My Sacred Vocation

50 in 52: week 1

2012-01-12T23:51:00.002-06:00

Decisions, decisions...to start another photo project or not, and what to do? I think I will modify last year's project-it'll be a little easier, more just for-the-fun-of-it instead of making me think (hate for that to happen two years in a row! HA!). So, this year I am doing 50 in 52-I'm going to commit to only using my fixed 50mm lens, practicing clear, close-up pictures, even venturing into the macro category and trying to see things from a totally different angle. I love to take this type of picture so it makes sense to learn how to be better! I hope you will enjoy the journey with me!

(Funny enough, I'm already a week behind. Great start.)

Life in the blender

2012-01-03T00:17:00.000-06:00

Hello? Anyone out there?

I've been gone awhile for a multitude of reasons...Christmas & travel, then there's the pregnancy get-stuff-DONE hormone kicking in, picking up a new book and a new hobby, friends coming to visit, and the big one-we were without internet for two weeks because Christmas is the perfect time to install wood floors, right???

I felt as if we had thrown our life into the blender for a couple of weeks, but in a good way. The Christmas season was a good one and definitely one we will never forget!

My sweet, understanding husband is helping to restore order and nest me-rearranging furniture, fixing things that need it, and completing tasks that have been bugging us both. Tonight, while watching OSU win the Fiesta Bowl (YAY!!!) I finished my project 52, so take a look. It's satisfying to have it complete, but a little sad to end.

To a beautiful, blessed new year...

project 52:52 - forever

2012-01-03T00:04:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning (6:30 to be exact)

We say good-bye to another year, holding on to the memories, the experiences, the living we've done. The end of something means the beginning of something new & this next year promises to be full of new things.

I have trouble believing that the year has past...but I love that I committed to chronicling it. It has been a very rewarding project. Some weeks I didn't get my posts up exactly when I wanted, but I did have them formed & thought out before the week ended, and I realized that the whole point of this project was to live life-not worry about just getting things done. So sometimes I lived instead of posted. Thinking of this upcoming year...I would love to do another project 52, if nothing else it kept me posting regularly, but I have a little "project" coming in March that will undoubtedly take up a lot of my spare time. And that is a-ok with me.

Motherhood is all about beginnings and endings, stages and seasons...but it is for sure forever. I will always and forever be these kids mother and I couldn't be happier. Thank you God for making me me!

project 52:51 - snow days

2012-01-02T23:19:00.000-06:00

Typically I spend 30 minutes putting on coats, mittens, boots, hats, scarves, etc...for them to play in the snow for 10 minutes. And then another 30 minutes mopping up snow, drying clothes, warming up cold fingers & noses. But snow doesn't happen in these parts too often, and a lot of times it's so windy they can't play in it...so we take advantage of every opportunity to build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or tromp around in the drifts (I should clarify-by we I mean the kids do this while I stand on the porch & take pictures).

We had a magical Christmas Day snow-big flakes, snowed most of the day, but this isn't our snow we played in. It was at Grandma's house where they had somewhere around a foot of snow leftover from earlier and the kids stayed out a long time playing-the sunshine seemed to keep them warm.

My favorite part of snow? Snow ice cream! Mix clean snow, milk, vanilla, sugar all together & eat. YUM.

project 52:50 - bath time

2012-01-02T22:14:00.000-06:00

So we don't have the cleanest kids on the block...never been a bathe-every-night-before-bed type of family. I'd like to say it's because of Lily's eczema-and it partly is-but we don't do frequent baths even when her skin isn't acting up. We've adopted the philosophy of kids need a few germs around them to make their immune system strong. The kids do love bath time though, just having a different "medium" to play in. I love the abounding giggles coming from behind the closed door.

project 52:49 - refereeing

2011-12-19T21:15:00.000-06:00

This is an example of the things my children can argue over...which Chick-fil-A cow is who's. Apparently there is a difference, though I challenge you to figure out which is Ava's & which is Lily's in this picture.

Sometimes the arguing, tattling & picking is textbook ("uh-un", "yes-huh", "uh-un", "yes-huh" or "Mommm, Jack's looking at me!"), sometimes it is humorous, down-right baffling, or exhausting...but it's part of life, learning how to co-exist with other people that annoy you (hello life lesson!) and helping them learn conflict resolution will pay off down the road. ALL of my children may become attorneys though (very, very skilled at debate).

Jack's teacher told me that siblings that fight are a product of parents that have a loving, strong relationship because the kids don't worry about their security so they can bicker about the little things. I don't know if it's true (I know some really awesome parents with kids that all get along great!), but it darn sure made me feel good!! Haahaa!

chirp, chirp

2011-12-15T13:27:00.000-06:00

Well, the "nesting" phase is starting to kick in which means I've been busy cleaning out closests, weeding out clothes, and making baby things instead of updating my blog.

My third trimester starts in 4 days-it's getting closer to baby time!

We did take time (finally) to put up our "Missmuss" tree (as Ava calls it) and to start Christmas shopping. I just have to say I love Amazon prime. Free 2 day shipping is da' bomb when you are faced with mall crowds and freezing weather. We went from no shopping to almost done in a matter of a couple hours. And, with any luck, it'll all get here before Christmas day.

We can add poor, defenseless sheep to the list of things Brooke finds palatable...where were the shepherds when she snuck in like a wolf & devoured our little fuzzy sheep that's part of our nativity?? The little creatures didn't even make it 12 hours. Brooke is vicious and voracious when it comes to things that are fuzzy & stuffed. Or hard plastic. Or paper or wood. Or pretty much any composition, it's fair game for chewing. She needs exercise, I know, but she also likes to eat her leashes so it makes it difficult to take her out for a walk. It's just a phase, right?

project 52:48 - me do

2011-12-02T21:28:00.001-06:00

Independence. Learning it takes a lot of patience on both sides of the fence. Ava is definitely wanting more independence-dressing herself, buckling herself, carrying her milk to the table, and walking in parking lots, resulting in tears of frustration when she can't do it like she wants or when there simply isn't enough time for her to take 10 minutes to put on her shoes. I hate that so much of the time I have a "rush-rush" feeling, I catch myself telling the girls "hurry up, we've got to go! Not this time, we have to hurry!" all day long. Momma has got to have more patience so these girls can practice new things because the smile, the sense of accomplishment when one of them does it right in her mind is priceless.

What started off as "me do! me do!" is now "I do it myself momma". One thing about it, when we tell the kids to get their pjs on, she's the only one to do it right away, first time she's asked! There's the silver lining on the cloud of independence!

Not a Fan

2011-11-29T23:39:00.001-06:00

This weekend, when I asked my nephew if he would like a banana, he replied "yeah, I'm really not a fan of bananas". My mom & I found this response hilarious & I realize that you have to know Caden & to have heard his delivery to "get it" but do you know what I'm "not a fan of" these days? Blogs that have mobile versions. I like the real deal (so old fashioned I know) and I don't mind waiting for them to load, thank you. The problem is the pictures...I love looking at the pictures on blogs and they don't work right on mobile-it switches to another post if you try to scroll. Now I do love the blogs themselves, don't get me wrong-I just switch to full site, so I don't miss a thing! But that's just me.

My son has already worn a hole in his backpack. And his shoes. Keep in mind we are only 3 months into school.

The two big girls got to go on a date night tonight to our very most awesome Chick-fil-a (shameless & possibly biased plug). Part of the fun for them was picking their own outfit & getting all ready. Please take note that Lily made sure to accessorize. The icing on the evening...a limo ride awaiting them after their meal. Can you get any more awesome?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

project 52:47 - boo boo kisses

2011-11-26T08:30:00.000-06:00

"Momma, can you kiss it?"

Why does a momma's (or daddy's) kiss make everything better? What genius thought of that? Jack & Macy are a little big for my kisses to do much magic healing anymore, but it still works well for the little girls. And it's so sweet! Just a little reminder that your little ones think you are the biggest & best thing in the world, there to protect them & make everything better. Most of the time it's small (one might even say invisible) boo boo's that need kissing & looking over, but occasionally they are bigger...requiring maybe even a trip to see the doctor. Jack is okay after being looked at but I think he learned he's too big for bucking bronc rides from big sister.

(Happy Thanksgiving to all...there are only 5 weeks left in the year, only 5 more pictures for me to capture motherhood with. On the same token, it seems unreal that the year is almost past, that I'm almost to complete something that seemed so far away only yesterday. I have loved this project and cannot wait to order my book-it will be treasured for years to come.)

A dog's profession

2011-11-21T23:20:00.001-06:00

Other than making us happy & letting me rub her ears for comfort like a warm blankie, this is Brooke's sole occupation, all I expect from her.

Just clean up the milk spills...that's right, over here is a little more...

Make sure you get it all. Good dog!!

I'm just saying, it saves me a LOT of time because we have a LOT of milk spills in this house. She performs her duties well, as milk seems to be her favorite thing to lick up off the floor. She is very thorough, sometimes I don't even need to follow up afterwards. Just kidding!! Haha! Unless that doesn't bother you & you also realize there's far worse on my floor & you still would come over for dinner if asked, because in that case, I'm totally serious.

Happy Monday people!

project 52:46 - full of love

2011-11-21T22:14:00.001-06:00

I have caught the bug...the quilting bug. As far as sewing goes, this is my cup of tea because it doesn't require a pattern, it's mostly straight lines, and there's no fittings. I've always enjoyed the craftier side of sewing instead of practical (if that's what you would call sewing clothing. Blech.).

That said, this is my second quilt ever to make (first one being a denim one a couple of weeks ago) and I plan on it being baby boy's beloved blankie. It has a lot of mistakes in it...but it has a lot of love in it as well and that's all that matters. I prayed for this baby and dreamed about this baby during every stage of making this blanket-from picking fabrics down to sewing on the binding.

So much of what we do as a momma is done full of love...because we put our whole heart into our vocation. I've found when I'm dreading some menial chore around the house, if I'll remember to do it out of love and thanksgiving, it makes it so much easier to do. Those 16 pairs of pants (sometimes more) that have piled up in only 4 days are reminders of my house that's full of love instead of boring pants to fold & put away. (Don't get me wrong...I am actively teaching my kids how to fold clothes as I put this up! Haha!)

Just one last thing...and I may have said it before, but so many times people love to say "boy, you sure have your hands full!" And I am quick to agree with them- "yes, I do, and I am blessed they are full rather than empty". I say that with the humblest regard to those who long to have their hands full and don't quite yet. I know that this crazy life is a blessing not to be taken granted. And know that I pray for all of you who hope and long and pray for arms full of love.

Lazy Saturday mornings

2011-11-21T21:42:00.001-06:00

I love our lazy Saturday mornings...no where to go, nothing scheduled. Kids play, we sit cozy by the fire, eating scones & drinking coffee.

On another note...I used to do this as a kid. I would bring out my shorts & t-shirts in the middle of winter & go sit on the heater vents. Why? I can't tell you...I don't know. But it's funny to me to see one of my children doing it as well. I was also a reader like this daughter of mine at this age...she can move through a book in a day or two. For awhile I thought she was skimming or skipping or something, but she can tell you everything about the book AND pass an AR test on it, so I guess she really is reading! Haha!

Macy is moving away from toys and into more big kid things to do. A lot of times, she would rather read her book than play some imaginary game with the other kids & she sanctioned the relocation of Barbieville out of her room. *sniff, sniff*...yes, she's growing up despite all her promises to her momma when she was three to stay "just this big forever". You know, so far none of my kids have held to that promise. Dang it.

ps-look for your "we've moved" address changes in the mail for Barbie & Ken & their plethora of horses-they now live in a country estate with more room for the horses to pasture. (aka-the den) It's working splendidly as the little girls no longer have any reason to go into Macy's room (except to get into her make-up which was always the primary reason to begin with).

Sky on fire

2011-11-21T20:54:00.001-06:00

We have had some beautiful, breath-taking, almost unreal sunsets and sunrises this year. This one is unedited, straight out of the camera from our front door. It stopped me mid-sentence, I just had to run outside & experience it!

(God's work is always performance art...changing quickly! I was in such a hurry to capture the color that I didn't have all my settings as good as they could have been, thus the movement in the picture from the clouds humming along & the wind blowing the trees.)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-11T13:49:00.001-06:00

We had a few families over for supper & trick or treating. This is one of those events that's so much more fun when shared with friends.

Lily as Strawberry Shortcake. I love her freckles. And the spicy pose.

The three amigos...Cannon, Jack, and Mason

Gracelyn was Taylor Swift, Macy a hippy.

Gracie as Snow White, Livi as a kitty cat "with a tail!". She loved her tail!

The littles...Kaitlyn, Ava, & Reece. Now these three were always lagging behind but they had so much fun going up to the houses & asking for candy!

And bittie (so to speak) Noah as the cutest tiger of the night.

A very beautiful sunset as we set out...

It was somewhat chaotic after it got dark...we were out numbered by just a little, but more importantly we (the adults) were slower.

After we made the rounds, we all came back & let the kids tear into their candy while we patted ourselves on the back for returning with the same number of kids that we left with!! HA!!

Filling in the blanks

2011-11-11T11:47:00.001-06:00

Events from October...

We were honored and blessed to be Noah's godparents. It was a beautiful celebration as we welcomed this sweet angel into God's family.

We had our first snow of the season. Brooke LOVED it. She ate it, she ran in it, she pounced and bounced, she stole mittens and hats. The kids went between being terrified of her running away and laughing at her. In the end, she came home-imagine that.

The snow was sooooo wet. The kids made huge snow balls that were intended to be the start of a fort, but they got cold & it was all melted the next day. It was so strange to have leaves on the trees and green grass peeking through the snow.

Jack enjoying a bubble bath in mommy's tub.

On the actual day of Jack's birthday, we had a family celebration. The girls decorated his cake after we ate sushi for supper (his request) while he & his dad built something in the garage.

He also got to open a few presents from us. I think his smile says it all!

We love ya Jack!!

project 52:45 - nursing

2011-11-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

We have had sick babies this week at our house. A couple trips to see doctors, several canceled appointments, clearing the schedule...all to stay home & rest & rock & recuperate. It's hard when they are sick-you hate to have your kiddos not feeling good, and the worry can wear you out in a hurry. My arms ache from holding a 2 year old almost non-stop for 3 days, but at the same time I treasured the snuggles. And today we are so very thankful that no fevers have come back, and the girls are feeling good enough to argue. That's a good sign, right?

project 52:44 - hand-me-downs

2011-11-10T14:29:00.001-06:00

I would be remiss if I failed to mention this part of motherhood. Every season, every kid...the clothes shuffle has to take place. I am blessed with clothes from a friend, then I sort through Macy's clothes of what to keep, what to pass to another friend. Same with Jack, Lily, and Ava. One of the benefits to having 3 girls is that I know their clothes will get good use!

This is quite an undertaking, one that I enjoy but tend to put off until one day it snows in October & the kids only have shorts in their dresser drawers! The kids are always excited to have their "new" clothes to wear & have to change several times a day until they get all the new stuff worn.

The Big Reveal

2011-11-03T16:33:00.001-05:00

So, one of our questions was answered today!

We are so excited...so happy. The best news, the baby is doing great. HE has a healthy heart, all systems are functioning & growing just like they should. HE wasn't very cooperative for a picture of his face, but we did see cute little arms (with big shoulder muscles) and fingers, long toes, and a yawn. God is so good!

Jack keeps saying "It's a boy!" and asking all kinds of cute questions like "Will he go to St. Mary's with me? Will he sleep in my bed?" Macy was super excited because "I get to keep my own room!!!!" And Lily was happy, Ava cried because all the balloons flew away. Ha!!

I'm pondering...

2011-11-02T14:45:00.001-05:00

How much is too much raiding of the kids Halloween candy? I mean, there's four of them, so I can spread it out evenly, or do I base it on age, thinking the littler you are the less candy you need in that tiny body?

Mostly I just look for what I want, irregardless of the bag!!

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project 52:43 - making music

2011-10-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

Jack is also learning piano this year. It's not his favorite thing to do, in fact, I've decided it would almost be considered punishment in his mind ("you hit your sister? Go practice piano for 15 min!!!"), but when God dumps a free piano in your lap, it seems there's little excuse for not having everyone take lessons. Jack is growing, expanding his brain, creating a building block that may turn into something when he's older. If nothing else, he's learning to sit still for 15 minutes a day.

I love my piano. It's old and not so fancy, but it's ours & it came to us in a unique way. I love learning how to play it alongside Macy & the music that it makes. Even if no one is up to great masterpieces yet, it's still music to my ears.

project 52:42 - snacks

2011-10-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

Midnight snack...womb service...crazy cravings...call it what you want, but this momma is needing her extra calories. Haven't sent the husband on TOO many runs to the store for ice cream at 11:00pm or something weird and random that we are out of (raw potatoes), but there is still time. Haahaa!

We are half-way to baby day.

My wake-up call

2011-10-25T12:55:00.001-05:00

I take the kids to school four out of five mornings a week. This is my reward.

Every day (until the time changes, darn it) we get to witness a beautiful reminder of God's majesty and without the responsibility of driving kids to school I would most definitely miss out on this "wow".

It helps get me out the door!

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Little Catholic brother humor

2011-10-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

First, a definition or the joke isn't anywhere near funny.
Stigmata-bodily marks, sores, or sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus, such as the hands and feet. There are over 60 people the Catholic Church recognizes as having had the stigmata.

Now, some background...growing up Catholic, you just have more options for playing...you get to celebrate mass with your siblings, baptize dolls, put on detailed Good Friday plays...and then there's the saints. A treasure trove of stories about people who had amazing things happen to them and who did amazing things all because of their faith in Christ. Our kids love stories of the saints & tend to remember the more gory details over the mild ones.

Moving on...the other night we were in the process of moving furniture and it involved a power drill. The kids were buzzing about, interested in helping because it concerned their bedrooms. Well, dad has to go out to the garage to get some screw or tool (aka kids lose interest & start roaming). I was in the kitchen & I hear Jack pick up the power drill, revv it & yell at the girls "Who wants a stigmata???? Rar!!" All girls proceed to run screaming & giggling. Mission accomplished. I have to commend the kid-I mean, that's pretty creative. And hilarious in a sick kind of way.

This little boy turned 6 Tuesday.

Birthdays always leave me feeling inadequate in the words department...how do you sum up a special person on their special day?

Jack was the little toddler that held on to my leg when we were in a crowd, cautious to jump in until he was comfortable with the setting. He was the baby that was continually spewing milk from one feeding to the next but was grinning through it all. He was the preschooler that wore his clothes & shoes backwards, preferred pjs to clothes ALL the time, & tested us beyond our limits and really threw our parenting ideas out the window...now he's six. Still precious in his own quirky way, still sometimes a test to our limits, but cherished and loved and perfectly made. He's one of the best swimmers in his class & his teacher swears he's a perfect angel during school. He suffers through piano to play the Wii and loves to cuddle with his daddy at night. He has this funny sense of humor and a tenderness to Ava that makes my heart smile. He loves to build. With wood. And a hammer. And though he might hesitate to admit it, his best friend is his big sister.

I love you Jack.

project 52: 41 - updo's

2011-10-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

Sunday mornings mean lots of hair to fix in a short amount of time. With three girls, there's a lot of bows & pony tails & dog ears & braids to go around. Macy is big enough to manage her hair most days but special requests do come along still. Sometimes there are tears and no cooperation, the dog ears end up a little crooked, the pony tails not so smooth. Most of the time it all gets done (before daddy is pulling out of the garage!) and we look great!

Perfect Timing

2011-10-14T15:07:00.000-05:00

We were missing the mountains and it happened that my husband could take a long weekend, so we decided to make the journey up there. Thinking we might get to see some fall foliage, but never guessing that we picked the perfect weekend to be there, we were in for the most beautiful fall weekend we have spent in years. The mountains looked as if they were on fire-they were breathtaking, beautiful, awesome. The weather was perfect-cool, but not freezing, and just made for long walks & hikes up the mountains.

Even before we got to our destination, God gave us a glimpse of what was in store...He prepared a very magnificent sunset for us to gaze upon.

I see the moon...the moon sees me...goodnight moon...goodnight me.

And in the morning, stepping out onto our deck...we took in this. Wow.

The little town that is usually void of people after Labor Day was teeming with crowds...all of us there for this reason.

Who could resist a drive in the mountains when they look so beautiful? There were people stopped everywhere, all along the roads, taking pictures-everyone from cell phones to point-&-shoots to professionals with tripods.

One of the afternoons, we loaded up and went for a hike up a big mountain...making it as far as the little ones could go.

This one could hike up to the top-I feel sure. She has amazing strength & stamina. She also carried her littlest sister part of the way because said sister was throwing fits & refused to walk. Macy helped give me a break!

Jack becomes quite the shutterbug up in the mountains-it's rather funny. About every 20 steps he stops, poses, & says "Mom! Take a picture of me!" Ordinarily he runs from the camera, so I take advantage of the face time.

Lily didn't mind walking, just would get tired easily...so she hitched a ride some.

This is where we made it to...an overlook where you can see for miles and miles in both directions. It's amazing how high up you are-the mountains waaay in the background of this picture are about 60 (or more, I'm terrible with distance) away.

Her ears do this always. It's her signature look. I think it is the funniest, most charming thing. Brooke loved the walk, the smells, barking at unknown objects, animals, and people. It was actually very comforting to have her there. Not that she could take down a bear or mountain lion, but we felt she would give fair warning at least!

Words just couldn't describe the beauty and over & over again, we kept saying "Wow, this is amazing."

project 52:40 - wiggly

2011-10-12T22:39:00.000-05:00

Finally, this past week I felt the little life within me-proof that he(or she) is growing, getting stronger...

Thinking about names, wondering will this one have my husband's beautiful dark hair for keeps, or his green eyes instead of my blue, is this one a brother for Jack or another sweet sister...what will the interests of this child be-will they imitate an older sibling or be something totally new (like skateboarding, goodness, we have no clue!!). All the questions will have to wait to be answered and it's so amazing to find each one as they develop.

project 52:39 - a gift

2011-10-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Allowing yourself to take pleasure in the gift of holding a sleeping child...that is beautiful.

I would classify myself as a "busy" mom-I always see what needs to be done instead of letting things pass. Many times, when I go to play with one of the kids in their room, I find myself after about 5 minutes of playing, picking things up & cleaning their room! In fact, I used to (maybe still do some?) take pride in the fact that we have trained all our kids to put themselves to sleep-very handy when you have "stuff to do". But then there's Ava...sweet Ava is such a cuddly baby & has taught me so much more. One thing being how dear it is to actually have a child fall asleep in my arms (the rest of them never would) & to stop for a minute-take a time out-and just be still and quiet and think and smell this sweet head.

I think one of the neatest things about having more and more kids is that each time you get to put into practice all the things you've learned-we are different parents than when we started this rodeo. Don't know that we are better at it, but just different. And it's fun. So many of my (& our) philosophies & ways of doing things have changed, shaped not only by experience but also through the wisdom of other moms (& dads!) and that's pretty cool too.

Just reminding myself to stop...put on the blinders and not let special ordinary moments pass without notice.

Visiting Grandma

2011-10-05T22:55:00.000-05:00

The other part of the day that made it so special was that while we were in town for the reunion, we got to stop by and see my mom's mom in the nursing home she lives in. I haven't seen her since she moved & really enjoyed surprising her that evening. She was waiting by the door when we came in & it took her a minute to place me...but then she was so happy & said "I was just sitting here, hoping someone would come visit me this afternoon!". We were blessed to be the ones to make her day!

This picture is so cute! It shows how happy she was to have company-

Lily was a sweetheart & climbed right up in her lap & let her cuddle on her.

But, Lily was a little sick of the pictures...there were several pictures of us trying to get Ava to sit on Grandma's lap that didn't take, but the faces that Lily was giving me were hilarious. When you are spicy, you just can't help but show it.

Surprise Family Reunion

2011-10-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

My husband & I like to do things spontaneously...often. We have been known to buy vehicles, go on trips, paint things, with very little warning. We do think about it first, it's just that it doesn't take us a lot of hashing over to come to a decision. Like this past weekend-we decided to go to the mountains for an extended weekend 3 days before we left. Some would say that it's because I'm a tad bit impatient (no comments from mom or husband needed). I will admit I don't like to look forward to things for very long periods of time. Wonder where Jack gets it...

ANYways...another example of our spontaneity-we decided an hour before it started to go to my paternal grandmother's family reunion a few weekends ago (3 hrs away). I'm so glad we did. The family that was there was so much fun to talk to & see-some of them I hadn't seen since I was a little girl. My grandma's sister was there, the one that I remember thinking as a little girl was just like my grandma. And, I admit it was so emotional seeing her. She told stories, sang songs, bonded with Macy (Macy said when we left that she was pretty sure she was a lot like Gerry because they both liked horses & dogs & singing-kindred spirits), and reminded me of what my grandma used to be like. There were my dad's cousins & they were lots of fun to talk to-it's neat to make a connection with someone who knew your dad growing up. And, a couple of cousins from my generation were there too, Denise that I remember playing with at these very reunions when we were little! Now we have kids of our own!

The day was such a blessing.

(My disclaimer: The other side of me is the side that meticulously plans things, sometimes-often?-to a fault. Dear hubs was making fun of me & my mother because we already have planned out when to have this baby, when Nana will be here, where the kids will go, what she will cook...and I'm not due until March. It's all about balance in your life, right?)

Happy spontaneity to your life...or perfectly laid plans.

Kickin' the habit

2011-09-27T15:12:00.000-05:00

We finally did it. Her faithful companion, her pappi, said good-bye.

Naps have been the hardest...that's when she cries for it. A couple of days she even would yell at me "Daddy said give me my pappi!". But she's getting better.

Car rides and sickness will be other times we really miss the pappi...

But, she's been really big about it...she has to check her cup (where we kept them) every night before bed but then she says "Pappi's all gone!" and is okay with it!

Her last night with pappi...but none of us knew it at the time!

Pretty sure I'm having a harder time or at least as hard of a time...she was so snuggly when she had her pappi. *sigh* Growing up is hard to do...

The day we took it away, I texted Keri the exciting news & we talked about her sweetie & his pappi too...and that her older boy (that's now 6) used to suck his thumb, that she worried about getting him to stop & he did-completely. But, her biggest regret-was that she was continually taking his thumb out of his mouth for pictures and how now she wishes she had more of that sweet little baby thing. I thought I had tons of pics of Ava with the pappi but this was about all I found...time changes your perspective.

Speaking of tucking in

2011-09-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

Sometime between finishing homework and falling asleep, Macy found time to get Brooke ready for bed. I came in after she fell asleep and just bust out laughing because it was so unexpected. Brooke was so casual about it all.

project 52: 38 - wonder

2011-09-22T16:10:00.000-05:00

"Mommy! I hear wonder!!"

I just love Lily's speech...she gets things so cutely wrong. But when she came running around the corner today to "see" the wonder (thunder), I was inspired. Boy, do I wonder...I wonder things of this world right along with my kids and I wonder if I am doing the best job possible. I wonder if there is a better/quicker/easier way and if there is a more meaningful way to get a point across. I wonder what the future holds for each of my kids...but one thing I do not wonder about is that God will be with us all the way.

project 52:37 - tuck me in

2011-09-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

"Mommy! Tuck me in!" Every night, every kid...you have to tell them good night, kiss them & pull the covers up-no matter the temperature or if other parent has already done it. I love tucking them in, but the requests and the questions and the "wait mommy!'s" get long...they just love being with us, right? I don't know about that...but the sweetest part is after they fall asleep. No matter what kind of day, no matter their age, they are so peaceful, so lovable, so angelic when they sleep. Ahhh...

She waits

2011-09-22T15:02:00.001-05:00

She waits patiently for her "people" to come home from school, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ava's birthday

2011-09-15T22:04:00.000-05:00

Right in the middle of summer we celebrated Ava turning two.

It was hot. And windy. But we had Icee Pops and Capri Suns...and kids just don't seem to care. As I've mentioned before, in an effort to be positive about our ~~suffering~~ summer, at least we didn't have any bugs to deal with!

Aren't big brothers helpful? Cannon is always eager to help anyone blow out their candles, and as you can see Jack is too! Pretty cute.

The sea of humanity swarming Mr. Ryan wanting their candy!!

Ava Patrice and Ava Maria

These two stinkers! Everything they do together is a hoot, even when they are mad at each other. On this day, maybe because it was her birthday, they were best of friends.

She loved, loved, loved her balloons-ALL of them. There was no handing them out, no sharing, even with siblings. They were hers and hers alone.

One of her gifts were fuzzy duck feet...she was fascinated with them!

How's your day?

2011-09-13T17:37:00.001-05:00

So, Lily comes out of the bathroom from washing her hands and says "Momma, Ava washed HER hands in the potty."

Happy Thursday people.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

project 52:36 - making the call

2011-09-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

Two peas in a pod. Partners in crime. Frienemies. Sisters. The fun and the trouble these two can get into...

When it was just Macy, heck even when Jack came along, we had never called Poison Control. It wasn't that I was that much better at knowing where they were at all times, it was just that neither of them ever put something into their mouths that was deadly or poisonous. But along comes these two...and they are sneaky and quiet and like to go hide and eat things as fast as they can. And they don't work alone (most of the time).

So, that brings us to this past weekend where the two of them in about 5 minutes time coordinated and cooperated to get the lids off of Grandma Dovie's vitamins and try them. And we were once again faced with the question of making the call-do we or do we not call poison control? After lengthy interrogations of both suspects, I decided the vitamins were nasty to taste & had been tried and spit out (evidence was found). We monitored them closely for signs of distress (anyone who's called Poison Control knows this is the "lingo") and cleaned them up. And moved the vitamins to a higher location.

Between the two of them they have eaten Miracle Grow, a tube of toothpaste, a couple of different medicines, face lotion, and some other things I have blocked out of my memory. It's hard to make that call auh-gain because I feel like a bad parent but some kids are just sneaky (& maybe deprived of some weird nutrients?). Just like when they are sick, you have to know your kids and follow your gut-make the call or not & just monitor closely for signs of distress.

Labor Day 2011

2011-09-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

For the past 7 or 8 years, every Labor Day we say good-bye to Summer (officially only because we do live in Texas and Summer can continue for a good two months) by heading up to our mountains, either camping or staying in a cabin. It's a trip I really look forward to and love.

This year, my husband proposed a different trip. Spurred by his recent interest in family ancestry, he thought we should visit his grandmother and when we realized it had been 3 years since we'd traveled that way, it became a plan.

Photo by Grandpa

So...the mountains and cool air we look forward to...well, they took on a different look but were still there for us all the same. And, it was a wonderful trip. We had such a good time with Grandma Dovie ("Lovie Dovie" as Ava affectionately was calling her by the end of the day) and Grandpa was there too.

My husband's family farm, where his dad grew up

We drove out to the cemetery and finally recorded names and dates and who belongs with whom. It was amazing to me to connect the dots and to hear the hardships and amazing stories of these families. Dovie is incredible in her knowledge of both sides of that family.

We also got to see some of our extended family...we felt privileged that Aunt Jana & Uncle Danny took time to drive 30 min just to come see us for a bit. And, Uncle Dan (my husband's great uncle) stopped in as well. It was hard to leave that evening, heading out we wished we would have planned differently and stayed another day. But, we packed a lot into the day and look forward to going back.

project 52:35 - keeping it real

2011-09-07T20:28:00.000-05:00

Not only do we want to record and remember our childrens' lives, we also need to take the time to learn our family stories. To keep them real, to keep them alive. We are learning (thanks to my husband's initiative) about where we come from, who we come from, their stories (which are fascinating) and their deaths. Their legacy is only kept alive if the next generation takes a Saturday afternoon here and there and disconnects from the world to learn about their world. You have to ask questions and listen and make connections and record (because it's so hard to remember!). It's a beautiful way to connect with your grandparents...

Maybe fixed?

2011-09-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

I *think* I figured out what has been wrong with the blog! I'm hoping anyway! So, here's to posting again...I'll try to catch up soon.

For the love of squishy

2011-08-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

Jack loves everything squishy. Mostly I'm talking about those gooey, squishy toys you buy that when flung they stick to the wall. I have several grease spots on our walls to attest to this love (& if you ever want to buy something squishy for some little boy you love, avoid black bats. For some reason they are extra awful on walls!!! HA!). He carries them around in his pockets with him everywhere. In fact, some of his Kindergarten homework is to bring one thing that tells about him-you've got to believe that he'll be taking something squishy.

Sometimes you take good pictures, sometimes you take stories. This is a story picture, not my best!

The family all pitched in and spent our Sunday afternoon de-boning some chickens. Jack took extra delight in the leftover, nasty, SQUISHY "stuff". The part labeled "disgusting" in my book. He had a ball running it through his fingers, listening to the sounds, getting grease up to his elbows.

He is such a boy. Have to say I love it.

Melsey 2011

2011-08-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

Our second annual Melsey Vaca...we went to the same little town that we love so much but stayed in a different cabin-declaring this one "THE ONE" for all times. It was perfect for us-lots of room for the kids & for cooking & for running around. We got to experience rain every afternoon & cool evenings. We went for lots of walks, did some crafts (and moms got to sew), and even spent one afternoon in the neighboring town playing at the park. We took a long drive up the side of a mountain to a lake that is so beautiful & calm...we were not. It was so funny, here we all come, crashing through the trees and stumbling onto this serene lake with several fishermen. We stayed a bit, threw lots of rocks in the water, took some pictures & played with a dead fish, then we let the fishermen get back to their fishing!

Rainy afternoons...

This is why we love the mountains in the summer!! COOL weather!

Loving that pickle juice!

Probably the most exciting story this time was our encounter with a bear. We enjoyed a big, huge, juicy watermelon out on the patio one evening (showing our true Texas nature) and never thought about rinsing off the deck. Early in the morning (5:00am) we awoke to a strange sound...investigating it we learned that it was indeed a bear clawing through the kitchen window (that we had mistakenly left open-again, we are from Texas & don't remember things like bears come through open windows). After recovering our wits we scared it off, got a good (yikes) laugh, went back to bed...then 15 minutes later did it all over again. No harm except to the screen and no more visits from the bear.

Ava loves to stuff everyone's pockets with rocks.

Macy befriended a squirrel on one of our walks...if you look really closely you can see him!

This is the juice that later attracted the big, hungry bear.

One evening the kids all played charades...it was hilarious.

The damage to the screen from the bear.

These two are not shy around the camera...and full of poses!

project 52:34 - milk mustaches

2011-08-27T09:18:00.000-05:00

Milk mustaches, sticky fingers, muddy toes, bed head, backwards clothes...none of it matters because a toddler has no inhibitions. Life comes at this one full speed with no break pedal, she absorbs the sparkle and wonder of this world.

To be like a little kid again...not that we should wear our clothes backwards but just to not care so much about what others might think!

project 52:33 - a rollercoaster ride

2011-08-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

School started this week. It is one of the many things that makes motherhood a roller coaster ride. Up & down, around in circles...I am sad to see summer end & know that 2 of my kids will spend almost as much time away from me as they will at home but the arguing & fighting that have dominated the end of our summer make me shout a little "hooray". It also means that we will be in a continuous loop of activities & schedules, saying good-bye to the freedom of summer days, but that can also be a good thing...maybe I'll be better at going to the grocery store? (We can all hope!)

Macy was very excited to start school & she took it like a cool fourth grader would. Not even those first day jitters bothered her. She came home and professed that Mrs. R is going to be the best teacher ever...but that Mrs. N (last year's teacher) was too. She was pumped that there were lots of pets & the best part-she has to have a binder & assignment notebook. Oh, my...that's the big time. Jack was like a little lost puppy and leaving those sad little eyes was one of the hardest things to do. If I didn't already know that he has the most awesome, wonderful Kindergarten teacher, it would have been even more difficult. He was a changed little boy at pick-up, professing that he really liked it (whew!) and his favorite part was decorating & eating a gingerbread man.

Seems that one minute you are patting yourself on the back, thinking you have this gig figured out only to be humbled to your knees praying for help because you are at your wits end over some behavior or condition. But, it's both the elation over a random stranger giving you the sweetest compliment at Chick-fil-a (excuse me, are you referring to MY children? Haha!) and it's the tears of frustration that we give to God...

Home alone

2011-08-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

Today I am sitting in my house with just the dog for company. This is weird! All the kids got to go on a super-fantastic, totally-cool, no-parents-allowed, trip to see both sets of grandparents (very awesome benefit of marrying your high school sweetheart) and get spoiled as much as is possible in 3 days. They were so pumped, they couldn't wait to get rid of me.

I miss the little twerps.

Since I had some time to think...I got caught up on my Project 52...if you are interested, make sure you scroll down because there are several entries. I have been a little scarce on my blog...I'm needing rest more than usual. And, summer is fading fast & it has been a flurry of activity before school starts-we've gone on a few more trips (pics soon), worked on a project for the school, and (very exciting) taken part in the grand opening of our precious friends' new Chick-fil-a!

It seems that every summer has a theme...one year all my memories are of us playing in the back yard, last year it was family bike rides. This year, it has been "going"-we've "gone" a lot this summer, & while it has been a lot of fun, fun trips, I've kinda missed the bike rides and the back yard and the "home" things that usually make up summer. As the weather cools off, I'm going to make it a priority to work these things into our evenings I think!

project 52:32 - pure joy

2011-08-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

We are expecting a new baby in March! Our house is growing again...and all of us are very excited. The kids are unanimously hoping for a boy so that Jack will have a brother. It's still very early, but we have a hard time not sharing such good news. Prayers for me & this baby are greatly appreciated.

project 52:31 - trusting

2011-08-12T09:27:00.000-05:00

Recently, I've started letting Macy have a little bit more responsibility...leave my sight for just a minute. But it takes trust-trust in her that she won't get lost or distracted & that she will act like a big sister (not a dictator momma), trust in the Lord that He will watch over them for me. She's handling the responsibility beautifully...and it really helps me. But, growing up isn't for sissies!

(And I have to say...even as big as they are, I can still see how little they are. It took having my fourth kid to realize that babies are still babies, even at two, despite how big you think they are getting & that a big old fourth grader is still a little kid that needs to sit in your lap sometimes. I remind myself to not miss out on the little-ness that still is because you're so busy seeing the bigness that's just become!)

project 52:30 - restless

2011-08-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

The minute you become a mom-before the baby even gets here-you start losing sleep. Worry, stress, hormones, overactive bladder...then late night feedings, fussy tummies, lonely babies, bad dreams, a-nother drink, trips to the potty & potty accidents, fevers and sickness...and it all comes full circle with teens I hear (the worry, stress & hormones but theirs not yours!) waiting up for them to come home.

Eventually you get used to it & find you can operate on a lot less sleep than you thought you required. I always have my book & my phone to keep me company when I can't sleep!

project 52:29 - love you more

2011-08-12T08:40:00.000-05:00

It's a favorite game around here..."I love you", "I love you MORE!" Now Ava joins in.

This is my most favorite job in the world.

project 52:28 - saying yes

2011-08-02T16:07:00.000-05:00

For Macy's birthday, her daddy & I finally decided it was time to get another dog. She has wanted this and waited for this for many, many years but it just hasn't been right for our family until now.

So much of parenthood involves saying "no"-no you can't go, no you can't have that toy, no you don't need another, no you can't hit your siblings. It's so fun when you get to say "yes"!

So, this is Brooke...our new, sweet-as-can-be doggy. She's the best kind-mixed, and has been the best dog we could ever hope for.

project 52:27 - stolen moments

2011-07-20T23:09:00.000-05:00

Finding one-on-one moments...sometimes tricky, but so cherished. This was taken on Macy's birthday...we found ourselves alone at the church on a beautiful evening and we sat under a tree & had a good talk. It was truly a stolen moment-no one knew where we were but no one was worried about us or expected us home anytime soon. Individual time with each kid makes them feel so special & it gives me time to really listen. And, while I did take a few pictures with my iPhone, I try to ignore it when I'm out with a kid by themselves-they deserve ALL of me for that short time & the kids know whether you are paying attention or not. No multi-tasking allowed!

9 years ago I became a mother for the first time...wow. We had a picture just like this one made-her tiny feet just barely more than the length of my big toe and now she's getting ever closer to catching up to me. But the memories along the way are a well-worn quilt, some so familiar & special, some repeated in the other kids, some with "holes" in them because we've forgotten the little details...all of them keep my heart warm & cozy.

Horsemanship Camp

2011-07-05T16:07:00.000-05:00

Macy spent last week at Horsemanship Camp. There are no words to describe her joy, the fun that she had, and her blissful exhaustion at the end of each day. It was a well-done camp where they spent a full day learning all about horses, how to take care of & saddle them, & how to ride them.

Her horse was named Smokey and it was love at first sight. She still loved Smokey, even after the horse bucked her off on the first day & tried to kick her. I always knew the true test of Macy's horse affection would come the day she was bucked off. It's inevitable for it to happen...but as the saying goes, you have to get right back on and that's what Macy did. Always before in life, if something hurts her, she abandons ship...case in point-riding a bike. It took her a while to learn to ride because she fell...and it hurt...and she was ready to quit. But, horses are in her blood & have withstood the test.

On the last day, the riders put on a little program to show off all that they had learned. Macy grinned from ear to ear. She can't wait to go back next year!

project 52:26 - favorites

2011-07-02T03:50:00.000-05:00

I'm not talking about picking a favorite kid...I'm talking about knowing each kid's favorites-their favorite drink, toy, shirt (this one is Macy's), color, animal, soothy, cartoon...the list goes on and on.

Favorites are where our kids show their differences & similarities. Two of mine LOVE animals, 2 of them really don't. A different set of twos drink milk like water in the desert, one can't stand it, one drinks it 50/50. One likes green beans, one likes only raw veggies, one will eat any of them, the other's favorite is tomatoes. Their favorite meal is ham & swiss stromboli across the board. Macy's favorite color is lime green (different from last year when it was light blue), Jack's is red, Lily's is-guess-is pink, and Ava hasn't decided yet. Some favorites are a part of their tapestry & will never change...some change frequently. Some I have influence over, others appear without my knowing.

Maybe it's second nature, maybe it's just that we live with them 24/7, but mommas know this information like a CEO knows a balance sheet or bottom line. It's our job, after all!

Ava at 2

2011-07-02T03:08:00.000-05:00

Ava...my baby girl...turned two last Saturday.

I still haven't recovered. She let it sneak up on me...this little one who still wants to rock & snuggle, still needs her pappi to sleep, still takes 3 hour naps, & up to this point said very few words, all of which were classic "baby talk".

Then, she woke up two & seems determined to prove it to me...

I should have seen it coming. She transitioned out of sippy cups with Lily and she actually plays with her siblings & her toys. She has gradually developed an opinion about, well, most everything and has shown a sense of humor. The most abrupt change was that like a light switch, the day she woke up two, she decided she had something to say-a lot in fact. She now strings 3, 4, even 5 words together, not that you can understand all of it, but you can tell she is trying to get her point across!

One of the most precious traits of Ava is how appreciative she is...this sweet little girl tells me "Tank you momma" all the time. For everything. She remembers when all the others forget. Thank you for buying her a treat, for getting her a cup of milk, even for changing her diaper in the middle of the night...ohhh, melt my heart, you adorable little monkey!

So, I'm going back to burying my head in the sand, pretending that she's still a baby...and I'm okay with the fact that she's still a little more clingy-my velcro baby-wanting to stay close to MY side & cherishing every single nap time that she lets me snuggle her & "wock me baby" (rock me like a baby), holding on to that fleeting time because I know it won't last much longer.

Play Ball!

2011-07-01T18:01:00.000-05:00

Baseball in the back yard...it's a favorite past time around here.

Look at Ava's fingers in this picture-she's started crossing them. I think it's so funny when little ones figure out they can do it, you find them practicing all the time!

Lily's first time up to bat...& she hit one over the fence. Turns out it was beginner's luck.

This is a pouty face. Ava was not happy she didn't get a turn...I love how she sticks out her bottom lip!

The next picture was taken by Macy-she takes some good ones! Especially since she has no idea how to adjust settings on the camera. This is me helping Ava run to base as Dad tags us out & Lily wants in on the action.

Another by Macy...

This one is too...Ava decided she was more of a spectator than player so she joined the ~~bleachers~~ swings.

Annnnd....this one is by Jack.

project 52:25 - sweat equity

2011-06-29T16:30:00.000-05:00

Working out...not my favorite thing to do but I have a very best workout buddy & motivation. It's sometimes an act of congress to get schedules figured out & I really have to weigh which is more important-folded laundry or burning 700 calories. But I want to stay strong, stay healthy for my family. Besides, they require me to get in a swimsuit 3 months out of the year!

Working out...like motherhood...follows the principle of "you get out of it what you put into it." I'm running this race to win!

project 52:24 - date nights

2011-06-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

The sacrament of marriage has to be put ahead of the vocation of motherhood in order for everything to function best. We were told when we got married to "always have a weekly date night!" but when you have kids, it's not that easy to hold to that idea. We had to come around to the concept that you don't have to go out to have a date night. Since starting our weekly date night, we have loved having time set aside together & really look forward to it. We are also pretty committed to it & try to not schedule something over it, unless it's a night out together!

We picked up a tradition of making homemade pizza on Friday nights from our sweet friends Tim & Ginger...and then we added another element to it-making it a date night. Homemade pizza is perfect for this! The kids help me with theirs & they are excited to sit down & eat what they have made. Then, when the kids' bedtime rolls around, I pop our pizza in the oven & we get to eat a fresh, hot grown-up pizza all by ourselves. We pick out a movie together & enjoy our date every Friday without the expense of a sitter & restaurant.

project 52:23 - persistence

2011-06-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

After a year or more of trying to get Ava to eat & like scrambled eggs...she decided today to do just that.

There's so many things that you can't just give up on when you take on the responsibility of raising kids...even when the issue seems futile, or it would be way easier, or you feel you just don't have the strength to carry on. Maybe harder than not giving up is making that decision...so that everything isn't a battle.

But little by little, just like trying eggs for the 100th time, your persistence can pay off & you start to see little changes. They learn to make it to the potty on time, or how to tie shoes, how to make the sign of the cross or to not run away in a parking lot. Sometimes the progress is hard to see, but when I do notice, it encourages me that we are doing a good job in this business of raising kids!

Howdy partner!

2011-06-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

We escaped for the weekend up to our mountains...it was just what we needed. We took some walks, read some books, partook in several naps, and enjoyed our little family. It was a perfect ending to our May.

But, there was something else some of us did...

Something that some of us haven't done for a very, very long time...and was talked into by a sweet-talkin' eight-year-old...

I love horse ears...they are so fuzzy, alert...they beckon me to rub them but seldom does a horse like this.

I went on a horseback ride with Macy. It wasn't too hard to talk me into it...I mean, look where we are headed. And, when the wrangler said this horse was named Tucker, well, I knew it was meant to be. I hoped for kindred spirits in this beautiful animal (but REALLY hoped he minded better than my pooch!). Such a sweet creature-he was slow & steady (just what I needed) & really listened for my every command...every time his ears twitched at the slightest sound, I thought of Tucker & his smelly, velvet ears that never missed a sound either.

It was a beautiful ride through the mountains and streams with my chatterbox daughter (who kept trying to get her horse to trot-I think she saw her hair blowing in the air like a scene from Flicka) and my sweet horse.

Now...you should be impressed that I took pictures while riding on a moving horse & did not fall off. It's a challenge! However, the video I took is hilarious-you can tell just how bumpy the ride is!!

project 52:22 - fun in the sun

2011-06-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

The lazy days of summer...we spend a lot of time outside, soaking up the sun, especially in June when it's not unbearably hot & the mosquitoes haven't descended. But water just goes with Texas summers...going to the pool, playing in the backyard pool, or even just sprinklers or water guns...it just feels so good when you are so hot!

We are enjoying our time at the pool with our friends and loving to not have to be somewhere at a certain time! Summer is here-did you hear that contented sigh?

(I had to really think about this verse...but it really fits-I am so blessed with friends that are like the sun...warm, dependable, strong & sure, a shining light, and always there for me)

Humbled

2011-05-31T16:20:00.000-05:00

Crazy. Frantic. Wild. Hectic.

Yes, I'm talking about the last week of school. And, as if there isn't enough going on with finishing up school for the year, I also thought it would be a great time to have a garage sale. And plant a garden. And we had to say goodbye to ~~friends~~ family as they moved away.

But, here I sit having lived through it all (with the help of my hubby, my mom-in-love, and several friends) on the first official day of summer. Whew.

I did forget my sweet little carpool the last day of school (still kicking myself over that one). I did cry like a baby when I told Macy's teacher thank you for being the most wonderful, caring, awesome teacher this year. I had an embarrassing "moment" at the library with the kids (that story to follow). I cherished last moments & kisses on a sweet little head that brought tears to my eyes every single time. I found out that distance makes you stop & appreciate things you take for granted...

All of this made it a very humbling week.

But because I've done a lot of tears, I have to tell something funny. Maybe not funny, but hopefully relatable in that "I've been there!"-with-a-chuckle kind of story.

Macy wanted to go to the library. I hate going with the kids, but relented. After both of my older kids "humbled" me in ways I won't write about because they are old enough & should know better (& it's really still not funny), we had books picked out & ready to go. I went to get Lily & Ava from the stuffed animal pile & Lily asked for her books. I told her I would get them for her in a minute. She stopped in the middle of the library, and in a very loud voice yelled "I SAID I want my books!" Complete with a stomp of the little foot. Cue all heads in library turning to look at us. I looked at her, she looked at me. Then it dawned on her what she had just done & she proceeded to run from me with her hand on her hiney yelling "Momma! I don't want a spanking!!!" Oie.

Just for the record, no one got to keep their books that day...I turned them all in. And we are never going back to the library again, forever.

project 52:21 - naptimes

2011-05-31T15:54:00.000-05:00

Naptimes are such a part of motherhood & a big topic of conversation. When the babies are little it's "how long is she sleeping?" When they are older it's "Should he drop the morning nap?" or "Oh, my goodness I think she's already outgrowing her nap!" Then, when they are big kids you wish for that nap that no longer is...just a little peace & quiet or you sometimes find yourself saying "YOU need a nap!"

No matter the age of our kids, we have maintained a quiet time in each day-naps for the little ones, alone time for the biggers. We have to find some peace, some quiet in the day. It seems to reset everyone, improves moods, makes the afternoon a better place. I like this time to recharge, or do things for myself, or get some of the chores done without interruption...but sometimes I also take a little nap! So nice!

project 52:20 - tempered

2011-05-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

I'm an extrovert, he's an introvert...I'm go, go, go all the time, he's stay, stay, stay (most) of the time...we are opposites in so many ways but we harmoniously meet in the middle more often than not to make it work beautifully. He tempers me, helps me find the balance I so desperately need in my life because I have such a hard time saying "no". Sometimes I get frustrated when he says slow down, or this isn't what we need to do right now, but in the end I know he's right (even if I don't tell him that!). He is my rock, the leader of our family...the one that makes this job of motherhood something I can do.

Being "tempered" is essential to motherhood (at least with my personality!), or you will find yourself crazy. And I'm so lucky to have the love of my life to walk beside me & take on that responsibility.

project 52:19 - versatile

2011-05-17T00:52:00.000-05:00

I wear many hats...some fit better than others, but in all things I'm learning to be versatile, adaptive, resourceful, flexible. I've had to learn how to do many odd things...like teaching my left hand & arm how to work almost as good as my right because left arms get tired of holding babies before babies get tired of being held (I hear that builds brain synapses). I've learned how to do things one-handed, like take pictures with my SLR with one hand (there's no point-&-shoot focus on these cameras). I've learned how to read upside-down, drink laying down (can't risk waking sleeping child just for a drink!), how to use a public restroom (zipper anyone?) without putting my crawler on the nasty floor, how to drive & keep my eyes on the road while appearing totally engaged in an 8 year old's conversation. Juggling schedules, meals, errands, hobbies...it takes practice.

Sometimes the wife hat, momma hat, friend hat, christian woman hat go together like a tailored suit...and sometimes I look like a pirate princess super-hero. It's a crazy life, but it's the only one we are given and there's no one I would trade with! I'll keep all my hats, thank you.

project 52:18 - an echo

2011-05-10T22:44:00.000-05:00

Totally cheating on this picture this week, but it's my project & I'll do what I want to! The picture is me holding my brother...but the resemblance to Lily is strong. It is truly fascinating to me to see how families resemble each other-how you can't deny your roots! And that they pass along, keeping you connected, echoing the past into the future.

Before I was a mom, I was a daughter. I remember being newly married, working at a part-time job as a student "assistant" & having a conversation with two older women who were mothers. They were telling me that I just couldn't appreciate and understand the love that my mother has for me until I became a mom. I was so upset! I DID appreciate my mom-she was one of my best friends after all, & thought they just didn't have the same relationship with their mothers as I did with mine. But...you know what? I think they may have been a little bit right. Becoming a mother made me look at all the ways I love, cherish, & adore my babies in ways I could never comprehend (who thinks they will accept poopy diapers readily before they get the chance?) and realize that my mom felt all these same things for her babies & that I was-and am-so very, very loved.

When I became a wife I was blessed with another mother...though she didn't raise me as a child, she's helped raise me as a wife. And, I know she loves me very, very much!

To my mother...and my mother-in-love (not law)...thank you for all your love. And Happy (belated) Mother's Day.

Easter 2011

2011-05-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well, we almost made it through church Easter Sunday without incident (I insisted on keeping the girls in church instead of the nursery because-good reason-they had too cute of dresses to be in the nursery!) until I sat Ava between my mom & me on the pew...and then forgot about her...and she fell face-first into the pew in front of us. Who knew she was only 1 & didn't know how to get down? Mom & me, that's who. So, screaming ensued but we recovered by communion.

We also gave up the ~~farce~~ story of the Easter bunny this year-it was no surprise to Macy or Jack (I was never good at acting this out anyway & honestly Macy is getting to that age-she said she knew the big man in red wasn't real either but didn't want to hurt feelings) & Lily didn't remember...but we did have baskets & an egg hunt. The kids just knew WE hid them! The kids were not disappointed-all they care about is whether they still get candy! Ava found one egg, sat down, & started eating...the other kids in their mad dash would bring her another egg every so often & she was tickled pink!

We had what has become our traditional Easter dinner, inviting my parents & some of our adopted family over, except this year it had a little bit of sadness with it because they are moving. We will always keep in touch & be close, even if miles separate us & our traditions change a bit. We spent almost the entire day outside, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather & the company of our family...

I felt I was able to accomplish my goal-taking in every moment of Easter (except for the crying episode)...there were moments when I was moved to tears, like when the entire church was lit only by our candles or when the catechumenates were baptized or when the bells rang at the proclamation of Christ or even when
Father sprinkled us all with the Holy Water-how it catches the sunlight through the stain glass...I felt
Jesus' presence for sure...

I had pictures of the beautiful eggs we dyed, but they were on my iPhone...and I dropped it...in the bathtub...and had not synced in a loooong time...so they are gone, along with some other pictures I really wish I still had. Boo.

Lily's big birthday

2011-05-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

Well...number 3 turned 3. And let me tell you there has been no one more excited or jubilant at a birthday party. She couldn't contain herself.

Lily is such a funny child-so extreme. Her emotions are on, full-blast, all the time...whether it's happy or mad, there's no in between. I think about her entry & first year in this world & she was so calm, so easy...in fact I worried about her because she didn't cry enough! But she has more than made up for it in the second year of life with no sign of slowing down.

Per her request, it was Strawberry "Kortcake" for the theme.

And best friends all made it to help celebrate.

Ava loved the icing!

Her present from Grandma was her big-girl quilt to go on her new big-girl bed.

She's been funny with the bed...she tells me every night that she might fall out of bed but hasn't so far. And, she's doing better than our oldest two kids when it comes to STAYING in her bed. Opposite of that though is Ava. We thought we might save ourselves some time & just keep Lily's converted crib as Ava's toddler bed, thinking she should be almost old enough for it because Macy was able to sleep in a toddler bed at her age. W-R-O-N-G! That girl was having a party every night & keeping them both up, getting into the books & toys & taking things to Lily. Lily was quick to throw her under the bus-declairing every time we went in to scold that "it wasn't me!!! Ava got out of bed!!" So, after 4 days, we put the rail back on the crib & Ava is back in a more appropriate bed.

And she is STILL telling us thank you for her birthday party & can she have another one soon? That's all it takes to make your heart smile & know that she truly loved her birthday!

The other big hit was the "Tangled" barbie from Nana...we have "Tangled" fever in this house!

project 52:17 - routine

2011-04-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

It starts when they are babies as a schedule...then moves into routines...and becomes what? Habits? We work to shape the days into some semblance of normalcy, trying to make patterns, rhythms to each day, so that little bodies are comforted, learning what to expect next.

It is in my very nature to fight & resist routines & schedules-I find myself dreading whatever chore is assigned to a certain day just because it happens on the same day every week! But, the more I figure out these kids...and this one in particular...the more I discover how they crave predictability. He feels more secure when he knows that I'll be making scones every Saturday morning or that tonight was pizza night...or that Monday is his pj day and that we will go to church on Sunday and every night we will read from Ramona.

One afternoon routine we've had for a long time is after he gets home from school, we snuggle on the couch & watch tv. We have decided that tv is not what this active little body needs (or any of the kids actually) & have cut it out, expecting him to burn off energy instead, and as a result, we've had to change up our afternoons. It took several days of complaining & whining (on both our parts because what momma can resist snuggling with her sweet boy?) but we now have a new routine. He loves to help cook in the kitchen-we make snacks for when Macy gets home or start on supper, & he is my taste-tester, stirrer, pourer, & even slicer. And, I have found, that even better than snuggling up & getting to smell his sweet little head is the conversations we get to have. Well...maybe not better but just as good!

project 52:16 - on the go

2011-04-22T23:59:00.000-05:00

This week, my body has been stationed in my hubby's chair with a heating pad...instead of in my trusty 'burb...and I finally felt up to "getting out" today. What struck me first was my gas gauge. It's STILL on FULL. Now, you have to understand that me & my faithful steed go through a full tank of gas every week ($100 a week doesn't fill the thirsty beast) running around town...taking kids to school, getting groceries...pick up this or that...meeting for playgroups...helping out here & there. Being a "stay" at home mom doesn't live up to its moniker these days & honestly I don't know how we ever functioned & got everything done with both of us working (hats off to those of you that do).

But this week, through my imposed time out from life, I remembered how good it is to be home too. And, I'm not just thinking of the extra Mr. Ben Franklin that's still in my wallet. I snuggled...a lot...with the kids. I read on books. I had sweet friends come keep me company (& my momma came & took care of us!). I even watched some TV. I had a "hall pass" to not worry about the dishes and supper and laundry...and enjoyed taking it easy.

To shift (& try to act like I have a deep, connected point), I have felt this Lenten season has been "on the go" for me as well...I've cruised through week after week, totally preoccupied with busy things, and I find myself tonight on Good Friday 'proud' of myself because I finally remembered to abstain from meat. Never made it to Stations, or even a fish fry for crazy sakes' (and we call ourselves Catholic!). I'm taking in Easter with all it's glory & have made a commitment to not let a beautiful moment pass by. My husband & I are attending the vigil service together & then going with our whole family on Easter Sunday. I'm so excited to attend both!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body;

and be thankful."

Colossians 3:14-16

Ava has talent

2011-04-16T23:08:00.000-05:00

She can't form sentences yet (except for "Why-ee momma?"), but she can sing Justin Bieber. It's sad, really...I think the first song Macy sang was "Jesus loves me." But that's what happens when you have older siblings!! Heehee!

project 52:15 - spring cleaning

2011-04-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

Today the girls helped me "spring clean" (aka, shovel the dirt off) the back porch. It was rather dirty after the less-than-lovely springtime weather we have had lately. We worked together...and had time for girl talk since the boys were inside. I love doing things with my girls, teaching them how to be a mom, a woman. My girls are a lot like me...they will pretty much do anything we ask as long as there's someone to do it beside them, so part of the fun today was that no one was complaining that they had to clean, all of us just happy to have the companionship of each other.

And after we were done...we all got books & sat together to read & enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Little Lilybug

2011-04-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

Today is her birthday...and she woke up with throw-up crusted in her hair. When Macy said "Happy birthday, Lily!" She replied "Happy birthday Mae-mae"...and started to cry. Your special day should never start this way!

And, we had plans for her...breakfast & ice cream & some shopping...but it will have to happen another day.

Lily has had some tummy problems of late. On Monday, it was almost the same story. When her daddy came home she was relating the day to him: "Daddy, this morning I got sick. I thought I was going to throw up but I throwed down." I guess since she hit the trash it was throwing "down".

In a lot of ways, Lily shows me that she is full-on "three"...as my dad so perfectly said "Three is just the terrible two's with experience." She also shows me daily that she is growing up & trying to be just like her big sister (asking if I can turn on "Tator Swish" on the radio, which would be Taylor Swift for those of you that don't speak toddler). But she's also the child that still wants to be the baby...wanting me to carry her, or to let her ride in the stroller, or help her do things she can do herself. I think she knows a good thing when she sees it!

So, we will celebrate today the little soul that is Lily Michelle...with pancakes and chocolate cake and homemade vanilla ice cream all by request. And we thank our God for sending her to our family!

PS-in case you have looked at the menu for tonight & are concerned...her tummy seems to be better tonight! And, can you deny a girl her chocolate on her birthday??

5000!

2011-04-14T13:48:00.000-05:00

I noticed on my counter (at the right, scroll down) that my blog is almost to 5,000 views. If you are the 5,000 visitor, would you be so kind to leave a comment to this post!!

Thank you!

project 52:14 - picnics

2011-04-08T17:03:00.000-05:00

We have enjoyed a picnic every day this week...and I love it. Whether at the park or in our backyard, lunch is just better outside. Kids make a picnic fun-they appreciate the specialness of it. They also make it a little challenging-spilled drinks & sandwiches, dirt in the food, & "sharing" off other's plates come with the territory. But we get to talk about the sounds and sights and smells you don't have at the table.

Spring is here, I do believe! And so are picnics...and park playdates...and bicycle rides...and gardens...and sunshine longer in the day!

Finishing up

2011-04-07T23:23:00.000-05:00

All I can say is...life is busy. I can't believe 3 weeks have passed since our trip. So, on this incredibly windy, nasty (but we have to love it 'cause we live with it) day, I'm finishing up the pretty, fun beach trip pictures & stories.

Lily is in love with the beach...can you tell?

Sometimes I wonder what's going through her little mind...

She never got used to the awe of the ocean while we were there.

I always tell my kids that I'm willing to take them places & do fun things for them & all I ask in return is to act happy in a few pictures! They complied.

We did unwind after kids were snoozing...notice, like good, practical moms, we actually packed a crock pot to cook in! It was handy!!

Lily & her big green bucket...I love this picture.

And, if this one doesn't say Lily, I don't know a picture that would. She makes me laugh so hard!

We took the kids on a dolphin watching boat ride from town and were not disappointed! The ride was chilly, but we saw lots of dolphins playing & chasing beside the boat.

Chilly but SO excited!! The girl loves marine animals as much as land animals!

Again, we were in the mind-set of thinking we were at the beach & it should be hot & sunny...so we didn't take coats, jackets, even jeans for this boat ride. Luckily, there was a blanket to wrap up in!

After the boat ride, we found a seafood place in town to eat lunch at...they didn't disappoint.

And, we did some souvenir shopping...where the kids somehow talked me into hermit crabs.

To finish the trip, we left Port A & headed to Houston to visit our friends the Stewarts!! We got to stay overnight with them & Tracy was very accommodating to let all of us crash at her house! It reminded me of old times...and it was very hard to leave them.

All our kids, minus Ava

These girls picked up where they left off...and loved being together again. Time & distance hasn't dampened their friendship...

project 52:13 - homemade

2011-03-31T19:31:00.000-05:00

I have developed a love for making things homemade. Being a work at home mom, I can find snipits of the day here and there to make some homemade bread, or a snack, or something I would normally buy from a box like Bisquick. I love to pour love into what I'm making to feed my family with! And, I've said before, I'm more and more motivated to stay out of the grocery store & try to make do at home.

We are trying to keep our kids "homemade" too...and I'm not sure what I mean by that other than we are trying to limit the outside influences on them, keep the toys simple & less, & keep them home with us as much as possible. No one agrees on anything when it comes to kids...but that's the beauty in it. WE get to raise OUR kids as we see fit.

(this was a picture from my iPhone...and it's not very good, but the cinnamon rolls were AMAZING!! Find the recipe here:http://www.food.com/recipeprint.do?rid=50722)

Moms of the year

2011-03-31T14:17:00.000-05:00

I think pretty much anyone who's asked about the trip has heard this story, but again for posterity's sake...I have to record it.

As we are setting foot on the beach, we hear someone say something about jellyfish...so we start looking. We see these pretty blue blobs & wonder is that really what they mean? These things looked like they screamed "don't touch me" but NOTHING at all like I've ever seen a jellyfish look like, so we debate it & warn the kids to not touch.

Time goes by...we get more & more comfortable on the beach & are really having fun. Before too long, Jack has ~~disobeyed me~~ become more brave & says "Hey mom, I picked one of those jellyfishes up & it didn't cut me!" Again with the warnings, be careful's, etc but we are gradually letting our guard down. Fast forward and Cara & I are sitting on the beach, enjoying our time & all the kids have a bucket full of these blue blobs, have named them, made a moat for them & are all-out playing with them.

That night, we decided to find an official name for these strange creatures on Google...

We discovered that we were letting our kids play with Portuguese Man of Wars. Or men of war...I'm not sure. Anyway...we were more serious about keeping them out of the pretty blue blobs hence forth & considered ourselves lucky to have not had any stings! By the way...we did find out that they make a cool popping sound when a vehicle runs over them!!

Sand Castles on the Beach

The sunsets and sunrises were hazy and beautiful...

And yes...there's still more.

Port A

2011-03-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

So, we took off on a journey of epic proportions...driving many, many hours & never leaving the state-something that's only possible in Texas. We wanted to take the kids to the beach, & Port Aransas was our final destination.

To say it was fun does not encompass it, doesn't do it justice. (I need new descriptive words!) I would definitely recommend this sweet seaside town to families wanting the beach experience. We stayed in a condo outside of the city limits, which was perfect-it had private beach access that was within walking distance. The condo was well-stocked & spacious.

We packed light but STILL filled up the 'burb!

Leaving Friday afternoon, we made it half way & stayed overnight.

Even though we pulled in at close to midnight, the kids were up early with their smiles on ready to get to the beach!

This was a welcome sight after driving for two days! We are here!!!

Every condo at our resort had a view of the beach...

And moving in was all hands on board!

We wasted no time getting out to the beach...

Jack found lots and lots of seashells.

More pictures...more stories to come!

If you are interested, we stayed at Mustang Towers.

project 52:12 - letting go

2011-03-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

I've had to learn to let go of a lot of things as a mom. Letting go of worrying about things like the fact that your baby is probably sitting in goose poop so that she can fully enjoy the wonderment that is geese in a pond at a park.

Letting go of perfect...house, schedules, car, kids (who wants that anyway? Bor-ring!).

Letting go of worries...safety, future, opinions of others...& remembering God is in control & worry doesn't fix anything.

But sometimes you have to let go of things you don't want to let go of. That's a hard one...

Barney and nosebleeds

2011-03-24T16:10:00.000-05:00

What a catchy title, huh?

Macy, when she was 2 & 3, loved Sesame Street & Dora. Jack loved Backyardigans and could not stand either of the previous mentioned. Now we are at Lily...she loves Strawberry "Kortcake" as she calls it, Max & "Roooby"...and most recently Barney. But she will tell you NOT the "sign-a-dors" (dinosaurs) which is Dinosaur Train-it must be Barney!

Ava seems to have similar tastes...don't you love the boots on Ava? Really compliments the pjs.

Shifting gears, for some reason my kids seem to be prone to nosebleeds-pretty heavy, without prompting (or picking), hard to stop, striking even in the middle of the night, kind of nosebleeds. Macy started when she was three & has had them so bad that we actually had to have one side of her nose ~~tortured~~ cauterized. It was traumatic & she was impressively brave. Jack now gets them, not as frequently, but he does occasionally. Recently Lily was reading a book in the playroom & SHE got one! There was blood everywhere while she tried to find me, saying "Mommy, my nose is drippy!" I took her to the bathroom & got a tissue to stop the bleeding & while we were waiting she says "Momma, I'm kinda getting a little freaked out!" Drama with that girl.

Jack shows his little boy humor often-sometimes it's annoying, sometimes it's frustrating, but sometimes all you can do is chuckle. Today, as always, drop-off at school was a sideshow-kids climbing out everywhere, backpacks flying, doors opening. The school crew always make reference to clowns in a clown car when we pull up (I carpool with another family). Anyway, I get the doors shut and pull away & just as I'm turning the corner I see a head pop up & hear "Hi mommy!" It was Jack-he had hid from the school patrol & thought it was hilarious...so I get in the line again & get some funny stares & they open the door again & let him out. It was so unexpected, & crafty, I had to give him credit & laugh. At least he didn't wait until I was close to home!! Maybe, just maybe, Lily would have ratted him out though.

Project 52:11 - finding peace within chaos

2011-03-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

As a momma you have to find ways to recharge, to find moments of calm despite all the chaos around you. Sometimes its rising before the kids get up, or it's naptime...or sometimes its a week at the beach with one of your very best friends and all of your kids, listening to the surf and feeling the calm, the peacefulness in God's beautiful creation. Very few things leave you as speechless as the ocean-it's size is almost overwhelming, the smells, the sounds so unique.

The crash of the waves drown out the noise and the kids just played-splashed & frolicked & dug. They were affected by the water too, it worked it's magic on them as well...everyone was happy and in awe and no one complained or cried (much).

This is a place we will go back to, I'm sure of it!

"I've got a peaceful, easy feeling..."

Project 52:10 - graceful

2011-03-09T23:59:00.000-06:00

I am upfront & honest that on this blog I choose to focus on the fun, positive, sentimental times of life...but that doesn't mean that the "other" times don't exist. I just feel there's enough complaining-about-children blogs out there claiming to be "real" that I don't want my kids to look back someday and ever think I hated my job of raising them. Because I never have...and never will...not even for a day.

That said, today was a day God gave me to practice patience...like 200 times I had the opportunity. And each time, I'm pretty sure I failed. But at the end of the day, when a lot of us moms look back & think of all the things we wish we would have said differently (the time the enemy loves to remind us of failings), I keep being reminded of God's grace, that each time today was a learning opportunity for the next time and with God's grace I'll do better.

"Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return..."

Lent starts today, a beautiful reminder of God's bountiful grace.

(My project 52 is early this week because Friday I am leaving on an epic journey! Praying for a safe, fun Spring Break for all.)

Conversation with Jack

2011-03-08T23:08:00.000-06:00

Jack gets in the car with a whole bag of popcorn & shares some of it (a handful each) with Lily & Ava. While this is commendable for Jack, Lily asks for more...and more. I hear Jack saying "If you don't slow down eating that I'm not going to have a whole, whole bunch for me!"

I interject "That's right Jack, that's just what I remember the bible saying. Jesus says to make sure YOU have lots and lots and to not worry about your neighbor."

Jack thinks for a minute (imagine him with a stocking hat on & shaking his head back & forth), then he says "Well...YOU need to be reading the bible more because that's not what it says at all. It says you should share." And he proceeds to eat his popcorn.

Jack doesn't get sarcasm. At all.

(But he's sure cute when he sleeps!)

Moments

2011-03-07T21:20:00.000-06:00

How are you staying fully awake in this life?

*thanks Ginger, for sharing this.

project 52:9 - linked

2011-03-03T20:55:00.000-06:00

I cannot let this week pass without commenting on the grass fires that ripped through our community this past week. Like the Santa Anna winds, our Spring winds can wipe out thousands upon thousands of acres of land in hours...this time, though, they were especially devastating.

Whether or not your house was one of the 50 or 60 that burned on that fateful, windy day, we were all affected because motherhood is a commonality, it's something shared, to when there is a crisis we watch the news and we pray for those mothers that have been forced to leave everything behind & stand in 70 mile per hour wind with an overpass for a wind block, waiting, waiting, watching through binoculars to see if there will be anything left of their house.

You can't help but think of memories left behind-the photos, the birth certificates & locks of hair, special pictures drawn by little hands...things no insurance policy can replace. And you also know that deep down the only irreplaceables are our little ones, to which we all thank God that none of them were lost.

Posterity

2011-03-02T23:27:00.000-06:00

Because one of my main reasons for this blog is to record things the kids do and say to have to look back on, I have to post some random, silly-to-me things the kids have said and include some random (mostly iPhone) pictures.

Nap time continues to be one of my most favorite times of the day, for a multitude of reasons, but this being the top one. Ahhh...I love baby snuggles and Ava gives the best.

Someday, some day, I will buckle down and make her part with the pappi...but not today. I'm too afraid it holds the key to the snuggles.

This was the last minutes of the sweetest display of big brother love-not that the love ended, just that the moment passed before I really got to capture it. The two of them were sitting on the front porch playing, Jack being so sweet & caring. He & Ava are a good pair. The compassion he shows her makes my heart smile.

I don't believe in cleaning glass (don't pretend for my sake that you overlooked ALL the finger prints on the door), especially if it's within reach of grubby paws...it adds character to the house...and also warns guests of impending attack from four children.

Remember the movie Teen Wolf? We can't let him out at night.

It is so messy when you have to trim the furry beast that is my son inside because it's below freezing outside.

This one just makes me laugh-it's her expression. Fashion is a serious thing, people.

She's holding a phone...and she had been like this for about 10 minutes, without moving. It's her almost-asleep-zone, except she forgot to unhand the phone attached to her ear.

These two pictures are from our school night at the Discovery Center. Macy's friend Aaron got to be the volunteer to demonstrate the power of electrical currents. Did you know you will get a HECK of a shock if he were to touch you while holding on? The kids could feel "the force" just by him hovering his hand over them. And, it made his hair stand up-always wanted to do that!

Jack is wearing his daddy's indian war bonnet from when he was a kid.

And a shark tooth necklace. And a panda bear. And stretchy cockroaches that stick to the wall when you fling them (thanks Santa).

And, don't grandmas have the coolest things around? Like bigger-than-life bears for you to waller?

This is Paddington Bear & has been around for a very long time...he started his life in our family in Great Grandma Dovie's shop (I think!) where she sold children's clothing back when my husband was a little boy. It was called the Cabbage Patch (she was cool before the dolls!).

Ava looks entirely too big in this picture. Dang it...she's growing up too.

But what this picture does mean is that Spring is on its way...whether it takes a detour (hoping not!) or just hangs around like it's been the past couple of days, we can resume our park time with friends. And to that I say-Yahoo!

Lily is in a very, very literal phase of life. She tore up something of Macy's & I was scolding her for it, saying "Lily, shame on you!" She starts crying, begging me to "not put shame on me mommy!" I'm not sure what she thought shame was but she knew she didn't want it on her! She asks every time I mention we have errands to run if we are going to Aaron's house. If you get onto her for something, she will ask "Are you still my friend?" to which you have to reply "Of course, I'm still your friend Lily" (she will ask you to say it again & include the "of course" part). And, there's always the funny mispronunciations...today she wanted a drink from the water mountain.

project 52:8 - dining with dignitaries

2011-02-26T23:21:00.000-06:00

I have had the privilege of lunch dates with many princesses, trained Jedi, Superman & Batman (though not at the same time), an American Indian, & a rather infamous cowgirl that can tame any wild animal if given the chance.

Kinda makes a "power lunch" sound a little dull, huh?

And, so that you don't misjudge me...just because I get this chance to dine with various dignitaries we are by no means dignified.

Time for a Bath

2011-02-23T21:47:00.000-06:00

This picture represents a lot of love times three...three of our kids have blankies. And I always swore that I would pick their lovey item and that it would not be a blanket dragging in the dirt behind them. But, that shows you what I know...the kids have to have their blankie for sleep, for comfort, for warmth.

Jack's blankie never envisioned it's life turning out this way...I think it had early retirement in mind always as it gave up & became tattered & torn early on. It is, in fact, in a mid-life crisis, finding itself looking nothing like it used to but still holding on to it's glory days. Lily & Ava's are in it for the long haul though, still looking almost as good as the first time I wrapped their tiny bodies in them.

Along with all that "love" comes a whole lot of smell, and the traumatic day comes along (involving prying out of hands & tears) every so often (I should say not often enough) that the blankies need a bath.

First it's a kiss and hug good-bye. I'm not kidding.

Then watch and wait...and wait and watch...and bug me about "how much longer???"

Notice in this picture that Ava can't possibly see her blankie but knows she's supposed to be there looking like that because her siblings are!

Then a mid-cycle hug and kiss before throwing them in the dryer.

My favorite part is when they come running to smell that fresh-out-of-the-dryer smell on the blankies. Jack used to tell me it "smelled warm".

Project 52:7-maturing

2011-02-18T17:18:00.000-06:00

When we were DINKs (dual-income, no kids) time seemed unimportant, unnoticed. We would go to work, enjoy the weekends, eventually a birthday would come along & you realized another year had passed. Then, we have kids and suddenly you have a constant reminder of how fast time really passes-they grow, they change, they achieve when only yesterday they couldn't.

Last week was another reminder of how Macy has matured...with her class Valentine's Day party preparations. For the first year ever, she made her box-all by herself & at school. No asking for help or for supplies...and it was a COOL box too. Somehow she made a real mailbox that would stand up on its own. She also addressed all her cards by herself, made her own list, never asked for help, just took off with them & completed them at night in her bed before going to sleep. Then she took them to school, handed them out, & didn't forget anyone.

We've only got 10 years left of her at home...barely more time left than what we've had her. The thought of one of my birds leaving the nest...I don't want to go there today.

It Counts

2011-02-16T14:56:00.000-06:00

A common topic of discussion with moms of little ones is where do I fit in quiet time with the Lord, or Bible time, or even prayer time. I am most curious about this because I am NOT a morning person & have decided after 35 years of not being one (well, my mom might disagree-apparently I'm paying for my early morning toddler years), it's never going to happen. So, when do I get my time with the Lord?

I mean, I say bedtime prayers with the kids & every morning in the car on our way to school I help the kids pray. They take turns picking the prayer & then we have our prayer intentions. It's actually a great time for the kids to pray because they can't get squirmy or distracted by toys.

So, back to my dilemma...I thought I would try AGAIN to get up early & have my quiet time, starting today. And, wouldn't you know it...I had just opened my eyes & here come 2 kids, awake 30 minutes early. So that's when it all hit me.

My time with God can include the kids.

In fact, it probably NEEDS to! It doesn't have to be "quiet". So, instead of getting all worked up and giving up on some time in the Bible, we all got out of bed (& made them for a change), got dressed, & had time to read from the Psalms before going to school.

I also realized (thank you Holy Spirit) that my prayers that I offer with the kids during bedtime or while I'm driving them to school "count"...for some reason I have always discounted that time as if it wasn't "real" prayer. I don't know why-I always put my heart into that time, so why wouldn't it?

What a way to start the day...

Project 52:6-hold you

2011-02-12T23:40:00.000-06:00

One of the most precious phrases our babies learn to say is "Hold you!", meaning they want to be held. It took awhile to understand where it comes from, but it's from us saying to them "You want me to hold you?" It always starts out as more of a "hole juew"...it's my favorite first sentence!

Sometimes my arms ache from all the "hold you's" of the day, especially when there's a sick baby, sometimes I feel that I was too busy & didn't get in enough "hold you's" for the day. Sometimes it can be frustrating (preparing supper especially) when I'm the only one who can "hold you"...but I try & remind myself that these babies will only want me to "hold you" for a short time, & then supper preparations will be a lot easier...someday my arms will ache in a whole different way, missing the "hold you's".

I've been around the block a few times with this mothering babies business and it seems that life has become so busy that I forget to totally enjoy the little things the kids do, things that have become old hat at this point. That's why I'm loving this project...it's making me stop, enjoy, & record simple kid things that I haven't taken time to notice. Almost slowing down the clock a little...

The Snowy Day

2011-02-10T23:21:00.000-06:00

We didn't lose a mitten...instead the kids had fun.

Lily-first snow she knows & has had the chance to actually play in. I didn't let her out much last winter.

Ava-first snow to play in but she won't remember it. She had so much fun she was acting out the phrase "kicking & screaming" when I drug her frozen little body back in the house.

Big kids-old hats at this snow business & LOVING that they had a day off from school. We knew the night before but didn't tell them, hoping that they might sleep in a minute or so (I'm being literal here, every minute past 7:00 is precious I'm telling you) but like some sixth sense, they knew-EARLY-that there would be no snow.

Ava was like a little stuffed marshmallow...and when she would topple over she had a hard time getting up, it was hilarious.

Even I went out for a little while...I scooped the walkway with our newly purchased snow shovel & did some refereeing. Did you know that a couple can be married 15 years, owning 4 houses in that timespan, & survive without a snow shovel? That's the kind of snow we get around here...in the past when it has occasionally snowed a lot like this, we've used a regular shovel (or made our guests sink to their knees in snow! It's all about the hospitality.). That's hard work. I won't get into the expense of purchasing a snow shovel at this point...being that they are just so super expensive and all. Ha!

You know how it goes with kids and snow...mom spends 20 minutes rounding up clothes, 30 minutes dressing kids so their ears don't fall off, and then shooing them out the door for them to return in about 15 minutes either frozen or needing to go potty.

Such is the life...but I love it.

Weather inspired food...homemade bread and snow ice cream with chocolate chips.

The big kids felt it their civic duty to explain, several times, to Lily the perils of eating snow that looks like this or is yellow when it is outside...it's okay when mommy makes it like this but if you found it like this, just plain ole' snow outside, it would not be good to eat Lily! Remember that!

Reading with Ava

2011-02-08T20:18:00.000-06:00

She took her shirt off...except it was a onesie, so it ended up like a belt around her waist. This was during the time I thought she was napping. The kid has a serious aversion to clothes.

Introspection

2011-02-08T15:38:00.000-06:00

The books I buy tend to reflect life for me at certain times...

These just came in from Amazon. Apparently right now things are feeling a little unorganized, a little lacking in the God's time department...I also threw in my Nook, but it's full of totally fictional stories because I always need a good escape in my life-you know, for when things seem a little unorganized. (Wait, maybe there's a connection...good Nook book=house goes to heck!)

Project 52:5-a cake walk

2011-02-04T14:06:00.000-06:00

Well...maybe not in the sense of the phrase, but motherhood is all about celebrating. Last week, it was my birthday...yesterday, a little friend's...up next will be Lily's. Whether I'm celebrating my gift of life, the gift I gave my children, or those beautiful gifts of friends, I remember to give God thanks for without Him the day wouldn't have been possible.

To Measure a Year...

2011-01-28T15:16:00.000-06:00

Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes...that's what we are given each year. How do you measure it?

In Daylights - In Sunsets?

In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee?

In Inches - In Miles?

In Laughter - In Strife?

In - Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand

Six Hundred Minutes

How Do You Measure

A Year In The Life?

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand

Journeys To Plan

Measure In Love!

You know that love is a gift from up above!

This past year, my life has been measured in a lot of love. I loved adding friends to my life though the newly-formed mom's group at church, I loved on my kids, watching them achieve more and more-swimming better, growing taller, learning even more at school, I loved spending lots of time outside in the mountains-with friends & with family. I loved on 4 friends as they became new moms-some for the first time, some adding to their blessings. I loved being loved (spoiled?) by my husband, not because I deserve it but because that's the kind of amazing person he is. I felt God's love like never before when dealing with the struggles of this past year. I also loved a lot of cups of coffee, hugs, loads of laundry, sunrises and sunsets, and laughter. Looking back, it has been a good year-a full year, but one I wouldn't trade.

Share love, give love, spread love...

Measure, measure your life in love.

I think 35 is going to fit me well...mid-life? Here I come!

Now...I have a whole bunch of homemade gifts from little ones just waiting for me to ooohhh and ahhh over, the best presents ever. Here's to measuring another year of love...

*lyrics from Seasons of Love, Rent

Project 52:4-sports

2011-01-27T14:51:00.000-06:00

No matter that my kids aren't in organized or club sports...it's still a mom's job to know how to play any and all sports...whether we practice kick, pass, catch with the football, or hitting a baseball, or even throwing bouncy balls onto the roof, they expect mom to show them how! (then dad comes home and shows them how to do it RIGHT!)

Ski Trip

2011-01-26T23:05:00.000-06:00

We took the big kids on a ski trip this past weekend & had a great time! Kids did ski school the first day so the two of us skied alone, then the next day we all skied together as a family. Little bit slower-going, but fun and full of laughter-moments I know neither of us will forget.

The weather could not have been more perfect and oh, my was that mountain glorious and beautiful!

Macy caught on really fast & I was so proud of her, mainly because I had worried she would be terrified of the lifts because the girl has a serious case of fear-of-heights. Jack did pretty darn good considering his age...he tired easily & would get scared he was going to fall off the mountain...which we couldn't help but chuckle at which then made him SO mad!

Considering adding this hat to my yoga pants outfit...then I don't have to fix my hair!! Heehee!!

We all woke up on the third day missing the rest of our family so much-we couldn't get home to them fast enough! Lily & Ava got to spend some spoilin' time with Nana & Bob...which they loved every bit as much as we loved skiing.

I love my hubby!

One of the biggest coincidences of all time I think was on Sunday afternoon-we skied down to the lodge for a break and bumped into my sweet cousin & her family!! Neither of us knew we would be skiing that weekend and what ARE the chances we would happen to be at the same picnic table at the same time?? It was such a neat surprise to get to see them & then we skied down the mountain together once too!

We also got to see Uncle Cody & Aunt Shannon & new baby Fynley...oh, my, have I been waiting to get my hands on that sweet little girl! We spent an evening with them, loving on their precious little girl & catching up as only old friends can do...distance may separate us but our friendship has always kept us close! And as is always the case...it felt as if there wasn't enough time together.

Waiting for us at Nana & Bop's were two very happy little girls...Lily was so very proud that she had made her daddy cookies while we were gone!

*took all these with my iPhone 4-couldn't believe the quality considering it is a phone...great videos too!

Project 52:3-bad hair days

2011-01-21T13:14:00.000-06:00

For me, this is really true...I have more bad hair days than good...but mine aren't as fashionable. I am always amazed at the hilarious updo's that you can create from pig tails & topnots.