the vents. It doesn't matter how many cars are in the parking lot, as soon as you walk in, it is like you are the only person in the store. Time comes to a screeching halt...my mind suddenly becomes clear....birds sing and woodland creatures eat out of my hand. Okay - well - maybe not the last part, but it wouldn't surprise me - haha! Everything looks so different in Target. I may have seen it a million times elsewhere, but when I see it in Target, it is as if I am seeing it for the first time. What is up with that? Right now, it is my favorite place to kill time. If it had a beach, I would never leave!

My ADD must be kicking in because I can't stay on one track! I mentioned I have been reading "Choosing To SEE" by Mary Beth Chapman. Have any of you read it? It is an incredibly powerful book. I read the first chapter and was afraid to pick it back up. As a mom, it was just too close to home for me (if you don't know, in May 2008, her then 5 year-old daughter Maria was accidentally run over by her older brother and was killed.) I think it was because it sounded like Maria was a perfect combination of my two girls. She liked to "pinky-promise" like Ava, and she loved it when her whole family was together - just like Sara. After a couple of days I realized that Satan was trying to use that against me. He knew that book would be a blessing to me and would try any means possible to keep me from it. So, I picked it up again and hardly been able to put it down. The Chapman's are an amazing family. Their faith is phenomenal. God has spoken to them and through them in ways you would not believe. I have so enjoyed that book because Mary Beth has made herself so transparent. You just have to read it for yourself - I might even read it again!

Well, besides work, shuttling to play practice, laundry, grocery shopping, keeping Ava from destroying something or torturing the dog, laundry, meal planning, balancing life (unsuccessfully usually), LAUNDRY (in case I haven't mentioned it already)....that pretty much sums up my week! If you have a "word" for 2011, please feel free the mention it - I'd love to know!

Addendum

2011-01-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

I just started reading "Choosing To See" by Mary Beth Chapman. The prologue was written by Beth Moore, and in the closing paragraph were these words (bear in mind she is referring to the tragic death of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman's 5 year-old daughter Maria in May 2008):

"An unbelieving onlooker could reason that, to have a God who cared enough to orchestrate something like the timing of that dream [a dream she had about Mary Beth and Maria, which unbeknownst to her was actually an answer to prayer for Mary Beth], we'd have a God who'd never let such a tragedy happen to start with. These are places where God exercises His sovereign right to remain a mystery. We cannot fathom the intricacies of the divine plan. But make no mistake, when we are in the driest desert, we can receive the manna to make it all the way to the other side where trees bud again and children laugh. God sometimes delivers us from evils we never see. Other times He parts raging oceans before our very eyes. Still other times He says, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you....Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west' (Isa. 43:2,5)"

In light of my previous blog (in case you are reading this on facebook and have no idea what I am talking about, click here to go to my blog), I really thought this was too "golden" not to post. As usual, Beth Moore so eloquently stated the point I was trying to get across - that God can exercise "His sovereign right to remain a mystery". (Sigh) ---- life gets harder as we get older (in some aspects!) :-)

Something That Made Me Go Hmmmmm....

2011-01-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

So, one day last week I was listening to KLOVE and the were doing the daily news stories. They started off talking about the tragic shooting in Arizona last weekend and the death of the nine-year old girl. (BTW - wasn't she BEAUTIFUL??) Anyway, the story immediately following was about the year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti and how an infant who had survived 4 days in the rubble without food and water was able to meet her rescuers. The baby's mom was quoted as saying that "God must have a something very special planned" for her baby. That really kind of stung me. I mean, I know it wasn't intended to sound this way, but to hear that on the heels of the story of the tragic shooting, it was almost as if this baby was saved because he/she was more special than the nine-year old who was callously gunned down. Obviously I know that isn't true, but imagine what that would sound like to a non-believer, or even to this little girl's parents?

Yet, how many times have we used that phrase in reference to someone else who had a brush with death? I know I have used it - or thought it at least. If you really think about it though, it isn't really true. We ALL have special plans for our lives - given to us by God Himself. The God I serve is not surprised by what happens here on earth. He isn't up there scratching His head or wringing His hands wondering what He's going to do with all these rebel children! :-) That - my friends - is a huge comfort to know!

When Sarah was born, on her birth announcement, one of the verses we had printed was Psalm 139:16, "Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began." He knows it all....our beginning...our end...and it isn't our place to try to figure it out. I mean, you can try, but you really won't be able to. Trying to figure out the "how's" or "why's" things happen to us or in our world can consume us or even make us bitter if we let them. Our purpose is spelled out in vs. 14 of Psalm 139. "I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made." THAT is our purpose...in the midst of all the tragedy surrounding us, it is our place to praise Him. Even on the days you don't feel like, JUST DO IT! It will change your whole outlook..I promise! :-)

Already?

2011-01-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

I mean really? We are already 6 days into 2011....and I am still recovering from that blur we called the holidays! It was fun and all, but I am more than ready to assume our normal chaos. The kids were (for the most part) ready to go back to school and Ava is bouncing off the walls to go back to her ballet classes! The break was fun - restful - yet I still did not do ~~some~~ most of the things I wanted. :-( I had intended on doing the Happy Birthday Jesus cake, but due to unexpected illness by three of the 6 family members (myself included) - it just did not happen. It's a great idea though, so I am hoping to do it at Easter....it just can't be a "Happy Birthday" cake. (Did you get to try it Judith??) We partied 3 nights in a row...the kids had a blast - well we all did!! It's fun to have people over to our house....stresses me out to get ready for it, but it is still fun!

Anyway, decorations are down - much to the dismay of one very upset four year old. The night Charles started taking down the trees, Sarah exclaimed "Daddy, how can you do this to us? Santa will be so disappointed!" That girl is a hoot. Her latest thing is she is telling everyone that we (as in "she and I") are going out of town and never coming back. Yeah -- like that statement didn't provoke phone calls from teachers at school. Thank goodness they are all our friends! Hearing her repeat things these days is like playing the game "Rumor". Have you ever played it? You have a room full of people and one person whispers something to another and so on and so on until the last person in the room repeats what was told to them - which is usually some whacked out statement making no sense. Well, that is every day life with Sarah....minus the room full of people. She was also telling Zachary and Josh that we actually went to visit the "Fresh Beat" house. (FYI...."Fresh Beat Band" is a show that comes on Nickelodeon that the girls love. It is about 4 teenagers that live in the house and they all play musical instruments and dance, etc. I know, I know, there is the whole 'where are the parents' thing, but that is just the way it is!) So anyway, either she is dreaming some crazy dreams or I need to get her ears checked! Until then, I'm just going to be extremely careful what I say!

So anyway, I guess I will gear up for "White Out 2011" -- the weather service says we are supposed to get 5-8 inches of snow here in Memphis - which means I need to get to the store! I got the bread but I need some milk!!! Oh - and the boys need some snow shoes!!

Five More Sleeps

2010-12-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

***DISCLAIMER*** - when I started writing this post, it was Monday, December 20th, so it really was only five more sleeps til Christmas. Due to a late night trip to retrieve my stranded hubby, the post didn't get finished to Tuesday - which is really four more sleeps....I haven't totally lost it!
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That is what I told the girls tonight.....five more sleeps until Christmas! It just can't come soon enough for them, which is not surprising ~ them and their "microwave mentality"! They are just beside themselves....and I can only play the Santa card for so long - lol! It will be over soon enough (sigh).

So anyway, we had Zachary's birthday - he turned the big "12" this year. He was also quick to remind me that in 365 days he would be a teenager. UGH! I have been around little ones for years - as soon as I could babysit - but teenagers? That is unchartered territory for me! I don't know what to do with them! I don't think Zachary will be difficult. He is an awesome kid - an incredible blessing. I just can't believe that my first little bundle of joy has grown up so fast. He "broke me in" as a mom. I was so stressed those first few months - mainly when he was sleeping. SIDS freaked me out and I would literally stand over his crib on the verge of a panic attack. Finally, one night I realized that this little blessing from God was in His hands. All of Zachary's days were known to Him before he graced my arms. I was stressing over nothing. Since then, the "worries" have changed..health...happiness...friendships...you know how it goes. As a mom you never stop worrying about your kids. Now he's talking about teenage years? You know - that is a whole year away, so for now, I think I'm just going to put a pin in it and come back to it later.....

Josh got a part in the play "How I Became A Pirate". It is a really cutre story. Practices start in January and performances are the end of February. It is a rough schedule, but one we are used to. Both boys were in a play in the spring....Zachary just last month...now Josh. He is actually in the "pirate ensemble", but he doesn't care. It is a small cast, so he was just glad to get a part! He and Zachary both have made lots of friends through New Day, so he is looking forward to getting caught up with everyone.

Now, school is out and this week will be crazy, but today was fun. Went with all the kids and Charles' mom to see "Tangled"....very cute movie! Still have some shopping (just a few little things) to do...squeeze in a couple of days at work...one (and I do mean one!) more trip to Wal-Mart...a fun night with friends...then a party for Jesus' birthday! I saw a cute Happy Birthday Jeasus cake (thanks Judith!) on a friend's blog that I am going to try. If it works, then I will post some pics. The kids will enjoy it I know.

So anyway...let the fun and festivities begin! Merry Christmas!

Tis the Season

2010-12-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

...to be jolly? Thankful? Generous? Reflective? Forgiving? All of the above? Yeah -- probably the latter for most of us. I hate to say it, but I don't really feel all of these things in the middle of July. I most definitely should, but I don't. Sometimes it takes a dose of reality to really shake things up and make me realize just how fortunate blessed I am. My husband is sleeping soundly right next to me...yet a young bride is mourning the loss of her husband in Afghanistan (click here to see her blog). Two other couples I know of are going through a divorce. It all seems so surreal -- so unfair. I can't imagine the pain they are going through. None of these people deserve these tragedies. Why them? Why at Christmas? It seems like there should be some sort of "protective" period during the holidays so that no one should have to experience pain or death during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. At least ~ I wish it could be that way. Now, for these families, the holidays will only be a reminder of the day their lives changed forever. My heart really hurts for them. Again, I am reminded that I am very blessed. I have four healthy children, a house to live in, a faithful, patient, hardworking husband, a job....the list goes on. I think my last post talked about being thankful. That's okay though...I never want to take these things for granted.

Yet, go back the start of my blog....these things are all heightened in sensitivity because it is the holiday season. Why aren't we concerned with giving in July? Why aren't we adopting "angels" or supporting toy drives in the summer? Why aren't we helping out in the homeless shelters during the other months of the year? No - I don't do it, but I'm thinking I should be doing something else at other times besides Christmas. I'm not trying to point fingers - I'm talking to myself here. Y'all are just lucky enough to be a part of the conversation..haha! I need to work on that...and get my kids involved in it to. The boys and I have already been talking about what to do for Christmas to help out other kids. I want them to think of Christmas as "what can I give?" rather than "what can I get?" And I know for kiddos -- that is a hard concept! That is why I want them to decide the "who" and "where" so that they make the final call. I don't want it to be like I bought the gift and put their name on it. You know?

Anyway...I'm just kind of rambling. It's very late early in the morning. I'm thinking that Starbucks I had earlier wasn't decaf! Please be thankful for the little things as well as the big things...pray for those who are hurting, and ask God the use you to minister to someone - rather it be in a big way or a small way. And don't forget to say, "I love you" to those who mean the most to you!

Well...duh....

2010-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Haha...I titled that b/c it is "Thanksgiving Eve" and all of Facebook is a flutter with everyone's things they are thankful for! Yes - I am truly thankful. I am thankful for the big things as well as the small things. For a job that even though I might not always like...I am blessed to have. Thankful for 4 HEALTHY kids that are all under my roof tonight. As the years go by, there is no telling where God will lead them. Thankful for an amazing husband...guys like him are few and far between. Thankful for food in my fridge and clothes in my closet. So many people are not so lucky. Thankful I have a vehicle to take me where I need to go. Thankful for little arms that hug my neck and little voices that say, "Mom, I love you." Seriously...I don't need any more than that. Really, I don't. I listen to the news and realize (again) that these kids are merely on loan to me. God has blessed me with them and He could choose to call them home any day. For tonite, they are with me. Years from now they might be across the country or even on the other side of the world. Who knows? My quiver is very full...and for that I am very thankful!

Hmmmmm????

2010-11-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

Again...it has been FOREVER since I blogged. I think I start all my blogs out this way! I used to be so good about it, but now it seems I just don't have time. That "life" things seems to constantly get in my way. Then there is the whole "what should I blog about?" thing. Sometimes at night when I am supposed to be sleeping, my mind is racing with ideas for blogging. Does it ever come to fruition? Ha - obviously not! That's okay -- this blog is just going to be random - because that is pretty much the way my life feels right now -- random! :-)

Sooooo...I like to "blog-stalk" if there is such a term. I love to read other people's blogs! Many blogs I read or follow are written by people I don't know in person, but I love to read what they write. I can usually relate to them on some level, and love to see what golden nuggets of wisdom I can take away from their posts. Sometimes it is learning how to deal with chaos, sometimes it is great spiritual insight. One thing I have noticed though, some people tend to share waaay too much with the world! (These are usually the people I don't know!) If Charles and I had a knock-down-drag-out fight last night, I sure would not be writing about it on my blog! Okay -- if you know me and Charles, then you have to know that us having a "knock-down-drag-out" really is out of the question...we aren't exactly "fighters". Don't get me wrong -- we have our moments, but we are more of the "silent" fight types..ya know? Okay - maybe I should stop now...haha! Point is, I guess if we were the types to just put it all "out there" for everyone to read about, then it wouldn't matter. I'm just not that type.

Oh well -- we hade new family pics made...do you like them? Our ah-MAZING photographer friend took them. He is so talented! My wonderful hubby is pretty good too with the computer side of it...he can swap out faces...whatever you need to make the pic turn out, he can most definately do it!

In other news....I realized the other day how much things have changed once I had kids. Well -- I guess I should say how much I have changed. Before kids, my house was cleaned top to bottom once a week. I was able to maintain for a while once Zachary was born, but fast-forward to today and -- well -- that's totally out the window! I do remember dusting last week...and I did run the vacuum cleaner...one day. Now, I do stay on top of my laundry -- which is a MUST with 4 kids! [Insert side bar here: with 6 people living in the house, "staying on top" of laundry for me means that the laundry basket is "fairly" empty. If I do get an empty basket, it only stays that way for about 3 minutes!] And I do not let dishes pile up in the sink -- just can't deal with that. I also do pick things up throughout the day and at night when the kiddos are in bed, so my house is at least NEAT....just not Cloroxed on a regular basis. (Is it wrong that the smell of bleach in the bathrooms gives me great satisfaction?) I had great plans one day last week to do some serious cleaning when Ava asked me ever-so-sweetly to sit with her and watch Dora (or Little Bear...or Max & Ruby...or Pinky Dinky Doo...or something like that.) I had a sudden change in plans and did just that. We sat on the couch doing nothing but chatting and watching tv...the whole time she was curled up with her blanket in my lap. Who cares what got done that day? At one time it would have eaten away at the anal-rententive side of me, but not anymore. Maybe it is because Sarah and Ava are "it"...no more little ones for me. I've seen Sarah start school this year and it breaks my heart to hear her tell me every day she missed me (but she is totally in love with school too - don't get me wrong. I think she is schmoozing me!) I figure Ava will be in school soon enough and then it will be just me at home during the day. Believe it or not, I actually am NOT looking forward to that. There are some positive things about it...like actually being able to go to the grocery store and focus on what I am buying....lunch with a friend on my days off...being able to clean the whole house at once...stuff like that. They just won't be my babies any more. :-( I do have to say, even though Zachary and Josh are older, they will come curl up next to me and watch a movie or a tv show. At least they haven't reached the age of not wanting to be around me yet (I don't think!) But my girls....my baby girls. They are getting to the fun stage of wanting to play in make-up and wanting their fingernails and toenails painted. I can't wait for the manis and pedis! So, all this to say...if you drop by my house and think, "ewwwww.....I could write my name on her mantle! And look at those ceiling fan blades!" I really don't care! That means I have dropped what I was doing to love and hold and snuggle with those kiddos. The other stuff just doesn't matter - not now anyway! :-) Don't get me wrong....I am far from perfect! I say things I don't mean....have to apologize (something I think parents should do). Everyone makes mistakes and each day starts with a clean slate ~ take advantage of it!

It's ALMOST Friday....Close Enough!

2010-09-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

Haha! I'll take what I can get...but I am ready to call an end to this week! When school is in session, it seems like getting to Friday is like a race to the finish line. If I can get thru the usual morning chaos and everyone out the door on time for school Friday morning, then I have broken thru the tape and can breathe a HUGE sigh of relief! You all know how abnormal my schedule is, now Zachary has play practice several nights and on Saturdays, Josh is doing JBQ at church (meaning he has to be there at 5:30), Ava has ballet 2 mornings a week...but poor Sarah has nothing extra! (I'll just keep her home and work with her on writing her name! She is actually doing very well in school and loves it!) Anyway, throw into the mix I have a current car "issue" that is probably going to leave me without a vehicle for several - well , probably more than just "several" -- days. A tractor trailor backed into me so my front bumper needs a little TLC! It could have been alot worse, so I really can't complain. Makes me shudder to think what would have happened if I had been in Charles' car. His car is so low to the ground, it probably would have come thru the windshield!
So anywho....tomorrow is Friday and then Saturday Sarah has a birthday party, Zachary has practice, friends for dinner, Josh is spending the night at my mom's new digs...yea her! She finally moved out of her house and into her own little apartment! She is sooooo thrilled! Her old house held lots of bad memories for her, and the neighborhood just isn't safe for a single woman (at least I don't think so). Now, instead of being 30 minutes away, she is only about 5 minutes away. It is a "win-win" situation for all of us...ha!

You know, I really am just rambling nonsense here....just kind of the mood I am in I guess. Waiting for the last 30 minutes of my day to pass so I can clock out and head home. We got a new kitchen table today and I can't wait to see it! Finally...after all these years...we have a kitchen table all 6 of us can sit at! Before, the only way could all sit together was to sit at the dining room table, and we just are not "dining room" people...you know?

So - speaking of dining room (which makes me think of meals -- which makes me think of Ava -- stay with me people)...I was thinking the other day...my little Ava ~ God love her ~ Ava is my spirited strong willed child. I find myself saying things to her I don't remember having to say to any of the other three.... "Ava, get your feet off the table", "Ava, don't pick your feet at the table", "Ava, get your fork out of your nose", "Ava, get off of Bernie [our Shih Tzu puppy]", "Ava, go put your underwear on NOW!" I promise, I am not making any of this up. There is always something to laugh (or cry) at at our house! I hope ya'll have an "Ava" you can relate to, because she sure makes life more interesting. Well, all my kids do really. I love them so very much, and am so proud of the people they are becoming. I listen to Zachary and as he relates the events of his day and conversations he had with his friends, it really makes me proud that he is so strong in his beliefs and so confident in himself. That is pretty awesome for a 6th grader! Josh still reigns supreme in his own little world - population "1"! He is so funny, so sweet, and so cranky when he doesn't get enough sleep. Sarah is my little princess who has transformed from "toddler" to "little girl" in just a couple of months. I'm so amazed by her! I miss her so much now that she is in school all day. Now, it is just me and Ava - each of us getting some well-deserved one-on-one time with each other. It probably is a good thing it is just the two of us, because she WEARS ME OUT!!!! Haha...

So did I lose you? Did you stay with me til the end? I told you I was in a rambling kind of mood! More later...not sure when...so just be ready!

Re-Runs Are Good Too!

2010-09-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

(I am seriously behind on my blogging...having the computer upstairs makes it much harder to just stop and blog my thoughts for a minute. Then there is the puppy...and of course Ava...point being I just don't have much time these days, but I promise to do better! It is my therapy you know! Now on to the blog.......)

I love re-runs...heck....if it weren't for re-runs (or DVR) I would never see anything on tv. I love to watch"Friends", "The Office", "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Home Improvement", "That 70's Show"... I would be in heaven if there was a channel dedicated to to nothing but re-runs of these shows (my own choosing you understand). I saw a glimpse of a recent "Two and a Half Men" and nearly choked when I saw how grown Jake is now! I am REALLY behind!

Anyway, the point of all this is....I originally posted this blog in November 2008 (has it really been that long? WOW!) My husband is pretty special, and I had written this to just fill ya'll in on some of the things you don't get to see. He is amazing in so many ways and I am so very blessed to have him as my husband. We have a crazy life, yet he takes it all in stride. I decided to re-post it because it is WAY overdue, and to tweek it just a bit. He deserves to hear it...more often than every 2 years too! So here you go....just a few reasons why I am so in love with my husband:

1) He loves his family. Charles is 100% hands-on with the kids. With my work schedule, I am gone 3 nights out of the week, so that is 3 nights he is home alone with 4 kids and a puppy and having to manage homework, dinner, baths, and bedtime. There aren't many men who would do that - or can do that - much less be good at it!

2) He does little things to show me he thinks of me. On days he knows I am driving his car the next day, he'll set the CD player to my favorite CD, or he'll send me an e-card for no reason. He doesn't hesitate to make me feel special.

3) He is always quick to compliment if he thinks I look nice, or even on dinner (when I am able to cook!) And he is a pretty good grillmaster if I do say so myself!

4) He voluntarily helps out around the house. He will give the girls a bath while I do dishes or vice-versa. I never have to ask him to help me.

5) He has no problem with me having a "girls night" every now and then - even when I am gone other nights of the week. I don't do it very often because that is another night away from home, but if I do.....

6) He has a tender heart and is soft-spoken. He never yells and never talks down to me.

7) He has the best arms in the world! When he hugs me, it is the best part of my day...aaahhhhh!

8) His attitude in a stressful situation is so comforting. He is my rock for sure.

9) He is great at making me see the "other side of the story". If I get upset about something he'll say, "Well, from their perspective, they probably meant......" Sometimes it makes me want to slug him...but I know he is right.

10) I love how he hums in the shower.

11) He'll bring home Nestle Tollhouse ice-cream cookies when he has to make a night trip to Wal-Mart! Or make a batch of Girhadelli brownies...YUM!

12) He will sew his own button or iron his own shirt.

13) He makes the BEST lasagna, the BEST cheesecake, and the BEST home-made oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies!

14) He still opens my door for me.

15) We ALWAYS end a phone conversation with "I Love You". Even if he is miffed with me, he'll still say it! :-)

16) He'll bring me flowers "just because".

17) He works hard. He has a full-time job and still works for his dad. It stinks sometimes -- okay -- lots of the time, but he still does it.

18) His family comes first.

19) If you are lucky enough to be his friend, then you have a friend for life.

20) He is the most patient person I know. I don't know how he does what he does!

21) He'll give me his "crispy" part of his fish and take my "thicker" part. (I don't like thick fillets!)

22) He knows that I like honey mustard with my onion rings, lemon in my tea/water, no jalepenos on my " Spud Ole", my eggs hard scrambled, and he knows (better than I do I am ashamed to admit), how I like my coffee!

23) He'll arrange for someone(s) to watch the kiddos so we can have a "date" every now and then. It doesn't happen often, but we try!

24) He decorates an amazing Christmas tree. I am not the creative one here...he is so good at that kind of stuff! Thank goodness the kids have him around to help with projects and stuff!

25) He is faithful ~ enough said.

I could go on and on. This is just the tip of the iceberg people! He is the perfect example of Christ's love for the church. There are so many times I can't understand why he puts up with my craziness, moodiness or stubborness, but it is all because he loves me ~ unconditionally. It's just that simple. Just like God's love for us ~ it's unconditional! Yeah...it's pretty awesome! :-)

Time Does Fly!

2010-07-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Obviously...because it has been almost 2 months since my last blog! We have moved, celebrated birthdays, had sleepovers, slept in, loved summer, and so much more. I know the evil school stuff is looming around the corner, but I just can't bring myself to think about it just yet...lalalala!

So first, we moved to an amazing neighborhood. So many kids, so many nice families! The girls would stay outside from dawn to dusk (which I wouldn't mind if it weren't 120 degrees outside!), and the boys pretty much do! Well -- they spend alot of time swimming. In the evenings when it cools down, we all emerge from our cool caves and ride bikes, go for walks, or talk. I seriously can't tell you how happy we are with our new neighborhood! I don't care if they tore down my old house and replaced it with a 4,000 square foot house for less money. The people who had moved in next door brought their 2 pit bulls. Nice. They had to be chained up when they were out because the yard was not gated all the way around. They barked like crazy any time we were outside (and that was lovely since I get home at 11:30 at night on the days I work.) Sometimes I just walked back there to get them all worked up just to be mean -- oops! I didn't care ... our bedrooms were on the other side of the house. I was so afraid for the girls to even go in the backyard (we had a chain link fence on that side). Those jokers are strong and if they got mad enough, I was afraid they would break their chain and come over that fence in a millisecond! Anyway....there were no neighborhood kids for the boys to play with either (except one - long story). All that and the obvious growing of our family called for a new place to call home! So fast forward...here we are! The biggest change is that Zachary and Josh each have their own room. Zachary (my OCD child) is sooooo happy! He has a place for everything and everything is in its place. Josh ,however, (as I have stated before) is NOT OCD about things....his philosophy is "let the chips [or stuff] fall where they may." You get the idea. See why Zachary is so happy?

Now, the drawbacks to our present situation. 1) The girls can reach the locks and can escape out the front door anytime. So far, this hasn't been a HUGE issue...but it still is an issue. 2) Twice I have come home from work and nearly had a panic attack because I literally could not find one of my kids (and suprisingly, neither time it was Ava!) The first time it was Josh. He had fallen asleep in an overstuffed chair in the corner of the living room. The lights were out, so I couldn't see him. The second time it was Zachary. The girls were afraid of the fireworks the neighbors behind us were shooting off, so he had fallen asleep in the girl's room. Ava was in our bed curled up next to Charles. My heart was racing that night!

So anyway....here we are...in the throws of summer...aaahhhhh...so nice! Sarah and Ava both had birthdays. They are now 4 and 3. Wow! How does that happen? Sarah is obsessed with wearing clothes that are purple, and Ava clomps around the house all day in her princess shoes. She is quite the diva! We've been playing in the little blow-up pool. Well, the girls have. I just supervise! We would love to have a pool....maybe in a couple of years. Goodness knows we would use it! We'll see...rumors of a dog are brewing....

I had to change my pictures on my blog. I just realized it's summer and in the old pics, all my kids are wearing sweaters! Ha! The beach pics are from last year. Everyone still looks the same - except taller - and Josh does have a buzz cut! That's okay...they're still cute...even if they are mine! :-)

I Could STILL Use That Starbucks!

2010-05-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

It may be 6:30 p.m., but I still wish I had me a White Chocolate Mocha -- non-fat -- with whip from Starbucks. I had wanted to stop on my way into work this morning, but I ran out of time (the story of my life!) My sweet Sarah had a nasty bug that hit her about 1:30 this morning (just as Charles and I were getting in bed after working on some house stuff. The couple buying our house was coming back for a final walk-thru Sunday), and she and I were up til almost 4. I had to get up at 7 to get ready for work so....well...you do the math. I have wracked my brain and for the life of me, I have no idea where she could have gotten it. All I know is she was one sick, pitiful little girl ~ but such a trooper! Unfortunately, when she got sick the first time, she happened to include Ava in her "shower of blessings", so Ava woke up crying and upset that "Sissy frew up on me!" Charles got busy cleaning them off and I changed the sheets. After everyone was clean, Sarah and I moved to the couch and daddy calmed Ava back to sleep. As I was getting Sarah a change of clothes, Charles asked if I wanted to put her in bed with me and he could lay down with Ava in her bed. I told him no, that it was easier for me to keep her on the couch with a wastebasket nearby. I went back into the bathroom and Sarah had the most forlorn look on her face and asked "But who's gonna take care of me?" I asked her what she meant and she said, "If you are in your bed and Daddy is with Ava, who is going to take care of me?" Well - if that doesn't cut you at the knees, then you my friend, do not have a soul! Once I told her I was taking care of her - that we were sleeping on the couch together - she perked right back up. That poor angel! It breaks my heart that she even thought - if only for a few seconds - no one was going to take care of her!

So, by 4 her little body finally gave up and she feel asleep and we spent the rest of the night on the couch. When she got up, she was all bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to start her day ~ for which I am thankful. Considering Charles was just as exhausted as I was, I know he was glad she felt better. It is one thing to be dog-tired, but to be dog-tired and have a sick child...that is a totally different story!

So -- we are ready start our week ... looking forward to the move (well - not actually moving, but the end result!), hopefully the boys will find out what is going to happen with karate (Prairie Life closed and their instructor has to find a new place to practice), maybe my car will be fixed so I can get it out of the shop (transmission issues - but covered under warranty!) and maybe I can actually see Josh play baseball! His game Saturday was rained out, so I have yet to see him play a game!

We are only a couple of weeks away from June my friends...summer is fast approaching! :-)

I Hate Titles!

2010-05-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

I do...coming up with a title is worse than writing the blog! I looked at the date I last blogged and could not believe how long since it has been since I wrote anything. Goodness knows I could use some writing therapy! Maybe this will make my eye stop twitching...ha! No really, my left eye has been twitching for about 2 weeks. I actually googled it and causes can be tiredness or stress. So either way I lose! The change in my work schedule means I am always tired, and just the thought of the impending move makes me want to reach for a little brown bag to breathe in.

Yes, since my last blog, we put our house up for sale..sold it in 4 days...then found an AH-MAZING house for ourselves. Seriously...Charles and I had decided if we did not get this house, we would probably move into an apartment and consider buying a lot and building. But that was not to be! This one is so perfect for us. Strange thing is, the only reason we even looked at it was just to kill time while someone else looked at our house. I had seen the pics on the internet, but wasn't really "wowed" by them. When we walked thru it though, Charles and I both had "that feeling"...you know...it had the "it" factor. We couldn't put our finger on it...we just knew this was "our" house. It's kind of like when you know you have met "the one"...the one you are meant to spend the rest of your life with. It's beautiful...and will take many many years to decorate the way we want. That's okay tho...we have the time..I just don't have the patience (or the $$..ha!!) It's only a couple of minutes (literally) from where we are now, so the move should be easy. I just dread the packing...and the unpacking. I was hoping to be able to slip into some sort of coma for a few days and wake up and it all be done...yeah...right......where is that little brown bag again?

So that's what's going on for us. The kids are sooooo excited! The boys are looking forward to having their own room...I'm looking forward to the big kitchen and reclaiming an actual master bath...and the closet space! Charles is pumped about having a 3rd car garage...and we are all looking forward to the new friends to be made! I hear the cove is full of kiddos, so lots of playmates for everyone!

Oh~and let's not forget the most important event coming up.....the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! Seriously, I don't know who is looking forward to it more, me or the boys! No schedules, no tests, no forms to fill out, no lunches to make, no backpacks, no uniforms....aaah! I've been looking forward to this since spring break....2 months of bliss (well -- for the most part -- until the fighting begins! :-)

Frazzled!

2010-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ha! Yeah -- that pretty much describes my life on an erveryday basis, but you know, I am pretty used to it by now. I was just looking at my blog and realized here it is, almost the middle of April, and I have not blogged even once this month. Goodness knows, I should have...that would relieve plenty of stress! Let me just throw out a few things to catch up on the last few weeks...

- Josh has started baseball. He loves it, and appears to be pretty good at it! He has practice on Mondays and then Charles has to get him to karate. Makes for a stressful afternoon for Charles..poor guy! Add to that the Mondays when I am working, and then it s even more stressful for him. :-( Sometimes I think there are more disadvantages than advantages to my schedule, but what do you do? At least I have a job...

- Allergies....'nuf said! I need to invest in an antihistamine company!

- Because of said allergies, Sarah has been BACK to the dr. for her recurrent croup -- got a cxr (which was normal) - and still tends to "bark" periodically. I am taking it upon myself to diagnose her croup due to allergies. She's okay though -- I am blessed to have healthy kids! I'm not going to stress over some sniffs and drips!

- We had a visitor at our house a couple of weeks ago....a little bird got in thru the back door going into the garage! Fortunately, Josh was not home at the time or we would have had to do CPR on him...he would have totally freaked! My poor mom was trying to heard the girls out so she could take them to her house to meet an inspector. Thank goodness she managed to get him out with no incident (like pooping!)

- Same day -- while the girls were at my mom's -- Ava somehow figured out how to call 911. At least they called back before they sent the calvary out to her house!

- Finally, we now have a "For Sale" sign in our yard! I'm still in shock! It would be great if it sold quickly. People think we are crazy for selling our house. Umm, have you counted how many people actually live there? We do like our house -- it isn't personal -- we just need more room! The boys are busting out of their room, and quite frankly - they each need their own. They are the epitome of "The Odd Couple", and have now reached the age where I think they would like each other more if they each had their own space. On the other hand, I plan on keeping the girls together as long as they want to share a room. They love to giggle and play, and when it comes to sleeping, they sleep like puppies -- all over each other! I NEED a master bath -- a retreat -- a room for me where I can lock the door! Yes - I admit I am being selfish, but I don't think that is much to ask. Six people require S-P-A-C-E ! Oh well - time will tell! I'm so very proud of my husband for working so hard to get the house ready!

I guess hat sums it up -- for now! Stayed tuned for more excitement! :-)

What Was I Just Thinking About?

2010-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am getting so old....or my kids have sucked every functioning brain cell out of my head! I had a great topic to blog about and for the life of me I have forgotten what it was! Whatever it was had pushed its way all the way past the other potential blog topics into the number 1 spot...and now I can't even remember what it was! AAAAAGGHHH! That is so frustrating....I've tried to re-trace my thoughts but that hasn't helped either. I'm telling you -- it's those lovely children of mine! Let's see....I do remember reading an awesome blog on marriage by "MckMama" (see the blog list on the right!).....it was so amazing I was just going to post the link and let you read it yourself...then I am sure one of my kids did something to deserve an entry. I'm just a total blank!

Well, I guess if I'm here, I might as well blog about something. It's going to be stream of randomness, so just bear with me! Let's see.....we have "sort of" started potty training with Ava. She is just not getting it. I need to have everyone else move out of the house for a couple of days so it can just be me and her, but that isn't going to happen. My work schedule is so crazy that I don't have enough days off in a row where we can just stay home and focus on this (and my job? -- that deserves another post -- but can't do it here -- those thoughts are best kept to myself, so just pray that an amazing miracle happens to rectify that situation!) Like Sarah, it will "click" for her eventually....and I cannot wait! Then we will be diaper-free! Woohoo! Yea for small victories! (Small victories that add up to big $$$!)

Hmmm....what else is going on...there is always something! Life is just it's normal crazy self at our house...karate....baseball...we go in different directions most days - and the girls have not even started any extra sports or activities yet!

I STILL can't think of what it was I wanted to blog about...maybe about my dislike for change...how frustrating life can be sometimes...how much I love my kiddos and how fast they are growing up...I don't know. If it comes back to me, I'll let you know! Enjoy this beautiful Saturday!

Over Already?

2010-03-16T19:09:00.001-07:00

Man -- spring break came and went faster than I could blink! Where did the time go? it ws sooo nice to not have to make lunches or worry about homework or backpacks...summer just can't come fast enough! We did plenty of stuff...but not like REALLY fun stuff. The two days the weather was nice, I had to work..but the kiddos played outside, so they were still happy. We had dentist appointments (still no cavities..woohoo!), ate at Perkins TWICE (the boys could eat there every meal I think!), and they had play practice every night from 6-9. Tonight (Tuesday), is their first night at home in I don't know how long...they just don't know what to do! They were bummed after Sunday's performance because they won't see their new friends on a regular basis. :-( That's okay...we got phone numbers, so we can keep in touch! At Sunday's performance, they presented Josh with what you see here....

Josh was the "Featured Artist" for "Dear Edwina"...meaning his artwork was used for all posters, tickets, flyers, etc. Leanne (the president of New Day Theatre), had a flyer and ticket framed and had all the cast sign...isn't it precious? They had such a good time...and most importantly, made some new friends along the way. Josh is really excited because this summer they are doing two sessions of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" workshops. He just looooves that series! The movie can't come out fast enough!

So -- that was our week in a nutshell...hope you guys have/had a great spring break!

My Josh

2010-02-22T19:52:00.001-08:00

So -- this is my Josh. Hard to believe he is 8 1/2 now. Seems like only yesterday he looked like this.....

I don't know about you, but I see a whole lot of Ava in that picture! He was 4..playing soccer for the first time. Everyone else would be running down the field after the ball, and he was in his own little world...just jogging behind...waving as he went by! He really is so cute - even if he is mine!

Sometimes I think Josh gets the short end of the stick...he isn't the oldest....isn't the youngest...isn't the first girl...you get the idea. He's a special little guy. (I forgot - he isn't so little anymore!) Of course, all my kids are - but each in their own way. Josh loves video games...and candy...and video games...and candy...and video games...and candy. Well, he does like other stuff too - like reading, playing baseball and basketball (a newfound interest), drawing cartoons, watching movies, and aggravating his siblings. He makes me laugh, and on occasion, he makes me want to pull my hair out. He is a blue belt in karate. His drawing won as the poster for the play he and Zachary are going to be in in a couple of weeks. (The play is "Dear Edwina" at Harrell Theatre March 12-15....shameless plug!) He is a scatterbrain (how many times has he lost his wallet?) He can go to sleep at night with the blanket and sheet covering him, and by the next morning the sheet is shoved all the way down to the foot of the bed and he is wrapped up in the comforter like a sausage. He loves jokes, has an INTENSE fear of storms (no exaggerating there!), and an equally intense imagination. He has a fierce temper, and an amazing ability to feel deeply. He has a sensitive little spirit that makes him cry if you look at him wrong. He most definitely wears his heart on his sleeve. His glass is always half-full. We learned quickly that grounding him or taking things away from him does not work as an effective form of punishment because he would just say, "Oh well, that's okay. I'll just (insert new interest of choice here) instead." He is such a joy to hang out with one-on-one.....not that that happens very much, but I treasure it when it does. I sure do love him...he's my favorite Josh!

Get Out Your Hard Hats!

2010-02-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah - just a quick blurb to let you know I have been playing around with the layout and background of my blog and after over a YEAR I have FINALLY figured out what I have been doing wrong. It was simply a matter of changing my original template. I know that info just made your day, but in the meantime I want to apololgize to my friend Jen because we now have the same background, but I promise to change mine ASAP. I was doodling around with this at work, then got busy, and now it is time to go home -- which takes priority over blog changes. I'm excited about what I can now do...woo hoo! This site is now under construction! :-)

New Stuff

2010-02-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have gone this long without posting. I just don't know where the time goes! Everyone is doing great -- the boys are worn out between karate, play practice, and - oh yeah - school! Josh is having video game withdrawls. Their schedule is wearing us out too...I think I will be glad when this play is over. They are having lots of fun and are enjoying making new friends, but I think they will be glad for a break! The girls are their normal silly selves. They have started this new thing at home where they play "grocery store". Sarah is in the kitchen and Ava comes through with their little grocery cart and Sarah says, "Well hello! Come on in! How are you today?" They are so funny...so dramatic...I am in trouble when the teenage years hit! (How many times have I said that??)

So what did you do for Valentine's Day? Yeah - I know - it has been almost a week, so you might have already forgotten! Personally, I had a great one. Charles and I had a late dinner Friday night at Houston's. Saturday we slept in since the kiddos were gone (that was SOOOOO NIIIIICE!! Seriously! If you are able to sleep past 7:00 on Saturday mornings, consider yourself very fortunate!!), took the boys to play practice, ate lunch at El Porton (what??? 2 meals just the 2 of us? how did THAT happen?), ran errands, picked up all of said children and then headed to our friend's house for a fondu dinner. That was wonderful! She had a chocolate fountain for dessert and Josh discovered carrots weren't so bad when covered in chocolate. I think I will take his word on that one. On Sunday, the kiddos and hubby gave me a wonderful present - 2 heart charms for the Chamilia bracelet they bought me for Christmas. Now I have 3!

We went to church Sunday morning and Pastor spoke about marriage (duh!), but he did bring up one point that I thought was very interesting - and very true. Courtship. He said less marriages would end up in court if there was more courtship in marriage. He said we should have at least 2 ideas of ways we can "court" our spouse over the next 40 days. That is a very good point - especially for those marriages like ours that get so caught up in the logistics of just getting thru the day that you forget to take time to show your spouse why you treasure him/her. Women love the "little things" and the guys like to know they are thought of too (but are less likely to admit it!) There is a marriage blog I follow (you can find it to the left on my side bar), and she also has had some very good points to make (to the wives) about respecting your husband - and lots of other good nuggets! I'm not going to go into it here, but I encourage you to check it out. I've been "gently reminded" of some things that I have forgotten in regards to my relationship with my husband. Yes, our lives are crazy (have I said that already?) After all, we have been married for 13+ years you know! Romance/courtship is so easy when you are dating. That is all you think about, "What can I do to show him how much I love him? To let him know how important he is to me? That I think about him constantly?" Remember those days? You get married, have kids, and then the best you can do is make sure the cap is on the toothpaste. Sometimes I need to just take a step back and look at things (him) from a fresh perspective. I have ordered a book (and for the life of me I can't remember the name...so I will have to get back to you on that!) at the suggestion of my friend Jen's blog, which I am anxious to start reading. It is about nurturing your husband. I will have to keep you updated as to how it goes. It might take me while to get thru it, but I am going to do it!

Anyway -- that is all that is happening in these parts! I am so ready for spring and warm (even hot!) weather, swimming pools, flip flops, capris, t-shirts and shorts (from a laundry perspective!), long days, riding in the car with the windows down, and lots and lots of sunshine. Please feel free to remind me of this in August when it is 150 degress outside and we are sweating in the shower. For now however, I do believe I am starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday's 60 degree weather was enough to give me a taste!! C'mon spring!

There's Nothing Like.......

2010-01-20T06:06:00.001-08:00

.....an innocent face!

We Had A Great Day...It Was A Super Way....

2010-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

....to spend....some time together. (FYI....for those of you without little ones, those lines are from a song they play at the end of "Fresh Beat Band" - a show watched numerous times daily at my house!) It WAS a great day....kids out of school....beautiful sunshine and warm air....aaaahhhh! Just a taste of spring, which unfortunately is still a couple of months away (sigh!) That's okay...it will be here before we know it. We hung out at home in the morning, then after lunch I took the brood to Sonic for ice-cream (gotta love the Butterfinger blast - YUM!), came back home and put the girls down for a nap - which I hated to do because the weather was awesome, but considering they did not have naps yesterday, I thought it to be in EVERYONE'S best interest that they sleep (and they did - for almost 3 hours, so I think I chose wisely!) That's okay - while they snoozed, they boys and I cleaned up some limbs from the backyard and then played some baseball. Good thing we were playing with a rubber ball or Zachary would have taken out a window from the house next door - the kid can hit! Charles came home and it was Chick-fil-A for dinner (I made bbq chicken tenders and corn for lunch and spent my afternoon outside so there was no time to cook dinner too) and off to karate. The boys are now BLUE BELTS - woo hoo! They passed their belt test last Saturday. They have only 3 more colors until they reach their black belts. I am so proud of them! I'm guessing maybe this time next year or maybe even next summer they will reach black belt....hard to say though. It has taken 2 years just to get to this point. That's okay though - the process has been well worth it.

So anyway - we are in the midst of normal chaos, which is a good thing. I just can't wait for summer now....pool days...just being able to be outside more. The natives are getting restless over here! The boys also auditioned for play here in Collierville called "Dear Edwina" - and both got parts, so they will have rehearsals for that too. I've wondered "What was I thinking?" several times since they got the parts because that means 2 nights a week is karate, 1 or 2 nights a week will be play practice (til the show in March), then church on Wednesday. Have you done the math yet? Yeah - I thought the same. Yes - it will be chaotic again...but they will enjoy it - and they will still have reasonable bed times (unlike Christmas!) It's all good. All I care about is that they are doing something they want to do. I've grilled them several times and they assure me they are - soooooo......here we go again!

What Do You See????

2010-01-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

What do you see in the above picture of our mantle that could possibly stress out a 3 year-old? Once the decorations were all put together, Sarah was very concerned.....about her stocking! How was Santa going to reach her stocking? I was asked this question over, and over, and over, and over soooo many times. I tried to reassure her that Santa had his own way of getting down stockings, that he would be sure to fill it and leave it where she could reach it Christmas morning. She still needed that reassurance though - constantly - one answer was not sufficient. Thankfully, come Christmas morning, she saw that I was right and all was well. She is most definitely a child who only believes by seeing...maybe it is an age thing!

Our Christmas was exhausting and exciting....and as I have said on my Facebook page, I am ready to trade all the "Christmas Chaos" for our "Normal Chaos"! However, I am not looking forward to the boys going back to school and having to deal with homework and backpacks and lunches...yuck! There is something to be said for those who homeschool! How much longer til summer break? Spring break is only a couple of months away...then there is Easter....then school will be out for summer...woo hoo!

I am looking at the sea of toys in my house and am thinking that there has to be some serious changes in how we do Christmas next year. For once we actually bought early, but I'm thinking that wasn't such a good idea. We kept thinking of just "one more thing" the closer Christmas got! I'm just thinking that our Christmas is going to change next year. I already have some ideas...hmmmm......

So anyway -- hope you had a fabulous New Year and that 2010 brings you an abundance of God's love and peace and most importantly His many blessings! I pray especially that He will reveal Himself to you in so many ways...big and small...so that you will always be reminded that He is forever by your side. Don't be like Sarah.....you don't HAVE to see in order to believe!

Happy Birthday Zachary!!!!

2009-12-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's hard to believe the guy in that picture will be "officially" 11 years old in about 20 minutes! Exactly 11 years ago tonight, I was in a hospital room at Methodist Germantown, waiting to be induced. I remember it very well...it was a Wednesday night...Charles and I went to Buntyn for dinner, then checked into the hospital by 9 p.m. I remember putting on the hospital gown and feeling scared out of my mind! I felt like I was on a runaway train....all I could do was close my eyes and brace myself for what was about to happen. The next day went on forever (at least for me it did!). He wasn't born until 9:15 the next night. Our family still jokes that everyone else in the waiting room came and went and our family was the last to leave! I was so tired....they had just come in and "boosted" my epidural. I was feeling so nice and warm and numb....and then I had to push! Thirty minutes later I had my first little Christmas angel! I had spiked a fever just before he was born, which meant he had a fever too -- so he had to be whisked away for a bit to be seen about, but he was okay. In the midst of all that, my sweet nurse brought me a "lunchable" sandwich and a Diet coke. That was the best food EVER! I was famished! To this day, a Lunchable has never tasted so good!

We became a family of three that day, and the dynamics of our marriage changed forever -- for the good of course! We immediately were at the mercy of this tiny little person, who let us know when we could sleep, when we could eat, where we could go, and when we could go! At the same time, we learned that it really was possible to love someone else with all your heart...to be in awe of another human being was an incredible feeling! This was our tiny little miracle...yes...a miracle. I had a smooth pregnancy, but in my eyes, EVERY baby is a miracle of God and His handiwork...all the little fingers and toes and sighs and coos are amazing every day!

In eleven years, Zachary has grown into an incredible young man. I love his sense of humor, his gentle heart, his compassion, his love for the Lord and willingness to serve Him. He is a really cool kid...and I love spending time with him. I am so proud to call him my son.....I love you Zachary - and I pray you will continue to follow the Lord and grow stronger in your walk with Him. Happy Birthday Bud!

LOTS To Be Thankful For!

2009-11-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

I really do....I have a happy healthy family ("happy" might be questionable depending on who you ask...ha!), I have a job (even though I might not like all aspects of it - I am still quite thankful for it!), I have a devoted husband and father (which seems to be a rare thing these days), a roof over my head, food in my fridge, a vehicle to drive, $$ in the bank (not a lot, but enough for us!). Yes, things are very good. Even though I might look at my glass as "half-empty" sometimes, in reality it is very much full. We do have much to be thankful for again this year.

Things have taken a different turn this year, which does make me sad. This this the first holiday season without my grandmother. It really won't be the same. Even though she really wasn't able to cook for a couple of years, I still miss all her cooking. She made the BEST dressing (although Uncle Terry and Aunt Jan can duplicate it!), and at Christmas she would make all kinds of treats....peanut brittle (so glad she taught my mom how to do it!), "Trash" as she called it -- just some Chex mix, but still good -- divinity, and other assortments of chocolate covered items. Then, we usually go to Charles' grandmother's for Thanksgiving, but that was cancelled this year b/c she went into the hospital yesterday. She is having to have her medicines regulated....she has been having problems with them all "working against each other" as her dr. put it. Supposedly it will only be for a couple of days....lets hope so! EVERYONE loves to go to her house for Thanksgiving....Zachary has been talking about it for weeks! He handled it okay....we will get together in a few weeks for Christmas, so it's all good!

I hope you all have a blessed holiday...and remember all you have to be thankful for - because you DO have LOTS to be thankful for!

Bummed......

2009-11-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

yeah....I am......and I hate it. I want a change and it is not happening. I don't know...I guess maybe I am restless? Aaaagh! I need more time and it just is not there. This time of year is pure insanity in our house what with crazy schedules and all. I guess it is my schedule that I get so frustrated with. I do love my job - and I especially love the people - but I am getting burned out on the hours. I work three 12-hour days a week. We close at 8, but it is usually closer to 9 when I leave, which means the kids are in bed when I get home. That is 3 days a week I am not there for dinner or bedtime and I really don't like that. That means when I have a night off when I could go to a women's bible study, I don't want to go because I don't want to be away from my family for another night. I hate that anytime something comes up, I can't commit because I need to check my work schedule first. My days change every 2 weeks, so there is no consistency. I can't commit to things on a regular basis...like classes at the gym or activities at church because I would be there for 2 weeks and then have to be gone for 2 weeks. Not to mention I work one weekend a month.

There are good things though. I do enjoy being off all day the days I am off. I've been able to spend time with the girls, and during the summer, I can spend days with all of the kids. That part is nice -- I must admit. I can schedule dr. appts. on my days off and not have to take off. So really -- there are perks.

I am just focusing on the things I don't like. That is sooooo easy to do sometimes. I guess my glass is "half empty" right now. That is why I am bummed. I like consistency at home and I want my kids to have that, but they really don't right now. We don't have normal family meal times and at times things are so "helter-skelter"....it drives me nuts.

There is no solution....this is just how is has to be right now...but that doesn't mean I have to like it! :-( grrrrrrrrr.......

Thanks for "listening" to me vent! It's nice to do that sometimes!

Hmmmmm....

2009-11-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

I don't know if any of you read any of the blogs that are on my blog list on the left side of my blog, but I do encourage you to read "My Charming Kids" by "McKmama". I don't know her personally, but I have been following her blog for about 7 months now. She too has 4 kids, and her youngest - Stellan - was born with SVT (rapid heart rate). It's a long story, but the short of it is he has had several bouts that have required several hospital stays....some lengthy. This little guy has lived through more than the average adult will ever see - he truly is a miracle baby!

Anyway - Stellan was rushed to the hospital last Tuesday night with a severe bout of SVT -- in fact, they could have easily lost him had his parents not checked on him. He spent his first birthday fighting for his life in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) where he is currently residing in a hospital in his hometown. McKmama is a Christian, and one of the things I love about her blog is that she is soooo very real. She bares her soul on her blog. She talks about struggles with family, finances, faith...you name it! All this to say, a couple of days ago, she wrote a very lengthy blog about the point of praying. I loved it, and I encourage you to click on her link and scroll thru the sweet pics of Stellan and his first birthday "party" he had in the PICU to read it yourself. She brought to life many questions that I - and I am sure many of you - have had about prayer. More specifically...."What is the point?" I feel God knows the outcome anyway, so why bother? I pray because I feel led to, but in the back of my mind sometimes I think, "God isn't going to change his mind, so why do this?" I will take one quote from her..... I think it is very insightful:

"Maybe the point of prayer, if it isn't to get God to do what we want, is instead to bring ourselves into alignment with God so that we can be close enough to Him to be okay with what He decides instead of feeling like we need to try to get our way. "

Anyway....I'd be curious to know your thoughts....ever feel like that too? Ever get frustrated? Silly question...I'm sure you do!

Just Another Day....

2009-10-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Okay - for my out of town friends, let me just give you a re-cap of what has been going on here in Memphis so you will know why I am rambling on and on. If you want to see the "real deal", log onto one of our news websites (wmctv.com, myfoxmemphis.com, or wregtv.com) to see some video or keep up with what is going on.

Earlier this week, a 23 year-old mother left 2 of her children (ages 3 and 2) home alone while she and the children's aunt left to supposedly go drop someone off....other reports say they were shopping. It really doesn't matter though - the point is the children were left home alone. Consequently, there was a fire and the 3 year-old died and the 2 year-old is in very critical condition. As of now, no one knows how the fire started. Just another defining moment in Memphis news basically. What made me so mad was actually watching the news reports the next day. The aunt was interviewed and said .... I kid you not......that she really wanted to get into the house and see if her purse burned up because her food stamps card was in there. I was so shocked! She had absolutely no remorse whatsoever. It was scary to see someone so calloused. She HAD to be on something! Then, they show a clip of the mother. She was weeping and wailing and falling out on the ground. Now THAT really ticked me off. It is way too late to play the "concerned mom" card. You lost the right to act like that the moment you left those babies alone. I was livid! And then to find out that the door was locked and windows nailed shut? I just can't imagine. It isn't like we are talking about a young teenage mom...she also has a 5 year old who fortunately was in school at the time. That child is now in state custody. There is no telling how many times the mom left all three alone to go do whatever she wanted. I just can't imagine....my girls are 3 and 2 and there is no way on earth I would leave them alone in the house for ANYTHING! Geesh...even when I take a shower I lock them in my room so I can hear them at all times. The thought of leaving them alone to fend for themselves....I just can't even go there. My heart aches for the family, but I'm sorry - that was just pure stupidity on the part of both "adults". I guess it is just a sign of how bad things have become in our society. People are so selfish and uneducated. It is so sad to know that someone so young has to pay for the ignorance of the mother.

So anyway...as a result....I vow to not watch the news again. I always get ticked off at something. A couple of weeks ago I was mad because of the court case in California over the park ranger who was suing because he was forced to look at a cross - which was actually a war memorial - while at work. Oh please! Give me a break! He can't stand to look at a cross, but I'll be willing to bet he has no problem spending the currency in his pocket that has "In God We Trust" emblazened across it. Hypocrit....

Anyway...I'm going to take lots of deep cleansing breaths and focus on my own sweet brood! I sure do love my family! We are going to attempt to have outdoor family pics made tomorrow. I don't see how people who plan an outdoor wedding do it! I am already on the verge of an ulcer! Planning on who wears what...and then I realize "Oh Yeah! What am I going to wear?" Ugh! All I can say is -- thank goodness for Photoshop! :-)

Do-Over Day

2009-09-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

I decided yesterday needed to be a "do-over day". At the end of the day, I just wasn't happy with myself - and I am sure the kids (really just the girls) weren't to thrilled either. I was grouchy...to the point I went in and apologized to Sarah after I had put her to bed. Of course she was all-forgiving, and I knew by morning she would have forgotten everything - it was to make me feel better I guess. You know, moms have bad days too -- just like kids do -- but sometimes it is hard to accept that it is okay. You don't want to ensure a spot in therapy for your kids just because you had a bad day. I can't stand the thought of my kids going to sleep feeling like I am the bad guy - especially when it wasn't even their fault. Charles and the boys were gone from 7:15 in the morning until 8:30 at night...probably a good thing! Ava is just all over the place and into everything. If something is put up, she pulls it out...shoes....purses....socks....toys....tupperware...you name it. Yet at the same time, she is stuck to me like velcro! How does that happen??? And if I hear "NO! I DO IT!" one more time???? Ava flat out refuses to let you do ANYTHING for her. She has to know she can't do it herself before she will let you come near her (sigh). Sarah really isn't as busy. Our biggest struggle right now is a potty training issue. She is pretty much potty trained - day and night - she just doesn't want to "poop" in the potty. Give her a diaper and she'll go (again - sigh). I wasn't going to give in to her request for a diaper, but I didn't know if all the crying was from her being afraid or not being able to go. Let's just say she is afraid. I have one more trick up my sleeve....I'll see if it works.

So you see, life is not all butterflies and sunshine at our house. I know that comes as a huge shock - ha! Just remember that it is okay to have a bad day. If you get extreme - just be sure to apologize - even to the little ones. It's all worth it to feel those little arms around your neck! I love my family - and I'm glad they love me - even on my "grouchy" days! :-)

A Day In The Life Of.....

2009-09-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Charles & I have always kidded that we should have some sort of web cam in our house because the strangest things seem to happen and no one would ever believe us if we told them. Sometimes I don't even think the writers for "Seinfeld" could come up with this material. Let me just give you a run-down of all the happenings starting from about 6:30 Monday night til about 6:30 Tuesday night.

If you are not on Facebook, then you didn't see my status Monday night when I posted about Ava eating dark brown sugar straight from the box. She was covered in it and incredibly sticky. Probably wouldn't have been so bad if I weren't at work and Charles needed to leave the house in 10 minutes to take the boys to karate. To top it off, when he did put her in the tub, she had pooped in her diaper and a "piece" fell between her toes...got squished...yeah - I was glad I was at work!

On my way home from work that night, I was pulled over by the ever-so-observant Collierville police because I had a headlight out (Charles' car). No ticket - just a warning. I told him a security guard at work had told me about it and I was going to be getting it fixed. Didn't tell him that the security guard told me that a week ago.....

Next morning -- usual chaos getting the boys up & out the door...then getting the girls and their lunches ready for MDO. Get there (they go to First Assembly) - and Charles tells me Zachary is in his office -- sick with a fever and headache...nice. First thought was flu (fever, headache, and sudden onset are symptoms), but I took him to my work and he was negative -- whew! He's still not feeling well and running a temp - not sure what's going on, but it will have to run its course.

I go to the dentist....the machine they use to polish your teeth went out after the girl had already cleaned my top teeth. She then proceeded to clean my bottom teeth...with a toothbush. Now I know how Sarah & Ava feel when we go after them with a toothbrush! Oh - and on top of that, I had some sort of cavity or something -- I don't even remember what they called it, but it is something that will have to be "filled". Doesn't hurt....won't have to be drilled...whatever.

Next I go to Wal-Mart....was really pumped because I picked up some fried okra from the deli....then I was bummed when I got home and it tasted like it had been cooked 6 hours prior to my arrival...bleh!

Go to pick up the rest of the kiddos from MDO/school....Sarah & Ava are terrors...they always are after they come home on "school" days. I'm seriously thinking about taking them out. It isn't worth my sanity!

Josh talks me into going to Great American Cookie Co. on the way home. I pick up cookies for everyone and then when I get home I realize my "free" cookie didn't make it into the bag....grrr!

The girls continue on their rampage all afternoon...ready to pull my air out! Nothing satisfies them!

Charles comes home and then goes back outside to attempt to change the headlight. You have to understand that in his car, this is no easy feat! You have to get to it thru the wheel-well...major ordeal. Anyway - 5 minutes after he goes outside the phone rings. I was dealing with Ava and knew someone answered it -- cut to the chase -- Charles had busted in the garage and couldn't get up so he used his cell phone to call us to come help him! Not a good memory -- the last time someone fell like that, 911 was called....I drove up to find an ambulance and fire truck in my driveway....makes me shudder! He was okay though...very sore, but okay.

We come inside and while trying to pry my daughters out of the refrigerator, I'm pretty sure I broke my pinky toe on said refrigerator. I'm going to x-ray it when I go to work tomorrow. It is sporting some beautiful shades of blue and purple...unlike the pretty pink one on the other foot!

Sarah and I start to butt heads over a potty training issue. She is doing GREAT...but she will NOT poop in the potty. She knows she gets a huge treat when she does, but something about it scares her...she says her "booty hurts"...yet put a diaper on her and she has no trouble. Sigh..

At that point, I told everyone to pick their favorite cereal for dinner. I had no energy to fix the veggies and baked fish I had originally planned. Afterwards, it was baths/showers/bed for all little people. I was never so happy to see 9:00 come!

So anyway...see what I mean? These kinds of things go on all the time! Now you understand when I can't remember things....lots of things! My brain never gets a rest! It's crazy over here! It's not all bad....when I was giving the girls a bath (separately), Ava is singing "Jesus Loves Me" and Sarah is singing "I'm In The Lord's Army". Even in all the chaos, I know I am blessed. I can kiss and hug my family, and they can kiss and hug me back. We are all safe under one roof. I am not promised that tomorrow or the next day I can say that, but for tonight I can -- and I plan on making the most of it. I don't want any regrets because I don't know what tomorrow will bring. :-)

Tooth Fairy & Tiaras

2009-09-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

That's about as clever as I could get with the title....and believe it or not, the two really aren't even related! We've been so busy....school started and I have had the hardest time adjusting. I hate getting up early..the boys are getting older and gone are the days of them bouncing out of bed - although out of the two, Josh really is the best about getting up on his own. It used to be the other way around. Zachary now has to practically be blasted out of bed on school mornings! Our lives now feel so rushed all day every day. I hate that. Moving on....

We've been to the dentist, got haircuts, birthday parties, shopping trips to Target....normal stuff. Josh lost a tooth - actually, he had Zachary pull it! I just can't imagine - I would have never let anyone touch my mouth to pull a tooth. I pulled my own teeth thank-you-very-much! Anyway -- he's really cute, he lost one of his top 2 teeth, so he has a touch of a lisp! He got $15 (thx to someone other than mom & dad) for that joker...a far cry from the .50 cents I got when I was a kid! When I took him to the dentist, Dr. Prine told me he would have to (in layman's terms) have part of his gum removed that is between his 2 front teeth. This doesn't have to be done until he loses his other top tooth though. If we don't do it, he will have a gap between his teeth. The verdict is still out on whether or not he will need braces. He hasn't lost enough teeth to be able to tell. Zachary is good though...he has great teeth - whew!

On the other hand, the girls have been playing dress-up in their princess outfits constantly! Sarah is forever asking Zachary to marry her....so cute! Zachary will say, "I now pronounce you brother & sister." They crack me up. Sarah is obsessed with princess things...she is 110% girl! Ava is right behind her - doing whatever "Sissy" does. They went to a "Tea Party" birthday party last weekend for their friend Lily. Those girls had a great time. Ava grazed on cookies and PB&J cut-out sandwiches, Sarah just loved being with her "gal-pals"! I am once again going to to try to potty train next weekend. I'm dreading it...maybe because I'm going to do Sarah & Ava together. Why not? Yeah - my work will be cut out for me, but if I can do it....it will be well worth the loss of my sanity! I found a 3-Day Potty Training booklet on-line. It supposedly works...has great testimonials....and the lady who wrote it gives you e-mail support. The only major problem I see now is that Sarah WILL NOT - I repeat...WILL NOT even attempt to go poo-poo in anything but a diaper. Not quite sure how I'm going to handle that. I need to see if the booklet addresses that. So that - my friends - is how I plan on spending my 4-day weekend! No really - don't be jealous!

So anyway - that is what's happening with us these days. I'm so glad I am off tomorrow. We NEVER have a day that we can all sleep in as a family and just do what we want. Literally- except for a holiday - there is not one day that Charles and I are home on the same day where we can sleep in. He works every Saturday and Sunday we are up & running for church. I had wanted to work in the yard, but a small part of me hopes it rains! I don't want it to rain on my birthday, but nothing beats sleeping in on a rainy day. You know I am right!

Do You Have Any Cheetos?

2009-08-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

Okay - so originally, I was going to write a true story about a little girl and her Cheetos. Then, time got away from me and the next thing I new, I realized it was Josh's birthday...and my kids surprised me once again with their kindess towards each other. So I am still going with the original title, but like all good teasers, you will have to wait until the end of the blog to hear the story! Yeah, I know - I hate it when TV does that to me too, but I have to admit - it is kind of nice to be on the other side - what power...ha!

I know the blog date shows I posted this on the 14th, when actually it is the 17th. I started it on the 14th....just never finished. Anyway, today is the 17...Josh's 8th birthday (it also would have been my grandmother's 80th brthday...happy birthday Nanny!) I can't believe my guy is 8! Like every parent, I ask "where does the time go??" He is such a sweetheart...maybe a tad ADD, but still so sweet. He feels deeply and reacts very strongly - that is a two-edged sword! Zachary was being so nice to him today. He not only bought him a digital camera for his birthday, but put $20 in his birthday card! Hmmmm - my birthday is next - let's see if I get $20 (just kidding!)

So anyway...our quick trip to Orange Beach was fun - way too short, but still fun. It was neat to see the girls play on the beach for the first time. They loved it! It still amazes me how much sand can fit into such a tiny bathing suit! Lots of swimming, lots of food (LAMBERT'S!!!), lots of memories. The girls had their share of melt-downs, but that wasdue to being tired (I told Charles I never saw Ava's head turn 360's, but I'm pretty it did a few times) . Sarah tried to pick up a jellyfish, Josh had Zachary bury him in the sand, both boys collected seashells, and little Ava just dug and dug in the sand. Good times...good times....

Okay - so here is the anticipated story about a little girl and her Cheetos. Little Ava wanted a snack on the bach, and I (being the great, "fun" mom I am) gave her a whole cannister of Cheetos. She proceeded to plop down really close to the water and start munching away. Well, I (being the "cautious" mom that I am) thought she was a bit too close and pulled her back a little. In the process, some Cheetos spilled on the sand. Hence photo #1.

Well, it wasn't to long before Mr. Seagull caught a whiff of these munchies and decided (along with a buddy) to check Ava and her snack out.

Ava wasn't to thrilled with the prospect of company...especially when more and more "friends" started to appear...

After a few "Mommy, Daddy, help me!" cries, we rescued her, and once she was out of the picture, the rest of the flock came to see what scraps they could get! Bear in mind that all this happened in a matter of a couple of minutes or less. Amazing...and soooo funny!

So after some thought, I realized that there is a moral to this story here....Ava had something that others (even if they were birds!)) wanted - really bad. Once the news got out that there was something good to be had there, others wanted to have a taste too. See where I am going with this? Do you have something special that others want a part of? If you do, others will be drawn to you. Once they have a taste, they will tell others and want even more. Just a thought......do you have any Cheetos? :-)

Life Goes On.....Really It Does

2009-08-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Amazing how one phone call or one event can bring yhour life to a screeching halt - yet life goes on. My grandmother passed away almost 2 weeks ago and while her passing was very much anticipated (she had pancreatic cancer), actually hearing that she was finally gone still brought life to a standstill. I remember watching the van from the funeral home taking her body away from Memphis Jewish Home and I was still in disbelief. Pulling out of the parking lot one last time was so surreal - I felt like a tornado was swirling all around me and I was oblivious to everything else. (Ironically, the tornadoes hit Memphis the night of her viewing!) Those first few days afterwards were almost like an out-of-body experience. Emotions were all over the place like a pinball machine -- joy, sorrow (lots of that!), anxiety, love, patience, you name it. I thought I would be so relieved when she finally passed away because I was ready for her to go on home to heaven - to be pain-free, to see Papaw again, to see other brothers & sisters who went before her, and to see the multitude of friends waiting for her as well. I guess I didn't think about how I would really feel when all this would really come to pass. Yes - I am soooo happy for her, but I am even more sad for my own loss as well. She was basically my only grandmother - and I loved her dearly. She spoiled me rotten (as every grandparent should do!), made me insanely jealous of her cooking (never used a recipe!), and loved my kids more than anyone would have thought possible. I still tear up when Ava asks where "Gweat-Gweat" (Great-Great) is. I drive by the entrance to the Jewish home many times during the week, which serves as a constant reminder. I liked going to see her at night - when the day had calmed down. The last time I sat with her I just held her hand and "scratched" her arm - as she did to me and all the grandkids and great-grandkids countless times. She could wake up enough to say hi/bye and that she loved me, and to answer"no" when I asked her if she was in any pain.

My kids really miss her - especially Zachary and Josh. They were very close to her. I'm glad that they have special memories of her to hold on to. That was a hard week for them - for all of us - but we learned that life goes on.

The following Sunday, Josh was baptized. Yea Josh! He's asked Jesus into his heart oh, I don't know, 6 or 7 times by now? The kid is definately going to heaven!

I came back to work Tuesday....we leave for Orange Beach late tonight...school starts next Friday.

Life goes on...really it does...

In the midst of the "tornado", God is still good. There is a great peace. This peace assures me that I will see her again one day...that she is finally whole again and is no longer suffering. I can't help but wonder how people who have no hope handle situations like this. There must be such an overwhelming sense of loss and hopelessness. I'm glad that doesn't apply to me. I can't explain why God does what He does sometimes. It makes me question, but it doesn't make me love Him any less.

The storm has passed and we are putting our lives back together.

Because life goes on...really it does.

HAPPENINGS....

2009-07-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

You would think with all that has been going on in my life I should be blogging everyday, but alas - that is not the case! My computer access has been limited, as our computer is currently on the dining room table waiting to be set back up, so I have not been able to ramble aimlessly as I have in the past. Maybe that is a good thing, but has wreaked havoc on my sanity! :-) So, I am going to catch everyone up to speed on the past few weeks....

- Charles was in England 6/30-7/11
- Zachary was at camp 7/6-7/10
- Well visits to the dr. for the girls (both doing great - Sarah is 40lbs and 40 inches tall. Ava is a whopping 25 lbs. and 30.5 inches tall. Poor thing is barely on the chart! She's okay tho - just small in stature.)
- Lots of daytime outings with friends and swimming - trying to stay busy while the hubby was gone. The weather needs to warm back up so we can get back to the pool!
- Lots of trips to see my grandmother. She has pancreatic cancer and is receiving hospice care at the Memphis Jewish Home. Praying for a quick ending to a very painful process - both for her and the family.
- Lots of laundry. Okay - so that is actually a normal thing at my house.
- Zachary came home from camp and had a bad ear infection with a blister on his eardrum. A couple of days later, the blister was gone, but he had middle ear infections in both ears. Poor guys was in lots of pain for a couple of days, but thankfully, is doing much better. Still doesn't have all his hearing back yet.
- New carpet and kitchen tile installed. Looks FABULOUS, but I think it would have been easier to move. We still don't have the house put back together yet (aka - why the computer is still in the dining room!) This whole process really called for a blog by itself - but that is all behind me now...good times (ha - NOT!)
- Scratched my car thanks to the evil set-up of the car wash at the BP gas station at Houston Levee and Walnut Grove. Looks like Edward Scissorhands got ahold of it!
- Emptied the freezer in my garage after the door to it mysteriously popped open a fraction of an inch. Hideous odor - thx to all the "mystery meat" that was in there.

(Let me interject here that the last two items happened the same night - within an hour of each other -- and Charles was still out of town. I was ready to scream...among other things!)

Okay - I guess that is all. If I think of anything else, I will update! :-)

Blessings....

2009-07-01T20:38:00.001-07:00

Okay - so my friend Jennifer is probably going to think I stole her blog title! ;-) No really - I have been thinking about this all day and that is exactly how I feel right now - that my life has been blessed by so many people.

I have a great family. My kids amaze me more and more every day! Charles is in York England for 12 days, and the kids have been so good and so helpful. Zachary is blowing me away! He is always asking if there is anything he can do to help me. He offers to help (even MAKE!) dinner, he has given Sarah her bath (washing hair included) the last 2 nights and gotten her ready for bed - the child has been the other half of my brain! When he goes to camp next week, I will be up a creek! (I would say Charles is paying him big bucks, but he has been doing this for several weeks now!) Josh is a sweetheart, but he doesn't take initiative to just "do" things like Zachary does. If I asked him to paint a room with his toes he would jump right up and say, "Yes ma'am", but he won't ask if he can do anything. I'm learning that that is a major difference in his and Zachary's personalities. Zachary is all over things like white on rice, but Josh lingers in the background and wants to be asked - or invited - to be a part. You think he isn't paying attention, but oh no - he is - and gets his feelings hurt very easily if not asked to be a part. (Jen - I read your blog and had to laugh when you mentioned the boys losing a wallet with $45....Josh lost $20 just a couple of weeks ago. It's here somewhere!) Sarah has even been helpful - she has worn her "big girl" underwear all day with only one tiny mishap this morning. She even stayed dry thru her nap! My only obstacle is that she REFUSES to poop in the potty. I'm not sure how to handle that -- any suggestions? I can't leave out little Ava either....she's been very good too!

I'm blessed with an incredible husband I do NOT deserve. He left early yesterday morning to go on his mission trip. I hate it when he is gone so long - not like he does this often! I can handle the daytime stuff...I just hate going to bed when he isn't here! Time will pass quickly though, and I can't wait to see his pictures. York is a beautiful place!

I have been blessed with amazing friends - of all ages! These friends love me and my quirks and totally understand that when I go months without talking to them, it isn't because I am mad or don't care - they know I have a CRAZY life and don't get to connect as often as I can or should. We just pick up right where we left off and keep on goin'! I have older - wiser friends who I know I can call 24/7 if I need them, and that is such a good feeling! I have younger friends who take great pride in reminding me that I am OLDER they they are (ahem - initials are TB!) I just love my friends - all of you! You are a constant source of strength, laughter and love for me - you are a HUGE blessing in my life! Thank you for being you!!

Well - I am again so very tired, so I am going to finish my laundry and try to get some sleep. I started a journal for Charles to read when he gets back, so I need to write in it as well. Two weeks is a long time to be away from kids & family, and goodness knows my 2 remaining brain cells cannot remember all the funny and crazy stuff that goes on around here for that long! Much love and blessings to all of you!!!

Another Happy Birthday!

2009-06-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry - this birthday blog is a day late! Little Ava turned 2 yesterday and she never gave me a moments peace to write her birthday blog! Hard to believe my little "Itsy Bitsy" is now 2 -- going on 12! Boy does she keep me busy! She is NEVER still - ALWAYS climbing into or onto something. Right now she is "practicing" going potty - whereby she pulls off her diaper and goes to the bathroom only to play with the toilet paper. She has yet to actually deposit anything in the potty...but that day will come - and I CANNOT wait!

Ava was my littlest baby (barely 6 lbs!), but she has more than made up for her size. She is in constant motion and gives her siblings a run for their money. It's a good thing we don't have a pet, or the poor thing would probably be tortured! She is still a little thing, but she is gaining weight (now up to 25 lbs!), so I guess she will be caught up with her sis before long. She & Sarah love each other, but at times they don't like each other either (big surprise). Ava is always pulling Sarah's hair and knows just how to push her buttons. They both share a big girl bed now, and I love to watch them sleep. One night I walked in and (remember they are both asleep) Sarah had Ava in a headlock...Ava's head was between Sarah's knees! I ran & got my camera, but they had already changed positions by the time I got back. I am so glad they have each other! I looooove my "Bitsy"!!!!

Day after she was born!

1st Birthday!
2 Years Old!

So How Did YOU Weather Out The Storm??

2009-06-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

So here I go - thinking we were just going to make a quick trip to Target, when we ended up having to hide out in the women's dressing room! I learned last time that if I get the girl's 2 small ICEE's, that will keep them occupied long enough for me to shop. My girl's are NOT basket babies...they don't care to be confined! Shopping? - oh yes! Just don't confine them! They prefer to be free spirits who roam aimlessly around the store without adult supervision. That is of course - unless their mother fills them up with empty sugar calories! Ava is hilarious -- she sits in the basket - straw in mouth - inhaling that ICEE until she reaches the bottom. I don't know how she doesn't get a brain freeze!

I digress....back to the storm. I was almost ready to go when I heard the rain start. You know if you hear it raining from inside the store, it is REALLY raining! Then, I hear the tornado sirens....uh oh..... Josh comes around the corner right in front of me - eyes big as saucers. He's borderline freaking out. Zachary quickly picks up on this and starts downplaying the situation (as do I - he would have started bawling at the drop of a hat!) The girls? They are perfectly content with their ICEE's. Next, the Target personnel starts making a sweep of the store and asks everyone to move to the back of the store. I'm trying to stay away from everyone else b/c they are all talking about the "tornado" - one word Josh did NOT need to hear. At this point, the ICEE's are gone and the girls are ready to roam....what timing! I put Zachary in charge of Ava and let her & Sarah burn some energy. In a few minutes, all "women & children" started moving into the dressing room. Needless to say, my clan took up one whole dressing room. Zachary's job was to block the door so the girl's wouldn't escape. Not a problem though - they were fascinated with the little stool in the room, so they were perfectly happy climbing on that - for about 2 minutes, then I had to pull out various objects from my purse to entertain them....such as lipgloss, cell phone, pen & paper....WHATEVER! All the while - I had to keep reassuring Josh that all was well. I later started thinking, what would it take to actually freak ME out? Does the ceiling have to be ripped off for me to start to be concerned? I wasn't scared at all......hmmm....

So - after about 15 minutes (seemed like 5 hours) in the dressing room, we were given the "all clear" to check out and leave the store. By then the rain had stopped, but the drive home was very different from the drive going to Target! Sarah kept saying,"Mommy, we are safe in your car!" I don't know where that came from.....amazing what they pick up on. On the way home from karate (yes - they still had it!) we saw an awesome rainbow....a complete one at that...wow! I wish I had had my camera...I guess I am going to have to carry it in my purse - you never know when the perfect picture-taking opportunity will pop up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!!!

2009-06-09T07:59:00.001-07:00

So - today Sarah turned the big "3"! I still cannot believe it! All day today I kept thinking, "Three years ago today I was......" I STILL cannot believe we have not one, but two girls! Guess out of all my kids, Sarah was the biggest surprise. I was in radiology school - last year nonetheless - so having another baby was FAR from our minds, but yet God proved otherwise. She was so meant to be here and be a part of or lives (as was Ava - but her birthday is next week!) When I was about 15 weeks pregnant with her, I talked to one of the radiologists and asked him to scan me (do an ultrasound) to see if he could tell the sex of the baby - that we wanted to be able to tell our family on Christmas. He was nice enough to scan me, then write the results on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope. I brought it home and showed it to Charles and told him that the sex of the baby was written down inside. Well - so much for waiting until Christmas! He tore right into it! I was like, "What are you doing? We were going to wait!" He said he would look and wouldn't tell me - yeah right! Like I could live with that! So I opened the piece of paper (all the while KNOWING that this baby would also be a boy) and Dr. Emerson had so sweetly drawn a little girl stick figure and in a little bubble over her head wrote, "Dress me in pink!" At some point I obviously remembered to breathe again! A girl? REALLY????? It was so fun telling the family. We bought a bib that said "Thank Heaven For Little Girls" and had our moms open it at Christmas. I'm sure my mom's yell could have been heard all over the city! Everyone was so excited, and it was so fun to get to play with little girl baby stuff!

So - fast forward to today - my "oldest" little princess is quickly becoming a big girl. Potty training is in sight (working on that next week, but should be easy - she already goes most of the time anyway), she got a big girl bike for her birthday - I guess next she will get her driver's license! :-) No really - I so love her. She is an incredibly strong personality, but is so full of love she could just burst! She is very much like Josh - she has such a happy heart. Every night she reminds me that I am her "best friend" and insists on lots of hugs and kisses before bed. Not sure how she will feel about me 10 years from now, but for today I love every minute! Happy Birthday 'Sissy"!

Day after she was born - still in the hospital!

First Birthday!

Second Birthday!

Three Years Old!

Another "First"....

2009-06-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

So - today was another "first" in our household - Ava had her first day at MDO (Mother's Day Out). Boy has time gone by fast! It is so hard to believe she is almost "2"! She had a great day - although I have no idea if she took a nap or not - I didn't get info in her bag about her day, but since I know her teachers, I guess they would have told me if she acted crazy. Sarah moved up the big "3" room - she will turn 3 next Tuesday. She was sooo excited about her new class and her new toys! I snapped this picture before we left this morning. I was going to have them hold their bags, but all Ava wanted to do was try to get into her Tinkerbell lunchbox! I'm so glad they had a good day. They fell asleep in about 15 seconds (literally), so I guess it was a very full day for both of them.

So where are the boys? They are at the coast with Nana visiting friends of hers. She finished school last week and they hit the road the next day. It sounds like they are having a blast. They've seen all kinds of fish - even alligators! They fish every day - Zachary even caught a stingray! I can't wait to see those pics! Today, he said he caught 3 crab and ate his first crab legs. He "kind of liked them"...Ms. Paul's fishsticks they ain't! I can't wait to hear all about what they did. Zachary is the designated caller - I haven't even talked to Josh since he left. They will be back Thursday or Friday, and I can't wait to squeeze them! I miss my boys!!!

Is It Over?

2009-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

SERIOUSLY! It HAS to be over at this point! I think everyone is on the mend and I am really hoping that light at the end of the tunnel is really sunlight - not another train about to hit me head on! For those of you who missed last week's edition of "Robertson Hospital", let me give you a quick re-cap: Both boys had the flu (no - not swine)...Zachary got better but Josh wasn't....took Josh and Ava (who had some sot of "funk" growing under her nose) to the dr. on Thursday....Josh had strep and I learned today that Ava had strep under her nose as well - not staph - so that was actually a good thing! Ava woke up Sat. morning (that would be 4:30 a.m.!) thoring up & blazing with a fever. She was a mess all weekend, but I think she too is starting to show signs of improvement. I am HOPING that tonight I can sleep all night - not just a couple of hours at a time. After 10 days of this, I am about to start unravelling! I had some major germs running amuck in my house, but I think all has been taken care of. Sheets & linens have been washed several times, all toothbrushes and water bottles have been replaced, toys disinfected....I told someone last week that my house smelled like a kindergarden classroom! (On a side note - Lysol "Fresh Linen" is very good.....it kills more germs than any of those other sprays....gotta read your labels people!) It appears Sarah is the only one who has managed to escape any illness, and I am finally able to start breathing a little easier that she isn't going to catch anything.

While everyone has been fighting off their own illnesses, Sarah has started to break out her imagination play times. She re-enacts Dora, Blue's Clue's, she LOVES to be a fireman, she get her big Magna-Doodle and puts it on top of 2 pillows and that is her "snowboard", she is a pirate, a mommy, a rock star, a nurse/doctor......she is so fun to watch! She loves to be creative and does not care who is around. Love my little girl!

I Spoke Too Soon..

2009-04-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

I knew I should have never said that there wasn't much going on around here. As of yesterday, both boys have the flu and there is a probability that the girls could get it too....nice.....(SARCASM!) It really hasn't been bad, I just hate to see my guys sick. They just lounge around the house fighting off a fever all day, so it could be worse. Josh's is HOPEFULLY on the downhill side of it. His started Friday night and it hit him hard yesterday. His fever went up to 104.5 and never went below 102....he was soooooo sick. Zachary started with the fever & headache yesterday, so his is just starting. He hates feeling bad! On the plus side, they have been very nice to each other - maybe it's sympathy kindness! Saturday morning, Josh was up about 5:30 a.m. feeling like he was going to be sick and before I could even get to him (I can hear when they turn on the light in the bathroom -- "Mommy Ears"!) Zachary was in the doorway asking him if he was okay. How sweet is that? Zachary usually doesn't hear anything when he is asleep so I was very stunned. This is going to be a long week - and even longer if the girls get it. I guess I will know in a few days!

Speaking of the girls...they are such little balls of fire and Ava's secretly implanted "seek & destroy" chip is acting in full force. She has the arms of an octopus and the speed of "Dash" from "The Incredibles"... SERIOUSLY! I don't know if any of you know that you can click on the box to the left that says, "Praying For Stellan", and it will take you to a blog about Stellan's recent 5 week stay in the PICU and his airflight to Boston to see a cardiologist, etc. His mom is amazing and has an incredibly strong faith...please read her blog and read all that has been going on these past 5 weeks and you will be blessed. Stellan was released from the hospital and as of today is back in the "Now Thawing" Tundra with both parents and 3 siblings sleeping in his own bed! Anyway - all this to say that Stellan's mom has nicknamed all her kids names like "Big Mac", "Small Fry", "McNugget", and "McMuffin". I thought that was funny and wondered what I would name my kids if I had to pick. The only one I could think of was one for Ava -- "McFlurry". How appropriate! She is one big whirlwind. If I had a dollar for the number of times I have to say "No Ava...", or save her from tumbling off the top of something...I wouldn't have to work for a very long time! I do love her though....she can be so sweet and smother you with lots & lots of kisses, and has the cutest little voice for singing the sweetest songs....and then turn right around and grab a handful of Sarah's hair and not let go! And to think - she isn't even 2 yet! Oh - and that is another thing -- she is soo tiny for her age. I'm going to have to see what her pediatrician thinks when we go for a check-up in June. She is able to wear all her clothes from last year, and that just should not be happening at this young of an age (at least I don't think so!) At first I thought I was just comparing her to Sarah, but the fact is that she is tiny and I have never had a child be able to wear the same things 2 years in a row -- that just is not right to me. Sarah looks like she is 2 years older - not just one.

Oh well - enough rambling. I have sick boys who need their nightly Motrin to go to sleep. We went thru 1 bottle in 24 hours. They both take 3 tsp. at a time and that makes it go quickly! I so appreciate Kristina for offering to help with the girls - you are so sweet and so brave! :-) Today wasn't bad b/c Sarah was at MDO. Hopefully tomorrow won't be bad. We do want to come out & see all the baby chicks! Maybe next week? Love ya much...

A Little Of This...A Little Of That...

2009-04-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....not much to write about - or maybe it's more like not enough TIME to write! The only computer time I get at home is after the girls are asleep, and I rarely get time to update my blog at work. Obviously not much is going on or you would have heard from me sooner!

So, the girls are doing fairly well in their "big-girl" bed. It takes them a while to get to sleep - they do like to play! Tonight, Sarah stuck her head out the door and yelled, "Mommy! Ava pooted!" Talk about stall tactics! I said, "Ava, what do you say?" "'Cuse me..." she said. Then the door shut and Sarah went back to bed. They are quite funny...

Easter came & went in a blur and I have NO pics to show for it. We will just have to re-enact another day. Charles was helping with breakfast at church so my one & only goal was to have all 4 kids dressed and at church on time. I reached my goal and with a few minutes to spare - which for me is huge!

The boys have been playing "dentist" this weekend - well - Zachary has. He pulled one of his own teeth Friday night, and then Saturday, Josh let him pull one of his! Josh is either very brave or was delirious from fever! (He's been running 102 fever all weekend. Motrin brings it down, but I've been having to supplement with Tylenol. Not sure what's up with that.....) My kids never cease to amaze me!

Gotta run - I will try to better with the updates!

I'm Eating My Words....And They Don't Taste Too Bad!

2009-03-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Okay...I know it wasn't even a good 2 weeks ago I said there was NO WAY I was ready to put Sarah in a big girl bed. She is up at the crack of dawn and I know poor Ava is up early because of her! Then - out of the blue - a co-worker offered me her daughter's bedroom suit.....for FREE! Seriously - I just can't turn down an offer like that! I really hadn't thought about Ava moving out of her crib too, but when I found out this was a double bed, Charles & I figured we might as well bite the bullet! We were really anxious to see how they would adapt, and with the exception of nap-time, they really have done well. We put them down at night (around 8) and usually don't hear a peep out of them until they come wobbling out of the room around 7 the next morning. Naps are a different story. It just doesn't happen! Now on Tuesday, Sarah was at Mother's Day Out so I left Ava in the room to see what she would do. She never cried to come out, but I did hear her on the slide several times. I finally went in to get her up because we had to get to school and she was curled up on the floor asleep with her blanket. I guess if she is tired enough, she will crash! Anyway - here are some pics of their first night...one before they got in bed - one playing before bed - and one after they finally gave it up!

Firehouses & Field Trips!

2009-03-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

I know - I have been neglectful of my blog! Time really gets away from me...not to mention there hasn't been anything exciting to write about!

That being said, I finally got to go on a field trip with Josh & his Enrichment class. We went first to Firehouse Subs and then to the Fire Museum. See the theme here? (ha!) It was a great time! All those kids are so well behaved (well - except for the ride home - but I'll get to that in a minute!) I had never been to Firehouse Subs, so that was good too! Someone came around & gave all the kids a fire chief hat...cool! The Fire Museum was awesome! If you have never been, I highly recommend it. Josh came home asking about our smoke detectors, so I know he at least learned something! We got to see Zachary's poster framed & hanging up too. Josh was so proud of that! He was telling everyone to go look at it. The whole tour was amazing, and the kids especially liked the end when they could run & play on all the equipment (imagine that!) We got in free, but the brochure I picked up said there was an admission fee of like $4 or $6...so I really don't know how much it is, but either way it is reasonable. Now - parking stinks if you are going there during the week, but otherwise it is great! Something that was kind of interesting....right next door (and I do mean literally!) is Memphis' first police station. It is totally in shambles. Wouldn't it be cool if they could restore it like they did the Fire Museum?

So - let's fast forward to our ride home. Now the kiddos are all hyped up from all the running around, so it starts out kind of loud. I have 3 boys (one being Josh) and they are all 3 sitting in the 3rd row seat. The middle kid (not Josh) starts egging on the other 2 to "tickle" him...which causes him to squeal - therefore driving me nuts really fast. I let them have their fun...asked them to stop...they continued to keep doing it....so before it was over, I had 3 little boys sitting on their hands for about 1/2 the way back! Okay - so then I am coming dowin Union and cross over Cleveland. The light was yellow and I was panicking b/c I realized I passed a police officer on my right (who was turning right) as I went thru the intersection. I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw his lights come on. I felt the blood drain from my face and my hands got cold & clammy - until I realized he was getting the car who turned left after me. WHEW! I just knew he was coming after me! How on earth would I have lived that down with my field trip refugees? I was soooo grateful for that little pass!

So - that is my fun! I am so grateful for good weather and warm temperatures. More time to spend outside with the kids and my camera! Yea spring!!

And Another Week Begins....

2009-02-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

I am SO ready for summer! I can't wait for the boys to be out of school! I hate packing lunches...I hate having to get everyone up & out of the house before the crack of dawn...I hate being tied down to a schedule....I HATE COLD WEATHER! If I thought I could organize my life, I would homeschool in a minute (and if Charles is reading this, he is falling out of his chair laughing at this idea~we both know it will NEVER happen!) Besides, my kids actually like school - they just don't like all the "prep" work that goes with it. Even Sarah is all psyched on her MDO days. She only goes one day a week, but she would go every day if she could. She feels like such a big kid....and she loves getting to visit "Miss Cindy" for her snack (which she gets before & after "school" - nope - not spoiled at all!) I love that Cindy "takes care" of her - they have a neat bond - always have! Anyway - Spring break is coming...Easter break is coming...then it will be the end of the year before we know it...YEA!

The boys spent the night with Charles' aunt last night, then we met up with them and traded out the girls for the boys. I am so glad she enjoys being with them! They LOVE going to her house! We took the boys to Incredible Pizza with a group from church. It was my first time there and I was impressed. I was glad we went early though - it was getting crazy by the afternoon. I can 't tell you how many people I saw there who were always wanting "something for nothing". I can't stand that - the whole "cater-to-me-so-I-don't-have-to-pay-a-dime-but-get-everything-I-want" attitude. I see that at work too and it drives me crazy. There is a reason I am not a manager because I would not have the philosophy of "the customer is always right"!

So anyway, we visited with friends, came home...then karate, dinner, showers, bed, and the weekend is over before you can blink. I think the boys might have a dentist appointment this week, the girls need their hair trimmed, and there are other tasks too numerous to mention here! I'm just hoping to get thru the week without a child getting sick. Sarah and Ava both had a 12 hour thing...but 5 days apart, so I'm not convinced they got it from each other. Last Sunday, Sarah was still getting over her bug so I kept her home from church. We made a quick trip to the store to grab a few things - one thing being her favorite breakfast item....mini pancakes. Every morning she asks for pancakes, syrup and chocolate "mook" {that's how she says "milk}. I put the pancakes in the basket and you would have thought I had just handed her the keys to a brand new car..."Oh mommy THANK YOU! Thank you so much for my pancakes mommy! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!' As she is saying all this she is hugging my leg! It really was quite funny - and the dozens of people around me thought so too! She is so easy to please......SOMETIMES! We'll save that for another blog....I've already thought of the title: "Drama Queen, Hormonal, or Bipolar?" This actually applies to both Sarah & Ava, but let's not give it all away!

HaHa!

2009-02-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yeah - I guess you probably gathered if I hadn't written anything in a week about my potty-training adventure - then there must not be anything to report. How right you are! Yeah - that was a bust. Sarah was all pumped about her Dora underwear and being a "big girl", but when it came down to it, she really wasn't as ready as I thought. Maybe I wasn't consistent enough...maybe I should have made her sit on the potty forever until she went....maybe if you know our household you would know that ISN'T going to happen! I can promise you that Sarah isn't going to sit still on a potty for that long of a time and I can also promise you Ava won't allow me to be tied up with Sarah for that long! I'm going to give it a couple of months & try again. It will be nice to get one out of diapers!

We spent Superbowl Sunday at home...eating pizza, Charles' FAMOUS oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies and I frosted all the boys hair. We know how to party don't we? I think Josh looks the best out of all of them! I've been doing Charles & Zachary's hair for years but Josh finally succombed this time! I think he liked all the attention Zachary got last summer when I pretty much made him look like a skunk, so he wanted some of that. He flinched the whole time, but was kind of proud of himself when he saw the results.

There really isn't much going on around our house - chaos as usual! I'm discovering that Sarah is becoming much more mellow, while little Ava is now the uncontrollable chihuahua. She CANNOT be trusted alone! She gets in the kitchen and gets the forks out of the silverware drawer (only because she reaches in blind and grabs whatever she can reach). If you don't hear her pushing the chair back from the table, you will walk in and find her perched on the kitchen table -- sometimes sitting, sometimes standing! It is never-ending with her! I had a friend of mine comment to me the other day that - even though I might not see it - she is JUST like Sarah and is in the same place she was a year ago. That is true..Sarah really was "hell on wheels" so to speak! Ava might be much smaller, but she is just like her! Heaven help us! At least I know there is hope a year from now, but gosh - what a year I have ahead of me! I LOVE my kiddos!

Here We Go....

2009-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, the signs are starting to appear, so I guess it is time for "Potty Training 2009"! Sarah is quite interested in doing all the things Mommy does, so I'm using that as leverage. We have a nice supply of Dora panties, so starting Thursday, we will give it a try. I must say, she is quite excited about it...saying she is going to be "a big girl"! Since we still have at least another year of diapers with Ava, it would be FABULOUS if this works! I talked to a pt.'s mom here last week, and I noticed she had a little one (barely 2) out of diapers and asked her how she did it. She said she has lost her job and could not afford diapers, so they had no choice but to go straight to potty training! Wow!

I feel like if I can just stick with it, I feel Sarah can do it.....I just hope I have the patience! I'll start a daily blog on Thursday to track our progress....wish us luck!

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm????

2009-01-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

This past week, I have stumbled upon 2 great mysteries that I am sure have occurred in numerous households over the years. They involve little ones...see if any of you moms can relate....

#1 - Why is it that at least 30% of what is supposed to go into Ava's mouth at mealtime ends up in her seat? I'm trying to be tactful, but what I really mean is her butt! I have the tray pushed up as close to her as possible - I'm surprised she can even breathe! It is a tight fit - it's not like she is in a recliner! Yet - whenever I take her out, I find lots of food right under her tiny behind. She doesn't put it there - I have the tray so close I don't think she can get her arms under it!

#2 - Charles discovered this one Sunday morning. Ava is fully clothed (in pj's)...after breakfast he goes to get her dressed and finds a Cheerio IN her diaper.... like IN her diaper...you know? Okay - so not only would she have to get her hands under the tray, but into her diaper? How the heck?? I think I need to just videotape her at mealtime and go back & watch it in slow-motion. It just boggles the mind!

Okay - so we have had a crazy week....Zachary & Josh were both sick. Zachary missed 3 days of school with fever & a massive double ear infection, and Josh missed 2 days due to puking and high fever (103!) Surprisingly, the girls stayed clean...I still don't know how that happened seeing that we ALL 6 shared a cup of Costco yogurt the night before Josh got sick (thank you Jesus!) Then - later that night after I had dropped off the girls at church, I was in Kroger in Collierville when Charles called me and I had to go all the way back to First Assembly b/c I had taken Charles' car home and he was left at church with no key to my car and 2 very hyper little girls! (The boys had come home with me.) It was insane...and freakin' cold that night!

The highlight of my week was my "girl's night out" at Panera on Monday. Tammy, Jennifer, Lisa & I had soo much fun! Good food and great gab! We are doing a Bible study...The "One Year Women's Friendship Devotional". It is wonderful! Did we really talk about it...well no...we really weren't prepared, but we are emailing each other and "talking" about it. Hey - we are all busy mom's...you do what you have to do!

So - today was the holiday so I guess our week starts tomorrow (sigh). Good for the boys! I work Tues & Wed, and then this weekend...yuck! I hate this part of my job...I'm praying for a change, so I'd love some other "prayer partners" out there! I don't necessarily want to change the location...just the whole "late nights" and "one-weekend-a-month" thing! Thanks so much! Hope everyone has a great week!

What To Talk About?

2009-01-10T18:58:00.001-08:00

Seriously...that is why I haven't blogged in a while. We've just been plugging along - getting back into a routine after the incredibly busy holiday. It's kind of bittersweet actually. I mean, we spend 3 months looking at Christmas stuff in stores, watching Christmas commercials, Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, going to Christmas parties and then....POOF! As of December 26th it is OVER - not to be talked about again until next year. I think we need at least 2 weeks to "detox" our minds instead of cutting it out cold turkey!

We had a great Christmas - Sarah LOVED her Dora backpack! It didn't leave her body for 2 days except to change clothes! She was sooooo into the presents! Ava kind of caught on too. She really didn't care about the gift itself - just getting to play with the paper! The boys were thrilled too. Their piles looked so small, but they really did get most of what they asked for (with the exception of something alive & furry - we are NOT ready for that yet!) "Santa" happened to leave a poem for them on the computer - which Josh found when he got up, What a clever Santa! Charles surprised me with a digital camera - which he bought the day after Christmas on-line & I got it New Year's Day. YEA! finally a "point & shoot" I can stick in my purse. We have a great digital camera but it isn't handy for catching those moments around the house. My new one has tons of bells & whistles too, but it is more - shall we say - "user friendly" for me! Anyway - when Sarah saw mine, she wanted a camera too, so I found one at Target. Here she is:

She's been taking pictures of EVERYTHING! She is sooooo a mommy's girl these days. She does everything I do (or at least tries to!) I had a salad tonight and she ate most of it -- not to mention RAW BROCCOLI!!!! Oh yeah! Finally! One of my kids will eat raw veggies! I craved vegetables like crazy when I was pregnant with her - maybe that is why. Since she wants to do EVERYTHING like mommy, I'm going to use that as leverage to start potty training in a couple of weeks. I bought her some Dora panties and she is really excited about them! I'm not sure how successful it will be, but it is worth a shot!

Well - the boys will be home soon, so I need to finish laundry so I can head to bed when they get home. They passed their belt test tonight, so they are now "orange belt - black stripe". Their next test will be for green belt. I'm so proud of them - they have come so far! Tomorrow is going to be a LOOOOONG day for all of us. These weekends go by way too fast!

...and the children were nestled all snug in their beds....

2008-12-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

...and mom & dad aren't far behind! Sarah & Ava passed out almost immediately. Amazing how missing that afternoon nap makes for an early bedtime! We spent the afternoon/evening at my cousin's house and then left to go look at Christmas lights. I was cracking up at Zachary & Josh singing "Feliz Navidad" - well - TRYING to sing! Then they got into some theological discussion about Jesus being God. I was amazed at the "stillness" of everything. Stores were closed, traffic was light....it was like it was the middle of the night! By the time we got home and the kids discovered the pjs that were "left" for them (see previous post), excitement ensued so we once again had to wind down - but that didn't take very long! Sarah still doesn't really "get" Christmas, but she is beside herself with the thought of opening presents! The pajamas alone nearly put her over the top - I can only imagine what tomorrow will be like!

I tried to remember what my Christmases were like at Zachary & Josh's age. I think when I was 10, I got a tape recorder and a guitar. Actually those came from my grandparents. When I was 7, one thing I remember getting was a --- you are so going to laugh -- a "J.J." doll. I mean "J.J." from the show "Good Times"! You pull a string and he would say 'Dy-no-mite"! Really - I am dead serious! I know I got lots of other things, but those are the things that stick out in my mind. I was an only child - it didn't take much to amuse me!

Tomorrow morning will be a blast! Sarah will be the most fun to watch. Her theme this year is Dora. Ava is still borderline Elmo - but she likes Dora too. Josh would be happy with a ball of yarn and Zachary's stash is just a hodge-podge. He is so hard - he's very particular and really never asks for anything. Charles & I were examining everything and thought it really looked bare - but everything is so small. We honestly didn't go all out - there is no need to and we really don't want our kids to expect it. They have 2 uncles (plus other family) who spoil them greatly - which is fine! I think all kids deserve to have someone who will go all out for them. Uncle Danny & Uncle Randy are extremely creative and put lots of time and thought into their gifts. I am so grateful my kids have them! They love their uncles and love spending time with them!

I hope all of my friends and family have a blessed Christmas. I am in awe of how blessed I am this season. I have no doubt there will be some serious changes in our family next year (no - I am NOT pregnant!) but for right now - this moment - under this roof is my best friend and 4 little rays of sunshine who mean more to me than anything else in the world. I have everything I could ever want this Christmas. God has been so good to me. Merry Christmas everyone!

It's Christmas Eve-Eve-Eve!

2008-12-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

At least - that is what Josh determined it was this morning! The kids are so excited...they love all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. If they had their choice, they would spend the whole 2 weeks at other people's houses! They are not "home bodies" by any means! I've been trying to squeeze in time to try to do this or that, but there is never any "time" left! It finally occurred to me the other day that if I just listen to them, they'll let me know what things are important to them. They've talked constantly about going to "Nanny & Pops" - which we did last Saturday - to have Christmas with them. They count down the days until Christmas Eve when they get to see their cousins....then there is Christmas day when we go to Charles' aunt's and then his mom's. They love being with family! That really is what is important, and I am glad they think so too. They are looking forward to the traditional "making of the Christmas cookies" on Christmas Eve. We do the whole rolling out the sugar cookie dough & using cookie cutters thing, then decorate with cream cheese icing & other assorted toppings. They have such a good time, and Santa REALLY likes the cookies & milk! ;-) While we are gone to my cousins, one of "Santa's elves" comes by and leaves a package of Christmas pj's on each child's bed. This has happened every year since Zachary was a baby...and has turned into one of the highlights of their Christmas. I love how this is such a magical time for them - as it should be. I want them to feel this way for as long as possible!

Sarah is really starting to get into the season...she loves seeing the presents and is always asking "Is that present for ME?" Ava is still a little young....but she will catch on fast! Sarah got a tea set last Saturday at Nanny & Pops and we have been having tea parties. She is quite the little hostess! I don't know where she picked up on that....unless at mother's day out. If I am still --- she is handing me a plate & cup! Last night, she got up to go get in bed - hugged me and said "You my best friend"! I just melted! Granted, just an hour earlier I had been trying to think of a way to detach her from my side....but that just made my year! She can be a sneaky little thing, but she is also as sweet as she can be when she wants to be!

I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas and remember in the midst of all the chaos the real "reason of the season" - that sweet baby who came to save the world. The other night on my way home from work, I was listening to the radio and they were playing "Mary Did You Know?" I've heard that song a million times, but suddenly one line really struck me....."and when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God." That is just awesome to me. Here this little teenage girl is blessed with the gift of giving birth to the Messiah. She got to cuddle him and love on him like any mother would her newborn. Think about all the times you have kissed the sweet soft cheek of a baby - but Mary got to kiss the face of God -- Awesome isn't it? Merry Christmas everyone!

Is It 4th of July, Or Christmas?

2008-12-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

Seriously.....the reason I ask is because Sarah seems to be declaring her independence these days. "I DO IT!" is heard constantly! Don't get me wrong...I'm glad for her. She's testing her wings. The problem is when she does things like insisting on picking out her own pajamas - and she chooses her Elmo tank-top and shorts when it is 25 degrees outside! Do you realize what it takes to convince a strong-willed child that she needs to wear long sleeves and pants when that is not on her agenda? It's exhausting! She wants to pick her own breakfast (cookies or popsicles), her own clothes (explained above), put ON her own clothes, put her own toothpaste on her toothbrush, wash her own hair (as well as Ava's!) pour her own milk/juice (I don't think so!), put all the clothes in the dryer (I can work with that - even Ava joins in), buckle her own self in her car seat...the list goes on and on. Now - when Charles is home, that is a totally different story! Her independence is out the door and all we hear is "No! Mommy do it!!!" I have to buckle her in her seat (she has finally consented to letting Charles get her in - but he can not - UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE - buckle her. It HAS to be me. He can't give her a bath, get her juice, get her blanket.....you name it. It's all about the mommy! Even Ava (aka..."Little Bit", "Bitsy", "Tiny Mite", "Spider Monkey", "Chihuahua on Crack"....) is getting into the act. When she phone rings, she says, "I get it!"... same thing when the dryer goes off ... "I get it!" It's really cute!

So anyway -- that is just a few of the musings happening at our house. Our crazy week is about to come to a close and I could not be happier. Christmas luncheon Sunday, and musical Sunday night. I can't wait to see it! The stage and choir look fabulous, and the kids do an AMAZING job! There are some really talented singers in that bunch! Yes - my own child is included - but even so, all of the soloists are so good! It will be exciting to see it all come together! I know Zachary & Josh can't wait! The boys have 1/2 days Wed., Thurs. and Fri. next week and then they are out for 2 whole weeks...yea! I think I'm looking forward to it just as much as the boys are -- no lunches or snacks to pack....sleeping late (anything past 6 a.m. works for me!)....just relaxing....aaaaaaahhhhh! Then, I'll be counting down until spring break, but now I'm getting ahead of myself.... :-)

Yes - I'm Still Alive - and So Is Charles! :-)

2008-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Wow! Has it really been 2 weeks since my last post? It does seem like an eternity - but then it also seems like yesterday. I know I sounded a little psycho in my last post -- sorry! I was stressed and very sleep deprived - which we all know is a bad combination! Charles has recovered nicely from his surgery. He's starting to ease back into "normal" life - whatever that is! He came home the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. For the first time in our marriage (12 years), we had to skip our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmother's in Oxford. We hated missing out on the best food EVER, but fortunately, his brother and mom brought us leftovers.

Thanksgiving seems like forever ago. We are now in the throws of the Christmas season. I feel like I have just topped the first massive hill of a roller coaster and am soaring out of control at top speed to the bottom. My eyes are closed, and I am holding on tight! This time of year is just insanely busy - which is probably why I actually dread it every year. I know - how horrible! Let me just give an example...this week involved 3 nights of karate (that was just by chance), school program, trip to Wolfchase for Santa pics (which deserves a Prozac for everyone!), Zachary's b'day party, another b'day party for him to go to Saturday....and then there's next week. Karate Monday, rehearsal for the church Christmas program Wed-Fri for the boys (btw - Josh has a major solo and I am floored! I never even knew he was interested until he tried out!), and I work Mon, Thurs, and Fri. Charles will LOVE that! We have another b'day party next weekend, as well as the church staff Christmas luncheon, and the Christmas program. I'm HOPING things will slow down the next week. We need to have a couple of nights of just loading up in the car with hot chocolate and going to look at Christmas lights. Sarah gets so excited about the lights, and she loooooves her Christmas tree! I had resigned myself to the fact that we were just not going to have one this year. That is Charles' project - his baby! No one helps him because things have to be placed "just so". With him having surgery, there was no way he could get everything out of the attic and I sure couldn't do it. He went last weekend and bought a skinny little tree that is really cute! A far cry from the massive one that normally ornates our living room! We have this one in the den, right next to the t.v. - a good thing because Ava has to be watched like a hawk! She really doesn't mess with the ornaments - only the candy canes (which have now all been moved to the top half of the tree!) Our little "chihuahua on crack" (as we so affectionately call her) quickly discovered that they can be easily broken and eaten! Sarah really doesn't bother the tree - thank goodness!

Well - it is getting late and I am working a little while in the morning, so I need to get some sleep...I promise not to wait 2 weeks before my next post! I hope you all have a great weekend!

Talk About Extreme....

2008-11-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

When I think about what I was doing 2 weeks ago, and what I am doing now, it is depressing! Two weeks ago, Charles & I were in Mexico...lots of sun...great food...no worries. Today, it's freakin' cold, I think the last thing I ate was popcorn - yesterday, and my mind is in a tailspin! Charles had major surgery Thursday and won't be home for several more days, which I just cannot stand. I hate that he is in pain, I hate that he can't hear (will address that later), and I hate trying to sleep without him here with me. I just can't! Isn't that pitiful? Am I the only one like that? I usually keep the t.v. on all night and sort of doze. Each day is getting better - for him...thank goodness! I do not want to re-live Thursday for anything. Let me tell you all about my day....

We checked into the hospital around 11.a.m. and still had to wait over an hour for him to be called back. It was almost an hour after that before I could go back with him (thanks for sitting with me Traci!) Let me just add here that I already felt like a rubber band about to SNAP! I was stressed - about the surgery - about the kids - and so much more! When I get this way, I get snippy (I know, me? snippy? Hard to imagine isn't it?) Unfortunately, Charles was the only one around for me to take it out on. I know, automatic nomination for "Worst Wife of 2008". He knows I'm stressed, and is used to my quirkiness (thank God). Here he is, waiting to have major surgery and he tells me, "Honey, it's all going to be okay." Well, then I lost it, because I realize I have officially WON the title of "Worst Wife of 2008" (no other applicants need to apply!) I should be the one telling him it's all going to be okay! "Hello, my name is Rene', and I am scum!"

I collect myself, he answers the same questions a thousand times to different people (talk about CYA!), all is well, and he gets whisked away. I wait in the waiting room with Charles' mom & later his dad joins us. I get called with updates every hour, and finally Dr. Miller calls when he out of surgery. Everything went well and he was doing fine. He was in recovery and they would call us "in about an hour" with his room number. That hour turned into almost 3! While we waited though, I was reminded of how blessed I really am. The waiting room was almost empty and I noticed 2 dr.s came out and talked to this really cute lady I had seen while Charles was in his little "holding area" prior to surgery. They talked to her for a really long time and then I saw her start to cry. Her friend who was with her put her arms around her and hugged her, then the dr.s hugged her, they talked a little more, then it was just her & her friend. Well of course it didn't take a genius to figure out something had gone wrong. I went to the restroom and the lady's friend happened to come in after me and was on her cell phone (I was faced with the dilemma of "to-pee-or-not-to-pee"....you know those cell phones pick up EVERYTHING!) Anyway, come to find out, this lady's husband must have had a tumor in his stomach that was supposed to have been removed, but when they got in there, his whole abdominal cavity was full of little tumors. The dr.s just closed him back up and they were going to call in an oncologist. I felt so sorry for her. Her whole world was turned upside down in a matter of minutes. All my problems were very small all of the sudden. Ah, but then the ugly monster reared his head once more. After Charles finally got into a room, the nurse told me they had to hold him in recovery b/c his sats were dropping. He was in so much pain, and I was thinking what am I going to do? I HAD to go home. My mom had to get back to my grandmother, the kids had one more day of school, I still needed to wash uniform pants, Zachary had a sleepover to go to right after school, so he had clothes to get together, b'day invitations had be finished to be sent home in "Friday Folders"....but I couldn't stand the thought of leaving him! Fortunately, I guess his dad picked up on my anxiety b/c he volunteered to stay. During this time, they called an "Emory House" to a room right across the hall from his (that's hospital code for 'a patient is crashing'). I peeked out and the patient was actually a girl who had walked in right before us when we checked in. I don't know what type of surgery she had done, but the fact that she had also just come out of surgery freaked me out. Long story short, Charles gets his pain meds and is zonked, so I leave to go home. I barely get to the car and I just fall apart. The day was just too much. Granted, I had it easier than others - we were blessed with good results - but at that time, it didn't matter.

So let's fast forward. Each day gets better. Today he walked around the floor and even took a shower. When I talked to him earlier, he was hurting again, so he probably did too much. Another downfall is that he cannot hear - again. His ears have filled up with fluid again and he really can't hear. His friend Chris came and looked at his ears and prescribed 2 different sprays and a pill, so hopefully that will help. Don't EVER fly if you have the slightest sign of a sinus infection! Anyway - now I need to restore some sort of normalcy for my kids. I remember my mom having several surgeries when I was little and I hated when she was in the hospital. The boys are with me tonight (Josh went to bed at 7 feeling sleepy and having chills...I hope he is just tired!) and I will have all 4 back tomorrow. I am so grateful for grandmas and family who don't mind keeping the kiddos! I don't know what I would do without them! I can't wait for all of us to be under one roof again!

So - that is what the last few days have been like in our household. Charles has a looooong recovery ahead of him. I guess at some point I need to start thinking about Christmas. Right now I just feel all "Bah-Humbug" about the whole thing. Seriously - Christmas is Charles' "thing". He does the tree every year and it is amazing! There is no way I can even get the stuff down from the attic, much less try to put it up! Oh well - we are just going to have to take everything one day at a time and be grateful for the things we do have - especially good health!

Weekend To Remember

2008-11-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

That is exactly what this past weekend was. We went to Aventura Spa Palace in the Myan Riviera Sat.-Tues. It was the perfect way to spend our anniversary. Charles' dad actually won this trip, but wasn't able to go, so he gave it to us. It was all inclusive....we even had free calls to the U.S. from our room (which is needed when you are checking up on 4 kids!) The only thing we had to pay for was our shopping excursion in Playa Del Carmen - and the dr. visit to our room the first night. Charles had been battling sinus problems before we left, and the descent from the plane when we landed did him in. The first night he was up at 2 a.m. basically in tears because his ears hurt so bad. The last time I saw him in that bad of shape was when he was in the hospital for his diverticulitis. Anyway - this place was so awesome - they have a dr. on call 24/7...he was at our room in 15 minutes - examined Charles - gave him 2 shots and some pills and 20 minutes after he was gone Charles was snoozing away. Drugs are a beautiful thing! The dr. said if he wasn't any better, to call him and he would come back at no charge. This place was incredible. You can see pics of the trip on my Facebook page. (Let me throw this in -- I'm sure everyone knows the mark-up is outrageous in Mexico. At the airport, they had a little snack area for sandwiches, drinks, and Pringles. Guess how much 2 can drinks and a can of Pringles cost........$10! We didn't pay that -- I'd rather go hungry - but others did!)

Anyway - like I said - this was our anniversary and I have done a lot of thinking over the past few days. It makes me laugh to think of how we started out in our little one bedroom apartment (that I could vacuum entirely from one outlet) and have grown to a family of 6 in a house that is now bursting at the seems! We are by no means perfect, but I so love my husband and am grateful to God for bringing us together. We have had funny moments (oh so many of them!), sad moments, scary moments, worrisome moments, etc., but each "moment" has made us stronger. I have always said that he is the only person who could be married to me and not divorce me! I blame it on OCS...."Only-Child-Syndrome". We have learned that we have to make an effort to make time for "us". With 4 kids and our crazy schedule, that is near impossible, but somehow we manage. We have learned to rely on the "little" things. We joke that we are rare because we actually LIKE each other and like to do things together. I want to share the things that I love about Charles...the things that make him so special to me:

1) He loves his family. Charles is 100% hands-on with his kids. With my work schedule, I am gone 3 nights out of the week, so that is 3 nights he is home alone with 4 kids and having to manage homework, dinner, sometimes karate, baths, and bedtime. There aren't many men who would do that - or at least be good at it!

2) I love how he will do little things to show me he thinks of me. On days he comes home and knows I am driving his car the next day, he'll set the CD player to my favorite CD, or he'll send me an e-card for no reason. He doesn't hesitate to make me feel special.

3) He is always quick to compliment if he thinks I look nice, or even on dinner (when I am able to cook!)

4) He voluntarily helps out around the house. He will give the girls a bath while I do dishes or vice-versa. I never have to ask him to help me.

5) He has no problem with me having a "girls night" every now & then - even when I am gone other nights of the week.

6) He has a tender heart and is soft-spoken. He never yells and never talks down to me.

7) He has the best arms in the world! When he hugs me, it is the best part of my day!

8) His "oh well" attitude is so comforting. We had a "situation" while we were on our trip and his response was "let's go get dessert" - rather than wringing his hands together and freaking out. Now I know where Josh gets it!

9) He is great at making me see the "other side of the story". If I get upset about something he'll say, "Well, from their perspective, they probably meant......"

10) I love how he hums in the shower.

11) He'll bring home Nestle Tollhouse ice-cream cookies when he has to make a night trip to Wal-Mart!

12) He will sew his own button or iron his own shirt. I would do it if he asked, but he has no problem doing it himself if I'm not home.

13) He makes the BEST lasagna, cheesecake, and oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies!

14) He still opens my door for me.

15) We ALWAYS end a phone conversation with "I Love You". Even if he is miffed with me, he'll still say it! :-)

16) He'll bring me flowers "just because".

17) He works hard. He has a full-time job and still works for his dad. It stinks sometimes, but he still does it.

18) His kids and his family come first. Sometimes his dad has a problem with him taking off to go to a game or karate tournament. I think he is just jealous because he sees Charles doing what he should have been doing 30 years ago.

19) He is quick to help out a friend or neighbor.

20) He is the most patient person I know. I don't know how he does what he does!

21) He'll give me his "crispy" part of his fish and take my "thicker" part. (I don't like thick fillets!)

22) He knows that I like honey mustard with my onion rings, lemon in my tea/water, no jalepenos on my " Spud Ole", and my eggs hard scrambled.

23) He'll arrange for the kids to go to his moms so we can have a "date" every now & then!

24) He decorates an amazing Christmas tree. I am not the creative one here...he is so good at that kind of stuff!

25) He is faithful. Enough said.

I could go on but I'm sure you are tired of reading about why I am so in love with him. I love him for the big things as well as the little things. I can't wait to see where the next 12 years leads us!

Time to FROG!

2008-11-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

"FROG" ......Fully Rely On God. Is that what you are doing? Were you doing it before the elections? I hope so, but if you weren't, I'm sure you are now. I don't want to give the wrong impression, but I'm not upset about the election results. I've known from the beginning that God was in control and knew who our leader would be before the first vote was ever cast. It's not like He was watching the returns saying, "Oh my gosh! What is going on down there?" He's the Alpha and Omega...the First and Last. He may not have answered the prayers of many in the way that was anticipated, but that just proves once again that "The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." (Ps. 145:17) (Note - it is HIS way ... not OUR way!) It isn't our responsibility to be disappointed, it is our responsibility to lift this man up in prayer daily as he leads this nation. He has a difficult task ahead of him and even though there are things we may not agree on, he is still our President. God placed him there for a reason and we should honor that.

When I was in high school, my algebra & geometry books had the answers to all the odd problems in the back. Sometimes I would get so frustrated trying to work out the problem that I would just write down the answer and not care how I got it. Getting the right answer was all well & good, but I was really cheating myself for not taking the time to figure out how to actually work the problem. I guess what I am trying to say is that today some people might be trying to jump to the answer...what is God trying to show me/us through this election? What we should do (in my opinion) is slow down, and see how God is going to work in our nation. This is not the time to despare and have an "oh woe is me!" attitude. This should be a time for everyone to put aside political views and unite in praying for our nation as well as our leader.

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...

2008-10-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

That is EXACTLY what I have had to do so many times today! I do love my girls, but OMG...they double team me sometimes! Sarah woke up Ava so breakfast was being served before Charles & the boys even left for school....not a good sign. Besides them both being cranky -- they were just into everything! I found a place that had some little shoe covers for Sarah's costume (Dorothy) so we went to get those. That sounds like such a simple task doesn't it? You all know what the "getting ready" process is like, so let's just skip straight to the store. I had asked them to hold the shoes for me so I wouldn't have to try digging for them. So, I get in line for the register and Sarah thinks she is in Santa's workshop -- she's all over the place. I manage to corral her to stay at least within 2 feet of me, and Ava is going nuts wanting to get down --- which was NOT going to happen! We were in the store 3-5 minutes but it felt like 3-5 hours! I was so glad to get back in the car!

We get home - they nibble at some lunch and I announce nap time. Sarah goes into a crying fit so I promptly place her in bed and let her cry it out. She's waaaay tired! Ava goes too, but after about 30 minutes, they are still "talking" and Ava starts with the "serious" crying. This does happen sometimes. Usually I go check to make sure someone doesn't need a diaper change, give them a stern warning, and they proceed to go to sleep. Not today. Ava has chosen to revert to the "stripper" phase except this time she is "jaybird" naked. Diaper & clothes are on the floor, and yes -- a wet spot on the sheets.....nice. I changed the sheets, re-dressed her, swatted her behind (all not necessarily in that order) and put her back in bed. I gave both of them a good "talkin' to" and walked out. Not another sound was heard. Finally! Naps today were not an option. We have "trunk-or-treating" tonight at church and since they were up at the crack of dawn, they needed some down time. Not to mention that mommy did too! I had things to do!

After tonight, I should have some great pics to put up. We went to my boss's farm in Moscow last weekend and the kids had an incredible time. They got to see horses, cows, miniature donkeys, go on a hayride, roast hotdogs & marshmallows - we all had a blast. [I work with some pretty awesome people (you know who you are...love ya!) We always have a great time together, be it at work or elsewhere. That is a "fantabulous" thing since we are together 12+ hours the days we work! I love them so! ] Anyway, I have those pics and hopefully will get cooperation from the kids to get some good shots tonight! Zachary is Batman, Josh is a storm trooper, Sarah is Dorothy and Ava is a kitty (pink/black). I hope the hood fits over her rather "healthy" head! We'll see... Happy Halloween to all!!

Yes, I'm Going There

2008-10-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's just go ahead and discuss the elephant in the middle of the room -- the upcoming elections. I'm going to take a break from the comedy that is my life and voice my opinion on why I believe the things I believe and why I support the candidate I support. I will state right now that I am a Christian and a Republican, so if you think that anything that I am going to "say" will anger or offend you, please click out now and I promise to return to my regularly scheduled hilarities next time! I am not out to change anyone's views - I am just stating my own. Since I created this blog and it does have my name on it, I feel that I am entitled to voice my opinions here. Should you disagree, please do not blast me on my comments - let's just respectfully agree to disagree. Feel free to go to www.blogspot.com and create your own blog! I would love to read it.

First, I am thrilled with Sarah Palin's boldness on her beliefs and views of Christianity. The following is an excerpt taken from an interview she had with James Dobson (Focus On the Family). Christa -- I copied this from your blog -- I hope you don't mind!

"The Alaska governor talked by phone with Dobson for about 20 minutes Monday while she was in Colorado campaigning. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program aired the interview Wednesday. Dobson asked whether Palin was discouraged by polls showing the GOP ticket behind. "To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder," Palin said. "And it also strengthens my faith, because I'm going to know, at the end of the day, putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4. So I'm not discouraged at all."

Palin thanked Dobson and supporters for their prayers and — when Dobson inquired about the importance of faith in her life — said: "It is my foundation, yes, my Christian faith is." She also used terms like "prayer warrior" and "intercession" — words that might be unknown to the average listener but are common vocabulary in Pentecostal Christianity. Palin spent 20 years in a Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church, but she usually refers to her faith generically as Christian, not even evangelical. "It is that intercession that is so needed and so greatly appreciated," Palin told Dobson. "And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation." She continued: "When we hear along the rope lines that people are interceding for us and praying for us, it's our reminder to do the same, to put this all in God's hands, to seek his perfect will for this nation, and to of course seek his wisdom and guidance in putting this nation back on the right track."

Describing herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer," Palin said the birth of a son with Down syndrome was "this opportunity for me to really be walking the walk and not just talking the talk. There's purpose in this also and for a greater good to be met there." Palin said the campaign had to have faith that its message will be heard "minus the filter of the mainstream media." "That filter has to be erased," she said. "So we have to have faith in the wisdom of the people that they'll understand what our message is. But even bigger that then, I have to have that faith that God is going to help us get that message out there."

I just loved what she had to say. This is only a portion of the interview, but you can't deny the strength of her convictions. It is also obvious just by watching her that she has a peace about her. She knows that win or lose, this election is in God's hands and until that time, she will continue to be His vessel. The liberal media does not phase her - it is almost as if she has a "bring it on" attitude. Now, I'm not totally stupid -- McCain knew what he was doing when he picked her --- reaching the audience he would otherwise never reach had he picked just another guy in a suit. McCain has pushed Palin into the limelight and sort of taken a step back. I'll admit -- my vote for McCain is actually a vote for Palin. I'm not "wowed" by McCain - but I'm not going to vote for Obama either. (As a side note - I think this whole SNL thing with Sarah Palin has been hilarious, and she has been a gracious sport!)

There are a plethera of issues surrounding the presidential election - the war, the present financial crisis of the country, social security, etc. I'm not writing a book or hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, so I am not going to comment on all of these - just one. Every election - be it local, state or national level - has the abortion issue tagged to it. I am very much pro-life. I have a really hard time with this whole "it's my body and you can't tell me what to do with it" attitude. Seriously? That's your excuse? As soon as you become pregnant it is not about you anymore....it becomes all about the life you are carrying inside you. And yes -- it IS a life - regardless of how it began. I've seen and heard the heartbeat at just a few weeks. People use the argument, "Well, it isn't viable outside the womb." Okay -- well, (not trying to sound insensitive) the person up in ICU who is having to be fed thru a NG tube - breathing only with the help of a machine - heart pumping only with the help of a machine - isn't "viable" either, but at least is given a chance. You don't see people picketing outside the hospital to turn off the switch. It's all about making a choice....a choice to put someone else's life above your own. A choice to save a life - not end it. If you don't want this life, then give it up for adoption. I probably sound like a mushy mom who loves to cuddle a newborn (and I do!), but I have done my research -- I know the "how" and "why" and what happens after an abortion (no - I haven't had one, but I know many who have). People bring in the issue of rape. Yes - that is a horrible crime on so many levels, but I don't believe an abortion is the answer there either. I remember MANY years ago a woman came to our church to speak who was the product of a rape....wow! She was amazing! She was a prime example of God turning something tragic into something beautiful. I guess that is the difference...the "God" factor. Not everyone has it - but that is all the difference in the world. He influences your choices - He gives you comfort in the most painful of times and provides you with a support system like no other. I don't judge you if you chose to have one - actually my heart aches for you b/c I cannot imagine how painful an experience it had to be for you. I hope you know that God can help you thru the healing process.

Okay -- I have written enough to last a month. Maybe I gave you something to think about - maybe you think I'm a rambling idiot! It's not easy to put yourself out there -- these are sensitive issues. Like I said, I am not trying to force myself on anyone. I gave you the opportunity to bail out at the very beginning, so if you read this all the way thru, it was YOUR choice! :-) I hope that whatever your views are you feel strongly about them (don't ride the fence!) and that you will pray before casting your vote. It isn't important that you agree with me....I'll still like you! :-) These are just opinions! Whoever wins this election has a long and trying road ahead of them. The state of our nation did not happen overnight - it will take years for us to see any improvement (if any!) We ALL have a long road ahead of us!

Where Oh Where Does All My Time Go?

2008-10-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Seriously....my days are gone and usually I have nothing to show for it. This week, my days off are Tues. & Wed. I try to cram in the things I NEED to do (laundry & grocery shopping), but the girls consume any available minutes while we are at home. They try to be good little helpers, but sometimes create more work instead. I was folding clothes today and Sarah was all too eager to jump right in. "I help mommy....I help you!" And she did -- I folded a huge basket of whites in about 35.2 seconds because she was pulling everything out and handing them to me for me to fold and was very impatient when I did not take her items fast enough! You know, for a 2 year-old she is quite opinionated and demanding. Okay - I guess all 2 year-olds are demanding -- I'll give her that. Her big thing right now is that she MUST be dressed first thing in the morning. There is no "lounging" around in her pajamas....oh no. As soon as I go into the girls' room to get them up , she is telling me, "Mommy, I want my clothes. I want my orange shirt (or pink, or purple, etc.) and pants." There is no tricking her either. She knows her colors so if I don't produce the requested shirt, I have to convince her that the one I have in my hand is better. Good thing my college degree is in psychology because she is already making me use it. I'll have to go back for my PhD. before she hits the teenage years or I won't make it! Let me just add that while she can push me to the brink of insanity, she also has the ability to charm the socks off me. Everything is "please" & "thank-you mommy". How can you resist that? She can see it on my face when I am counting to 10 on the inside and she will pat my arm & tell me, 'You o'tay mommy....you o'tay." I sat down on the couch one night and she came running across the room saying, "I comin' mom...o'tay...I comin'." I didn't really know what she wanted, but she just crawled up next to me and sat there -- holding her blanket and patting my leg. She is so free with her hugs & kisses. She & Ava are both like that. I could just eat them up sometimes!

I digress...this is supposed to be about where my time goes. Yesterday I had a dr. appt., took Ava to the grocery store with me (that alone is a whole other blog -- why can't my kids actually ENJOY riding in the basket? I know it is possible...I see other kids doing it without shrieking!) We picked up Sarah & the boys from school, had dinner, then went to the Collierville mall to get some pants for Zachary. We were in Children's Place about 10 minutes and I sent the brood over to the cookie place b/c I could not think. Charles had Ava, the boys were showing me hats and big winter coats that I had to convince them I was not buying at this time, and Sarah was running amuck thinking this was some new cool playground. I must admit, I got some sweet deals and everyone did come home with at least one thing! Today I knew it would be just me & the girls all day, so I decided I would take them to the park after it warmed up. I planned my strategy -- I planned to get there about 2:00 thinking little kids would be home taking a nap and we would be gone by 3:15 in case mommies wanted to let their little darlings burn off energy after school. It was a great plan -- no one was there and we had the whole place to ourselves for about 30 minutes!

Now - let me tell you the events leading up to our little outing. I decided to "jump" in the shower while the girls were engrossed in Barney, or some "Sprout" show. Normally, I have to get up at 5:45 a.m. (working or not) in order to get completely ready for the day (b/c I also have to get the boys up & ready and Charles needs to be in the shower by 7:00). Today, I knew I really wasn't going to have to see anybody, so I decided to sleep in until 6:45 and try to work in a shower later. Big mistake on my part. Fast forward....I had just started washing my face when I hear the bathroom door open and Ava's little voice - "Momma!" I'm talking to her, trying to get the soap off my face & out of my eyes. When I open them, she has pulled the shower curtain totally out and is standing there -- water hitting her face -- just looking at me. It's Josh all over again! (If you don't know the Josh & the shower story, go back & read one of my earlier postings!) I yank the curtain back but it is too late. Water is all over the floor. Ava can't even walk because she keeps slipping on the water like ice...her butt is soaking wet (I had JUST put her clothes on her!) I had only had one towel in there b/c I was washing all the others. I had to use my one towel to put in the floor to start soaking up the water. Sarah tried to go get me towel, but she does not know where I keep them (not really important info for a 2 year-old to retain!) Poor little thing tried to go find one, but as soon as she left the room I hear, "Mommy, I can't find it!" So, I had to run to the other bathroom (where the linen closet is) dripping wet and get a towel....both girls all up under my feet like this was some new game. So I get the water cleaned up (only a 1 towel job this time!), change Ava's clothes, finish getting myself ready, get everyone's shoes on, THEN we are ready to go! The topper would have been if I had gotten everyone in the car and someone had a "stinky" - but that didn't happen. If it had, I think I would have just cried! It did end up being a good day though. The girls had fun. They were exhausted because they didn't get their afternoon naps, but that just meant an early bedtime. I did manage to wash and change our sheets, dust a little, and do 3 other loads of laundry, so I was a little productive. I just hate when I run myself ragged all day and have nothing to show for it in the end (that isn't true - I usually have at least one load of laundry as evidence). I let the girls help me fold, or dust, or pick up. I'm trying to loosen up and not turn them into neurotic cleaners like me! I let them do what they want and whatever they don't clean up, I take care of when they go to bed. After all -- it's just "stuff", and they are babies! I'll crack the whip when they get older...just ask Zachary & Josh!

The Big Day

2008-10-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Zachary's luncheon at Chickasaw Country Club. I think he was a little underwhelmed with the food, but he still had a good time. Here are a couple of pics. It looks like his poster was about crawling out of a burning house to safety. He did a good job showing people crawling - that is pretty difficult. My friend Jen pointed out that I left out a Josh update in my last blog. Well -- He hasn't said much about Zachary's accomplishment. He told Zachary, "You don't have to keep bragging about it." He was quickly reminded that he had his moment in the spotlight at the karate tournament, and now it is Zachary's turn. In case you didn't know, Josh is very competitive. If he loses in a game, he will make you play again until he wins -- he's very much a sore loser!

Anyway - here are the pics I promised......he is growing up so fast! It is hard to believe he will be 10 in a couple of months. In three years, a teenager --- aaaaaggghhhh!!!

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far.....

2008-10-14T18:52:00.001-07:00

I have really got to get better at this blogging thing. Time gets away from me and the next thing I know another week has passed! I'm going to brag on my kids once more and I promise to stop - well for a little while at least!

Zachary has won honorable mention in a poster contest for "Fire Prevention Week" - like - for the whole city! It was extra credit, but he wanted to do it anyway. I think only 3 people in his class even did it. Next thing we know, Mr. White (his principal) came to Charles' office with a fax that told him his poster was one of 1,500 chosen from the whole city! It will be framed and will hang in the Memphis Fire Museum for one year, then given back to him to keep. He was so excited! He gets to go to a special luncheon at the Chickasaw Country Club too! This made up for his slump after the karate tournament. This reminded me of when I was in 6th grade and won 3rd place in a "Law Week" poster contest. I got to go downtown to a luncheon with the Mayor (Wyeth Chandler at the time - some of you will have no idea who that is - yes I'm old). Somewhere there is a picture of me with him....maybe I can dig it up. Believe me - that poster was no work of art. I'm sure Zachary did an amazing job on his - you know he IS his father's child! I never saw it - it is best for special projects to be left at Daddy's office where little hands (a.k.a. Sarah & Ava) cannot get to them.

Speaking of "little hands" -- the girls have done a good job of staying dressed this week. I hope this is a trend that has passed! They are so funny....Sarah is singing her "ABC's" like a champ (with the exception of l-m-n...gets a little blotchy there!) and Ava amazes me at just how much she understands. I think I underestimate her ! She's so tiny that I tend to forget how old she really is. (She is 16 months old and still wears 12 month clothes...thus the nickname "Itty Bitty"!) She goes to the tub when you mention a bath, goes to her room when she's ready for bed, she'll put something up if you ask her to.....and her favorite word right now is "NO!" Ask if she is hungry -- "NO!" Ask if she is ready to get in the car -- "NO!" Now, if she really means no, then you get "NONONONONONO!" I took the girls to see my grandmother this past weekend and Ava's little face lit up like a candle when she saw my grandmother. She looooooves her! Well - all my kids do -- she is so great with them. It is sad to see how her health is going down (she has a cancerous cyst on her pancreas). There was a time a few years ago when the boys would go stay a day or two with her, but that is out of the question now. She is barely able to stay by herself. I had taken some things to her house to make dinner for her so that she would have something to eat on for a few days and it made me sad to think how much things have changed over the years. When I was little, I loved weekends because we would go to my grandparents house and cook-out steaks. They were sooooo good! We would have baked potatoes and salad too. I always thought she made the best salad ever -- then I realized it was her dressing I liked. She always bought that Thousand Island dressing that came in the jar -- the thick stuff. When I spent the night, she made a breakfast to feed an army. She was always up & moving & could not stand to sit still. She loved to cook and always made more than we could eat. Now, everyone else is taking care of her. It really stinks to grow up...

Well, like I said, I hope to get better at keeping up with my blog. The girls alone give me enough material to write about!

Catch-up

2008-10-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

Whew! There have been lots of things going on this week, so I'm going to hit the highlights. First of all, can someone (ANYONE!) offer up a suggestion as to why a toddler feels the need to be naked - particularly from the waist down? This seems to be a new "hobby" for Sarah and Ava - particularly at naptime. I can't tell you how many times I have had to wash their sheets this week. Fortunately, they were just wet....no other "surprises"! :-) I don't know how she did it, but one day Ava managed to even get her dust ruffle wet. I'm going to have to start putting her in one-piece pj's - and possibly turn them backwards. As for Sarah, she chooses to be stark naked, so I don't know what I'm going to do with her. She's so tall they don't make onesies big enough for her! I hope this "stripper" phase passes soon -- I not only hate, I loathe changing crib sheets. I would rather change my own sheets every day than have to change crib sheets. They are back-breakers! One positive note...this week I discovered Sarah loves steamed broccoli & Ava likes steamed carrots. Now just how long that will last is anyone's guess!

So, that is what the girls are up to.....as for Zachary & Josh....they had their first karate tournament today, and I am soooooo proud of them! Zachary placed 2nd in his division for sparring, 3rd for kata. Josh placed 1st in his division for sparring and 2nd for kata. They were in the same division for kata b/c that is based on belt level (they are both orange belts). They were in different divisions for sparring due to size. Now, the belt levels go white-yellow-orange-green-blue-purple-red-brown-black. There is also a "black stripe" belt in between each color (i.e., white-white/black stripe-yellow, etc). Josh beat out 2 green belts to get 1st and Zachary lost by 1 point to a purple belt and placed 2nd over 1 purple and one orange. Granted, this was a small tournament - not "Karate Kid" size, but they still did awesome. This was the first tournament their instructor hosted and he did an amazing job. Every kid walked away with either a trophy or medal, and he (as well as the 3 judges) did nothing but praise these kids. They emphasized today was about having fun and doing your best. "Mr. Keith" does a great job of building up confidence & character in his students. He loves what he does! Most of all, the boys enjoy it, and that is what counts!

A Day In The Life....

2008-09-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

You know with 4 kids there is always going to be SOMETHING going on at our house. So, let me give you a glimpse into the type of chaos that can occur at a moments notice....

Tuesday started as a normal day. I was off, so I took Sarah to MDO, then Ava and I ate lunch with Zachary. I picked up Sarah & the boys at school, then came home and monitored homework, snacks, etc., until dinner. The weather was beautiful, so after dinner, Charles & Zachary went on a bike ride and Sarah, Josh and I washed my car. Ava was supervising in her stroller. Let me add here that Josh did an incredible job of corralling Sarah. He did not allow her to get anywhere close to the street. (I never even asked him to do that - I guess after 2 very close brushes with moving vehicles, he didn't want the same to happen to her!) They had a great time - except at the end, Sarah decided to put her entire body in the bucket I was using to wash the car...with the dirty water still in it! I decided it was time for her to go inside at that point - it was getting dark anyway. I finished up outside and by the time I got in, Charles had just finished giving Sarah a bath. This is where our story begins. She came running down the hall and immediately Charles says, "She picked out her own pajamas!" What would normally be a pair of long-sleeved/pants pajamas was looking like a pair of skin-tight capris and a halter top. I was surprised she could even breathe! I was just thinking I wanted to get a picture of it when out of the corner of my eye I see Zachary headed out of the kitchen with about 6 paper towels. I asked him where he was going and he said Josh had an "accident" and he was trying to help him. I knew Josh was in the shower, so I'm thinking Josh+water+"accident" = not a good situation. I went back to our bathroom (where the boys take their showers) and water was EVERYWHERE. In hindsight, it appears that the nozzle had gotten turned around so when he turned the shower on, water was spraying all over the bathroom. It took 9 (seriously - I counted!) bath towels and a mop to get all the water up and the carpet is STILL damp 2 days later! (And to think - Zachary thought 6 paper towels would do the trick!) I was sooooo mad - not because it happened, but because Josh took his entire shower knowing that water was going everywhere! Now, while I am sopping up the water, I hear Sarah screaming from her room, "NOOOO MOMMY DO IT! MOMMY DO IT!" (She has a terrible case of "mommyitis" these days.) What was causing all that commotion? Charles was simply trying to put clean sheets on her bed. She was having a FIT because I wasn't doing it. You probably think I am making this up or at least embellishing but I promise you all of this is true. I added no details! These type of antics are common at our house...we just learn to shake it off! :-) Charles said later, "I'm sorry you had a bad day." I told him I actually had a good day - but the last couple of hours were very nerve-racking!

So - there is a glimpse into what kinds of things are going on at the Robertson household. Sometimes I think I should put a webcam in my house and charge people to watch! Like they say on "John & Kate Plus 8"........"it's a crazy life, but it's OUR life!" I do love it!

One Wish

2008-09-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

You know, if I had one wish - besides a housekeeper - it would be for a "grocery fairy". I'd love to have a little person go to the grocery store for me. It is a chore that I dread every week. If we had the space, I would just go to Cosco once a month and be done. What is frustrating is that I can't get all the items I need at Kroger and I can't get all I need at Wal-Mart. For example, Zachary & I are fanatical about our popcorn. We love Pop Secret Homestyle. Wal-Mart doesn't carry Pop Secret. We love the Welch's fruit snacks - Kroger doesn't carry them. Kroger only carries the itty-bitty peanut butter I like (Peter Pan reduced fat) - whereas Wal-Mart has bigger sizes. Kroger has the better meat & produce section...Wal-Mart is cheaper on cleaning supplies and bath products. Now, I don't go both places every week. I try to do Kroger when I can, but sometimes I HAVE to go to Wal-Mart. I can't take all 4 kids. Oh - I could - and I have - but I can''t think and I have to have 2 baskets (one to hold Sarah & Ava & 1 for food!) When I shop, I have to have a list, and I have to be able to think. This requires more time & energy than I can handle sometimes! :-) It would just be so nice to have a little "helper" do this for me - or if I could just wiggle my nose and have my fridge & pantry full...how awesome! (Sigh) I guess we all wish we could have "little helpers" around our house. Granted, I do have 4 of my own, but they "help" in other ways. Zachary & Josh help so much with the girls, Sarah "helps" me with laundry and anything else she thinks she is big enough to do, and little Ava...well...she is actually pretty good at putting up stuff when prompted. I guess I should appreciate what I do have! For now, my kitchen is full and I actually had empty laundry baskets for a couple of hours last night. It's going to be a good week!

Another Week Over!

2008-09-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

I guess it is an age thing, but I feel like time is just slipping out of my hands. The week starts and is over before I know it. In some ways I guess that is good, but it also means that my kids are growing up right before my eyes, and I am getting older that much faster! :-)

This week has been a whirlwind of emotions...for me at least. Mainly sadness. I look around me and I see so many people I know - some of them friends, some acquaintances - whose marriages are dissolving. It breaks my heart. I mean - dreams are shattered at no hope of restoration (at least at this time). I can't imagine the pain they are going thru. It has been a long journey to this point, and there is an even longer road ahead. Some feel free to share with friends and family and others don't. Choosing not to share only makes you feel more isolated - I think. You need to be able to lean on your friends for support and encouragement - especially as Christians. Personally, I can understand how difficult it would be to talk to other people - no matter how close you are. Anyway - I am rambling...this is just something that has really bothered me this week. It has made me take a closer look at my own marriage. With 4 kids, we have crazy schedules, but we do try to take the time just to "catch up" on our day. It is an effort to stay connected with each other, and if we don't work at it, we don't. I think that is what is happening to lots of families these days. The husband & wife get so caught up in other things, that they slip away from each other. One thing leads to another and next thing you know - separation. Sometimes I wonder if people really even take marriage seriously anymore. Some people decide they don't want to "do this" anymore and just bail out. We have to pray - not only for ourselves, but for each other - that God will protect our marriages and use them as a testament of his love for the Church.

Like I said, I am rambling -- sorry! My friend Jen probably thinks I read her blog and then write in mine! We have both been dealing with similar issues this week. I guess I need to go check on my little ones. This much silence probably means that little hands (a.k.a. AVA) are into something they shouldn't be in - like the toilet!

The Mind of a 7 Year-Old

2008-09-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Don't you ever wish you could just go back in time and be a kid again? When your biggest worry was whether you should ride your bike or roller skate? Good times.....Today, we live in a world full of crime, poverty, catastrophe, and most of all sin. I usually pull up FoxNews.com every day and the news is always so depressing -- some of the stories I can't even bring myself to read (especially if they involve children). Sometimes it would be so nice to be a kid again! Josh just turned 7, and a couple of weeks ago, he had an assignment in school to write "Things That Make Me Happy". Here is his list (I took the liberty to correct his spelling!):

I like my Wii

I love my family

I like my Nintendo

I love church and God

I love air

I like to write

I like my Gamecube

I love to sleep

I like school

I like video games

I hate satan

I got the biggest kick out of this! This is one of those papers I dated and will tuck away forever. If you know Josh, the abundance of video games on this list should not surprise you. I have to say, I was impressed he threw in that he loves his family (not just "likes"!), loves church and God, and hates Satan. I guess as parents we must be doing something right! I really miss those days of innocence - when my parents thought nothing of letting me play outside until way past dark (in the summer!) -- not always knowing where I was. I cannot even fathom letting my kids out of the house and not being able to put my thumb on them at all times. I want to protect my kids forever from the evils of the world, but I must let them go at some point. All I can do is pray a hedge of protection over them and leave them in God's hands! For now though, I'll try to shield them from all the "bad things" take great joy in letting them just be kids!

Whew!

2008-09-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Another weekend over. I'm sure Charles is glad since I had to work Sat. & Sun.! One parent + 4 kids + busy schedules makes for one frazzled parent! I'm really praying that something will change so that I can go back to just 3 days during the week. I only have to work 1 weekend a month, so it isn't the worst thing, but when there are a thousand places to go, it makes for a hectic weekend for my wonderful husband! Not to mention the fact that he leaves the house at 4 a.m. on Saturdays and gets home around noon -- aahhhh the joys of a family business! (BTW - big congrats to Zachary & Josh for passing their test for their orange belt. I am so proud of them! Charles took pics, so I will post them when he downloads them from the camera.)

On a different note....I was finally able to read the People Magazine article on Steven Curtis Chapman and his family's recovery process following the death of their daughter Maria. I just can't imagine the pain and hurt. Not only are they dealing with the loss of their daughter, but also the fact that it was their own son who accidentally ran over her. I kept thinking of those few lines from Psalm 139 ....."you knit me together in my mother's womb"......."for I know the plans I have for you"........."all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be"... On one hand you think "how could God let this happen?" but at the same time you know He wasn't surprised by this either. He knew Maria would only have a short time here on earth - but the Chapman family did not. This is just like I wrote in this blog a couple of weeks ago. Our "curtain" is only open part of the way -- God is the only One who sees the whole picture. There are some things were just aren't meant to understand -- at least -- not at this time. Enjoy every precious moment/memory with your loved ones. You never know when it will come to an end.

CONFESSION

2008-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have a horrible confession to make - one that might startle some of you - so sit down....take a deep breath....blow it out....now listen to what I have to tell you. I HATE to shop! Whew! I'm so glad I got that off my chest! I hope you won't think less of me for it! I guess I should clarify. I hate shopping for myself -- Charles & the kids are a totally different story! Today was a reminder of why I hate to shop. Charles & I were at Macy's. They had a great sale (or so it appeared). He got 3 shirts (2 of which we later realized were Calvin Klein) for $45. They were long sleeved, dress shirts, so that was really a great deal. Charles NEVER buys himself anything, so I really had to coax him. Geesh -0ne shirt was only $7 - you can't pass that up! I decided to look at the women's stuff. Problem #1 - a "deal" was a top for about $30. Problem #2 - there are only 4.5 billion variations to tops/shirts/blouses/dresses/jackets. Guys only have to decide b/w long or short-sleeved, material, pattern. There isn't much variation there - just find your size. As for the women? Aaaagh! I just refuse to spend that much $$ and I refuse to try on 25 items to see which one I can tolerate. I wear scrubs to work 3 days a week, and on the days I am off, I am chasing a 1 and 2 year old, so I don't sit around in designer labels all day. I'll go for comfort rather than style. Target - here I come!

Let me also add that I could spend ALLLLLLLLL day shopping for the kids - especially the girls - and I get so excited when I find a good deal! (If I had $1,000 to blow, I would spend $998 at Target and The Children's Place on kids clothes and $2 on a Diet Coke for me!) I've been to Chocolate Soup 2x this month and was ecstatic with my finds! I guess it is the thrill of the chase. Chocolate Soup is the most over-priced children's clothing store in the whole tri-state area, but sometimes you can get the most unbelievable deals. I love that I can buy for Sarah and know Ava will be able to wear it too (eventually -- she is sooooo tiny compared to my amazon child!) I would be happy wearing the smocked a-line dresses, but they look a whole lot cute on a little girl than a grown woman! I guess at that point they become "moo-moo's"! :-) Don't get me wrong, I don't spend my days off at the mall. I usually only shop for the kids at the change of seasons and maybe pick up a few things here & there. All the fall stuff is out now, but it is hard to break out the corduroy when it is still 90 degrees outside!

Robertson.....Party of Six!

Sorry...I've Been MIA!

Thank You Jesus...

The "Cliff Notes" Version

Warm Fuzzies

A Reminder....

Already?

So It Begins

Two Years (Yesterday)

Summer Is Winding Down (And I'm NOT Happy About It!)

One Of Them...

Captain's Log ~ Day 5 (I think!)

Captain's Log ~ Day Two

There's 104 Days of Summer Vacation.....

Another Year Over

Toddlers and Tiaras

Better Me Than You

Do You Ever Feel Like It Is Only "Two Steps Back"?

Quick Trip, Cute Babies and Crazy Weather!

Being A Mom Stresses Me Out!

Stumbling Blocks

It's Monday ~ But Friday's Comin'!!!

One More Week!

For Moms Of Itty Bitty Ones...

Word

***Addendum***

Something That Made Me Go Hmmmmm....

Already?

Five More Sleeps

Tis the Season

Well...duh....

Hmmmmm????

It's ALMOST Friday....Close Enough!

Re-Runs Are Good Too!

Time Does Fly!

I Could STILL Use That Starbucks!

I Hate Titles!

Frazzled!

What Was I Just Thinking About?

Over Already?

My Josh

Get Out Your Hard Hats!

New Stuff

There's Nothing Like.......

We Had A Great Day...It Was A Super Way....

What Do You See????

Happy Birthday Zachary!!!!

LOTS To Be Thankful For!

Bummed......

Hmmmmm....

Just Another Day....

Do-Over Day

A Day In The Life Of.....

Tooth Fairy & Tiaras

Do You Have Any Cheetos?

Life Goes On.....Really It Does

HAPPENINGS....

Blessings....

Another Happy Birthday!

So How Did YOU Weather Out The Storm??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!!!

Another "First"....

Is It Over?

I Spoke Too Soon..

A Little Of This...A Little Of That...

I'm Eating My Words....And They Don't Taste Too Bad!

Firehouses & Field Trips!

And Another Week Begins....

HaHa!

Here We Go....

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm????

What To Talk About?

...and the children were nestled all snug in their beds....

It's Christmas Eve-Eve-Eve!

Is It 4th of July, Or Christmas?

Yes - I'm Still Alive - and So Is Charles! :-)

Talk About Extreme....

Weekend To Remember

Time to FROG!

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...

Addendum