These Days...

Catching Up

2011-10-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm back (finally) to play catch up. Major catch up. We've celebrated five years of Luke's life, 3 months of Abigail's, and 9 years of marriage for Steven and me. Not to mention lots of homeschooling, another Georgia game for Steven and Luke, gorgeous fall weather, and the stuff that doesn't make the blogs. Like...endless piles of laundry, endless mouths to feed, bottoms to wipe, and the mental exhaustion that comes from breaking up yet another argument. But it is what the days are made up of, isn't it? Exhausting and so incredibly fulfilling at the same time.

I will start with Luke's birthday. It was one of the easiest and most successful birthdays we've done so far. Saturday morning to Chuck E. Cheese, with a couple of his buddies from church. He loved it. He is five now and very quickly corrected Steven last night when he made the mistake of telling someone that Luke was four. He adores Steven. I'm pretty sure he loves me too (smile), but won't admit it so easily. He is very much into being a boy. And after two Georgia games now, he "wins for Georgia." He's trying to convince Andrew to "win for Georgia." But thankfully Andrew still loves his Auburn hat too much. Luke is giving it a go with soccer. I don't think it will be his thing. His favorite part is getting a ring pop when the game is over. He is beginning to read and on the verge of taking off like Ellie did. He is still my sweet Luke and it tugs at my heart how big he is now. I had to tell myself to calm down the other night when I was tucking him in. I was making him promise he would still call me, come visit, etc. once he was grown and gone. He grinned and said with an annoyed sigh, "Yes, mom!"

That was almost a month ago. I meant to blog last weekend while Steven and Luke had gone to the Georgia game. We enjoyed a beautiful Friday with just the girls (plus Andrew). We treated ourselves after a trip to the library to a Little Caesar's pizza and we each got a Zaxby's coke. It hit the spot. Such a nice break from the constant meal prep and clean up in the kitchen. Then, math lesson on the screen porch. One of my favorite things about homeschooling-flexibility of time and location!

I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy history more when I was in school, but now I find it fascinating. I definitely appreciate it so much more and am now able to look at it through the lens of Scripture. We've been studying Egypt for several weeks now. What an amazing civilization! Here is our Nile River that we made. It is supposed to "flood" and then the grass will grow on the banks. It's not working out so well, and our play-doh pyramids have drowned from the rain here in Alabama.

Ellie continues to love reading and devours all of her library books in a few hours. So, I suggested she try a chapter book. I adored the American Girl books when I was young, so she checked out one of the newest ones, but I think those are still a little too much. She wants to be Belle for Halloween because she says, "Belle loves books just like I do!"

Now, here it is a week later and I am finally getting around to the blog. It is another glorious fall day, so Steven took the oldest three to Chattanooga to the Children's Museum and for a visit with his parents.

I'll wrap things up with a few more pictures of Abigail who contiues to plump up and spit up! She is getting so much easier, although eating twice at night instead of just once as she was doing for awhile. I'm also getting ready for a more consistent daytime nap schedule.

I guess that just about wraps it up. The major highlights and a few minor ones.

This Weekend

2011-09-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

I made it back before an entire month passed! Surprising, actually, because my laptop computer died. But we are at mom's this morning, so I am taking full advantage of some Mac time. We're at mom's because Luke has a big weekend-travelling to Atlanta to go the Georgia game with Steven. He, Steven, and Ellie left late yesterday afternoon for Chattanooga. They spent the night with Steven's parents last night and Ellie is staying there today while the boys go to the game. Steven dropped off me and the younger two at my parent's house so Andrew wouldn't feel quite so left out.

It's a little bittersweet for me. I can kiss any hopes of Luke ever being an Auburn fan out the window after this weekend. I will keep Andrew cheering for my team though, as long as I can.

The other exciting event that happened this week at our house is that Ellie got her ears pierced. She did great and did not even flinch. There was only one girl working, so she had to do each ear separately. However, when we were at the pediatrician later for Abigail's check-up, she panicked over a flu shot. She has had a bad cold and doesn't feel great, or she was just not in a very good mood. A little of both.

And here are our best efforts at a group shot. It was a stressful few hours trying to get everyone packed and out the door, and make sure we had the right things in the right car. Ellie didn't feel great, however she feels good enough to get a stir out of Luke.

Initial arguing...

Still going...

Thinking of a way to get back at him...

Aggravating... (Andrew being very cooperative)

Aggravating some more...

And...success! She got the reaction she was hoping for.

And then Steven said, "Okay, that's it. We have to go."

So Andrew and Charlie waved bye-bye.

And so did Abigail.

Happy Labor Day Weekend...Welcome Fall!!

Monday Morning

2011-08-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

It is actually now afternoon here at the Barber house. But I took these videos this morning. It is the usual craziness, and lots of cuteness, and me just trying to keep my head above water type of day. I'm trying to "officially" start homeschool (Ellie's first grade work and Luke just a little kindergarten-mainly learning to read) next week and I continue to realize we are going to have to be VERY flexible with the schedule.

I wish I had lots of beautiful pictures of the kids to post like last time, but I think family will be more excited to see these. Abigail is smiling and cooing now-LOVE this stage.

Andrew is wearing me out the most right now. He screams A LOT and grabs things from Ellie and Luke and refuses to eat things I know he likes. And I know the older two get tired of it too, but they are a good bit older and I expect more out of them. Like this morning when Ellie argued with Andrew over who got to push the button on the dryer. Sooooo many fights to break up during the day. Our sin nature and our flesh is very unattractive. I've been seeing a lot of it lately-from children and adults. Just looks a little calmer in children-still just as ugly in adults. Praise the Lord that He is more patient with me than I am with my children and with others. It is always sobering when I see Andrew's fits and think that is the same thing I do when I don't get my way, it is just on the inside-in my heart.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Ann&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

I want to share one more thing that I recently ran across in my search for a fun, easy way for my kids to memorize scripture as a part of our daily routine. Click here for the link. It provides verses put to well-known children's songs for easy, fun memorization. There is a coloring page for each one and for lots of the verses, bible verse strips are provided for a fun game. When you finish the coloring page with the verse on it, you can date it, punch 3 holes and put it in a binder to have a record of the verse memorized, plus it will be a great thing to pull out for easy review. Really, really loving it! Plus it is FREE.

Here is what we learned this morning, with a slight interruption from Andrew regarding his coffee. Yes, he drinks coffee every morning (mostly milk with a little sugar). And like me, he is a bit cranky and frantic until he gets that first cup.

Alive and Well

2011-07-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

With LOTS of help! Without the help, the title of this post would be "Barely Surviving". It really does take a village. My mother says we weren't meant to raise children alone and I have to agree with her. I know so many do it and it only makes me more grateful for Steven, my mom, dad, sisters, and so many friends who have pitched in and helped me get through this first month with a fourth baby. I have truly been overwhelmed by the support I have had over the past few weeks.

Our life is slowly returning to a "new normal". It's amazing how such a little thing can disrupt our somewhat established family routine. Although it is already hard to remember life before Abigail. Ellie, Luke, and Andrew continue to be smitten with her. But it has also come with some meltdowns and Ellie on a few occasions has admitted between tears that she wished things were back to the way they were before. I reassured her (and also myself) that it won't always be like this...that before we know it, Abigail will be as old as Andrew, talking and walking, and just as much a part of our family as the other three. Andrew has adjusted as you can imagine a 2 1/2 year old who is having to deal with not being the baby anymore would. Plenty of meltdowns and bad moods and taking things from his older brother and sister. Wanting to climb on Abigail's crib, on Abigail, and throwing a fit when I pull him off-waking her up in the process. He talks more than ever and started out calling her "A-gail." It has since developed into "A-B-gail", and sometimes just Abbie. I'm pretty sure I will always call her Abigail, but I think it is cute that on his own, he sometimes calls her Abbie.

And for anyone who cares...she is still eating about every 3 hours at night. Sometimes she will give me a 4 hour stretch. I am living for the night when I wake up and look at the clock and it has been 5 or 6 hours. We will get there. She really is a good baby, but even great newborns are extremely demanding. She would love to be held all the time, but she is often content to be put on her stomach to sleep, and generally does the best like that. I know...I cheat, but I only do it during the day, and check on her often.

And now, finally pictures. My incredibly talented friend, Ashley, so graciously agreed to come take pictures of Abigail and the other three as well (if they would cooperate). It was very insane, but Ashley did a fabulous job and I could not be more thrilled with the results! Thank you again, Ashley!! Please know that these are just pictures, not reality, and it was all I could manage to get all four children dressed and cooperating for a picture. I had my pj's on and no makeup, the house was a wreck, and my mother and of course, Ashley were all helping just to pull off a few good shots. I would show you some more "realistic" pictures of the way things really are around here, but I haven't had a chance to pull out a camera. Well, that and the fact that we don't have one.

Warning: Quite a few pictures-just couldn't narrow them down.

This last one is a little more like it. Mom is in the picture, as well as my feet, and Elmo. However, Abigail didn't make this shot.

Until next month...

Abigail's Arrival

2011-06-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Abigail Ann Barber

7 lbs. 3 oz.

20 in.

Born June 27, 2011 3:53 a.m.

Posted several pictures on facebook, but I didn't want to leave out my blog. And since I have a few "quiet" days in the hospital before I go home, I thought I would quickly post. Won't be doing much of that for awhile in the next few weeks-I'm guessing. Anyway, the exciting news is I went into labor on my own! Well, the best news is Abigail is here and healthy and everything went well. But I guess she did not want to be induced, so she decided to wait until the last minute before induction and then come on her own. Sunday afternoon around 4:30-5:00, I started having contractions that were fairly distinct-as in a definite start and an end. Oh, and the backs of my legs had been hurting for several hours before. Very crampy everywhere. So, like everyone says, after awhile, you will know...the contractions didn't stop. Steven was in Chattanooga teaching a class for his dad at his church. Diana and Stephanie were on their way to our house from Chattanooga with the kids. I called mom to give her a heads up that she and dad might be driving me to the hospital. So, that's pretty much what evolved over the next few hours. I had time to see my children (thankfully) for about 30 minutes. Got in touch with Steven right before we pulled out. On the way to Huntsville the contractions were still about 8-10 min. apart, but getting stronger when they would come. I was still scared they would turn me away because they weren't close enough together. My hope was that they would let me stay on the basis of my being already dilated at least to a 3 (hoping at that point maybe I was a 4) and that I was supposed to be there at 6 in the morning anyway for an induction. I was right-based on that information, the nurse said come on in-we'll keep you. Although, I do love labor details, for the sake of time, I will just tell you that I was admitted and when they checked me, I was about a 5. Again, the contractions were getting more painful, but still plenty of time to rest in between. Waited for an epidural. It went well, continued to dilate to about a 7, and then things slowed down a bit. Things creeped by after about 1 a.m. Finally ready to push, it only took a few contractions to push through and she was here!

I am in love for a fourth time. It never gets old! And I think my other children are in love too.

"...my cup runneth over"

READY for Abigail

2011-06-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Closing in on the last week of pregnancy. More than likely forever. Can't believe this chapter of my life is almost over. But....I think as I typically do, when I grieve over something, it will be much later. Right now, I would really like this baby out. If I could ask her nicely, I would ask her to please not move anymore. At all. But she might like to ask me the same thing. I went to my 39 week appointment on Monday (although I'm officially 39 weeks today), and I was almost 3 cm dilated! I'm kinda proud of myself, because I've never been that dilated on my own. I could now have an epidural if I wanted one. IF I go into labor on my own, which would be so cool and a first. But my doctor said, if you don't have this baby by Monday, would you like to come in and we'll induce? When I'm not this pregnant, I always say, I want to wait and see if I go into labor on my own. But then I get this far along and I remember why I've always said, "yes, let's get this baby out." Especially since my last induction went so very smoothly. Anyway, Lord-willing, we will have a baby by Monday.

Mom and I have been planning yesterday and today to work on my house. You know, whip it into shape before all chaos breaks loose for about 6 weeks (and beyond) and you're doing good just to get a shower every now and then. Although, she mainly did the "whipping". My mom is so good at that. Is it a mom thing? Probably. Also my energy level has pretty much flat-lined. I get out of bed in the morning (still trying not to throw-up, but not always successful) wondering when I can get back in it.

I finally have a few pictures of some, well, actually only one sewing project, to show. I am especially excited about it, and thoroughly enjoyed doing it. I splurged on Amy Butler fabric a long time ago and was determined to finish this "Everything Bag" out of her Little Stitches book. If anyone who is reading ever decides to make it, there is an error in one of the instructions. It will save you lots of time and frustration if you go to the website and look up corrections before you get started sewing. Also, the handles are a little too short. I would like to go back and make them longer. Not quite long enough to throw over your shoulder. The pictures are darker now that they are on my blog. Frustrating.

I actually got two great diaper bags from friends at my church. Definitely not hurting for cute things to carry all my stuff in. I say "my" stuff, because for the last 2 years my diaper bag has become my purse. Sad, really. Andrew is 2 1/2 and I still carry around his diaper bag. Mom suggested I save one of them and let her use it as an overnight bag when she gets older. Decisions, decisions...

Her crib (which was Ellie's and then Ada's) is set up in the corner of Ellie's room and Ellie has already started sleeping back in her room again, and grins excitedly sometimes at how soon Abigail will be in there with her. Even though I have explained that she will probably not actually be sleeping in there for awhile. The bedding is the Isabelle pattern from Pottery Barn that I found on Ebay. It coordinates with Ellie's bedding, but not matches and I could not be happier with it.

For awhile she will be in our room next to our bed, where her little corner is all set up just like it was for Andrew. He stayed much longer than I had in mind. Hoping Abigail will be a better night sleeper!

Plenty of these...

So excited about all the little girl clothes I have been able to pull out again after 6 years!

A few other little things besides baby stuff that I've been occupied with. I LONG to have a garden. But for a number of reasons, it can't happen this summer. My aunt gave us some cucumber seeds in April and we planted them in a large pot on the deck. This is what we have now and it makes me soooo happy.

I have several containers right now of growing things. Some have worked much better than others. This one is the best and my favorite. I love, love sweet potato vine. I thought it was super easy to grow anywhere, but I'm learning that it does best without direct sun.

Cilantro and Basil...

And a little friend that seems to be enjoying all of this stuff too. He had made his home underneath a little shovel we had up on the ledge. But my mother HATES frogs. She said "If you love me, you will get rid of it." And we do love her and really need her help after I have this baby, so I moved the shovel and the frog has not been back. It looks like a toad to me, actually. Not sure how to tell the difference.

So that is it. Trying to keep my children very occupied and out of the house until Friday when they will go with Steven to Chattanooga to visit his family. Just a few more days. My house is NEVER this picked up and with all of us here, it takes about two seconds for it to be a complete mess again.

Also, highly anticipating Cars 2 in theaters starting Friday. Anyone else making big movie plans for that this weekend?

Last belly shot--39 weeks.

A Few Nights Out and 37 Weeks

2011-06-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Steven and I had two nights out in a row without our children. It made me feel really spoiled and a little guilty. Why is that? I think it's because we have so much help and I know there are moms who don't ever get that break. We have some dear friends in our church who will often ask to keep our children. Their children are grown, but they do not have grandchildren yet. Ellie, Luke, and Andrew adore them and adore going to stay at their house. They say it is a joy for them to do it and I know they mean it. That was Thursday night. Then last night, they stayed with mom and dad, while we went to dinner with our community group from church. Andrew rarely has a problem with me leaving him, but I think two nights in a row was too much. As I was telling him bye, he dropped his chin, and said in a really pitiful voice, "No...I sad." Of course, it made me sad. I took advantage of getting some good sugar. He doesn't willingly let me do that as much anymore. Mom snapped some shots.

Everything worked out fine. Charlie came home. My kids call my dad by his first name, Charlie. Have I ever mentioned that? Anyway, Andrew loves him and once they got a game of croquet going, he was all good.

And because I love to see other pregnant bellies-especially full term ones-I will show you my "take a picture in the mirror" picture. It seems everyone does that and makes it look really cute. It took me FORever to get one right.

Tonight's Dinner Struggle

2011-06-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

You would think I was making Andrew eat brussel sprouts. It was homeade macaroni 'n' cheese. But he prefers it out of the box. And Andrew refused to eat the real stuff.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;LLast&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Last time I posted, I said that summer was on its way. Well, it is now here. We have gotten a lot of use out of our pool over the last week or so. I am trudging through these last few weeks of pregnancy in the 98 degree heat. Some nights I am so tired, I really don't think I can go one more day. But then the next day comes and there are three children that are up (usually before me) that still have needs to be met. Funny how that happens :)

On Monday we were able to have a 4D ultrasound and see Abigail's little face. It was the first time we have been able to do that and it was pretty amazing. She looks very familiar. Like one of my babies. Can't wait to see her in person. Also, she measured fairly small. Only about 5 lbs. 7 oz. So, hopefully she will pop right out-no problem!

I have been nesting like crazy. Tonight mom and dad helped me get the crib set up while Steven took the kids to a baseball game. It always feels like I am officially ready when I tie the bumper pad to the crib. Hope to be back before her arrival. Still really want to show some of my completed projects and Abigail's crib all set up in the corner of Ellie's room.

Summer's Getting Close and Abigail's Baby Shower

2011-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

I feel as though summer is teasing us. It feels like it is almost here one day and then this week has been the chilliest we have had in awhile. I bought a fairly large blow up pool on Monday at the grocery store. Came home to three little people ready with their swimsuits on, only to deliver the disappointing news that it was entirely too cold to swim. We had on jackets at Luke's game later that night and were still shivering. I really am not complaining, because this large pregnant girl will take all the cool days I can get. However, I am very excited about summer fruits and vegetables. We went strawberry picking a couple of Saturdays ago with my friend, Jennifer, and her two children, Conner and Elizabeth. She had made strawberry freezer jam before. I never had, but she convinced me to try it. So glad I did. My back was hurting towards the end, but that stuff is so, so good. I could eat it with a spoon! Andrew particularly enjoyed the strawberries fresh...

One day last week when it was very warm outside, the kids played in the sprinklers. They have been asking to do that since about March. Then we ate our lunch outside on the front porch. I love how in the summer I feel more "allowed" to be lazy. It's also just so good to be outside.

Luke has been wanting to catch up with Ellie in reading. So awhile back we started on the same curriculum that Ellie has used. Here is Luke to show you what he has learned so far of "The Consonant Rhyme". Andrew is joining in as well. This is the day we were eating lunch on the front porch after playing in the water, thus our wet and not-really-dressed appearance.

My belly is getting bigger and bigger and my energy level is getting smaller and smaller. It's so frustrating to be so tired yet want and need to get so much more done. I've also had to apologize to my family on several occasions because I have been less than a joy to be around. I have six weeks to go. In terms of being pregnant, I'm ready for it to be over tomorrow. In terms of what needs to be done before Abigail arrives, I still feel like I could use some more time. I was very blessed on Sunday by my church family who gave me a beautiful shower and showered me with lots of beautiful and helpful things. Steven and I are continually blessed by the body of believers at Riverside and how they serve us, love, and take care of our family.

Kind of had dejavu (sp?) when I was opening baby girl gifts. Wasn't I just doing that when I was pregnant with Ellie? Yet, here she is, a 6 year old, helping me open up gifts for her little sister. Have to remember that when these last weeks of pregnancy seem long.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Amazed that mothers have been raising children for generations and generations. They all felt about their children the way I do about mine. Mom said in her post, "What I didn't know then, now I see more clearly." It's so very true, and I know I will only continue to feel that way as I grow and experience more of what being a mother means.

So now I will share pictures of the generations of mothers that have come before me. Taken from my mother's blog. Because I know she won't care. Because that's what mother's do. They give and give without being asked or thanked and would do it over and over again. But...I will say "Thanks, mom, for the pictures, and for lots more that is way too much to try and put into words."

Going back to my great-grandmother, Ella. Mother to four girls...

One of her four girls, Edith, my grandmother. Here with her two daughters, my mother on left, and my aunt Mary Ann on the right.

How I remember her best...

My grandmother holding Laura Beth as an infant-with me on the left.

My mother holding her grandchildren....

And now here I am. Thank you to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and great-grandmothers, who have influenced and shaped lives in the generations before me.

Safe and Thankful!

2011-05-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

That is the verse I used to have in the heading of my blog. We experienced the truth of it last week as deadly tornadoes hit our area and all over the state of Alabama. We spent most of the day and Wednesday night at our very gracious neighbor's house. They have a very safe basement and had a generator to provide electricity after the power went out late in the afternoon. Once we realized it would more than likely be days before we had power again, mom traveled with me and the kids to my aunt's in south Alabama. Steven stayed to take care of things around here and to help where he could. I felt a little guilty about escaping, but I was also thinking that if we stayed, I would be of no help to anyone-pregnant with three small children. I also thought Steven might be able to do more if he wasn't having to tend to us. We were well taken care of. Mary Ann-thanks again for taking in my entire crew for a few days! Our refrigerator is pretty bare and we are slowly re-stocking it, but my goodness, that is nothing to complain about. So grateful just to have a refrigerator to re-fill. This tragedy changed our lives for a week or two, but for so many their lives will never be the same again.

Can't help but be in awe over the power of God when I see the pictures and videos of the storms and the devastation that they brought. So thankful that the One who is that powerful is also merciful, gracious, compassionate, and good.

This is a video of the tornado that came through Rainsville, AL. About 15-20 miles from us.

I've been especially weepy/hormonal over the past few days. I had THE "slightest" little accident yesterday in Huntsville as I was on my way to the doctor's office. I was driving in the left lane and another car was in the right lane and I felt a slight bump. That was it. But of course, we had to pull over, I had to call the doctor and re-schedule and then I spent the next 20 minutes getting in and out of the car, in the rain, on the phone with insurance. I was trying so hard not to cry, but couldn't stop the tears. I know the lady I bumped into thought I was crazy. Then when I finally got Steven on the phone, I couldn't stop crying as I tried to explain what had happened. I'm guessing the craziness of the last week plus some pregnancy hormones are making the tears flow a lot more than normal.

Like I said, it has been such a crazy week, however I am counting my blessings...

The Looong Picture Post

2011-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Off we go...

Nothing But Noodles-Ellie's choice

Picking an outfit

Stuffing

Naming

Dressing

All done!

Play area in the mall kept these two busy while Ellie picked out an outfit at Gymboree.

One of the favorites of the day and it was free!

Later, back at home before Luke's game.

The other cousins received little magnifying glasses from my mom.

Andrew and John helped dad in the yard while we cheered on Luke.

Cake and presents after the game.

Fast forward almost a week to Easter Sunday...

Ellie's dress was one of the projects I have been working on.

I did not monogram it, though. Had that done. Would love to have a monogramming machine one day!

One last "Happy Birthday" before next year.

Whew! Fun and exhausting.

By the way-I went to the doctor before on Monday morning before the all the birthday hoopla. I received a shot and oral antibiotics for my sinus infection and was already feeling much improvement by the end of the day. So thankful for doctors and medicine!!

A Reason to Sing

2011-04-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!! Christ is Risen! We have every reason to rejoice. Steven preached a powerful message this morning out of 1 Cor. 15. It says in verse 54-55, "...O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

I love how Matthew puts it in chapter 28, verse 5--"But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." Just as He said! He is faithful to keep His promises. And He gives us victory. What a Savior! The grace and mercy extended to me is beyond my realm of comprehension. All day I have been fighting back tears when I think upon the magnitude of Christ's death and resurrection. What love!

My plan is to keep this post short--because my aunt is coming to stay with us for two nights and I would love for her not to trip and fall over toys when she enters our house. I have lots and lots of fun pictures to post from Easter and Ellie's birthday celebration, and I will do that when I get those from mom. Today is Ellie's official birthday. I blinked and six years went by. I know that I will blink and another six will go by.

We were listening to Keith and Kristyn Getty this morning in the car. Ellie (and Luke) were singing at the top of their lungs, "King of Heaven, we will answer the call. We will follow, bringing hope to the world. Filled with passion, filled with power to proclaim. Salvation in Jesus' name." I was fighting tears, trying to wipe my eyes so they wouldn't see me cry--(because that would've started a thousand questions). Thinking of how I had yelled at her just 30 minutes before because she was lying around on the couch in her already-ironed Easter dress. Her little voice singing those big words. It is my one and only hope and prayer for her. May it be true of her life-that she would answer the call of Her Savior. That her life would be a vessel in which He can use to bring salvation to others. She is becoming very aware that there are some that don't know Christ as Lord. And often has questions about who does and doesn't. Often about complete strangers.

Funny story: She is always asking "Do you think so-and-so loves Jesus?" One day she asks, "Do you think the person who is in charge of Dora loves Jesus?" I said, "Do you mean, like the producer?" She says, "Yes, do you think the producer loves Jesus?" We're often talking about very random people and complete strangers and wondering if they are Christians.

So, Happy, Happy, Birthday to my first-born little girl who made me a mother. I love who God is making you to be. May you continue to grow in Him and may you not lose the heart you have for others to know Jesus as well.

I will be back with a LONG picture post.

Botanical Gardens and Other Fun Stuff

2011-04-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm struggling with a cold that started almost two weeks ago. Sorry for those of you who have heard about it 1000 times each day. It's just not getting any better. Very frustrating! However, it has not stopped me from having an activity-filled week. Or maybe I just don't really have a choice. :) I would like for it to go away because tomorrow we have an Easter egg hunt after church. The following day we will celebrate Ellie's birthday (a trip to Build-a-Bear), and I'm pretty sure she won't be okay with putting that on hold. And Laura Beth and her crew are in town for the week to help celebrate it all. They will be here until Easter, so we will be doing lots of fun cousin stuff, I'm sure. Plus Luke has two t-ball games this week.

Steven took Ellie and Luke with him on Wednesday to visit his parents in Chattanooga. Andrew and I hung out with mom and spent most of the day in Huntsville running errands. I think it is such a treat to have just one of my children with me at a time. It doesn't happen very often, so it is fun to see their personality when they are not competing with siblings. Andrew talked non-stop. Which he pretty much does anyway, but when it is only him, it is minus all the screaming at Ellie and Luke. "Wus dat, mommy?" He asks about door knobs, lamp posts, street signs, you name it.

On Thursday, we took a trip to the Botanical Gardens with mom, and our good friends, Mary, Esther, and Esther's sweet little Charlotte. The gardens were breathtaking. The weather was perfect and the little ones seemed to enjoy it. Only one meltdown from Andrew when I wouldn't let him walk in a fountain.

Pretty wiped out towards the end, as the temperature was starting to climb.

I would have loved for Ellie and Luke to have been there, but they had their fair share of fun as well. Steven took Ellie and Luke to the children's museum in Chattanooga. I think it is the best one we have been too. I've been to several, including the one in Atlanta, and I think this one is the best. We have a pass and have definitely gotten our money out of it. One of the favorite things to do is dig for dinosaur bones. You can check it out in the video.

I'm pretty proud of myself for posting twice in one week. Hope to be back again soon with a report on Ellie's birthday celebration, Easter festivities, and a report that I enjoyed it all feeling much better.

First T-Ball Game

2011-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Last night Luke had his first t-ball or is it tee-ball? game. Anyway, it was a hoot. Here are some pictures. AND...a video! Because we got a Flip Video and love, love it!! Yea for the 4 year old Cubs.

Like that hair? It was windy and/or he needs a haircut!

Luke is on the far left, kicking dirt around.

I am 29 weeks pregnant. Not much to report there. Everything is moving along smoothly. Except more than any other pregnancy, I feel as though the clock is ticking away and I still have so much to do. I am spending lots of my time sewing and working on projects I am determined to get through with before this baby comes.

By the way, this baby does have a name. Most of you who read my blog probably already know, but we have chosen Abigail, and more than likely her middle name will be Ann. Abigail is a Hebrew name, meaning "Joy of the Father". We really liked the story of the Old Testament Abigail who saved her foolish husband from the wrath of David. She is called discerning and beautiful. She also becomes David's second wife. Hopefully our Abigail will not be into polygamy.

I have spent a lot of my time this morning trying to figure out how to get this video on here, so now I have three little people who need some attention. I am not very good at computer stuff. I have decided if you blog frequently with lots of pictures, videos, and all that super cute stuff, then it must come very easy for you, and fast.

One more thing...we are needing a stroller system this time around. I really don't want to buy a brand new one. Although it is looking like we might have to. If anyone has one that is still in pretty good shape and would like to sell it, I am interested. Just thought I would put it out there.

Spring Is In the Air

2011-03-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's Friday night and I'm sitting on my bed with a very large pile of clothes that WILL be folded before I go to bed. (My Friday nights look a little different than they used to) Otherwise, the clothes end up on the floor. Therefore, that is my motivation to fold them before I get in the bed. Anyway, I decided I would put that off for a little bit and blog because I finally have a few pictures to post. We have VERY much enjoyed these last few days of gorgeous spring weather here in the South. And I decided to soak them up outdoors because it will not be long before allergies attack the females here at the Barber house. Steven gets them a little. Ellie and I seem to have them the worst. I'm praying they will be kind to me this year since I am pregnant and can't take as much medicine as I would like. They weren't quite as rough two years ago when I was nursing, so we'll see.

Yesterday we took a little trip to one of the parks here. Luke wanted to take his new bike. We finally broke down and bought Ellie and Luke each a new one a few weeks ago. We looked for used ones for quite awhile and had no luck. Ellie's is still a little big so she begs Luke for a turn on his a lot. He went around the trail once and then Ellie took the next lap. Neither one are daredevils on the bicycles. Luke took the downhill slope with constant breaking. Mom and I were actually walking faster than Luke was riding at times. Ellie was nervous to go down the hill, but I assured her all she had to do was use her brakes and she would be fine. She panicked as the bike picked up speed. I was yelling for her to use her brakes, but she said later, "I was too scared to use them." So you can guess what happened. She took a nose dive onto the asphalt. I froze. Mom had to say, "Ann-run!" She was scraped up a little bit, and very shaken up, but no major damage done.

We decided milkshakes might make everyone feel better. We spent the rest of yesterday afternoon soaking up the sun. I am having to introduce my painfully white arms and legs to the sun again, slowly. Mom worked on cleaning out the flower beds in her yard. That made me want to do the same at my house today. It is so much easier to watch someone else do it. I am physically zonked tonight. The pregnant belly didn't help either. It always happens to me at some point in my pregnancy-I panic over the amount of time I still have left to grow. It happened to me today. After my shower I began to look for something to put on and I didn't feel like I could breathe in anything I was trying. The milkshake I had yesterday probably didn't help the situation.

Before I go fold, or maybe dump the clothes on the floor, I will leave you with a funny Luke conversation. He says THE funniest things sometimes. I have to completely put my hands over my face when he is praying to keep from laughing or letting him see me smile. He prays for the funniest and most random things. To preface this conversation-we are having to readjust to always, always shutting the door when we come in and out to avoid flies in the house. I HATE flies in the house and we have already had a couple. Anyway, the conversation went something like this:

Me: "Shut the door."

Luke: "Why so wasp-ez won't get in?"

Me: "Well, yes, so wasps won't get in.

Luke: "Because then we would have to call 991?" (Not a typo-hopefully there will not be a real emergency anytime soon in which he is required to call 911.)

Me: "No, we wouldn't have to call 911 if a wasp got in."

Luke: "Why? Because God made them?" (The last sentence sounded more like a statement than a question, as if he was certain that is why wasps in the house would not be considered an emergency)

Overwhelmed and Other Updates

2011-02-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Does the fact that I haven't blogged in about a month, and that my blog background is still covered in fall leaves tell you that my blog is way low on the priority list? Which isn't a bad thing, since there are many other things that should come first. It just makes me sigh because I would like to be able to get it to it much more often than I do.

Some days (like today), I really don't know how I will ever get everything done. Like...raising 4 children, meeting their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs and being the wife God has called me to be. Thankfully, I have a God who doesn't ask me to do it all, but instead calls me to be completely dependent upon Him. However, I struggle with how that looks practically.

I feel confident that God has called me to keep my children at home (at least for now-we will pray about it each year). But I will be honest-next year really scares me. I will have a 3 month old, a 2 year old, and a 5 year old when we get started in first grade. How in the world??? Again...I know the answer, but have to ask God to show me daily how that needs to look.

So, obviously, I'm a little overwhelmed on this day, but it CERTAINLY is not the first time. And the reality is, my children have been provided for today. Their needs are met-not perfectly-but there has never come a day when God has not been faithful to provide and meet my every need. Not always how I think it will look, or how I want it to look. And the times I get most overwhelmed is when I am looking to the days, weeks, months, and years ahead asking..How? When all I need to do is trust.

Okay, so that is where my head is today. As for what we've been doing...Lots. We've made two trips to Chattanooga to visit Steven's parents, who are now living there. Wayne is pastoring at Woodland Park Baptist Church again. Same church he pastored for about 18 years while Steven was young. We're thrilled to have them back near us-especially Ellie and Luke. They have already spent one night away. It was a great treat for them and us. We enjoyed one night with Andrew by ourselves. Until he woke up a little after midnight throwing up and then again 3 more times after that. Thankfully, no one else has gotten the virus yet.

I think Andrew read my last post about him not really having the "terrible twos". He realized that he is now two and should start acting like it. We had a head-to-head, toe-to-toe battle last night in the bathtub over him putting up a toy. I soooo did not want to spank that cute, little bare bottom twice. But it had to be done. If those battles aren't won now, they will get much harder to win later. Also, his favorite words are "Top!" (stop) and "Mine!". He takes it especially hard when I don't let him have food or candy that he wants and
usually ends up face down on the floor, legs kicking and screaming.

My mother has been so kind to help me strip a very polyurethaned (sp?) dresser in Luke and Andrew's room. That was a process, and then the easy part was painting it red. It looks so, so good. I can't wait to show pictures. I have what seems to be an attainable list of things to do before this baby arrives. And that was probably the biggest one.

I feel as though there are many other things to report on, but that will have to be all for now. The little two year old I mentioned earlier is asking for chocolate milk and he has been patient for just about as long as a two year old can. One of those tantrums might be coming and I would really like to avoid it.

Andrew Turns 2

2011-02-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

And I turned 30, but that certainly does not need to be the title of this post. My birthday is February 1, and his is the 2nd. Turning 2 is much more fun to celebrate than turning 30. We had a very small party for Andrew on Monday around lunchtime. Taco soup, cupcakes, and ice cream. The splurge for him-okay, really for me-were cupcakes from the same lady who made my wedding cake. She has done some incredibly beautiful and delicious cakes for me in the past and the cupcakes were just as good. But she has gone up in price and when I brought them home, somehow (because I took curves and bumps carefully and slowly) many of the animal heads had fallen off and several of the cupcakes had slid together. They were able to be recovered, but at 9:30 on Sunday night I was a little more than frustrated. Anyway...the party was a success and Andrew had fun which is what matters.

The first several months of Andrew's life brought lots of tears for me and for him. When I was in the middle of it, I felt like it might never end. But now I'm not sure how we got to this point. And I know just enough now to know that it only goes faster and faster. What a gift Andrew is to us!! He is oozing with personality and he brings such life to our family. He's smart as a whip and doesn't miss a thing. So far, we have not entered into terrible two's. The three's may be a different story. Right now he is quick to say, "K, mommy", if I tell him to do something. Ellie and Luke love him so much and he feels the same (most of the time)! It is so much fun to watch as he is turning their twosome into a threesome. One night a few weeks ago, Ellie and I were downstairs and Luke and Andrew were playing so well together upstairs. This had been going on for quite sometime. After awhile, I heard Andrew screaming "BUKE!!" in the midst of sobs. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I realized Luke was done playing and ready to come down. Andrew was brokenhearted, not mad (as that is why he usually screams "BUKE" at the top of his lungs). It melted my heart and I pleaded with Luke to play with him a little while longer. With Luke's sensitive heart, it didn't take much pleading. There are so many precious things to record about these two year old days, and I wish I could somehow freeze moments in time on a daily basis.

But as much as I am crazy about him, and as sweet as he can be, he is still a little sinner. And as it is for all my children, my utmost desire for Andrew is that he would know Christ and seek to follow Him all the days of his life. Alright, so there is my birthday post for Andrew. I have felt an urgent need to get some things down in writing about him turning two. Birthdays can slip by so quickly and before you know it (or at least for me) you have forgotten things you don't even know you forgot.

As for my Mexican chicken casserole that I told you I was making last week...well, it got put in the freezer that evening because Steven came down with a fever and was in the bed. I ate half that jar of salsa I told you about and half a bag of chips that afternoon and wasn't even hungry for dinner. Who knows if my children would've liked it, so I certainly wasn't going to waste it. I am about to put in the oven now, though, and I have high hopes for our dinner this evening.

*Thanks for all the kind words about our little girl news. We are now deliberating over names. Ellie likes Jada Pada Barber. (because Jada is one of her friends from school last year-and doesn't it make sense the first and middle name should rhyme? Luke suggested Jonathan. hmmm...)*

We're Having Another...

2011-01-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

GIRL!

And we're thanking the Lord that she looks very healthy. Ellie and I were the only ones there because Steven is very sick and couldn't come. Luke opted out since Steven wasn't going. It was a really special day for Ellie and me. She is thrilled. Luke, not so much. I think he is just mad that Ellie was right. Feeling incredibly blessed and grateful on this night!

Oh, that this little girl would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. How we love her even now and long for her to know Him! She has already taken an irreplacable role in our family and we look forward to seeing much, much more of who God created her to be!

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16

Oops.

2011-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

If you are in Google Reader you will see an awesome post that my mother accidentally posted to my blog. I was on her computer last and should've signed out. I didn't and thus the post to my blog by her. It was a great post and I would love to take credit for it, but not mine.

So while I'm here I will say hello and tell you that everyone is now sleeping upstairs in Luke's room. The first night with all three in the same room didn't go quite as smoothly as the night before when Ellie was sick. Andrew for some reason felt a little more freedom in his own bed (with the side off). After they had been up there a little while, Ellie yelled, "Andrew is going to the playroom!" So we have worked out some kinks and they are all doing much better.

I am currently working on a Mexican chicken casserole for dinner that I'm thinking by the looks of it, I will probably feel the need to share with you. I also cannot stop eating this stuff that I bought yesterday at the grocery store. In a small town there are not a lot of grocery store options to choose from...oh, to have a Publix, or better yet, Trader Joe's...although it is probably for the best, because I would more than likely spend more money than I should. Anyway, I found this salsa yesterday at Wally world and I can't stop eating it. It's not super mild, but not super hot. I like a little kick-I think I got that from my Albuquerque days. But eat it with a glass of something cold nearby and you will be fine.

And the most exciting news...tomorrow, Lord-willing I will get to take a peek at this growing baby in my tummy. Most importantly, I am anxious to see that he/she is healthy and then, of course, to see if it is a He or a She!? I will be back!

Big Boy Bed a Little Early

2011-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

Last night Steven had to go to the church for a meeting. He left the house at about 7:15. At about 7:30, I was sitting on our bed with Ellie reading an American Girl book to her. Andrew and Luke were upstairs playing. She said she didn't feel so well. Shortly after she said, "Grab the trash can-Quick!!" (This is the first time any of my children have said that before they were about to throw up-Soooo wonderful!) She lost her dinner without too much of a mess. But I could tell she still didn't feel well.

You know how when one of your children gets sick, immediately you think, "Okay, who is next? Is it something she ate, or is it a virus? How are we going to get through this night? When will the next throw up be and how can I make sure there is little laundry as possible? And in this case, how am I going to get Andrew and Luke to bed while Ellie is in here throwing up?

I got Ellie situated on my bed and went to finish getting Andrew and Luke ready for bed. I came back through a few minutes later (with Andrew on my heels, yelling "Eyie") and she had fallen asleep, so I knew she really wasn't feeling good. I had to think fast to come up with the best way to convince Luke he would be okay in his room by himself without Ellie. --The bunk beds that used to be in Luke's room are split now and they are just twin beds, and Ellie sleeps in one of them every night without fail.-- Anyway, I thought, maybe, just maybe Andrew would go to sleep in the other twin bed. Luke wouldn't be scared (because he would have a brave, not even two year old in there to keep him safe:) and Andrew would think he was big stuff, I was sure. On my way up the stairs with Andrew and Luke in tow, I heard the dreaded sound. And this time, Ellie didn't call out for a trash can. It was all over every cover and the pillow too. Sigh. Sent Andrew and Luke up, got Ellie washed off and situated on the couch with towels EVERYWHERE. Then went back upstairs, tucked Luke in his bed, Andrew in the other twin bed, with a guard rail, and that was pretty much it. I had to go back upstairs once when he threw out his paci, which he called for me to get instead of getting out to get himself. I took it as a good sign that he knew he was not to get out of the bed. And then I really didn't hear from him again.

First night in a big boy bed, and it was not planned at all. Now the problem is that he is not going to want to go back to his crib. And we really don't want to put him back in there if he does so well in his own bed. So, actually, the problem is where to put Ellie. Although, she would be fine sleeping in our bed the rest of her life. She actually said that today and was dead serious. So tonight we are going to attempt to re-bunk the beds. And move Andrew's crib in the same room and take the side off. All three in one room. When I was little, I have fond memories of sleeping in a twin bed with Laura Beth in another twin bed, and Sarah on another wall in her crib. And I think we did that for awhile.

I called Steven earlier and told him to prepare for a moving furniture night. And if you're wondering about sick Ellie-she is fine. She woke up good to go. No one else has gotten sick. She has said several times, "I don't know mom, I guess it was just something I ate." Guess so. Although we all ate the same thing for dinner last night.

Good to Be Home and Gigi's Cupcakes

2011-01-17T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am back from the National Championship game in Arizona. Back from a wedding this past weekend in Chattanooga. And Steven is back from a retreat that he spoke at over the long weekend. Lots of traveling and miles between our family. Very thankful that we are all home tonight. Thank you, thank you, Lord for answered prayers that my family would come back together safely!

WAR EAGLE a thousand times over! It was beyond fun and exciting to be at the game cheering with thousands of Auburn fans for the National title. I was also beyond tired as you can see in the last picture. My pregnant body was saying, "What are you trying to do to me?" Our flight home from Las Vegas to Atlanta left Vegas at 11:30 p.m. (1:30 a.m.) our time. We had a 3 hour layover in Atlanta which actually turned into 7 hours. All of that plus add in some fast food/airport food and I was one sick and tired girl. So worth all the exhaustion, though! I had such a great time with my one of my dearest college friends, Laurahelen. So much time to catch up and really talk, not just our normal 10 minute phone catch-ups. An incredible memory! And then coming home to the snowstorm of the century. Wow! The day of the game, Steven sent me a picture on my phone of Ellie and Luke beside their snowman with an Auburn shirt on.

There were a lot of people, as in my mother, and Steven's mother, who were a HUGE part of me being able to take the trip. Not to mention, Steven, who pretty much planned the entire thing for me. Thank you, thank you!

I was just starting to feel semi-normal again on Friday when Steven headed out for the youth retreat. So (as we usually do when Steven goes out of town ) headed over to my parents for a long weekend. Ready or not mom and dad, here we come! The boys stayed with my mom and dad on Saturday and Ellie and I drove to Chattanooga for a friends' wedding. I was able to see some of my college friends twice in one week. And others I hadn't seen in years. It was a beautiful wedding and as usual, there is never enough time to catch up with college girlfriends. Ellie ate it up. She loved being one of the girls and couldn't wait to get out on the dance floor. I was too busy talking and she tugged my arm until finally I had to get out and twirl around with her a little bit.

Today Mom had to go to Huntsville for a few things and rather than be at my very dirty, backed-up laundry, dirty dishes house, I procrastinated and we went with her. We ate lunch at Five Guys. And after that healthy meal, went to Gigi's Cupcakes. It was my first experience. And it is just that, an experience. A sweet friend from church had given each of the kids a gift card for a cupcake and we wasted no time in using it. We brought home a box full!

Christmas Recap

2011-01-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

It is January 3 and here I am again after the Christmas season and definitely feeling the exhaustion of it all. It was fun and wonderful and exciting and exhausting all at the same time. Still cameraless, so here is a recap in pictures taken by other people. The important thing to me is that these special and priceless moments do not go by without being documented.

A few highlights in words, before we get to the pictures...

1. Having all of my children, nieces and nephews, my parents, all three of my sisters, and my aunt together for Christmas. I know it will not always be that way. What a blessing it was!

2. A white Christmas morning. At one point, the snow was falling, all the kids were playing with their toys, and adults were eating a yummy breakfast and drinking coffee. For a little bit, it felt like out of a movie. The baby in my tummy allowed me to enjoy a cup of coffee which was a treat in and of itself.

3. A dinner with my family at my favorite, favorite Mexican restaurant on the 23rd to celebrate my dad's birthday.

4. Our Christmas Eve service at church.

5. Time with friends on the 23rd to make cookies and enjoy one of the last few days before Christmas.

6. The dinner my parents' made on Christmas night-Prime rib, wild rice, green beans (a special recipe of my aunt's-with bacon, onion, and balsamic vinegar, along with a few other things), Baby Blue salad from Southern Living (The best!-has spiced pecans, oranges, bleu cheese, tossed in a homeade vinaigrette), and of course, Sister Schubert rolls, and for dessert-tiramisu!

7. Going to see The Dawn Treader with Ellie, Luke, and my sisters.

8. Time spent the week after Christmas with Laura Beth, Scott, and their munchkins. Laura Beth, Scott, and I rung in the New Year with leftover vegetable soup and grilled cheese, bedtime stories, and baths. In spite of the cold that John, Ada, and Andrew passed around, fun was had by all of the cousins. And Ada cried big tears yesterday when they were all packed up saying good-byes. Wish we lived closer, but thankful that for this season, it is just 3 hours. (It used to be a plane ride)

9. A few fun surprises under the tree for me :)

-An Amy Butler sewing book

-"Hello, Cupcake"-a super fun and cute, "how-to" cupcake book.

-My parents are going to help get Andrew's one year portrait framed. Since he will be two next month, it is time he took his place on the wall next to his big brother and sister. And it really isn't a priority in Steven's mind. He usually just says, "At least we have the portrait, we can always get it framed." Framing isn't cheap.

(There were other things, but trying to make this a highlight post)

Ellie's major gifts this year were: Leapster 2, a Vtech camera, and Ruthie (American Girl)-This has a long story to go with it and because I will probably not get around to posting about it later, I will just say that she has been saving almost a year for this doll. She has a chart and earned dollars for various chores, and/or would be rewarded for various things. Family members would sometimes contribute dollars as well. She had gotten to $50, so we went ahead and finished it up for her.

Luke's major gifts were: Leapster 2, the camera, remote control car, and lots of transformer, action-type figures.

Andrew received some board books, and a magnetic drawing board, a ride-on truck from my parents, along with plenty of gummies (his favorite). But his favorites, of course, were Ellie and Luke's Leapsters and the cameras.

Christmas Eve evening. Just because it was a too cute picture.

This one is for Steven. And yes, the paci is pink. It is from my mother's house.

Staring at the "no" Christmas morning. We're having some hair issues with Andrew. Not quite sure what to do. :) Water doesn't seem to hold it down.

Andrew opening his one gift on Christmas Eve. Hoping it would become is "attachment" item. He needs something besides pacis. He liked it for one night. Oh well.

We LOVE having the aunts home!

These two play so well together. It is the cutest thing.

Steering the new car.

Extremely rare to get a group shot in our family. Mary Ann (my mom's sister-far left) requested it. So glad you did, Mary Ann!

E & L's Christmas Eve gift-new PJs. It has become kind of a tradition. They will probably joke about it as they get older. It is like us always getting an apple and an orange in our stocking every year :)

No LB :( She hadn't arrived yet.

Christmas morning at our house. Ellie and Luke are posing on the front porch. Thankfully, that is the most they wanted out in it that day. It was a very wet snow. But very beautiful to look at!

And finally, Sarah reading to Ellie. It won't be much longer before Ellie is reading to her. She is doing really well! We're really proud of her and she is pretty proud of herself.

I will just go ahead and predict that I won't be posting again for a week or two. Steven's mother is flying in at the end of the week to help with everything while I am away. I can't believe it, but I really am going to Glendale for the National Championship game. Everything has kind of fallen into place. I'm crazy excited. Hoping my nausea will behave. My doctor upped my Zofran from 4mg to 8. It has been great. Didn't even know that was an option. So thankful to have it now!

War Eagle! I will touch base when I return...

Some Christmas Things

2010-12-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

Is it as FREEZING cold at your house as it is mine?? This morning Luke woke up and ran downstairs, asking where the presents were. Somehow he had it in his head that snow=Christmas morning. Andrew was enamored with it as well. He has said "no" (snow) and pointed to the nearest window about one hundred million times today. Ellie has begged to go out in it, somehow I've managed to avoid it by just saying "maybe later."

Tonight I am taking dinner to a couple in our church who have recently had a baby. I am so very thankful that this was planned, because it forced me to buy some groceries on Saturday (which I didn't want to do at the time), but now I have a crockpot of soup ready to go for them and for our family tonight. Which means I didn't have to get out and go to the store today. It's the perfect day to have soup in the crockpot and not have to go to the store. I still haven't had a shower (it's 2:00, although that isn't super unusual) and I don't know when I will get to it because I don't know if I can manage to take off my sweatshirt, or my warm, fuzzy socks. Andrew is asleep, Ellie and Luke are playing quietly (for the moment) and I just thought I would say hi and give you a Barber update.

Because of the way I have been feeling, I am giving myself a "Christmas pass" this year. I certainly want this Christmas to be special and fun for my children, but we will just do the main Christmas things. Number one being-- pointing them, and myself, to why we celebrate. I know I have said it once, but I so love our Jesse Tree devotional that we are doing. I also don't think it is Christmas without Christmas music. My two personal favorites, "O Holy Night", and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". I have a version of "O Holy Night" that Celine Dion sings and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by Selah. Powerful words, with powerful voices. One thing that saddens me to no end is to hear such powerful gospel truths sung by someone who does not profess what they sing. (Not necessarily referring to Celine Dion, although I don't know that I have ever heard of her publicly professing faith in Christ).

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Although, the best part of that last line, is that he HAS come!

Rejoice, indeed!!

Moving on...Christmas cookies are a must, right? My mother has always, always used the same butter cookie dough recipe. So, she helped me out this year and prepared some and had it in her fridge and on Monday of last week, we went over and made those. Paired with buttercream icing from Southern Living, they are THE BEST. Laura Beth also did the same thing at her house and you can click here for the recipes. Here are some pictures of our cookie day, thanks to mom's camera.

Before I go, I have to give you my soup recipe. It's called White Chili and it's by Paula Dean. But that name doesn't really do it justice. It should instead be called The Best White Chili Ever. It's easy, and so very yummy. It's also one of those great soups that is best eaten with Tostitos Scoops. You can't go wrong with that! Also, it makes a lot, 10-12 servings. And it is great re-heated.

5 cups chopped cooked chicken ( I don't actually use that much, just pull apart one rotisserie chicken and it is plenty)
3 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained
1 (32 oz) box chicken broth
1 (16 oz) jar mild salsa
1 (8 oz) package Pepper Jack cheese, shredded or cubed
2 tsp. ground cumin

You can garnish with cheese and sour cream if you like.

In an electric slow cooker, combine chicken, beans, broth, salsa, cheese, and cumin. Cover, and cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

*Basically, dump everything together, stir, and wait!!!*

War Eagle and Disney Princesses on Ice

2010-12-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

I'm sending out the biggest fattest WAR EAGLE ever!! The SEC championship game tonight was amazing and now we are going to the national championship. Actually, more specifically, I am going to the national championship game if I can get a ticket. Last night we were sitting in Subway, (eating out, are you shocked?) and Steven said, you know, if Auburn goes to the national championship game, I'd like to try and send you. WHAT??!! I think I dropped my turkey sub. So... I desperately need two tickets, one for me, and the other for my friend, Laurahelen.

You might be thinking, hmmm...she must be feeling better if she's thinking about flying across the country. And the answer is I am. I really think I have turned a corner. However, I am now dealing with a semi-bad head cold. But I will take it over the nausea. I am thanking the Lord for each day that I am able to get out of bed and not first run for a trash can.

I'm happy to report we have a Christmas tree and some lights on the outside of our house. We also have a Jesse tree and Ellie and Luke are enjoying our advent celebration each day. However, I think Steven and I are enjoying it more. Mom sent me the link to one of her favorite blogs, A Holy Experience, and the author, Ann Voskamp, is giving away a copy of her book, A Jesus Advent Celebration. It is really, really good.

On a much more superficial note, Ellie and I went to see Disney Princesses on Ice on Thursday night. A friend had already purchased two tickets and was unable to go, so she gave them to us. It was a treat. Ellie was giddy as it was approaching show time. I was not so excited as we walked through a sea of Disney princess paraphanelia(sp?) for sell. What they were doing was almost cruel to parents and children and should be illegal. $20-$15 for the rinky-dinkiest little toys. I'm not kidding. Ellie was almost in tears, because it was temptation beyond all temptation for any little girl at that age. Thankfully they had these flags on sticks with all the princesses on them for $6. I gave her the choice of that or some candy at the concession stand. She picked the flag and waved it the entire show.

No camera for me right now. It is not working again. So updates shall remain pictureless for awhile. Hopefully we will change that soon. Please don't forget to hurry back and let me know if you hear anything regarding tickets. I know it's a long shot, but I have to try.

Shutterfly Christmas Card Promo

2010-11-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas card time again. I really look forward to doing Christmas cards every year. It's my little Christmas treat. It's a little stressful, but once I got three good shots, I headed over to Shutterfly to see what I could find. Lots, actually. Endless options. And because I am doing three different headshots of Ellie, Luke, and Andrew, I was skeptical of what I could find. But there were actually several that I really liked.

Obviously not my family, but cute card, right?

Shop for some more Christmas cards here and here.

I was also glad to find plenty of options that said Merry Christmas. Check it out this week because there are quite a few Cyber deals. Not to mention, if you blog about it too-then you can take advantage of their special offer-50 free Christmas cards for bloggers who promote Shutterfly. Click here if you want to know how.

Happy Christmas card making!

First Trimester Woes

2010-11-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

So here I am trudging through the first trimester. I was thinking today that I am very grateful for this pregnancy, but I am not enjoying it. Those can be two separate things, right? Because I just really don't love pregnancy. I love what it means. I love that God has given life again. And I am truly grateful for that. But it is SO not fun. For example, today we were making our way to a drive-thru for the one millionth time in the past 3 weeks. I let myself get too hungry and I just couldn't get there in time, so as I was stopped at a red light I reached for a chip bag that was in the car and started throwing up as the light turned green. I then proceeded to drive through a busy intersection and pull into the parking lot while simultaneously throwing up in the chip bag. That was a first for me, although I'm sure there are plenty of moms who have done that and much worse.

Steven has been a trooper. He really has picked up the slack. I think there are parts of it my children prefer, such as eating whatever. And I really mean, whatever. On a particularly bad night I was lying down for a bit around dinner time. Steven said, "What should I feed them for dinner?" I told him, "I don't care." He asked if he should try and make it healthy and I repeated, "I don't care, I mean really don't care what they eat." Just make sure their tummies are full. So I think in some ways I am a little more laid back and they enjoy climbing in bed with me reading books and watching movies. Steven is the one to get up every morning and take care of everyone's needs, including mine. And at night, he is the bath man for now. I take full advantage of every second he is at home and he has not complained once.

We enjoyed a few days of some cousin time. Here are a few quick snapshots from a dress-up session last night. My camera is broken right now so any pictures on my blog will be stolen from my mother.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Great Report

2010-11-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to report great news from the doctor's office yesterday. Little baby was measuring right on at 8 weeks and 3 days. We listened to a strong heartbeat as well. Praise the Lord! Steven, Luke, and Ellie were with me and Luke said the baby looked like a little boat. He also showed me the stirrups and explained that "Mom, these are for your feet to go in." Yikes! Maybe he's been to one too many doctor's appointments. Hopefully no permanent damage done. Thanks for all your kind comments and of course prayers.

Spilling the Beans

2010-11-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Wow. Alright, two weeks can go by really quickly. I can't keep up with my constantly blogging family. There is news to share, and close friends and family already know. But I will let you in on it too, blog friends-I am pregnant again. And this time it is looking quite different. The nausea has hit in full force. I am so very grateful for it. But as my dad said, "The good news is you're sick. The bad news is you're sick." I was going to wait to announce it until after we had seen a strong heartbeat. And while I am still very anxious to see that, I am taking the sickness as a good sign. My first doctor's appointment is on Thursday of next week. I will check back with you for a report then.

Every single time I do this (meaning do a pregnancy and take care of other children), I think, how am I going to do this? Well, the answer is you just do it, but also, I have a lot of help. If you check out my mom's blog, you will see that we had crashed over there for a couple of days while Steven was gone to a missions' conference in Ohio. Oh, I am so thankful for my mom on lots of days, but especially days when my husband is gone.

Because...you just never know what the day holds. Last week, we had the privilege of having the Roells' here in town. Remember this post, and when we traveled to Ohio in July, for their son's funeral? Well, Kendra, just a few short months later, traveled here to speak at a women's luncheon we had at church. She was phenomenal and we had the best time with them. Anyway...We hadn't been at the luncheon long and Ellie said her tummy was hurting. Long story short, Ellie threw up while Kendra was speaking. I froze for a second and it was one of those "You have GOT to be kidding me" moments. Got that situation under control(Ellie ended up being pretty sick with a severe cold). And then on Monday, early around 5 a.m., Luke is screaming from his bed. I assumed he had already thrown up. I made my way up there, with the garbage can in hand, sat down on his bed, and threw up myself. He ended up being fine. All that to say, when Steven is gone, for obvious reasons, I need back up.

I am well aware that there are so many moms with little ones, who have not much help if there husbands have to be gone, or even if there husbands are not gone. There just isn't anything like help from your mom :)

Alright, so that is what is going on. I look and feel like death warmed over. My kids are getting cereal or fast food for just about every meal. But I keep telling myself it is just a few weeks of my life. This will not last. And I've been thinking about how spoiled I am. How I hate to be uncomfortable. And when we are in the midst of any type of suffering we just want "out". I have not once stopped to ask God to teach me, use me, and show me how He will be sufficient during my time of need. Although, He already has been sufficent, every minute of every day. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of life and for your patience with me!

A Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick recap of our Halloween weekend mostly in a few pictures. I stole these from my mother's blog. Sorry to any family who were hoping for some different pictures. My camera is not working. Maybe Santa will bring me a fabulous camera for Christmas :)

I tried to do the Wizard of Oz thing this year. Andrew and Ellie cooperated.

But Luke insisted on being a superhero.

We went to a party early in the day and for that he was Buzz Lightyear. But for the second go-round, he went with batman. I guess it was like a bride who wears one dress for the wedding and another for the reception.

Mom set up a table in her driveway for the trick-or-treaters. Ellie and Luke had almost just as much fun handing out candy as they did trick-or-treating. Mom ran out rather quickly. Her street is definitely one of the happening ones in town. And it is one of the streets that people bring trailer loads full of kids and just drop them off. Not cool.

We had pizza and then lots of sugar. I ate entirely too much caramel corn. I made it knowing what I was doing. But what other day of the year is caramel corn more perfect for than Halloween? Now we have gobs of Halloween candy and I am constantly having to decide "yes or no" when the kids ask if they can have a piece. A little while ago I asked Ellie what she had already had. She said, "Just a small piece of chocolate. It was only 2 feet."

My children are really into naming things in measurements or numbers these days. (And are almost always wrong) Luke compares everything with 18. I'm not sure why he is obsessed with that number but he is. For example, if he asks, "How long until we go to church?" before I can answer, he will say, "18?". Not 18 minutes, or hours. Just 18. And another thing, a way I remember my mom explaining time to me. I will give them time frames based on TV shows. One hour would be like watching two Max and Ruby's. Then they get it. Or like sitting through a church service. Of course, then they think that is forever long.

Hope your Halloween was happy!

Salt Dough Pumpkins

2010-10-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying a slice of quiet at my mom's house for a few hours. And also enjoying her beloved Mac. It is her sixth grandchild :) Steven took Ellie and Luke with him to the airport in Huntsville to pick up a friend. Andrew is asleep. And I finished up a quick, but fun visit with my youngest sister, Kate, who was in town briefly before she headed right back to Chattanooga. Now waiting anxiously for the Auburn game to start.

This week was the letter "H". We didn't stick to it very well. Very hard for me not to do things relating to fall and especially pumpkins. There are so many cute pumpkin projects online. I found a recipe for salt dough pumpkins. Super simple and very basic ingredients. 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of salt. Although, I ended up adding almost an extra cup of flour. The dough is entirely too sticky with just the called for 2 cups.

You just roll into balls and have at it. We used toothpicks for the indentations. I usually am very intentional about letting the Ellie and Luke do their thing and not taking over. But this one was very hard for me. So I just rolled a few balls for myself and made my own. Break a toothpick in half and poke it in the top BEFORE you bake. Bake at 250 degrees (btw, is there something on the computer for the degree symbol?). Bake for 2 and a half hours. Let them cool for at least four hours and then paint. So, really it is two little projects in one.

Can you tell which ones are mine? :)

I would tell you more about our week, but the Tigers are getting started. War Eagle!!!

I Think I Might Kill a Squirrel

2010-10-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Or a deer, even. I really don't want animals to go hungry, but come ON! Is there really nothing else for animals to eat besides the stuff at my house? I used to have really pretty sweet potato vine and the deer ate it down to nubs. It was growing in pots right by on the porch. Right by my front door!! They left little deer prints on the porch. They came each night and ate until there was absolutely nothing left. My dad said the smell of human hair would keep them away. But at the end of the night, sprinkling human hair around my porch wasn't at the forefront of my mind. So the deer feasted.

Then came the squirrels. This plant was on its way out anyway, so it wasn't as big of a deal, but still. One afternoon I looked and the squirrel was just sitting in the pot munching away. I just think the nerve of the little rodents is what made me so aggravated. But they crossed a line when they went after my owl pumpkin.

At least we still have Luke's spider pumpkin and I'm pretty sure they don't eat neon pipe cleaners. Although, they seem very pesky and will probably pull them out just to make me mad.

Behind

2010-10-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Note: If you are not in google reader, I know my blog looks horrible. I am wanting to change some things. Mainly make my pictures larger, but can't figure out how to get a large picture as my header. Any suggestions?

There are weeks I feel behind on everything, but lately it has been worse than ever. Mainly because of the switching of the summer clothes to fall clothes. I have thankfully been given many clothes for myself and my children but have not quite figured out how to absorb them into our closets and drawers yet. And then there is the getting rid of old ones and figuring out if people can use them. So for a few weeks I have had piles in various locations around our house and I am sloooowly getting through them all.

On to much more exciting things, such as the letter "F". It was last week's letter. So on Monday we took a visit to the firestation. My friend Jennifer's brother is a fireman so she so kindly arranged the trip for us. On the way Luke asked if we were going to see "real, live firemen." Ellie and Luke were both a little shy about it, but they clearly enjoyed it and I actually learned a few things myself.

This fall weather is too good to be true. We have spent so much time outside. Andrew eats it up. "Side! Side!" he says. Ellie attaches a rope to her bike and ties it to the little John Deere tractor and pulls Andrew. Not super safe, but she tries her best to keep it fairly slow. He has fallen off several times, but really is so tough. His legs are covered in bruises and scrapes but it doesn't slow him down one bit.

We are having a fall festival at our church this weekend. We brought home several pumpkins from the pumpkin patch last week, so I have been at work carving and decorating some. It's quite an arm workout to clean out a pumpkin. I got no help from my children, either. I was ready to let them get messy, but they took one look and said "Eww, gross!"

I found some adorable pumpkin ideas at bhg.com. The owl pumpkin was my favorite, though. So cute and so easy. Ellie has claimed it as hers. She wanted it to have eyelashes, I told her maybe we could put a bow on one of its ears instead.

I am working on a spider for Luke. I haven't done it in years, but I saved the seeds and toasted them. Everyone likes them, except of course I don't give them to Andrew.

This week is the letter "G". Very behind on most of that. However, we did make some granola today. You know, "G" for granola? :) I have never made granola, but have often wanted to. I thought it would be a fun one for Ellie and Luke. They could actually measure, pour, and stir since some recipes are really hard for kids to help with. Anyway, it turned out great. I put pumpkin seeds in it, but I think if I did it again, I would probably leave them out-it just doesn't really need them. Found the recipe here.

Luke is having a hard time these days. He is constantly picking at Ellie, aggravating Andrew, whining, complaining. It is wearing me out. Don't you feel as though if it isn't one child it's another? Not really sure what is going on with him, but I have been praying for a lot of wisdom. Although most of the time I first resort to raising my voice, and then when that doesn't work, I think maybe prayer would've been a better choice.

Well, after about an hour and a half in their beds with no sleep, I told everyone to get up, which means my time on the computer is over. I really didn't need to be on it anyway, but I just wanted to say hi!

My Girls' Weekend and Egg Carton Catepillars

2010-09-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

So, I am back from my trip to Birmingham and it was pretty much as fabulous as I thought it would be. I came back thinking, now that was a vacation. I got to my friend, Laurahelen's house and walked right in, used several of her beauty products, not to mention wore a few of her outfits, just as if we had never left our dorm room at Auburn. We ate, talked, laughed hysterically, ate some more, and talked a lot more.

These are my sophomore roomies. We were pretty much joined at the hip from day one at Auburn, I mean, literally, our first or second day at Auburn we had all met and the friendships were instant. Not much has changed except we've added several husbands, five little boys, two little girls, and Laura (far left) just found out she is expecting her third. Girls, let's please not wait so long this time before doing it again!

Alright, so I was a bit behind on planning my week when I got back on Sunday. But I think I've finally caught up on grocery shopping, laundry, and planning for our school week.

Caution: About to give quite a few details of our homeschooling thus far...might not be interesting to some.

School is going well. Here is kind of what it is looking like. We don't do anything on Mondays since Steven is home. I really shoot for doing stuff on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. and then usually do Ellie's reading lesson on Friday. I am using the website letteroftheweek.com for Ellie, and mainly Luke. LB introduced me to it. It is free and it takes a letter each week and expounds on it. I don't do everything, but try to do most. We take Tuesdays to go to the library and check out the books that are suggested. When we get back, I usually introduce the letter, the sound, and the vocabulary words for the week. We read a couple of the books and I let them color a coloring sheet that has the sign language for the letter on it. I print those off here. Coloring sheets are their favorites! It also helps them to listen as I try to read or talk about something else. I really like doing the composer of the week. It is so easy to go to youtube and type in the composer and then the music is right there. Great to listen to while they color. They also really look forward to that part. We usually don't get to that until Wednesday. An art project is by far their favorite, especially Ellie's. I found this fabulous book on Amazon. I also bought a science one like it and I try to do one art project a week. We have only done one Science project so far.

On Thursdays, I try to finish up the rest of the library books, oh, and we also usually read a poem having to do with the letter of the week. Thursdays we usually do one of the suggested "social studies" activities. We have a huge map of the world on our wall that I bought at Costco for $6. Have I mentioned I love that place? :) So we usually locate a country, and maybe color a picture of the pertaining flag, and try to read a few facts about it. I personally like that part because I am learning a few things myself. I'm pretty terrible at geography. If we don't do the country, we usually pick one of the animals, and again, do a coloring sheet, and learn some about the animal. That is pretty much it for "letter of the week".

As for Ellie, for now, I am going with The Well-Trained Mind--sorry, I think I have already mentioned this. Anyway, the reading curriculum is The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading. This takes about 20-25 min. and we pretty much do this Tues.-Fri. She is doing well. No tears in the past few weeks (from either of us). We are working on two-consonant blends and she is reading sentences such as this, "Next, the man did sit and bask in the sun." With pauses, of course. But still good, I think. So very hard for me to know what is "normal." Planning on meeting with some seasoned homeschool moms soon. I am such a beginner with no teaching experience it is not even funny. But we are surviving it, I think, one day at a time.

Here was a little of our day today. Oh, what does Andrew do in the mean time? A few of my friends have asked this question.

Today, he ate a dum-dum and smarties, while Ellie and Luke made egg carton catepillars. Don't judge me, it works.

Things quickly went south when I told him he may not have another one. He found the stash and here he is begging me to open another one.

After I said "no, all done", he said, Fine, I will open it myself.

If you live in the Southeast, you probably heard the scream that followed this picture when I took it away.

Here are the egg carton catepillars. This is from our art book. It really is such a great book, and it has all sorts of recipes for great homeade stuff, such as playdough, clay, paper mache, and those sorts of things.

I thought they were a hit, until we were done and Luke said, "Now are we going to make remote controls to go with them so they can move around?" WHAT!? Later, on the phone, Laura Beth said, "Wow, I guess he is ready for some major science lessons."

Then, we moved it outside for more mess. The weather is unbelievably perfect. It is an "open up your window" kind of day. It would be a sin not to spend some of it outdoors.

Andrew forgave me for the sucker incident when I let him feed himself macaroni 'n' cheese.

I am a firm believer that if you work on one thing and do it well in a day's time, something else gets sacrificed. Today, we have done well on our school things and have enjoyed time outside. Other things have been sacrificed. It is just how it goes.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

The 210 Dollar Rash

2010-09-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

A few days before we left for the beach Luke got a rash under his arm. It quickly spread down his side, like over his ribcage. Little spots that turned into little sores. Weird. We took him in the day before we left so we wouldn't be dealing with that at the beach. The doctor thought it was bacterial. $80 for oral antibiotic and anti-fungal cream in case it wasn't bacterial, $25 for the doctor's visit. Healed quickly. Then we got back from the beach and there was Ellie's rash. Same place, opposite side of her body. Again, weird. Great, we still have the antibiotics, though. The ointment was not taking care of it and the rash didn't seem to be responding as quickly to the oral antibiotic. Responding, just not as quickly. So we call the doctor to see if they could just call some more antibiotics in. Nope. $25 for another visit. And a different antibiotic that was $80. The doctor we saw (not our regular pediatrician) also wrote us a prescription for an antibiotic ointment. She said, "I went ahead and wrote it for the larger size, it's just good to have around the house. It will take care of any itching." I was thinking, sorry, Ellie, you will have to survive a little itching. So, $210 later we are almost rash free.

Just when you think are getting a handle on the money situation. Sigh.

One more thing. I spent a chunk of yesterday washing the sheets on our king size bed. Including the mattress pad. Last night at about 11:00, I was putting them all back on. Just now as I was about to hit publish post, Ellie climbed on the bed and said, "Gross!" I had been putting off changing a dirty diaper so I could finish this blogpost. And when she said that, my heart sunk. Andrew had climbed off the bed and left some of the contents of his diaper on the sheets, and also soaking through to the gigantic mattress pad. Here we go again...

Back From the Beach

2010-09-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

And...

The beach was, um, ~~maybe~~ definitely the most exhausting beach trip I have ever been on. On our way out of town, we stopped for dinner and Laura Beth asked me if it was worth it. I said, after a pause, "Yes, the kids had a blast." I'm probably making it worse than it was. Nothing bad happened and I can't even really put my finger on why it was so much work, it just was. Pretty much five children five and under is what did it. I really am grateful for the time spent with family and the opportunity to be on an incredibly peaceful, gorgeous beach. But I was ready to be home again.

My sweet Luke turned four years old.

I wasn't able to say a "blog Happy Birthday" to him on his birthday. But I certainly don't want to let the four year mark pass by without saying what an incredible blessing this boy is to me. Sensitive, honest, kind-hearted, cautious, encouraging. He loves his mama, but he really loves his Daddy. He loves all things boys, right now it is superheroes and cowboys. He has such endearing qualities. You can't not love him. I pray as I do for all my children that he will grow into a Godly man, actually a boy. That he would know Christ at a young age and seek Him and walk with Him all of his days. To know the love that surpasses knowledge. And that in Christ, his weaknesses would be strengths.

We celebrated on our first day at the beach and Ada, Luke, and Ellie woke up at about 6:00 as if it were Christmas morning. It has gotten a bit out of hand on birthdays for all the siblings and cousins to receive a gift as well. I knew we needed to cut back when Ellie was excited about her My Little Pony card, that said "it is good to be the birthday girl".

We even got Andrew started early with a Thomas train. No wonder they felt like it was Christmas morning.

The highlight gift was definitely Woody. He has not really left Luke's side since this moment.

The batman and superman capes were a close second, although Andrew took to them as well and here he is modeling it for me.

We enjoyed being with Ada as she experienced the beach for the first time. Well, John too, but he wasn't such a fan. Ada had no fear and took to it immediately. So it worked out well that the water was exceptionally calm.

Andrew was so faithful to keep his sunglasses on the entire time we were on the beach. And of course, faithful with his paci.

The beach weather really could not have been more perfect.

It was also fun to come back to the fall. Yesterday was the parade and so begins the "candy season". After this will be Halloween, then Christmas, then Easter.

In other news, Ellie thoroughly enjoyed her first ballet class. And I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.

Andrew enjoyed watching too, and when the teacher said, "jump!" he gave it his best shot.

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful fall Saturday. We are. Pulling for Steven's bulldogs as they do their best to hang in the game. And of course, later, I will do my best to cheer on Auburn from our little corner of the South. No visits to Auburn this season :( and this may be the first season that Steven hasn't gone to Athens to watch a game. Things are certainly different than they used to be. But that is okay, seasons of life come, and they go. I will enjoy each. And next weekend, I will travel to Birmingham to be with college girlfriends. To say I am looking forward to it would be a huge understatement. It will be such fun to step back into that season. I am in the process of developing a small team of people to run things while I am gone. Haha...that is what it feels like anyway. :)

This & That

2010-09-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hello, blog friends...It has been one thing after another 'round here. But good things, things to be thankful for.

First things first, I am doing well after the miscarriage. I so appreciate the sincere comments and messages I have received. God has been gracious to heal us quickly and I am feeling especially thankful these days for the three children the Lord has entrusted us with.

We enjoyed a fun visit from Nana and Poppy last week. Despite this picture, Andrew warmed up to them quickly.

Especially after Wayne let Andrew play in his tea.

Ellie is officially signed up for a "pre-ballet" class. She has her required uniform and is ready. I'm not sure if I am ready. Not for ballet, just opening up the door to extracurricular activities. Once it is open, it will not shut for the next 18+ years.

I made a trip to Costco while we were in Huntsville to buy the ballet gear. I love that place more each time I go. I bought a bag of Krusteaz multi-grain pancake mix. It has 38 grams of whole grain per serving. 38!! And my entire family ate them and liked them. Including Andrew and Steven. I snuck in a dab of vanilla and a spoonful of sugar--just to help all those grains go down.

On Friday night, Steven, Luke, and my dad went to the high school football game. Luke before they left...thrilled for it to be just the guys.

Handsome boy. I have to do a double take over how fast he is growing up. 4 next week!

Anyway...

That left the girls, plus Andrew, to do a girl thing. Dinner on the backporch...

I'm happy to announce the batman cape or "cave" as Luke calls it, and superman cape are finished-minus a button on the batman cape. Pictures will come with the other birthday pictures. Luke turns four on Friday and we will celebrate at the beach. The plan is cake and presents after lunch. Then dinner out and a visit to the "House of Bounce". Similar to "Pump It Up", basically a large room of inflatable fun.

Tomorrow I will head to Chattanooga for a large consignment sale. I am hopeful that this will be a major jump start to the fall wardrobe for this year. But we will keep our summer clothes for just a little bit longer as we head for the beach. Lots of packing left to do...

Sorry to family members who might have been looking forward to a video. Haven't quite figured that out yet on this new computer. Happy Labor Day!

Our Loss

2010-08-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

It saddens me to write this post. I guess this is one thing about blogging I do not care for. I'm sure it is therapy for some to put into words some thoughts, but for me it is something I would rather skip. However, I do have some faithful blog friends and I like to share what is going on with us and I am (at least I think I am) a very transparent person.

I am no longer pregnant. I had a miscarriage over the weekend. Last Tuesday I went to my first doctor's appointment and the baby was measuring only 5 weeks and 6 days and by my calculations I was 8 weeks pregnant. My doctor was cautiously optimistic saying he has seen things go either way. He asked to see me back in a week. I kept trying to do the math and even if I was off a couple of days and the ultrasound was off up to a week, I never could make it add up in my head. I began some spotting which continued the rest of the week and on Saturday afternoon, without going into details, I was sure I was losing the baby. My doctor's appointment on Monday morning confirmed that the baby was no longer there and the only good news was that I would not need a D&C.

I grieved quite a bit on Monday night. The reality of it all hit pretty hard. Steven and I were able to go to dinner by ourselves to talk and process a little bit. We see such grace that God allowed me to realize what was happening a little bit at a time. Even from the beginning I was a tiny bit suspicious since I was not sick at all. It seems like it would have been harder to find out suddenly at an ultrasound. It appears as though the baby was not healthy and how kind of the Lord to take it before I became too attached. If it were even just a few more months from now, I would be experiencing a different level of grief.

That precious little life will never know the pain and suffering that this world brings. I am so grateful to have carried that baby even just the few short weeks that I did. I am not sorry I shared my news of being pregnant with friends and family. It was a joyful time and it is healing to also now share my grief with others. Friends and family have been so kind and I have sensed such a sincere comfort from so many. Not to mention so many friends who have also been through the same thing. I know that it is so very common, not that it makes me any less sad, but definitely a comfort to talk with women who have experienced the very same thing.

Our computer crashed a few weeks ago. We do now have a new one, my very own in fact...woohoo!! I have some fun things to update you on, our homeschool stuff, sewing, and one hilarious video. But, I have to download Picasa and get to know my new computer a little bit.

This weekend some of Steven's childhood buds are coming into town. They are playing in a flag football tournament. It is to raise money for our crisis pregnancy center here in town. Should be fun and hilarious. Then Steven's parents will be in town for several days. And finally we are headed to the beach for about a week with Scott, Laura Beth, and their two munchkins. While we are there, we will celebrate Luke's fourth birthday. My plan between now and then is to somehow sew two superhero capes for him. One batman, the other superman. Spiderman is his favorite, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't wear a cape. You know, I'm pretty new to the whole superhero thing. Not around it much since I grew up in a house with three sisters.

Also feel the need to tell you that Andrew is wearing. me. out. He is 18 months. That is pretty much all I need to say. Except that Luke was kind of a dream toddler. But I'm guessing he was the exception. Andrew is a pistol and a half. He gets mad if you look at him wrong. He is also fearless and have found him lately standing on the arm of the sofa ready to jump somewhere, anywhere, not even a thought as to how he might land. His latest thing is standing on Steven's back. He pretty much loves to climb on anything just to stand up once he gets on it, whatever it is. I looked up this morning and after about one second he had climbed from his highchair onto the kitchen table. (We have a wooden restaurant highchair that pulls directly up to the table and the seatbelt really won't hold him in.) The thing that makes me nervous is Ellie really didn't outgrow the "terrible twos" until she was well into her threes.

Well, just wanted to let you know what was going on with us. I'm sure there will be a few hard days, moments left to go through, but God is so faithful and sufficient to meet every need.

Lickin 'Em Clean

2010-08-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Some friends invited us over last night and I wanted to make a chocolate cake. I realized yesterday morning that I was out of flour, so I called mom and we headed her way to borrow some. I ended up making it over there. Okay, she really ended up making it. After the batter was made, I asked Ellie and Luke if they wanted a lick. They said, "heck, yeah!!" Well, kind of :)

Pregnancy update: Still not sick! Praise the Lord!! But exhausted and around 1:00 everyday, it feels as though I have taken a sleeping pill. So, when mom said, "Let me finish the cake and you go lie down with Ellie and Luke." I said, "heck, yeah!!" Oh, the blessings of having a mother in the same town.

Spiderman and His Crew

2010-08-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

(Dates on my camera are a little off)

Just checking in. It's late and I'm throwing some things together for our brief trip to visit Ada for her 3rd birthday. We are leaving in the morning after a detour over to Huntsville for Andrew's 12 month doctor's appointment that is now happening when he is 18 months. Oops.

In case you missed the big news in the last post, because I did slip it in at the end, I am pregnant with our fourth baby. Not feeling sick yet. I'm really trying not to get my hopes up, but am definitely starting to wonder if maybe God is showing me grace this time around. I have been extremely exhausted these last two days. But I will take it over the sickness any day.

We've been trying to stay out of the brutal heat. Obviously very busy playing dress-up. And Ellie is really into being "pregnant" right now, for obvious reasons.

Try to stay cool this weekend!

P.S. The first picture was totally Luke's idea and the last picture was a special request by Ellie and she wanted to make sure it was on the blog.

I'm Back

2010-07-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my trip with a lot to say. And at the same time, I don't even know what to say. The trip was hard and great all at the same time. The funeral was maybe the saddest thing I have ever experienced, although so incredibly hopeful and joyful. I cannot imagine burying my five year old, and of course I kept putting myself in Rick and Kendra's shoes and the grief was overwhelming. The grief for them was overwhelming, more than I have ever experienced. Rick and Kendra were pillars of God's grace and the funeral service was beautiful...a clear, dynamic presentation of the gospel and a greater grasp (at least for me) of how temporary this life is. Kendra told me when she was finally able to say "Lord, not your will, but mine" she experienced surrender like she has never known and grace along with it.

The rest of the trip was a treat for Steven and me. We realized once we were on the road, that after the funeral we would only be about 3 hours from Chicago (turned about to be more like 4 1/2). But Steven and I both agreed we are glad we hadn't known or we might not have done it. And it was a blast. It was just a night, but such a cool city, and great memories.

Ellie, Luke, and Andrew did great (or so I'm told). Those little stinkers got in an unexpected beach trip and loved it. I was at my mom's house when they pulled in the driveway and was just about giddy to see them. My heart was beyond grateful that night to have everyone tucked safely in their beds. Steven and I figured out that I was the furthest distance away from them that I had ever been.

Alright, don't leave me yet...I have one more thing to tell you that I think you will want to hear. I have no cute or clever way to say it, so here it is...I'm pregnant. Again. With our fourth child. Fourth!! It's crazy for me to even type it or say it. We are excited, nervous, and very grateful. And no, it doesn't come as a complete shock. I know you might be wondering, so I won't leave it a mystery. I have been in turmoil over it for some time. So we decided to leave it up to the Lord and if it happened, it happened. And it happened! We have already gotten some of the birth control jokes. Yes, we "know how this happens." And we are humbled and blessed that God has seen fit to entrust us with another life. Nervous, but thrilled.

Ellie is ecstatic over the new baby that is growing, Luke seems fairly excited, and Andrew couldn't care less. Ellie is calling the baby "her little sister" left and right. I warn her that it could be a boy. She says that will be fine and then in the next sentence she refers to what she and her little sister will one day do together. After I told Luke I was pregnant, I went inside for something, when I came back out, he asked if I had had the baby.

So here are our three stinkers, or as we like to call them, our "eternal investments" at the beach, Lord-willing to be joined by one more in April.

A Prayer Request

2010-07-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend, Kendra. We met in Albuquerque before I had any children. I was working and fairly lonely. She and her husband, Rick had two precious girls at the time, Constance and Kennedy. She was new to Albuquerque as well, and at the time Rick was serving in the military and traveling a lot. She was fairly lonely and later told me she was pretty desperate for a friend, and so God provided a friendship for us both when we were in need of that. Not long after I became pregnant with Ellie, she became pregnant with a son, Ricky. We enjoyed those fun and not so fun pregnant days together. Shortly after I had delievered Ellie (as in still stitching me up), Kendra walks in the room to say hi on the way to her room because she had just gone into labor and was being admitted. Ricky was born about 8 hours later just down the hall.

We spent the next 6 months having fun with our babies that were the same age. Then their family was called to move back to her hometown. Ricky was having some developmental issues and a few months after they had moved to Ohio, Ricky was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It was a devastating diagnosis, as he was thought to have type 1, which is the most severe. It is a genetic disorder, and it affects the muscular development. It is also a terminal illness. The average lifespan for a child with type 1 is only 8 months. Also, I should note that SMA in no way affects the brain. In fact, children with SMA have been tested to have average to above average intelligence. This was certainly true in Ricky's case.

So, last week I received a message that Ricky had been flown to a local hospital and put on a ventilator and that his heart had stopped. Another message came a few days later saying the doctors were certain of brain damage, just not sure how much. And finally, I got a call last night that I had been dreading saying Ricky was going to be with Jesus. More MRIs confirmed there was almost no brain activity. I talked to Rick earlier today and he said he was having seizures and the doctors told them it was only going to do further damage. So they made the decision to turn off the machines.

Steven and I will be traveling to the funeral tomorrow. Ellie, Luke, and Andrew have unexpectedly gone to the beach with my family. I am going to be without them for almost a week, and get a lump in my throat thinking about it. But Steven and I really feel strongly that we need and want to be at the funeral. Rick and Kendra are a Godly couple. God has given them both a powerful gift to teach God's Word. Kendra led a Bible study in Albuquerque that ministered to me tremendously. They are some of the most selfless people I have ever met. I know God will use this and already has...And will use Ricky's life as a testimony and Christ will be glorified even in his death.

Ellie saw me crying last night. As we were trying to explain why, she asked if Ricky would be with Jesus now. Yes, we told her. She smiled really big and said, "Wow, that sounds like fun. I would really like to be with Jesus tonight." She has met Ricky once and seemed very excited for him that he would be able to use his legs now.

Please pray for this dear family that God will give them the strength to take these next steps.

Ricky and Kendra when Ellie and I visited in August of '08

Constance, Ellie, and Kennedy on the same trip

Ellie and Ricky at 5 months when we were in Albuquerque

Kennedy, Ellie, Ricky, and Constance

Some Updates and a Friday in Huntsville

2010-07-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, faithful family and friend blog checkers. Sorry it's been almost two weeks since I have posted. If you check my mom's blog, you will see a lot of what we have been up to. If not, then I will tell you we survived a week of Steven being gone at camp and visited with cousins a lot. Played outside quite a bit. And I have been up to my ears in sewing projects, among various other things. I don't know that I have updated you on my sewing venture in a really, really long time. But for those of you who care about that sort of thing, can I just say I. LOVE. IT. It sucks me in and it is really hard for me to put it down once I get started on a project. It is on my blogging to do list to take pictures of the things I have made.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement on the raw milk, organic milk, healthy eating vent I expressed in the last post. Yesterday I went to a ladies' house who showed how to grind wheat and make bread, muffins, and several other things. It was very interesting. I would love to do it, but am not at a place to purchase a grinder at this point, so that will wait. In the meantime, I might borrow or use a friend's grinder to see if it is something I am really serious about. The bread and rolls that I brought home yesterday afternoon are completely gone, so that is a good sign that my family would enjoy the world of highly nutritious flour.

Let's see...what else do I need to tell you about? This is why I hate waiting so long to blog again. However, this is the first time that blogging is what I really wanted to do with my time when I had a second to sit down and relax. I really enjoy my blog, and don't want it to become something else that is on my checklist.

Ellie, Luke, Andrew and I all went to Huntsville with mom today. She had a dentist appointment and asked if we wanted to come along. Although when you go somewhere with all of us, it is more like you are tagging along with us. We seem to dominate the trip. After thinking about one minute, I decided I would take a trip to Huntsville. We went to Chick-fil-A while she was in the dentist. I knew it was cow appreciation day. If you dress like a cow, you get a free chicken sandwich. Although I left all our cow costumes at home, I thought the kids might enjoy the big Chick-fil-A cow. Andrew did not enjoy him, in fact he screamed at the top of lungs when he saw him. It runs in our family. My sisters and I were all scared of large dressed up creatures when we were little and apparently have passed it along. We enjoyed our lunch in spite of the cow. I love Chick-fil-A. What mom doesn't? They have plastic placemats to tape to the table, Purell hand wipes, and the staff carried our food to our table, among other wonderful things. Wendy's has that slogan, "It's not fast food, it's Wendy's." But I feel like that about Chick-fil-A.

Anyway, we stopped at the mall for my mom to get some shoes. I ended up getting some also. Mom said, "You know, I could get those for you and you can pay me back slowly." It was too good to pass up. Okay, I am going to show them to you. They are the most comfortable things I have ever put on my feet. I have never heard of this brand. Let me say I have lost all fashion sense since I have had children. (the little that I had) I don't want to be a dork, but I really, really need to be comfortable. So I thought these will be so perfect in the fall when I need to slip on shoes with capris or jeans.

Please don't tell me if you totally hate them. Because I am going to keep them no matter what.

Okay, last stop-Costco. Do you love it? I love it. The free samples, the really, really cheap snack bar. Obviously doesn't go along with the healthy-eating goal. But we did enjoy the gigantic cup of frozen yogurt for like, a dollar. There was a demonstration going on today for this blender that pretty much cooks your meals and cleans your house. The guy made "ice cream" which was almonds, water, some vanilla extract, and a little agave sweetener, and about four strawberries. It was really, really good. I am sold on the Blender-Tec, I think is what it was called.

It is time for me to think about getting dinner started, but I have to tell you this one hilarious Ellie story. I have already told several friends, so my apologies if you are reading it again. Okay, sometimes Steven watches this 80's show, Knight Rider starring David Hasselhoff-I am guessing he was in his 20s then, (along with the Hulk) with Ellie and Luke in the late afternoon. So one night Ellie tells Steven that the man on that show is so, so handsome and she wants to marry him one day. She said, "He has curly hair and tan skin and I just think he is so handsome." Steven said it freaked him out that his five year old daughter was saying this about David Hasselhoff.

Encourage Me, Please

2010-06-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

If you look at the date and time of this post (which I never ever do on blogs) you might see that it is a Sunday morning. I am not at church, which is extremely rare, since my husband is the pastor, and it just doesn't work for us to skip very much, not that I would want to. It is a joy to be with other believers on the Lord's day. But he is at youth camp and yesterday we (me and the my three amigos along with my parents) traveled to south Alabama and back. We visited some very long-time family friends in Tallassee and before that made a very quick stop in Birmingham to pick up mom who was visiting with some of her friends. It was a long day to say the least, but fun and filled-up and now I have some very tired children who are recovering from yesterday, so we took a break from the usual today.

I am on the computer at mom's house enjoying her Mac while Andrew sleeps and Ellie and Luke are pretending various things in the other room. I have been wanting to get back to this website that LB introduced us to, and by going to that site, I began exploring this other site. And you know how it goes, on and on and on. From one to another until I am completely overwhelmed. In case you don't click on these sites, basically I was wanting to read about organic milk and is it worth it, not worth it? And I have been thinking and hoping it is(because it is the one thing I buy organic). Now it seems organic milk is not really the answer, but raw milk is best. Sigh. Will I ever get there? So I began the research on that, and there is none to get in this area (I guess). If anyone wants to share a local source, I would be much obliged. So I then moved on to whole grains. I am all about that, but it is such work. I mean, we do brown rice and whole wheat bread, but from what I'm gathering, this is not even the best. Buying, soaking, grinding them is where it's at. And again, we do not have access here in this small town to much or any of that, really. So instead of coming up with a game plan, I decided to blog and vent my frustration to you all. Any suggestions?

Stayin' Cool

2010-06-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Is it as hot at your house as it is at our house? How are you surviving the heat? We've pulled out the baby pool on several occasions. We have also been to big people pools, but as you can imagine, I can't exactly take all three by myself. So on days when it's just the four of us and there is no extra adult help, we make-do with the baby pool. There is definitely less packing involved. You know, getting ready for the pool is a ton of work.

And when you're at home with no neighbors, bathing suits are optional.

Everyone was very happy with pool time until it turned into bath time.

Andrew was especially upset about it when I had to borrow the hose.

As hot as it is, I will take it over winter almost any day. Who can resist all these fresh summer fruits and vegetables?

Andrew adores blueberries. More, please. He has the sign for "more" down pat, just not the one for "please".

And guess what else we have now? (Just in time to enjoy those 95 degree late afternoons.)

Remember this...

and this...

You might not remember, because if you will notice, the date on the bottom of the picture says October 6. Over half a year later...TA DA!

Our swing is painted and hung.

Mom came over for a visit this afternoon. Of course, we had to show her the swing, heat and all.

It took Andrew about two seconds to learn where the swing was. It was hung yesterday afternoon and we swung until we could no longer stand the heat. After dinner I said, "Andrew, do you wanna swing?" He toddled straight to the front door and pressed his little pointer finger onto the glass.

Tomorrow is a big day for us. We are going tomorrow night to see Toy Story 3. Luke is beyond excited. He keeps asking how many more times he has to sleep before it is time. Last night I told him two more nights, and he whined, "But you said only one more week." He wants to wear his Buzz get-up to the movies. I might have to take a picture.

Did I also mention the air conditioner upstairs is broken? That means everyone is sleeping downstairs. Not so bad, I kind of think it is fun for a few nights. Of course, Ellie and Luke are loving it and would be fine like this for quite awhile. The air conditioning people said they are swamped and will be here as soon as they could. Hope your air is working-if not, you can come over and join us in the baby pool. :)

A Week Later

2010-06-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. Sorry for the blog absence. We've been VBSing it all week. I'm sure you know how that goes or can imagine. It went very well and I found it a huge blessing, although I am glad for the break tonight. Good to be back on our "normal" evening routine.

There isn't much to say about anything else. VBS has pretty much been it for awhile. Last Saturday night Steven and I traveled to a wedding of one of my dear college roommates. It was a treat for several reasons. One being we were able to spend about four hours in the car having uninterrupted adult conversation. But mainly I was able to briefly catch up with a handful of college girlfriends who I haven't seen in years. I teared up when we got in the car. I didn't realize how much I missed my college friends. My friend, Lindsey (the bride), was stunning. She is super tall and has the arms and legs that go on for days. I wish I had a picture. The wedding was beautiful and instead of a groom's cake...a tier of Krispy Kreme donuts. Steven didn't get one, so we made up for it and stopped at the real deal on the way home. Heavenly.

Sad to say, Ellie was not cast in the production of Peter Pan. Not super surprised, she was very shy about it, but thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. I wasn't going to tell her until she asked. In the car the other night on the way to church, she said, "when are we going back to play practice?" So I explained to her and she was truly disappointed with lots of tears and "but I want to be a mermaid!". Oh, the rejections in life. Probably the first of many.

It has not stopped her living room performances. Check it out...

Ellie and Her Audience

2010-06-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow evening I am taking Ellie to audition for a child's production of Peter Pan. I have a friend, Jennifer, whose daughter has been a part of several productions through this company and loves it and speaks very highly of it. That is how we knew about it and it seems like it might be right up Ellie's alley. I don't know for sure and I am very intimidated to say the least. Also, the whole "stage mom" thing freaks me out and I can see us getting there and her not wanting to do it at all and then it looks like I am one of those moms who is pushing her child to do something she doesn't want to do. Anyway, we are going to give it a shot.

Here is Ellie this morning, performing for us with the remote in one hand and the music blaring in the background. The pictures are blurry, but I had a hard time getting her to be still so I could take a few pictures. She does this on a very regular basis.

Later, after she has added a headband to the getup. With breakfast in one hand, she begins to pose calling these "action shots."

"You can put these on the computer if you want," she said.

Before the performance started, she was attempting to make a shirt to wear out of scraps of fabric and scotch tape. Needless to say, it wasn't working out so well. So she settled for some sort of undershirt/bra, I guess? It was the only thing that would stay taped on. I did not ask her to show me that, by the way. We really do promote modesty here at our house.

And here is her audience. Less than amused. Well, Luke seems a little amused. Andrew has an ear infection. So he doesn't have as much to offer. Can you believe out of three children and five years this is the first ear infection we've had?

Andrew got distracted by a fly, I think. That doesn't say too much for Ellie's performance.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Summer Is Here

2010-06-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

And I think we've jumped in head first!!

While Steven Was Away

2010-06-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Steven did a youth camp in Arizona this entire week. I haven't done a blog post because I didn't want to mention he was gone in case there were any crazies out there who might be interested in that information. I didn't really have a chance to blog, well, that and the fact that he took the computer. But things get a little crazy around here when he is gone. We eat lots of food out of a box...

And run around the house in circles...

Don't you want to come to our house??!! No, seriously, I always have lots of help when Steven is away. Kate is home for the summer. She is a recent Auburn University graduate and we are loving having her for a short while. In a few months she is moving to Wake Forest University to become an RUF intern. You can read all about that here. And I don't know that I have mentioned my sister, Sarah, moved to New Orleans. It made us all incredibly sad, but excited for her, since living at home with her parents and spending lots of time baby-sitting my children, wasn't exactly what she had in mind after she graduated. She is working at Starbucks, but obviously her long-term goal is to just work on and sell her artwork. She is very talented. But don't just take my word for it, you see for yourself. I am adding a link to both of her shops on my sidebar. Or if you are in reader, click on it here. And her other shop is here. Sorry this has taken me so long, Sarah.

Okay, so while I have been trying to figure out this post, I have had Ellie and Luke on top of me wanting to see everything I was doing. I can't take this many feet on me anymore, so I am going to end this post. Have a good weekend!! BTW-if you have never made that Jell-O no bake Oreo dessert, you should!

Shopping Trip Woes

2010-05-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Long post and ranting about various mom things. Might only be interesting to family or possibly other moms at the same stage I am at.

Being a mother is exhausting no doubt. It is very often physical exhaustion, sometimes mental, other times emotional and spiritual. Usually it is a little of them all. Going to the store with all three is about all I can handle mentally. Are you hearing me?? I feel as though I am trying to run in water. Ellie sees something princess, Luke sees something Toy Story (thanks to Toy Story 3 coming out in a few weeks). Those marketing people know exactly what they are doing. Ellie and Luke have pretty much learned they are not getting anything, but they feel the need to exclaim to me, "Mom, look!!!!" over every. single. item they see that even remotely resembles something fun.

I am walking fast thinking, "please, just look straight ahead-not to the right or left", but of course they do not miss a thing. And bless his heart, Luke tugs at my arm to come see as if we have been searching the world over for this particular Lighting McQueen figurine and have finally, finally discovered where it has been hiding. Ellie just wants to "look", at the princess shirts. And I am thankful that "just looking" is a fun treat too, as it has taken awhile to get to that place. But ya'll, I really feel like it is dragging heavy weights on both ankles to get in and out and get the things that I need. There is also the actual, physical dragging on the buggy (I will show my Southern-ness and call it what we call it here in the South). For those of you Southerners who are thinking "what else would you call it?" (because that is what I thought when I was first made fun of)-outside of the Southern bubble it is called a cart. When we lived in Albuquerque, my friend Meg always gave me a hard time about that. Anyway, back to my rant, Ellie and Luke have the hardest time keeping their hands off (and feet and entire bodies for that matter) while I am trying to push. And then when we finally reach the end of the trip, Andrew has had enough of sitting and would prefer to be held. So I hold him and empty the items onto the checkout with one hand, while holding the baby on one hip, while trying to keep from running over Ellie and Luke who are crouching on the ground examining all the toys and candy on the bottom shelves. It is at that point that the physical exhaustion really begins to kick in.

We aren't even to the car yet and questions kick in...mainly one question. "Do we have to take a nap?" And then the mental exhaustion really starts to come as I have to answer lots of questions on the way home, and say things like, "Yes, Luke, I saw the green truck that was the same color as Chick Hicks." (even though I really didn't) Because if I say that I didn't see it, he will try to get me to see where it was even though we have long since passed it. Or he will ask about some random building, "Mama, why do we never go there?" And then I answer(again, not even sure exactly what building he is referring to) "Because we just don't need to." Do you have these kinds of conversations?

Oh, the trip to the store. Sorry if I sound really negative about it, but basically, I just got home and got them all three in bed (woohoo!)and am having a little vent on my blog. I'm trusting that you can relate.

Although it sounds like we are having a bad week, it is actually going a lot better than last week. Ellie's school book came in and she is doing really well with her vowels. We have had various things going on so there have been a few good outings for us all and some adult conversations for me, which is my sanity.

As exhausting as they are, they are so stinkin' cute.

We were driving in the car one morning this week, and there was some fog. Luke asks, "Why is it fuzzy outside, mama?"

Andrew has learned to say "mommy", and does he ever say it. Over and over at the top of his lungs sometimes. Can you believe he is still not walking? (Ellie didn't walk until she was 16 months) He is so very, very close. I think his thing is he doesn't really try to walk slowly. If I take his hand, he takes off, and then I let go and he just tumbles to the ground. He is definitely more active and mobile and has finally discovered our stairs. Honestly, I can't believe it has taken so long. The other morning I heard Ellie and Luke cheering for him "Good job, Andrew, you can do it" They love to cheer for him and he loves to hear it! I'm thinking he is taking a few steps, but I come out of my bedroom to see him at the very top of our (hardwood) stairs. I quickly explained to Ellie and Luke they can not encourage this.

Ellie has lost her bottom tooth (not sure where or when) and her other one is loose. She is about to be missing her four front teeth. (Her top two got knocked out on two different occasions) She won't be crunching into any apples for awhile.

So, that is it for now. Thanks for hangin' around until the end of this post. Hope to have some pictures for you next time.

Adjustments

2010-05-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

I was right, the last few days have gotten rather long. I was beginning to see a lot of this. You know, kids still in their pajamas way after breakfast, "I'm hungry", "I'm bored". And way too much stuff was being pulled out of cabinets. And really, I don't have a problem with that when it's for a day or so. But after two straight days, I thought we could use something just a little different.

BTW: We're going through a bit of weaning from the TV. I refuse for us to sit around all summer and stare at a box. So...we went to the library on Tues. and I have literally had to make them sit down and listen to me read. They do not like it. When I tell them we are going to read a book, you would think I just told them we are going to clean toilets. Sad, I know. I think we will get there, it just might take some time.

So we loaded up babies, doggies, little ponies, etc. and everyone's strollers and headed to the walking trail near our house. It was a good outing for everyone. Besides, we better do it now, the dog days of summer will be upon us in no time.

We were moving right along for about 30 seconds before Ellie saw some ~~weeds~~ flowers she just could not resist.

This girl LOVES flowers. I think she gets it from my mom. Who has had the most gorgeous peonies at her house. And honestly, I can't blame her for loving those. They are luscious. But the weeds, not so much.

So I think Ellie takes after me in the athletic department. It wasn't long before she was lagging behind. Luke was more compassionate than I was. (That isn't saying much-compassion isn't exactly one of my strengths.) He was saying things like, "Ellie, I will wait on you because you are my friend. It's okay, don't be sad." He breaks my heart on a daily basis.

Towards the end of the walk, I folded up one of the strollers and put it in the back of mine. The other one we left at the beginning of the loop and I promised Ellie we would get it on the way back around. She was hesitant thinking someone would take it. I promised her no one was coming after a pretend doll stroller- that and the fact that there was no one else on the trail convinced her it would be safe. Notice how Luke has ended up carrying both the "babies". He reminds me of the patient husband on a shopping trip carrying all of the bags while the wife shops.

Yes, we are having to make some adjustments around here. And I will be honest, at this point it is a tad bit overwhelming to think of them being home every single day. Not just for the summer, but for the year(s)? to come as we have made the decision to homeschool. But I know the Lord will give grace on a daily basis and still feel very confident that God has led us to this decision for our family.

As soon as I finish this post, I will move on over to Amazon and order this book.

Ellie and Luke know that I will be their teacher now. Ellie keeps asking very eagerly, "When are we going to start school?" I'm not sure what she has in mind, but having to sit and listen to books being read to her isn't it. Luke also chimes in, "You are our teacher now, aren't you going to teach us?" I'm sorry, I'd hoped I was doing a lot of that on a regular basis. How can a 3 and 5 year old be so intimidating?

An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend

2010-05-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my mother's house right now. Steven took Ellie and Luke to Huntsville to pick up Andrew's one year portraits. Andrew is asleep upstairs. I just got back from the doctor a little while ago. I have an ear infection and a sinus infection and I am feeling every bit of it. I might have done it to myself. I started catching a cold Thursday night, but was not about to miss the wedding weekend of a childhood friend. Beth Bratton got married on Saturday. Steven performed the ceremony and therefore we were included on Friday night for the rehearsal dinner as well. I will steal a few pictures from my mom, because trust me, you want to see this. It was UN-believable. Unlike anything I have ever been to. (You may have seen a lot of these if you also check out my mom's blog--she pretty much did a documentary of the entire weekend.)

This is my dear friend, Esther. She is the sister-in-law of the bride. And 6 months pregnant. Hard to believe, right? She is having a baby girl, Charlotte Frances.

About halfway during the dinner, Steven left to go to the bathroom. Shortly after, I received a text on my phone from him. It said: I am locked in the bathroom. I promise. I had to go find someone to let him out. Hilarious.

Now the wedding day.

An artist who painted the ceremony. Yes, painted a picture of the ceremony. Like, during the ceremony. Just whipped it up. And you can see, it was beautiful.

The wedding was at Gorham's Bluff in Pisgah, Alabama. Gorgeous.

The cake. And the bride in the background. At this point she was still wearing her first dress. She changed into a second one for dancing.

It was incredible, to say the least. I did not feel incredible, though, and it was very frustrating and disappointing. I had a huge pile of huge tissues at my table. Classy.

Anyway, it was worth it.

This will be the first week having Ellie and Luke home from school. I'm hoping we can get into a little routine of some sort. Otherwise, the days could get really long.

Some of My Favorites

2010-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have a book of quotes that I received as a gift when Ellie was born. These are some of my favorites...

"They always looked back before turning the corner, for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile, and wave her hand at them. Somehow it seemed as if they couldn't have got through the day without that, for whatever their mood might be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine." Louisa May Alcott from Little Women

The hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

W.R. WALLACE

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his.

OSCAR WILDE

The Importance of Being Earnest

Making the decision to have a child-it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

ANON

So thankful for my Godly mother, and mother-in-law. And beyond thankful that God has allowed me to become a mother myself. It is the greatest joy. Yet today, the thing I want most for Mother's Day is a night to myself. Ironic, huh?? Normal I think for this season of life. Happy Mother's Day!!

No Chicken for Awhile

2010-05-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was reminded on Monday of the truth in the verse that is on my blog header. "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

Steven took Ellie and Luke with him to pick up Diana from her mom's and bring her here. I had Andrew and we were running errands. Before they left town, we went to McDonald's (as we often do on Mondays) and I had a grilled chicken wrap (as I often do), thankfully I was the only one who ate it. At about 4:00 I started feeling nauseous. I guessed it was just because I was getting hungry. I tried eating various things to help my stomach. Nothing helped. It only got worse. I was expecting Steven, Ellie, Luke, and Diana around 7:00. I was trying to get some last minute things done and by that time Andrew was getting tired. I decided to go ahead and give him a bath and because the nausea was really bad by this point, I just carried a plastic bag around with me. I finally lost it right after Andrew's bath. He was fresh from the bath, and crawling around with no clothes. Thankfully, Steven walked in. I was trying to convince him (and me) that it was just something I ate, now that I had thrown up I would be fine. Not fine. He suggested I go to my mom's. I said okay. I drove his car with a plastic bag in one hand and steered with the other. I barely made it upstairs before I lost it again and the rest is kind of a blur. I don't know how many times I threw up before we made it to the hospital, but it felt like about 100. Well, I guess technically I just threw up a few times, after that there was nothing left to throw up. And I'm sure you've been there. When there is nothing to throw up, it just hurts. Long story short, God was gracious and I was able to get a room at the hospital fast and get an IV in and finally have some relief at around midnight-I'm guessing. Thank you, Zofran!!! I remember mom and Steven leaving at 1:30. I woke up at 3:00 and got up to go to the bathroom, I threw up then and that was the last time. I was able to go home Tuesday after lunch. I am still recovering. It is Thursday and I am still fighting nausea and no energy. The doctor said my white blood cell count was a little high, meaning some type of infection, meaning probably something I ate (guessing the chicken wrap) and not a virus. Have you ever had food poisoning? When will I feel back to normal? I'm ~~patiently~~ waiting.

It doesn't really work for moms to get sick like this. But I am so very grateful for my mom who very quickly stepped up to the plate (as always). As did Steven and I'm thankful Diana was at our house so she could stay with Ellie and Luke while he was with me at the hospital.

Ellie was so cute when I got home. She kept telling me how much she missed me, that she was sorry I was sick, and she would even rub my arm. Luke was semi-interested, but mainly just wanted me to see his new Buzz Lightyear jacket that Diana got for him. And of course, Andrew was just Andrew.

Pretty sure I am on the mend now. Thanks to any of you that have said a prayer for us! But I am going to remind you to pray some more. Not for me, but for our country, its leaders, and most importantly the church in America. Today is the National Day of Prayer. Please pray that Christians in this country would be broken over the sin in our own lives and the sin of our nation. That God would protect the freedoms that we still have. Pray that all believers would have a hunger for the truth that is God's Word. And we would desire obedience in every single area of our lives. God doesn't desire just a part of us. He wants our entire lives and hearts. I know in my own life I will often, (but not enough) pray that God would make me see my sin as He sees it. I fear that the church in America is very lukewarm and we as believers should be on our knees desperately asking God to change us!!

"So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." Rev. 3:16

BUT praise be to God, who is also full of mercy and compassion!! "The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness." Ps. 145:8

Peek-a-Boo and a Pet Peeve

2010-05-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

My house is a wreck. Ellie's birthday party was Saturday and we are going through the birthday party loot and trying to absorb it into our house. Trying to stop eating birthday cake, but it is almost an impossibility for me. Love it. Love it.

Andrew is NOT helping with the mess.

He loves to play in the pantry and he loves to play peek-a-boo with anything and everything. Although we've been calling it pee-pie. (I guess that's how you spell it-don't know that I've ever spelled it before). That's what my mom says, and my mother-in-law. We wondered if it's a generational thing. What do you call it? Andrew actually calls it, dee-die.

I am going to share a random pet peeve I have. I thought of it because I didn't handle it so well the other day. I am often out and about with all three and someone will say, "You sure do have your hands full." And then someone else will say, "You think this is hard? Just wait until they're teenagers." Okay, I can only imagine the challenge that the teenage years will bring. But, please, please, don't act like these early years are a walk in the park either. Let's everyone acknowledge that each phase of parenting brings it's own challenges. Or...just for my encouragement...someone could tell me it does get easier, rather than harder. Alright, so I had a particularly bad day on Friday. My patience was thin and I had to apologize to Ellie and Luke several times. I had run all over town (it felt like) looking for something for a craft project (that I never found). The kids were tired and I had Andrew on my hip leaving a store. Sure enough, a lady said as I was leaving, "just wait until they are teenagers." And I replied (with a half-smile and a little too much sarcasm), "Can they walk? Because that would be great!" I think she thought I was joking. Hopefully. It was very rude of me and I acknowledge that. But, seriously, I hear that a lot and it drives me insane.

You've Come A Long Way, Baby

2010-04-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

I love my girl so, so much! I thank the Lord for these past five years. She is the one who first made me a mama and opened up this world to me. She brings joy and laughter to our home. She keeps me praying for wisdom. She is super smart. She is an entertainer. She loves to create and has the imagination to do it. She is my helper. She can fold a better shirt than her Daddy! She loves her brothers and loves being the only sister. She is a girl through and through. She loves pink, all things princess, her Birthday, and presents. I can see God shaping her little heart. I pray more than anything that she will know Jesus and love him with every ounce of who she is. That her life will be completely His.

Happy Birthday, Ellie!!