Christmas!!!

WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Grace's picture is having trouble uploading.

We spent Christmas day in Monticello this year.  It was an extra special Christmas for that fact and also, it snowed!!!  After a good effort at attending the Christmas Eve Service (Noah John was a handful!),   Shawn and I stayed up late wrapping the kids' gifts while big fat snowflakes fell outside.  It was beautiful.  Thank you God.  Your creativity and beauty on this earth astound me.  I can't imagine heaven.  It must be breath-taking. 

The kids were very grateful for their gifts and took their time opening each gift.  I liked that.  No rushing through and wreaking havoc, thus forgetting what they just opened ;).  Grace helped Noah John open his gifts and ooh'd and ahh'd over his gifts which thrilled him lots.  It was sweet.

The whole day was magical, like it should be. 

We celebrated with Robert, Amanda, Callie, Isabelle, and Clark on Christmas Eve.  Callie and I decorated the tables and mom cooked the food.  We put an extra big spoon at one place setting and whoever sat there, unbeknownst to them, had what we called the 'big mouth.'  The 'big mouth' shared a memory from a Christmas past.  Amanda was the lucky one to get the place setting w' the big spoon and she talked about how she and her family used to go out to her great-grandmother's land and cut down a tree each year.  Every family member shared a story.  Some shared 3 or 4 memories.  Some stories spurred questions and then more stories poured.  When it was my turn, I just sat and cried.  It was a meaningful Christmas for me because it was the first one that I had ever celebrated with my dad since he quit drinking.  He quit 2 1/2 years ago but I hadn't been with him the other 2 Christmases.  My tears were sheer joy and relief and thanks to God for pulling us through.  And for being faithful b'c when dad turned away, God shined his light on him and delivered him.  It kind of hit me slowly then gushed out like water from a faucet.  It started when dad prayed over the food.  I'm abbreviating, but he said thank you to the Lord for piercing his heart with 2 little eyes (my oldest niece, his 1st grandchild) that saved his soul.  He went on to say that one day he looked and saw 2 little eyes watching him and now there are 5 sets of little eyes.  In other words, well there are no words more that can really pay tribute, accurately and thoroughly describe, the things that were said or the emotion that was felt, or the honesty that was laid out like a quilt ... a quilt that had patches and patches from years and years of toil, work, tears, but finally it's complete and now we can all just sort of cover ourselves with it and know that God's redemption is what kept it together then so that we can enjoy it now, and only we know where we've been and what we've seen...and only God could erase all of that.  He is a redeemer.  You know, the kids never asked (Callie, Isabelle, or Grace) why I cried so.  They just sort of took it for what it was, as if there were nothing unusual about it.

So, to close, I'll say this was a Christmas that goes down in history for many reasons-the kids, dad, being 'home', the snow....it was a slow, un-rushed time.  I'm so glad we strive for that each year!  I often hear about people getting caught in the hustle and bustle of the season but that just never tempts me...I tend to slow down and pull back at Christmas and enjoy what really matters:  my family and friends.

   

A Social Network Christmas

Big Conversation

Grace and I had a deep conversation yesterday about heaven and hell.  It started with three questions.
First:  "Momma, who makes people?"  (God). 
Second: "Momma, is hell real?"  (Yes).
Third:  "Why do people go to hell?"  (Through unbelief and unacceptance of Christ).

I think God gave me the words to clearly explain the story of creation, b'c when I started talking, it was as if each word made great sense to her.  I began answering the ?s by talking about Adam and Eve being the first humans on the earth to how they sinned when they ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, to how we all sin now and how God sent his son (baby Jesus-Christmas!) to die for us on the cross, rise 3 days later, ascend into heaven with God to live in heaven until He comes back for Christians...and how Christians will then live forever in Heaven with God and Jesus.  It ended with how important it is that we love the Lord and share Him with others. 

"I do love God, Momma."

The sweetest words I have ever heard. 

"Faith like a child..."

Thanksgiving #2

Last Thursday, we celebrated "Thanksgiving #2" with the Brumfield side of the family.  As has been the custom the last 3 years, Shawn's sister hosted at her house.  It was a smaller gathering, with his parents, his sister, her 2 boys, and her husband, and Shawn's cousin Rachel and her husband Jason.  We were so glad they were able to come this year.  They just married last July and live about an hour and 45 minutes away.  (She was born and raised in Canada!)  I ate way too much (literally, I've gained 11 lbs in like 6 wks, yuck).  The food was amazing though.  My dessert was a hit, which made me proud, b'c my mother-in-law and sister-in-law have a real gift in the kitchen.  Anyway, the dessert was so easy to make and a no-bake at that.  Oreo Trifle.  Layer Double Stuff Oreos, vanilla pudding, and cool whip.  Voila.  Sit in fridge overnight.  (Cookies then soften and make the dessert delectible).  I can't take credit it for it though; I got it from my sister-in-law, Amanda.  :p 

After we ate, played, vegged, talked, and snapped a couple of pictures, we loaded up our two monkeys (who ate, quite literally, only dessert all day long...I just wanted to eat my turkey in peace, so I didn't fuss over their sugar-consumption).  We also loaded up the nephews for the annual T'giving sleepover.  I regret to say we did NOT make a gingerbread house this year, as I didn't have time to go buy a kit (don't say make it yourself).  Believe it or not, we grabbed McD's for the kids to eat for supper and after a quick stop at Rural King & Blockbuster, headed to Nebo.  The kids were wound pretty tight (the sugar intake had to hit a new record!) and I do mean PRETTY. TIGHT.  I ended up laying down with Grace and Jonah, after Jonah and I read books, and I fell asleep right on the edge of the bed.  I'm so proud of Jonah for learning to read!  Poor Noah balled his little eyes out and I had to get him up and lay him back down at least 3 times before he called it a night.  Logan said he would sleep on the couch if Noah kept that up all night, ha, and I'm sure, despite our attempts, he didn't believe us when we said that Noah usually doesn't cry at night at all.  Why would he believe us--Noah did the exact same thing last year!  And honest, he usually sleeps so well at night.  :)

It was a fun Thanksgiving #2, but I will admit, I was drained and felt fatter than butter, neither of which do any good for my mood!!!  Friday night I slept like a babe.  Actually, we all did.  Shew!  Big week and a half for all of us.  "Going and doing" with 2 little ones is harder than it looks! 

Please read the post entitled Intense Love.  I subbed in Sunday school and taught on it.  An hour later, when the preacher began his sermon with, "Today's sermon will be about love"  I was kind of in awe...LOVE must be the theme God wants me to focus on right now.  I LOVE it when God gives me 1 word:  LOVE. It's less confusing for me (I think I've said that before).  GOD IS LOVE.  God loves you!!!

Intense Love

The Bible is full of examples of intense love...

*The ultimate= God sending his son to die a painful death on a cross then bringing him back from the dead and ascending him into heaven.  Intense in so many ways...but 3 days later...complete resurrection and restoration of God's promise.

*Joseph's love and devotion to Mary...I mean, can you imagine?  His fiance turns up pregnant...and He listened to an angel and stayed by her side.  He trusted that God's plan would be revealed.  Intense love of both Mary AND most important, God.  Joseph was human like us.  Don't you think he had reservations, at least for a moment?

*Abraham and his son, Isaac=Can.you.even.imagine.  INTENSE.  Abraham was going to slay his own son at God's command.  Then God said, 'nevermind ... you were faithful...don't touch your son!'  He must have grabbed his son, fallen to his knees, and wept happy tears.

*Ruth & Naomi= The scripture that comes to mind..."Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.  Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.  May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." (Ruth 1: 16-17)  In other words, Ruth told her mom-in-law...look, there is no one left but us.  I won't go back to my family.  I will stay with you til the day I die.  What a blessing for Naomi, who had lost her husband AND her sons...she must have felt comforted, say, less 'alone', by Ruth's wonderful devotion.

David=danced in the streets...total abandonment to what others thought b'c he loved God and loved praising God.  And boy, did people talk.  Sure they did.  They talked about him, all right.  His own wife basically mocked him to his face.  And to summarize from my very theologically-challenged brain, David said, "That's not what matters.  I'm going to care only about what God thinks."

There are SO MANY OTHER EXAMPLES.  I have been thinking of this lately, because I love my family intensely.  And I come by it honest.  When we are together, we are such passionate-about-everything-people....which is a good thing at times and a hard thing at times too.  God gives humans the ability and the desire to love, care for, take care of at times, laugh with, cry with each other.  All these people I spoke of above...they struggled too, with their intense love/devotion.  They might have even struggled MORE b'c of their intense love/devotion.  Obviously, aside from God, they were humans.  I am trying to truly grasp that.  Jesus walked among them BUT they were humans, with emotions, fears, faith that had to grow from small to big, a wide gamet of emotions.  This is such an understatement, but we know it all turned out okay in the end because ultimately, they loved GOD with the very most intensity, which is the lesson I am learning.  It's hard to think of loving my children less on the one hand, but on the other, not so much.  How can I not love their creator and be MORE passionate/intense about HE WHO CREATED THEM IN MY WOMB.  "...he who made you, who formed you in the womb..." (Isaiah 44:2)  That is my prayer.  God, I love you more. I am learning to be more emotional and passionate about You, and without apology.  I want to be about Your business, which happens to be LOVING OTHERS AND DOING UNTO OTHERS AS WE WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO US.  Thank you for Your strength.  Infuse me with it.  I LOVE YOU INTENSELY!

Thanksgiving #1

The kids & I headed home last Wednesday (18th).  I am so happy that a section of the road has been widened to a 4-lane and re-paved.  Traffic was very light too. We sailed on 'home' in less than 3 hrs, 15 minutes, including one bathroom stop, which is 15 mins shorter than usual!  Every minute counts when traveling w/ 2 little ones.  :)  The kids traveled well for the most part, despite an argumentative Grace (needed a nap!).  I caught up w/ a college friend for a large portion of the drive, which wasn't the wisest thing to do for several reasons, one being it kept one or both kids awake.  It was good to catch up w' her though! 

We had a great visit and were able to partake in a lot of outdoor activities b'c of the very warm weather.  Dad bought a mare for mom a few months back & has been breaking her.  She is super sweet, unlike the Tennessee Walkers who are high-spirited, not to mention SO VERY TALL that I can't hold the kids while they are on their backs.  Anyway, it's good to have a gentle horse around now.  She would be a good trail-rider.  I got on her for awhile and let dad lead me around and I walked her just a very short distance.  I love horses but haven't ridden much since college (and then it was arena-riding).  Riding her made me want to ride regularly...love horses love horses love horses.  I put Noah John on her a couple times which was fun, because he is used to watching dad ride and not being able to 'giddyup' himself.  He carried around a little plastic horse everyday and said 'horse' repeatedly.  Grace wouldn't get on the first day and I didn't push her, but the next day, I looked out the window to see her up on Midge being led around.  I walked outside and she said she didn't like it...I told her to get comfortable with the horse by petting her etc.  She leaned down and stroked Midge's mane and soon was comfortable enough to be led all the way around the front yard and side yard a couple times (which is huge- 3/4 of an acre?)  Unfortunately, Shawn didn't have the same experience!  Right after getting up on the horse, dad gave him the reigns.  I tried to say no, b'c he hasn't had much experience w' horses but it was too late.  Midge took off at a slow trot and ran out the gate (which is normally closed) and toward the highway.  Luckily, Shawn pulled her to the right to avoid the road and they looped around and came back up the lane.  After getting off, Shawn said to several of us, "Do you know how often I've had a 4-wheeler take off with me and not be able to stop it?"  In other words, he thinks horses are more dangerous than 4-wheelers and tractors.  It's a discussion we have at times.  I know both can be dangerous but I would rather the kids horseback ride than the other... in an arena with riding helmets.  (Truthfully I would keep them in bubbles if I could, but in reality, not gonna happen).

Thanksgiving #1 consisted of my parents, Shawn, the kids, and me, my brother, his wife, 3 kids, Uncle Henry, Aunt Jackie, Uncle Ben, Aunt Gay Lee, Cousin TaSheena and her cute 2 year old Annsley, Cousin Joe Kyle (wife had to work), Cousin Will and his wife Miranda.  Other regulars who were unable to attend this year were Jack and Pam & Chelsea and Dan.  We also missed Uncle Johnny, Aunt Olivia, Aunt Becky, & Tim but they haven't made if the last few years, but at least we spoke w/ most of them on the phone.  Will fried a 22 lb turkey and it was a huge success.  It was the best turkey I have ever eaten.  Grace said the same and even Callie, who doesn't normally eat turkey, ate quite a bit of it this year.  We started frying at noon and the last of the family members left around 6:30 pm, not counting my brother and his family, b'c I don't remember when they left...they were there til late-thirty :).  Someone came out and took some pictures of my parents and my brother and his family and me and mine.  I can't wait to get those images on cd.  Unfortunately, my brother got a page to go to work as soon as we sat down to eat, but at least he was back in 2 hours and was present for the pictures and before all the food was gone.  We ate almost the entire turkey!!! 

The visit ended with Grace and I singing at church but we added my oldest niece in the mix and I'm so glad we did.  I was able to have lunch at F&H drug store w/ my cousin Stephanie as well as relax in the hot tub w/ my good friend Sarah.  I had to pull myself away but once we made it back (with promises to Grace of Chic-Fil-A lunch on way home in BG from my dad), we unpacked, did laundry, cooked dinner, had a ballet class, etc.  In other words, we are back to our WKY normal lol...which is me and the kids and naps etc...God is good.  Isn't that why the pilgrims came here and why we celebrate T'giving?  It is, it is, it is, and we shouldn't forget it.  Charlie Brown reminded me of that just last night ;)  lol.  When we settled down last night after dinner, we watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving.  Grace fell asleep in the floor with her blankies.  It is bittersweet to be back for all of us!  I think Shawn particularly is glad we are home, since he only came for a couple nights.  One more thing, I have had trouble w/ the pics so sorry, they are mostly here at the end.

                    finally...the perfect way to wind-down in the evenings....for kids and adults alike....

Praise

As expected, because God is so good, things are already better and no longer spinning and spiraling out of control.  God can move suddenly (-Joyce Meier) ... and he certainly is moving suddenly in our hearts & home. 

Immersion...the word the Lord keeps giving to me.  So glad for 1 word.  Easy for me to understand, remember, implement.  No confusion.  Be immersed in the Word...just be IMMERSED.  Deuteronomy is such an interesting book in the Bible.  I'm not quoting exactly but it says to talk about God when you get up, when you lie down, when you're walking, all the time...to put His commandments above your doors.  Immersion.  Listen to kluv in the car.  Call it what it is...satan wants to kill and destroy.  God is life.  So glad for God's word.  Without him, I am a wretch.  With him, I am not.  Keep it simple.  Stay immersed!!!  My heart is changing.  Things are rearranging.  All because of WHO GOD IS, not who I am.  I love Him for HIS GOODNESS AND WISDOM.

God bless and enjoy Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful for the word---immersion.   

Fits and Fights

Ugh.  Sigh.  Prayer.  (Frantic book searches running through my mind...I land on...um, nothing...argh...I will have to get to Barnes & Nobles sooner than I thought!)

The kids have started fighting.  Add on Noah's new fits.  I say "new", because I truly believe it is a learned thing for him and not really who he is.  (Eyes rolling, another prayer, holding my tongue from saying where he learned it).

Handling 1 strong-willed child is enough.  But 2?  No, I say! 

It has been chaotic around here lately.  Between the kids fighting over a toy and high-pitched screams (from either), it is only quiet at bedtime or naptime.  And naptimes are harder than they used to be.  One child is always crying, whining, screaming, or laughing...one of the 4 but they all have the same effect on me and on each other...annoying droning that interrupts sleep.  No, I say! 

I have to find a balance--force a balance.  This family is spinning on the crazy-cycle.  I'll update later, when we are spun out and back to normal.

I won't end there...too much to be thankful for!
Good stuff is we are all healthy.  Can't say enough for that.  We had the stomach bug last week.  It started w/ Noah.  We were afraid he had a concussion b'c he fell prior to throwing up.  Grace had it next.  Then me, then Shawn, then me again.  It wasn't fun but it was a mild case for all 4 of us.  More good stuff is Grace's teacher gave her glowing compliments when I picked her up Friday.  When I showed Grace her sight word list later on in the afternoon, she read every word without any prompting.  I'm so happy that she is a fast learner.  I hope she keeps a love of learning her whole life through.  I try to facilitate it for her now.  We do better when we are 'into' something around the house....  For ex, when she turned 4, we picked a unit to study for a year:  food.  Categories are food guide pyramid, where food comes from, measurements & recipes.  Today we baked pb cookies...did a mini-lesson on measurements.  She doesn't get much more than 1 cup and 1/2 cup fractions yet.  We scarfed them down w' cold milk for lunch.  'Cuz that is what kind of day we are having!  And now she is watching tv and I am plunking out this post.  Noah has been asleep for 2 hours.

We are supposed to leave for M'cello Wednesday.  Grace and I are supposed to sing on Sunday, 11/21.  The song is a Southern Gospel song so I am a tiny bit nervous about the particular selection, because my church back-home is like the one we attend here (traditional!) but when Grace lights up, "MOMMA!  OUR SONG!"  I know that it's the one for us to sing.  It's a hard one for a 4 year old...the timing is fast and there is a key switch.  She will do great though;  I'm sure of it.  I am looking forward to being 'home' but hope we all sleep ok.  Now that mom and dad have down-sized, there isn't as much room to spread out.  We might end up at Robert's w' him and his wife and 3 sweeties.  We're looking forward to getting in mom and dad's new hot tub.  November is perfect hot-tub weather.

Well, I think I have kept you readers for long enough.  Happy Thanksgiving.  Let us all realize our many, many blessings and not take them for granted.  Thank you God for Shawn, for his work ethic, for his devotion, for my children, our home...for all the things you provide for us daily. 

Happy Birthday Joe West Phillips

My dad was born on November 12, 1950.  That means he is 60 years old today!  Happy birthday to a warm, funny, stubborn man!  I could not ask for a better, more supportive dad.  He has come a long way and we are all so proud of him and for him!  I hope he kills a big buck deer on his hunting trip with my cousins and brother this weekend!

Dollhouse and Diaper Bag

Well, friends and family, it is time to send out the post about things and times gone by.  This morning, after Grace left for preschool, I was in her room putting laundry away or something...and I saw her little dollhouse.  She has had it for at least 2 years now and it's nearing the time when we will get her a new, bigger one.  As I looked at it this morning, this thought came to me instantly, "it's already almost time to donate her little dollhouse and I haven't played with it with her enough."  Isn't that sad?  I am one of those moms who tries to keep a tidy house, fix halfway healthy food, and likes to "work" with the kids on stuff (letters, colors, shapes, and now, gulp, writing even)...but play?  That one doesn't come so naturally for me.  Free play especially.  I can sit down quite easily for a game of Candyland or Chutes n' Ladders.  I even recently discovered I can really get into puppets...but back to the point...when Grace asks me to "play" how often do I drop everything and join in?  Not fast enough or frequently enough.  To me, the big things I should instill in my children are love of God and love of others.  That covers a lot and it's easier said than done, especially on days when I myself am not showing God's love.  Actions speak louder than words.  And even now, as she plays at my feet with legos, here I sit, one eye on her, listening to her tell me something about preschool...but here I sit and type.  It's almost time to say goodbye to that little dollhouse and to playtimes gone by.  But it's not too late for me to learn a lesson, after this post obviously.  I can always pray and hope to be better.  Clothes will wait, floors will wait, windows will wait...dollhouses though...they get outgrown way too fast.  Then there is the diaper bag.  I don't know what I'm going to do without a diaper bag.  Where will I stash snacks, wipes, and a dozen other very useful kid-things?  Don't say purse.  My purse isn't big enough.  My mother-in-law bought Noah John the cutest little backpack the other day.  It's a mini-backpack and I simply adore it.  When I thanked her for it, I made a sad face :( and said, "we're almost out of the diaper bag stage."  I don't know that I'll ever need another diaper bag in my life, because we may not have more children.  Of course there is freedom there...but there is also the reminder of another time gone by.  Way.  Too.  Fast.  In the meantime, I'll start filling Noah's little backpack w/ the 'stuff' from the diaper bag and I'll smile because he will be so flipping cute wearing it, almost as big as he is, on his back.  So *almost good bye to the two D's ... monumental D's around our household.  Keep me honest and say a prayer that if you were to look, you would see me sitting in the floor in a green and pink room, holding finger-sized dolls, at a little dollhouse, with the most precious 4 year old in my whole world.  And I would bet, if you were to look, a most precious 17-month old would plop himself in the middle of it all with a toy car or tractor in one hand and the thumb on the other hand in his mouth!

Amazing Grace ( My Chains are Gone)

The queen is 4 years old (day 13)

Grace has celebrated her birthday since Sunday October 3rd (see the Smoky Mtns post)...At first, I thought it had gone to her head.  You have to understand.  It isn't natural for me to throw a big ole bday bash for the kids, do treat bags (don't get me started), rent out an expensive place...point in short:  I think birthdays have gotten way out of hand.  So this year, when Grace asked for a hayride party, I had to ponder it.  I knew we could have a basic, simple "farm" party, so I acquiesced (Shawn is the polar opposite & might spend our savings on such things if not kept in check).  Everyone was happy (though I was still apprehensive).  Just as I suspected, the day of her party, she said, "TODAY IS MY PARTY...MINE...NOBODY ELSE'S."  I gave her a speech or ten, and then paused inwardly.  The thought going through my mind was, "Maybe she needs this party more than I realize."  As soon as her first friend arrived, she asked politely if they could go outside and play.  The plan was to be outside the whole time (we just hadn't made it there yet)...so off they went.  This is where the truth sank in.  She thought the lil girl who arrived was the only one coming (I am pretty positive about that) and she was happy as a lark.  It wasn't all about the fanfare...it was about playing and enjoying her day.  I heaved a sigh of relief that I wasn't turning her into a narcissistic kiddo afterall.  About 15 minutes later, the yard was full of kids and mommas and even some dads who came along.  The kids played in the sandbox, on the playground, on the little kiddy slide, rode the kid-sized Gator and Tractor, pulled each other in the wagon.  They just played and played and played.  Even the ones who normally have the big parties!  They climbed all over everything--the hay bales, provided at least 45 minutes of fun.  You name it.  They ran back and forth from the chicken coup to the playground.  They chased the cat (Grace later commented, "I didn't like my friends chasing my cat.  I felt sorry for him.  Next time, I'm going to tell them to stop.")  PS  She WILL follow through (she means what she says and says what she means, just like her momma and her great gran).  My mom played her mandolin and sang songs to the kids.  We all sang happy bday and she blew out the candle on her strawberry-flavored Care Bear cupcake.  We loaded onto the trailor for the hayride.  The kids picked pumpkins in the dark (I think this is an accidental yet fun tradition now...we have done this twice by accident...it's been so dark you could hardly see ANYTHING -even the orange pumpkins)!!!  It was nice to have Shawn w/ us on the ride instead of pulling us (Papa Dave pulled us).  Everyone seemed to have fun.  And nobody left with a treat bag or had moments of panic b'c they weren't gifted on someone else's bday.

Finally, the post's title has less to do with G's 13 day bday celebration (3rd through 16th) as it does just Grace being Grace.  Of course, I so completely and unabashedly love who God has created her to be.  She is a special little girl.  She likes to hold hands with her friends, snuggle with her mommy before nap and bedtime, LOVES books and is adept at puzzles, loves her daddy to turn her upside down and carry her to bed that way, is a natural learner (fast too--and MANY people have noted this to us), likes to sing gospel music (is on-key too!), loves sweets, and thinks her nonna Charlotte and poppa Joe HUNG. THE. MOON.  She is also independent and knows what she wants and why she wants it (and usually has good reason).  All this to say, she is precious and priceless.  She forgives fast, too, which is a good thing, b'c I make MANY mistakes in rearing...THE QUEEN!!!  A question I ask her regularly is, "Who is in charge?"  Last week, without a moment's hesitation and with zero malice intent, she pointed at herself.

It's fall, ya'll

 This last one I accidentally caught some flare from the sun, but I think it has a super cool effect!

I woke up to Grace throwing up at 5am.  I stripped her bed and pulled out extra blankets, some homemade afghans...I literally think I put 5 blankets on her.  Her only symptom besides the one throw-up spell was chilling and I had to layer and layer her to help with that.  Thankfully, the day got better after that.  The kids and I spent the whole day together, just enjoying books and legos and even playing outside just a little.  We captured our annual "fall snapshots" of the kids, unfortunately without our nephews this time though.  Maybe we can do them with them another time soon.

Now

Thank you God, for NOW.  For Today.  For this very Second.  Charles Stanley said (paraphrased), "When will people start living in the now?  We often hear people say, 'when I get this finished, then I'm going to .....' and the list goes on and on.  I need reminded to live and be thankful for now.  My 16 month old and just-turned-4 year old.  For Shawn's work schedule slowing some.  For my parents and their generosity (our Smokies Trip), for my brother, his fun wife Amanda, and their children.  For all of us under one cabin in the mountains.  I do cherish the moments I have with my nieces and nephew, but it seems with my 'own' kids, my jar full of patience often runs loooow.  How is it that the very ones I would die for get the least amount of my patience (some days).  They deserve my best because they were yours before mine!  What sweet gifts from above, with curls and bright eyes!  I love you, God, because you love them more than me.  Thank you for NOW!!!!

God, I lift up my friends Craig and Michelle, and their three little girls (including a newborn).  You know of Craig's very recent health situation.  Into Your hands...may they all 5 find peace and a miracle.   

Long Weekend in the Mountains!

We celebrated Grace's bday in the mountains (for the 2nd year in a row)!  Enjoy the pics!

Grace chose candy apples instead of a cake!  Original huh?

                   Happy Birthday Dear Gracie!  Nobody sings it like Nonna!

                      Grace's was extra-special (covered with sprinkles)!

                                  Time to open gifts...Chutes & Ladders!

                                                     Candy!

                        Ballerina Belle!  Perfect since G just began dance.

Thanks to my gracious parents, we had a nice family getaway.  I don't think there is a place I'd rather be than (anywhere!) under 1 roof with my parents, brother, his wife, and children, AND MINE TOO!!!  It's better than wrapping up in a comfy blanket on a cold night!  Better than hearing the heat kick on when I'm cold!  Or a hot bath on stressful night.  There is just something comforting about it.  At times, I really wish we could live like in the old days...all the family on the same land, with the grandparents rocking the babies, while the mommas cook!!!  I wanted to share some pictures from the trip, including some from Miss Gracie Bell's 4th bday 'party' at the cabin.  I cannot believe our firstborn is now 4 years old.  She is growing into a sweet little girl.  I love spending time with her on our "girls' nights" which is something we just started doing about a month ago.  Grace is super intelligent and is soaking up 'new stuff' at preschool.  She knows how to spell the words "CAT" and "BAT" and can write her name.  She is really doing well.  Her teacher told me she is doing wonderful and that she has acclimated extremely well.  They bragged on her for being the only student to know a nursery rhyme recently ;) and I have to admit it made me very happy also, to know that all that nursery rhyme reading and cd-listening paid off.  haha!  Anyway, there will possibly be more pictures later, as the princess :) will have a real party with her lil buddies NEXT weekend (Care Bears Theme...I let Grace do her first "online shopping" today when she picked it out, hehe)!

Noah's 15 month check up...by Dr. Grace and Dr. Dodds

Noah John's 15 mo checkup went well~except I forgot to ask Dr. Dodds a question about his 1 yr labs coming back a little low.  I called and left a message for her about it.  Apparently his blood count was slightly low, but that is normal for breast fed babes at 1 yr.  I want to have him re-checked.  Anyway, Noah's Stats are:  He weighs exactly 23 lbs and is 31.5 inches long.  (50th percentile in both)  He slowed down a whole lot, considering he weighed 18 lbs at 3.5 months.  He was, well, BIG.  I am happy with the slowdown...if he had stayed on that curve, he'd be a big ole' boy!!!  haha!!!  He is on target developmentally.  His words include momma, daddy, Grace, Sissy, juice, Na Na (Shawn's mom), Nonna (my mom), book, bye, woof (barks like a dog, lol), Poppa (my dad), cracker, and pumpkin, believe it or not.  We have lots of pumpkins at our farm store :).  As far as walking/running goes, he is awfully clumsy though.  He falls constantly, poor thing, and has bruises, literally every few days.  I feel so bad for him.  He rides a toy tractor on our hardwood like a racecar driver though.  You wouldn't believe how fast he can zip up the hall and turn into a bedroom.  I hadn't thought a whole lot of it until a friend came over who has a child a few months over.  She was astounded at his "tractor driving skills."  :)  Noah waves and shakes his head "no" if he doesn't want something.  He leans in to give kisses and right now, there isn't anything sweeter in my world.  He and Grace play together pretty well overall, considering he's still so little.  They have begun to fuss over toys but I can usually persuade Grace that he'll give up the toy in a few seconds.  He has developed a keen interest in books (one imparticular, a Baby Einstein book of household items) and his favorite thing to do with a book is sit down by our little bookshelf and "read" it himself.  I find him doing this almost everyday and most times if it's upside down, he flips it rightside up.  I love love love it when he picks a book, backs up to me, and plops down into my lap!

Maybe I'm nuts, but I'm excited to finally say we have a routine now.  Since Grace started prek, we have been trying to find a flexible routine and it just wasn't happening naturally.  To be honest...I'll say it...we have just been VERY (V.E.R.Y) out of sync in general, stemming from Shawn and me.  Well, finally, the other night, I sat down and wrote down a schedule.  It starts w' breakfast together and ends in supper followed by the kids having time with their daddy where he can give them hugs and tickles.  Also, during the day, it includes free play and guided play with mommy (which I love).  I like to teach the kids.  I should play with them more quite honestly, but it doesn't come as natural to me...but the teaching part does and I really, really enjoy it.  I have confidence (faith) that because I've approached it with faith, God will honor it.  I am so ready to be in sync and get our family back in line with God's will!!!  I have been so short-fused.  My kids and husband suffer when I blow a fuse.  Not good!  Shawn is trying, too.  It is just taking us awhile to get back on the same page!  Marriage and parenting is hard work. 

Back to my baby boy:
It has taken me a little longer to learn Noah John's personality/temperament than Grace's.  He is every bit as independent and almost as strong-willed as his big sister.  But he is a bit more soft-hearted, maybe.  He is cute as a button with his curly hair and is a huge flirt.  Ladies often say, "I believe he is flirting with me."

I thank God for my little blessings and pray that I will use my time wisely.  I was just thinking today...I'm so glad I have this realization now when my kids are 1 and 4!  They are still little and I truly do appreciate my moments with them, even though lately it has been very hard for me to continue to be home full-time.  God's provisions are all that I care about and I believe HE alone will carry us through.  Please pray for us to have discernment and agreement regarding God's will for our family.   (THIS POST MAY BE DISJOINTED--SORRY!)

Frank Sinatra Said It Best

My kind of town, Chicago is my kind of town.

Shawn and I attended the wedding of my sorority sister and one of my many roommates, Sarah, this past weekend.  It was the first time in years that my 5 closest college friends and I have gotten together.  We have met up separately...but to meet all together...hasn't worked out in WAY too long.  I cannot remember not having these girls as my friends.  Similarly, I cannot imagine going that long again until we all converge.  They are my sweet soul sisters who understand ME and still like, no LOVE, me.  We had a wonderful time.  We did an architectural boat cruise, went to the Willis (formerly Sears) tower, and just had a good time being together.

It was great for Shawn and I to get away for the weekend in general.  We both like traveling and we're both partial to Chicago (although this was our first trip together).  We laughed a lot, talked a lot, and slept in...three things most of us moms and dads don't get a lot of right!?

:)

Camping

Our little family of four went "camping" Friday night.  Not camping like you might think.  We took our sleeping bag, s'mores, etc to the back deck where Shawn grilled hot dogs and we sat on the deck and ate.  We listened to coyotes howl in the distance and Shawn taught Noah to imitate them.  It was really sweet to hear him try!  It sounded like this: "Ah---ewwwwww."  We told stories and cuddled and laughed.  At the end of the night, we brought flashlights inside and after tucking NJ to bed, Grace and I got up in the bed and talked.  :)

Blessed fun!

Pre Chi-Town

Shawn and I really need a weekend away without the kids.  I am drained and uninspired so I'll post again after we get our weekend away (Chicago).  Be prepared for a breath of fresh air THEN (not now, sorry).  Before we get our time away, if you think of us, please say a prayer for us and the children (who will either be here with my cousin or in Monticello), for safety and fun!  Also, I have an unspoken prayer request that I am so excited to hear back from God about.

God is everything!

It's all about Him.
Not all about me.
It's all about His love.
Not my religiosity.

Nothing I can say.
Nothing I can do.

Nothing I am.
Nothing I am not.

Without God,
Nothing.

Nothing. 

Little houses

"You know, love grows best in little houses, with few walls to separate.  You can sleep so close together, you can't help but communicate.  Oh, and if we'd had more walls between us, think of all we'd missed.  Love grows best in houses just like this."  (Country Music Song)

Shawn and I built our home almost exactly 7 years ago.  We built on a corner lot on his parents' 60 acre farm.  The yard has a tendency to retain water and at times, we have literally been surrounded by water.  Shawn made mention of this (he glossed over it) before we broke ground to build.  :)  Back then, we thought we would be here 2, maybe 3, years.  hahhahah  7.  And counting.  Little did we know that we would choose to stay so that I could stop teaching to be a stay-at-home mom.  One of the things we "sacrificed" was moving into a bigger home.  I hesitate to say it was a sacrifice, because honestly, staying home with the kids has been ideal and at times, a luxury.  I hesitate to say luxury, because at times, it has been a nightmare.  I hesitate to say nightmare or to even expound on it...but my lil Grace is an independent bugger with a set of lungs that ... well ... if she ever puts them to good use ... i.e. singing or whatever ... she will put Mariah Carey to so, so, so much shame.  It is true.  I would record it but that would just be mean (to you who would hear it).  There have been times that I have longed for a bigger home so I could get away from the screaming.  Many times, I have carried Noah John into my bathroom, flipped the vent on, all to get away from the shrills.  This is one of many things this little house has seen and heard.  It has also both seen and felt peanut butter (pardon my personification).  Two days ago I noticed a smudge of peanut butter on a wall.  Because I was really busy at the time, I left it there.  Poor wall.  My mom would argue it is just begging to be cleaned.  Fortunately for the other walls, I have taken to cleaning the kids hands faster now, to avoid more smudges that I will not, obviously, have the time to scrub to a sparkling clean.

Staying home with the kids has been a blessing and a curse.  I have learned things about myself that I am not proud of.  I can lose my head over stupid things.  I can yell. And the worst...I can sound just plain ugly.  I know it, because I hear it from my 3 yr old's mouth.  It's like a delayed echo.   Funny how THAT works huh.  For example, currently, I am trying to break Grace from answering me with, "FINE!"  I tell her...say "Yes, ma'am."  To which she inevitably says, "FINE!"  followed by an oddly serene "yes ma'am."  Seriously.  This whole "do as I say, not as I do" thing isn't working.  What's up with THAT.  I have even told her (it's true)..."Grace, do as I say, not as I do."  I just scratched my head and winced.  It seems worse now that I'm typing it.  It is a GOOD thing God is a good God, slow to anger and quick with love.  Spinning off of that, I have tried to be slow to anger and quick to love also.  I have learned to say sorry and I love you and to pick my battles.  A few I don't pick are "Clothes battles" and "Shoe battles."  (Point in case, last Sunday night, Grace in sandals with sport socks on).

My children have polished off my rough spots.  I'm a little more well-rounded now.  I'll admit.  I am not the greatest or the best mom but I never quit trying to be.  I love my kids and I admit when I screw up.  I try to screw up less now that Grace is older, because what if she remembers it!  My theory is birth-3...eh...they forget everything anyway.  I mind my best behavior when the kids turn 3.  Noah John still has 2 years of my screw-ups to contend with.  (In case anyone is worried, I am just kidding).  The truth is, he only has 1 year and 9 mos left of my screw-ups left to contend with. hahahhaaha

This brings me to the intro paragraph...love grows in this small house.  I read something in a book my gran had...it said..."Some are whipping mothers.  Some are loving mothers.  But underneath, they are all still mothers."  Yep.  Gran was a tough cookie.  So am I.  She's the tree, I'm the apple.  I hope I haven't done much harm to my loves.  They are my sun and my moon.  I try, everyday, to be better to them and for them.  I learned not long after having Grace that in order to be my best, I must first love myself.  That has been a journey all its own.  Some days are easier than others.  But if I can't love and forgive and learn from myself, how can I expect the reciprocal or to treat others that way even?

Shawn and I have come to a point that we must reassess things, such as how much longer we can afford me to stay at home with the kids.  It's interesting, because this comes immediately after my nice 1-month sub job.  It's a tough thing to consider-working full-time-because I have college classes to study for (starting this winter, one a semester give or take).  But, like I said, it's interesting, because God's plan has given me peace before.  Even when it wasn't my plan.  So if I'm to go back, he'll order and ordain the job.  He'll put it in the order it should go in...for our family.  I'm excited to receive word from Him.  "He orders our days...."  "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you..." 

Whatever happens though, is not because we want out of this small house.  'Cuz love grows best here!

HA  I woke Grace up for this bike ride.  Actually Noah John and I were a wee bit mischievous.  We went in her room while she was fast asleep.  I proceeded to "carry on" as my Burke relatives would call it.  I got a little bit more of a kick out of it than her, as is evidenced by her expression 10 minutes later. 

Little Brother

Noah John has changed by leaps and bounds recently...and in many ways.  The most obvious change has been his personality.  He is full of it and I mean this in a good ;-/ way!  lol  You can tell he is a little brother b'c he is very (I repeat VERY) adept at getting what he wants (items) when he wants them (by any means).  His tactics include pinches and pushes.  Uh-oh.  That is also a favorite word of his these days.

And boy can the kid navigate his way around ride-on tractors and playsets.  He must have gone down the slide 15 times (literally) yesterday before I insisted I give him (and his sister) a bath.  He would whine until Grace lifted him onto the playset...I got a few good laughs as I sat back and watched.  Poor Grace was literally RUN RAGGED.  She tried to catch him at the bottom each time he slid.  She would hoist him up, run to the bottom of the slide, over and over.  They had a blast.  He also has a keen interest in the chickens so from time to time he would tottle (word?) over to the coup, fall down in the dry glass clipping a few times on the way, then squat down to watch the chickens in the coup.  He really likes animals...cats seem to be his favorite.  Well, wait, maybe horses.  Close tie.  I'm glad the weather has been nice enough to be outside.  This summer was way too hot for a 1 and 3 yr old to be outdoors!  I hope they can makeup their outdoor playtime this fall.  Speaking of, we are out of here for a walk.  :)  Actually a late breakfast then a walk.  Ciao!

Pre

Grace started "pre" (preschool) yesterday.  (Classes don't technically start til Tues, 9/7)...but she started yesterday in childcare.  I attended a preschool meeting a couple evenings beforehand.  It was a nice, little informational meeting where the director ("Candy"...love it) went over the basics, told us what the children would be learning, that they would be in good hands etc.  Before the meeting, we walked in and a really nice teacher, about my age, met us.  She asked Grace her name and (even though we had practiced for this) Grace froze and looked at me.  I knelt down beside her and prompted her.  Still she just locked eyes w/ mine and froze!  Finally I told the teacher her name. She responded what a beautiful name "Grace" is..and we walked a few feet to a hallway where another teacher whisked Grace down a hall so "mommy can go to a meeting and you can meet your teachers and play."  It was the very first time I watched her walk away from me into a classroom...a world just for her.  I almost cried.  The nice teacher (Julie maybe?) kept talking to me and smiling.  I apologized and told her I was normally very talkative...that I knew I wasn't responding (I don't really know what she even said to be honest).  I explained to her that I had never dropped Grace off before like this (I had at MDO about 5 times but that was different...pre is a rite of passage into kidhood/school days!).  The nice teacher immediately told me how she completely understood...that her child attends pre there as well...I think she mentioned she was a s-a-h mom until this year...again, not sure.  She really was SO sweet.  I have to find her the next time I'm there and thank her.  She was so genuine.  I went on to the meeting...it's a wonder I made it down the hall.  :)  After an hour, the meeting was over.  I was feeling much better, because no one had to come get me for Grace.  I signed up to bring food to the Easter party (Thanksgiving and Christmas were already full)...I signed up to go to the play with Grace's class.  At last, I went back to get her and the nice teacher met me and told me she did wonderful and made her a "chocolate chip cookie with ketchup on it."  I am so proud of Grace for easing into this easier than me!  Ha!  Two days later, I got up a bit early to get myself ready.  I slipped into her room and she stirred.  I told her it was the big day...the day she got to attend First Christian for the very first time!  She was up and at 'em as soon as I told her.  Grace requested eggs for breakfast.  We all four sat down.  It was a nice, albeit brief breakfast.  I think we'll try to eat breakfast together at least once a week.  It just starts the day off on a good note.  At least it did that day.  ;0  We arrived at pre and before we could unbuckle her, Grace said, "I can't WAIT!!!!!"  She truly was so excited.  I knew in my heart it was finally time...her reaction proved it.  We snapped some precious pictures of her with her sweet little Dora backpack. 

I brushed her hair in the parking lot and clipped a cute barette in (she refused while we were still at home...she insisted she would fix her own hair...which she did with a barette at the base of her scalp).  I had actually decided if she put up a fight at pre I would just let it be and let her go with fuzzy hair and a barette at the nape of her neck...because she IS independent.  It is what it is.  I can embrace it or not...either way she IS independent!  Like it or leave it.  I've decided to like it.  It will save me a headache as she grows, I know.  Inside the building, we took a couple more pictures and wished her well.  We were in and out quickly.  Of course, Noah John was oblivious.   LOL.  He just wanted down to play in her classroom.  He was happy to ride with his daddy back to "mamaw's" while I drove to Central to teach.  Tomorrow she goes back for day 2.  I will be praying day 2 is great also!  To God be the glory!

Somewhere

I have a list of things to say and a bigger list to do....

1.  I'm subbing for a month (2 weeks down) / High School English (AP and Eng III)/ really enjoying it and may even apply to change my Rank I focus to Secondary English...
2.  My kids are more work throughout the day than the students are...I NEVER thought that would be the case b'c teaching wears one out!  You try it...teaching something worth knowing to a group of teenagers while also keeping them under control yet interested all at once...fine, fine balance!  Add in lots of other variables, like keeping updated gradebook and constantly changing lesson plans...my thought is if I'm going to teach someone's child, they deserve every last ounce of oomph I have.  BUT anyway, after today, I will not only say it, I'll pseudo-publish it:  working outside the home has been a break for me!  I feel like somebody should pat me on the back b'c for almost 4 years now, I thought I took the easy route when I quit teaching.  NOT the case.  SO not the case.  Childcare providers should be paid so much more than they are.  That's a whole other post.  WHOLE new perspective.  Maybe if I had super easy kids (if there is such a thing), I would feel different.  Maybe if my kids were older and self-sufficient, I would feel different.  But the fact is, being home full-time w/ little ones with childcare only once every 2 months when my mom is in town...is hard.
3.  I have lost track of time and have neglected the blog for too long...but I haven't had time!
4.  I have to get back to reading my bible daily...trying to read through it...getting nowhere fast since I started teaching...my fault!
5.  Please pay for me...unspoken (and Shawn, also unspoken).
6.  I am going to get a new camera one of these days...and maybe even a camcorder.  Are they even still called that?  I'm behind the times...and it's blaringly obvious now that I'm around 17 yr olds on a daily basis!
7.  I am going to drop these final 6 lbs or else.

White Milk

Grace asked for plain white milk for the first time in probably 1 1/2 years.  And that is all.  :) 

See previous post if this makes no sense.

Down Home

The kids and I headed back to my hometown for a nice visit.  We had lists of things to return with (ne'r a trip past Bowling Green or Glasgow without stopping for buckets upons buckets of ice cream and blocks upon blocks of cheese).  The van was loaded w/ coolers needless to say.  We arrived and found my dad out in the field on his tractor.  He was bush-hogging, if my memory serves me correct.  I wish I had taken pictures of him.  He is the quintessential country poppa.  He had on his well-worn straw hat, was shirtless, and chugged along at a snail's pace, as happy as could be.  Grace always squeals like a pig when we arrive in Monticello...well this visist she really squealed 'cuz she awoke when I honked the horn as a polite summons to open the gate please! The gate slowly drew opened.  I watched in my rear-view mirror as it closed behind me.  I felt safe and secure and knew...as it thudded shut...there is NO PLACE like home. 

This trip home was an especially special one because we were there to celebrate and attend my dad's deacon ordination.  Three years ago, to the very day, my dad transformed his life into a life of sobriety.  To.the.day.  July 25.  Tell me God isn't into details!  He numbers our days.  Oh, yes he does.  My mom knelt down on her knees as they prayed daddy in.  The deacons layed their hands on him...and I know from how full my heart was...God was happy.  He said "welcome home, son."

That afternoon, Dad, Grace, and I headed to the waterpark in Somerset.  My brother and Amanda and the girls were there as well.  We enjoyed a hot Sunday evening and stayed very busy keeping up w/ Grace and Isabelle.  Thankfully Grace was in a very, very bright pink suit...she was easy to spot.  At first, she was not comfortable playing in the water but by the end of the evening, she ran circles around and up and down the kiddie area, up and down the slides.

Unfortunately Noah John got sick and had a fever nearly the whole time we were there.  Lucky for him, nobody plays nurse any better than his Nonna.  :)  We thought he had an ear infection, as was suspected by my good friend and nurse prac Sarah.  (Sidenote:  We rarely ever, ever, ever go home without a trip or a call to Sarah!  Seriously!  And that is saying a lot, because thankfully, my kids are pretty healthy!)  When we returned, I had to work the next morning and my mother in law pointed out a rash on Noah's back.  Sure enough, it spread all over his trunk, and was indicative of an allergic reaction to the antibiotic.  So...we stopped the med and he slowly got better (his fever had subsided a few days prior).  We don't know for sure if he had an allergic reaction so the next time he's sick, guess what doc suggests, giving him the same med again to see if he reacts again.  Sounds cruel ... sheesh.  Of course I'll be all over him like a duck on a june bug, just to make sure he doesn't have any respiratory problems in the case it is an allergy!

Over the last 2 months, Noah John has stolen my heart.  It's true that I fell in love the first moment I saw his pink chubby self!  But this stage he's in here recently, has completely made me swoon.  He is just so...well, sweet.  And he has a little mischief in his blood that he seems to enjoy.  It's hard to put into words.  He loves to be silly and to laugh...as well as make others laugh.  He is a really fun baby boy and I'm going to have to go now because he has been awake for awhile!!!  Haha.

KIDSWAP

As I type, the little one who made me an aunt for the very first time and who was the first baby in our family is lying on the couch beside me :) .  She is 9 now and I can't believe how fast time has flown by.  I vividly recall her being a little one...her 3rd year is the one I recall most vividly because that is the year that I lived in Monticello and commuted to teach in Somerset.  It was a great year; I got engaged that year as well.  I lived w/ my parents that year as well.  I appreciated our moments and time that year so much...  Irony:  I read once that people spend 18 years tryin' to get away from home & the rest of their lives trying to get back. Yep, I agree.  So...my sweet Callie Paige who is here hanging out with me for 3 days...she was itching to get away and come stay with me (which makes me feel loved-so glad for our relationship-we even wore Best Friend charms today, hehe-makes my heart smile so big)...It's wonderful to have her here...we have had lots of fun conversations (9 is the new 13 apparently), listened to some teeny-bop music *Justin Bieber no doubt*, laughed lots, survived a 'diaper explosion' episode, and best of all, SHOPPED together *Claire's* for one!  I just wanted to note right here and now...there is nothing (N.O.T.H.I.N.G.) I would trade for moments w/ family...no amount of money, no travel destination, nuttin'.  I recognize I'm blessed and I praise the BLESSER.  On the list of things to do this week:  let this tween-ager know how special and unique she is to me and that God made her juuuuust right (middle school is too close for comfort-I want her to know she's a child of the King beforehand). (I love you Callie---she wants to know what a blog is and is getting ready to read this ;o).

PS  Grace is at my brother/Amanda's.  Robert and I met at Fazoli's in BG ... had a nice (fast) meal and split ways....  Shawn is @ KY Lake for the night...so tonight it's just the two of us veggin out, since little babies go to bed EARLY!

Amazing things happen when you eat Trix cereal....

My darling Noah John stopped nursing and is a full-fledged whole-milk lover.  Bring on the red tops and the baby is happy.  Show him blue ... and well ... pun fully intended ... he is BLUE and repeatedly throws his sippy overboard (newsflash:  those cups are not spillproof if they are tossed overboard).  Anyway, I don't think we'll see any of the water-milk (fat free) for at least 6 more months (not complaining).  His big sister, however, is a bird of a different feather.  Much to her daddy's chagrin, I see soy milk in her future unless we can convince her to drink cow's milk again.  This actually started about a year ago.  Initially, I didn't worry over it for two reasons 1) I had a newborn and was preoccupied and 2) she ate cheese 24/7...  (ate: past tense).  I realized recently that uh-oh!  Grace isn't into cheese anymore and yogurt has never been a daily food for her either.  She eats it but not 24/7.  So, the last several days have been spent doing what I will call "OPERATION CALCIUM."  This has included...chasing down strawberry syrup with a Kroger employee, replenishing our chocolate syrup, buying two types of string cheese, lots of yogurt, trying new, sugar-loaded cereal, hand-feeding both food and drink, pleading, bribing, and who knows what I've blocked out.  Operation Calcium is intense, see.  Shawn says, in general, I need to ease off.  But!  Her bones!  They'll break...immediately!  I just know it.  And her teeth...oh the teeth.  I hadn't even thought of those.  Yes, I must push forward.  So far, strawberry milk has been the drink of choice (but even then, it's slow-going).  At present, she is working on the same sippy full of it for going on 3 days (ew, maybe she needs a fresh drink...maybe it's soured!)

To make a point to Grace one day, I told her when Nonna was little, they didn't have milk unless they milked a cow...I told her Nonna's bones got weak and she had to start taking medicine to make them stronger.  I went on to say that when Nonna married Poppa, he bought her all the milk she wanted anytime she wanted...and that now her bones are stronger.  Grace's reply, "I'm glad Nonna's bones don't have holes in them anymore...and I'm glad Poppa buys her milk...he even buys her chocolate anytime she wants it too."   I have pondered this for a few days.  I think she is trying to get me to buy her chocolate.  Lose the battle, win the war...  hershey syrup 'in' the milk and we both win....

Finally, to the point of the post, apparently Trix cereal has a commercial in which someone says, "Amazing things happen when you eat Trix cereal."  One night, while trying to get Grace's milk quoto in, we let her eat Trix cereal for supper.  While taking the last bite or two, she said what she heard (and believed) on the commercial, "Amazing things happen when you eat Trix cereal."  She went on to say she wondered what would happen and that she just couldn't wait for whatever it was.  I asked her what she thought might happen and she answered, "I don't know, maybe a pony or a horse...'cuz I really want a pony!"  I got up from feeding the baby and told Shawn that Grace thought something amazing was about to happen, all because of a commercial claiming if she ate Trix, then it would be so.  I said, "I feel sorry for her.  What do we do?"  We came back into the kitchen and after about 5 minutes, the door bell rang.  Shawn and Grace went to answer it and guess what!  Something amazing was there!  Not a pony.  Not a horse.  But something, or should I say, someone, amazing was there:  NONNA was surprising us with a visit!  Grace literally shrieked; I wish I had it on video.  She said Nonna was better than a pony or a horse.  (That should make mom feel good.)  The moral of this story is:  God is in the small stuff.  While something amazing may not happen each time one eats Trix, the main thing is it happened once, and for this little girl, it made her week!!!  Faith like a child.....  Shawn and I both grinned out of shock and were happy for our little girl...and glad her innocence is so apparent and so precious.  Noah John just laughed and laughed!  It was so cute!  He was so happy as well.  :D

Summer in Southern Florida

Well, I had every intention of posting all these pictures of sweltering heat and sweaty kids and pools and sprinklers, and of course, the temp dropped to 80...so here recently it's been more like a nice, comfortable summer in KY (thank GOD) than summer in southern fl.  AND I AM NOT COMPLAINING.  The pics can wait...and so can the heat!

Bluegrass Fest Take II

     In late June, we attended a bluegrass fest in Renfro Valley, Kentucky.  It's a short drive from my parents' so I sent Grace (with big cousin Isabelle) with my parents one day early.  I spent the night at the house I grew up in that is now my brother and sister-in-law's home.  It was a neat experience and felt more natural than I thought it would.  My "home" has always been so much more than a home...it's been food and friends and family and fun and ... lest I forget fights...  and FAITH...and fiddles (music) and just so much more.  Apparently those very things are inherently going to be wherever my parents are because I feel them too, although they have moved from my childhood home.  It reminds me of that saying, "Home is where your mom is."  I have found this to be true.  I'm so glad to have the house to still check in on though, and it was fun to let the "boys" play together while the middle girls were away that first night.  This was their very first playtime that was not wrought with  barbies, dolls, lip gloss, care bears, and a few "can I hold him's?"  where they are inevitably likened to a baby doll. ;-p  This brings us to the bluegrass fest!  Before we took off to hear music Saturday afternoon, we loaded all the kids onto the couch...and as you'll notice Noah John is in his 3 year old sister's lap.  After the picture, we kind of forgot who had him, and Grace (being 3 and not at fault) just let him go and he fell "smack!" into the floor!  (He was fine but I felt horrible!)  I have said it several times and it's true...he has had probably every bit of 15 more head hits than Grace.  (Firstborn syndrome had it's ups for her and not getting hurt as often was one!)  
     The bluegrass fest turned out pretty good.  It was hot, I won't lie.  But we let the kids swim for 2 or 3 hours which cooled them off while keeping them occupied!  Clark got in the water for the first time too.  I think bluegrass is probably in the five grandchildren's blood because not one of them complained during any of the concerts, or at least not for long enough for me to remember it.  The next weekend, mom and I took my two to ROMP in O'boro.  I will have to say we were uber impressed with the location and the bands.  Yellowstone Park had much more shade which, in KY, is crucial at an outdoor concert that lasts all day long!  Claire Lynch ("less grassy, very blues") was the singer we were specifically there for...and she turned out to be as good as mom bragged (I had never heard her but now am a fan)!  Noah John climbed me like a MONKEY and smiled at the guy behind us a lot...Grace finally settled in to mom's lap.  I think her favorite part was when one of the guys in Claire's band played his body....  We had a nice time...and came home to a sick Shawn, followed by Grace the next morning, and me two days after her...mom and Noah John managed to escape it (thank you God).  I truly love living in the bluegrass state, although I do miss those East TN mountains at times!   

Vacation Bible School

Grace attended VBS at our church June 6-10.  It was a hit (after 2 nights of trepidation on her part)...  I will have to say we all were a little sad when the last night came around.  We enjoyed having dinner at church at night and seeing so many friendly, familiar faces.  One of the tough things about being in a relatively big church is you don't see everyone each Sunday like you would in a smaller church.  I enjoyed preparing snacks for about 120 people each night (I had great help!)  Noah John tagged along with us but left early most nights with his daddy.  I'm going to try to attach some photos from the week but it may take me a couple days (they are in two or three different locations). 

PS VBS has inspired me to start using puppets here at home, with the kiddos.  Our first puppet show will **hopefully** be for my brother's birthday in July.