Moss Family Blog

My photography website is up.

2011-01-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

Well, I've been on a haitus. And I will continue to be because I'm now working on my photography website:

www.melaniemossphotography.com

Please check it out and tell me what you think. I've worked REALLY hard on this and will continue improving it as time goes on. I'm also planning on adding a personal blog onto this site somewhere...I haven't got it all figured out yet.

Sort of just like life...you never quite have it all figured out...

At least I don't.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying taking pictures, posting them online and talking about it all. Come on over and join me in the fun!

Working hard

2010-11-12T13:19:00.002-05:00

I've been working hard lately. Not that I haven't been working hard in the past, but it's been a different kind of work. I've had several photoshoots booked over the last 2 weeks and 3 more on the docket over the coming weeks. I am revamping my photography website, which is taking a lot of time and brain power, both things I am lacking as of late. I am also needing to start thinking about homeschool next year - just a short 9 months from now.

I also have a 12-month old who is getting into EVERYTHING. And I have a 3-year-old potty training. Need I say more?

This is why I am on a bloggin' hiatus.

Fall Pictures

2010-10-27T14:43:00.002-04:00

The Kids

2010-10-21T13:15:00.004-04:00

How can it be that Mallory is 4 and half? Oh, how time flies. She's a sweet, sweet girl who LOVES to please and help me. She loves deeply and fervently and this girl LOVES her Daddy! She does have foibles that cause us to chuckle, like always wanting to be on the right side or acting out entire episodes of Kipper the Dog or knowing which places around town has hand dryers so we can avoid them (she GREATLY despises hand dryers). She is a reader and a speller and is very good at both. She's reading words like "underneath" and "enough" and "thanksgiving" and "knife". She spends more time reading the backs of her soccer team's (and soccer opponent's) shirts than she does kicking the ball. Needless to say, she gets distracted very easily. She thrives on praise and does her absolute best whenever she knows we will be proud of her.

This little guy is going to be 3 in just a few weeks. Ethan is full of energy - more than enough to make up for this big sister and little brother! He's VERY smart and tries to read like his big sister and he's starting to catch on to 3-letter words. He has a very sweet disposition, though he is as hard-headed as they come. I think he'll be really good at sports if he can focus on game-play rather than seeing how far and how fast he can run and who he can recruit to come with him. He loves deeply, like his sister. The boy can become afraid of the silliest things, like a volcano he sees on Dora or a pink butterfly he dreamed about the night before. Ethan lives up to his name: "Strong and impetuous one". But his bright blue eyes and silly grin melt my heart into my toes.

Evan, Evan, Evan. Oh, what a delight! He's been walking since he was 10 months and is now showing signs of running and he's not even 1, though he'll reach that milestone very soon. He's at the stage where he's curious about EVERYTHING and the task of "picking up" has a whole new meaning with this fella. His favorite "toy" is the swiffer dry mop or the broom. He can walk around the house for quite a while carrying one of these cleaning devices. He's a big guy and is already not wanting to cuddle up with me anymore. My heart is heavy, yet delighted at the same time, that my littlest is not so little anymore.

These are the three that fill my quiver. I love 'em.

Changing Habits

2010-10-20T10:47:00.005-04:00

I've been making an attempt to better my life in several ways. I hope and pray that the richness of these changes will continue to bless my life through perseverance.

1. I've been waking up at 5:45 rather than 6:30/7:00, which is when the kids wake up. This leaves more time for prayer, bible reading, journaling and spending time with my husband (and drinking my hot coffee in peace). Though difficult to waken, I've had more energy throughout the day (surprisingly) and more time with God. The benefits of this routine has been beyond refreshing and rejuvenating, even though my sleep is less.

2. Walking in the mornings has been something I have been doing, too. Patrick watches the kids for about 30 minutes while I enjoy some peace in the morning. This has been good for my physical well being and my mental health before I start the day with 3 young kids.

3. I've been reading more quality books. I absolutely love fiction. I love fiction that is easy to read with some kind of love story mixed in. It's a crutch for me because I can get so engrossed that my other tasks are neglected. Since vacation, I haven't picked up a "brain-candy" novel. My good friend (one-time local friend, now cyber friend), Kelly, recommended "Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss and this book just totally changed my life. I devoured it over the course of my vacation in August, succumbing to tears a few times and felt challenged to change many of these habits I'm listing now. I'm actually reading the book again in my devotion time, highlighting passages that have brought me to my knees. I'll have to blog about this more later, but in the meantime, I've read other books way out of my comfort zone that have been enjoyable for many reasons. Since vacation, I have read "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, both classics I used to turn my nose to. I'm hoping to add more classics to my list, though now I'm going to read "The Attitudes of a Transformed Heart" by Martha Peace, a book I started a while ago but didn't have the attention to finish. I will most likely read "Restorations" by my good friend Susan Ball. This is her first work of fiction and in her support, I will purchase it and read it (no need to twist my arm here!). Congrats to Susan for this accomplishment!

4. I've been eliminating the amount of TV I watch. I still watch some of Dancing with the Stars, though not much since Mondays are busy, and I watch The Biggest Loser while folding laundry on Tuesday evenings (I spent 2 hours folding 6 loads of laundry last night!!!). I watch The Office, too on Thursdays. You know, I've been hardly watching football this year. I just can't sit down for that long to watch a game. With the children and other commitments and a hubs who doesn't really care about football, it's just something that has been phasing out. I'll watch my Gators when I can, though. I do watch a movie almost every weekend with my husband. We've had a lot of fun together in our newly "enhanced" basement and have enjoyed classics and new movies that have been fun to experience together.

These are the main habits that have been changed. I still have a lot to do, though. I need to find more time to spend with the kids rather than clean, straighten, check Facebook, email, etc. I need to start considering homeschooling options.

Also, my husband is starting a new job on Monday that is going to "encourage" us to change our spending habits, though the benefits of this will be great, leading us to be better stewards of what God has so richly blessed us with and increasing our faith in Christ.

God is good. I'm glad I've been prompted to eliminate that which is frivolous and replace with that which is richer. It's a discipline. And I pray that God will lead me to encouraging others to do the same. You wonder how you will survive with the things that give you pleasure but have nothing to do with building relationships, serving, or honoring God. I've wondered it but continue to choose to go on with my changes. And do you know what? There is a lot of frivolity that has been removed and I don't miss it.

Glory be to God.

Better use of my time

2010-10-17T16:10:00.003-04:00

I am not apologizing this time about the obvious neglect to my blog.

I have been challenged to make better use of my time and I find that blogging takes a lot of time and time is precious. Time is something I used to have in abundance and now time seems to be a valuable commodity in my life.

Blogging, as much as I love it, is sitting idle because I am, like I said, trying to make better use of my personal time.

And it's OK with me that my blog is idle.

I think.

I love writing, I love sharing pictures, I love recapturing life as it fleets and floats away. It's funny as I write all of this because yesterday it seemed as though I had absolutely nothing to do. I fretted about it and as I was fretting, I looked over at my camera, which has been sitting idle as well, and I felt reminded that photography is something I love, something that God has decided to enable me to be somewhat good at. Why not use my time to get out, enjoy the delicious fall afternoon with its warm, autumnal light and take a few pictures!?

We spent an hour together in the rolling hills behind my house. And it was such fun.

Recreation that stimulates my interests and which allows me to exercise the talents with which God gives can be nothing except worship when done with the right heart. I'm thankful that God has given me the means to (somewhat) understand light and reflection, capturing it through a lens and manipulating it to be even better in the end. It's invigorating. Truly.

What have you done for recreation to exercise the talents God has given to you?

Thoughts on the Beach, Part 4

2010-09-29T13:58:00.006-04:00

Patrick and I celebrated our 7th anniversary over the course of our vacation at the beach. Since my parents were there on our actual anniversary, we took advantage of them and spent an evening out shopping, eating, driving, walking and other pleasurable things that are even more pleasurable when it can be done with my love and without the scruples of children that our love produced.

Dad snapped this picture of us as we were about to head out and I said "oh, let me get my SLR so we can get some fill flash". So, I put my camera together, pressed the shutter, and all I saw was an error.

Oh, fudge.

I removed the lens, wiped out whatever dust may be there, changed the battery, changed the CF card, and did all the tricks I could think of. Nothing worked.

Phooey.

I was hoping to use some of the time that we were out to snap a few pictures of the sand and sea, but my camera was down for the count. I was very perplexed but tried not to let it disturb me too much.

I think I was some what successful...

Patrick scoped out a really nice restaurant called Sara J's which was right down the way from where we were staying. He took me for our anniversary meal, which was right on the marsh of Murrells Inlet.

We had a fantastic view of the Oceanfront living, which was the backdrop of a crabber casting his net over and over to draw up his prey. The sun was setting and it would have been a great place for some photos. My P&S did an OK job...

We took a walk on the Garden City pier and I was drooling over the warm light of the late afternoon. But, instead of focusing on what I could have been taking pictures of, I was focusing on my husband. We talked about the beach, what it would cost to live there, if maybe we could one day live there (this is mainly my desire, I have to disclose), and how we (er...I...) just needed to be thankful to be there.

Every year that goes by makes me thankful for God's grace and restorative measures He abundantly blessed us with in the last few years. I was actually pleased that I didn't have my camera there to distract me that evening. Who knows what I would have missed if I had it.

Thoughts on the Beach, Part 3

2010-09-27T13:48:00.005-04:00

There are a lot of things I absolutely love about the beach, one of them being that I can walk on the beach and not care how far or how long I walk. When I walk at home, I usually give myself goals, like "2 times around the block". Or if I add running in the mix, it's usually something like "keep going until I reach that brick house with the black shutters" or something to that nature.

At the beach, though, I'm so mesmerized by the sound of the waves or the innumerable shells on the ground that time and space just don't matter. But, given that I like to know how far I go, I had Patrick measure the distance (he didn't mind since he was running and wanted to know himself how far he'd gone).

Here was the view to the north from our condo. You can see the Surfside Beach pier sticking out into the Atlantic in the upper left of the picture. I decided to walk to that pier one morning, thinking it wasn't too far. Over an hour later I was back at the condo sweaty and hot, though very happy with such a wonderful morning walk. Patrick clocked it and it was over 2 miles one way to the pier. I was pretty proud of myself for walking/running 4+ miles, since it had been YEARS since I've accomplished something like that.

This is the view to the south. You can see the Garden City pier here. It was about a half mile to this pier. We walked here quite a bit with the kids, who usually ran the majority of the way. We watched them tire their little tails out running around like banshees and the awesome thing was is that they had a great time doing it.

We took the kids out on the pier a few times and they enjoying seeing our condo from the ocean's point of view. Our condo is the first tall building you see as you look from left to right.

We were on the 14th floor so that if you were sitting in the living room and looked out the window, all you could see was ocean. It was absolutely stunning. Since I spent a lot of time in the condo while Evan was napping and the others were enjoying the sand, I was able to look down from the balcony and watch the family enjoy sand and beach. It was nice to catch a few quite moments in the room, listening to the sound of the ocean and the faint sounds of children laughing while I delved into my book. I didn't mind being up there while they were down in the sand. Really.

Evan was an early riser in the mornings. At home, he would be fitful around 5:30am then go back to sleep until about 7. At the beach, the same thing happened but he was fitful in the same room with his brother and sister. So, my mom would get him out of the kids' room and cuddle him for a bit until I nursed him. At least one of the mornings she was there, she took Evan out on the beach in the stroller before sunrise. I tell you what, I can be extremely forgiving getting up at the crack of dawn and loosing precious sleep at the beach because it's the beach. I just hope my mom felt that same way...

Goals

2010-09-23T12:32:00.002-04:00

I know a lot of people start making goals and plans for their life around January 1 of each year. I mean, it's a fresh start, a new beginning, a clean slate or whatever else you may call it. For me, though, it seems like my goal making and life changing occurs in the fall.

2003 - I got married on Aug. 30th. That fall was one heck of life change, that's for sure.
2005 - I found out I was pregnant in early August, preparing the way for a sickly fall yet an exciting winter as we anticipated parenthood
2006 - We moved to Johnson City, TN in Sept, opening doors for a few ups and lots of downs
2007 - I had my second child in November
2008 - I stopped breastfeeding my second child and was on a mission to get my body back, which was successful until I found out I was pregnant 4 months later.
2009 - I had my third child in October and was on a mission to survive.

So, that brings me to this year. In looking back, we haven't had a fall without some major event in many, many years. I've also discovered that since 2005, I have been pregnant or breastfeeding every day except for 4 short months. That's just weird to me.

OK, so talking about this year again...

This fall, I am not breastfeeding (Evan was weaned a few weeks ago). I am not pregnant (holler!). We are not moving to another state (whew!). So, that leaves me to getting my body back.

That is one of my goals.

I've had lots of friends blog about loosing weight and I don't know if I want to go that route. I may, I may not. I don't know. Should I? In any case, I'm going to run a 5K with my husband sometime in the near future. We need to sign up for one so I'll have a tangible date, but I'm going to do some sort of plan like the couch to 5K. I've been faithful for 2 weeks now, so hopefully I'll keep at 'em.

Another one of my goals is getting up early for devotion, prayer with my husband, and exercise, which leads me to another goal of going to bed at a decent time. I need adequate sleep or I am not nice. Plus, rest is good for me. But so is devotion, prayer with the hubster and exercise.

Balance, my friends. Balance.

Another goal is to not be selfish. I think this is the hardest one for me. I'm a very selfish person, which I discovered while I was on vacation. I'll have to some how put into words how I came to that conclusion, but it was actually not that hard to figure out until I started looking in the right Mirror. I am expecting not to reach this goal for a very, very long time.

All this to say that I am starting a new fall - a new season for me to start afresh with some goals that will help me change my life for the better.

Unfortunately I have nothing measured. Should I set measurable goals with rewards? I don't know...I usually work better with some sort of measurement to attain. I am, though, looking at my efforts more as a way for me to bring glory to God, which is something I haven't really done. He's showed me lately how I am absolutely nothing without Him and I want Him to be proud of the way I spend my time and treat my body. I will fail, that is inevitable for I am a sinful human being with a propensity to mess up. But, I will do my best.

So, that's it in a nutshell for now.

Thoughts on Vacation, Part 2

2010-09-19T14:30:00.008-04:00

I didn't really know why I had so many misconceptions about how our vacation was going to go. And as I think through my thoughts and as I write them down, it seems like I'm giving the impression that I didn't have a good time.

This is not the case. I had a wonderful time on vacation.

Now that I have said that, what is it with the sand that is so enjoyable?

I mean, it's dirty, it's gritty, it's clingy, and it reaches down in the farthest of crooks, crevices, and cankles of the human body making it impossibly difficult to thoroughly clean. Yet one of the greatest attractions of the beach is the sand. I can't tell you how many times I've heard it said "Oh, I can't wait to feel the sand between my toes!".

Really? You really like to feel dirty grit between your toes?

I honestly didn't realize I had an aversion to sand until my kids (and hubs) began to love playing in it.

Or eating it, in the case of my youngest.

One thing I was looking forward to was building sand castles with my kids. I remember making drip castles for hours whenever we went to the beach as children. But every attempt to make a castle was pretty much in vain since my children took great joy in stomping upon every sand mound created by a bucket or other castle-building accoutrement. The kids are still young (I reminded myself) and at least their merriment was encouraged around our sand hole, but we had to be very watchful of the other families whose children actually liked to watch a castle get shaped and developed.

So, I'm not a big fan of sand as a Mommy. I didn't know that until we went to the beach. We did lots of sweeping in the condo, lots of towel laundry, lots of hair-rinsing, and lots of shaking-out-of-sand-from-the-bathing-suits. For some reason, I didn't remember this aspect of the beach. But, I guess it didn't bother me in the past since I wasn't the one cleaning it up.

This was the first time I was a Mommy at the beach.

Thoughts on Vacation, Part 1

2010-09-15T13:34:00.008-04:00

I've thought of many ways how to approach my blog posts regarding vacation. I could give you a run down of how each day was, what we did, how excited the kids were, how much fun we had, etc. I could write a book about the whole process of finding a place to stay, packing, loading, traveling, arriving, settling, sleeping, playing, and eating. That's all well and good and some of you may enjoy it, though I think most would skim the writing and look the pictures (which aren't that all spectacular because my SLR broke the first time I tried to use it, but I'll talk about that later).

I think that I'm going to share it a different way this time around.

I think I'm going to approach this vacation storytelling from a perspective of a Mommy. And not only a Mommy, but from a Mommy who sometimes thinks she's still a kid but realizes that she isn't and that she really is a Mommy.

As I packed MY bag to get ready for vacation, I brought with me 4 books: a pre-school science book my dear friend lent to me (after I bemoaned about trying to find things to do with the kids at home), Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, some random Debbie Macomber book and Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. It was a strange collection for me to bring yet I was really under the impression that I would read through 2, maybe 3 of these books while on vacation. I envisioned sleeping in, lounging on the beach with my hubs and kids, taking a dip on the pool, reading, and overall relaxing. Though I had a touch of all these things, it was not at all what I expected.

Even though we brought a small amount of toys, we still had sharing issues, the boys still pooped and peed in their britches, we prepared meals, the TV was still on, the stuff we had to schlep down to the beach was monstrous, the kids clung to us in the pool, the laundry was endless, etc. I was disillusioned by all the R&R I thought I was going to be able to do. For the first day or two, I was wondering if this was really vacation.

When I woke up to Patrick's alarm the morning after our first night at the beach (at 5:30!!!), I was ornery. Very much so. But my husband has come to love the early mornings and he wanted to continue waking early, reading and exercising while on vacation. I didn't realize that. I guess this nixed my idea of sleeping in because shortly after the alarm sounded, Evan woke with poop every which way. And shortly after that, Ethan and Mallory awoke raring to go.

After Patrick read, jogged and showered, we got ready to go to the beach, which took an hour in and of itself with sunscreen, bathing suits, towels, toys and the like. Then the sand was everywhere. EVERYWHERE!!! There was lots of screaming and crying out on the beach, mainly from Evan, but all 3 kids had some sort of fear of the ocean. I was on the verge of imploding.

I felt down that first day. I realized that I wasn't going to have things the way I had envisioned. There was not a lot of joyous family playtime, towering sand castles, lounging on the sand, reading quietly or resting for long stretches of time. It was normal life, but just on the beach.

I honestly have to say that first day was not fun. I was internalizing the fact that I was no longer a kid but an adult with a lot of responsibility. Even on vacation, I still needed to be as selfless as my current role as wife and mom already required of me. I figured that while on vacation, I could have a break from being a servant and be served. I also figured my kids would understand that I needed a break and they weren't allowed to pester Mommy while on vacation because hey! I was on vacation too!

Why was I so disillusioned? Why did I set myself up for disappointment? Why was I so...so...SELFISH???

But, during the course of the week, my perspective and my life changed. I didn't plan on that. God chose to sanctify me in the midst of my my selfish sinfulness. After that first morning of having a cursing-under-my-breath-because-I-couldn't-sleep-in attitude AND after realizing I was going to be waking up early every morning with my kids in toe, I realized that this was a good thing.

Why?

Because I got to see this every morning:

And I got to share it with them:

"His brightness was like the light;
rays flashed from his hand;
and there he veiled his power."
Habakkuk 3:4

Whew!

2010-09-09T20:49:00.001-04:00

I've been so distraught about my last post that it's just been hard for me to write another post on top of it and get past the fact that we gave away our dog.

Um...

My computer wouldn't boot.

Uhhh...

My mind went numb.

Er...

My brain decided to leave my head, take a vacation and never return.

Which one do you believe?

None? OK...

I have no excuse as to why I haven't posted. I've had the great aspirations of being a great blogger with great posts...and lots of them but then life got in the way. I have to decide what needs to be let go. I hate that it's my blog but that's what happens. Yeah, that's a sour excuse, too.

We've been on vacation, we've been recovering from vacation, I've been drowning in laundry, I've been running errands, I've been carting the kids to soccer and the library and the grocery store and to Wally World and then while we're at home, I'm trying to do something with my kids other than push the power button on the TV. Life is crazy.

Life is good.

At any rate, my biggest endeavor right now, other than being a wife and mom, is to re-vamp my kid's sleeping arrangements. My eldest 2 kids are about to stretch off of their toddler beds and it's time for an upgrade. My youngest 2 kids are going to start sharing a room, which I think will cause a great outcry from my middle child. Many changes to come. Many plans to make.

Anyway, I had a wonderful time on vacation. Once I get around to dumping my pictures onto my computer, I will share some of our adventures. I'll get around to that sometime...

Now it's time to take a deep breath and head back under water...

Over and out.

2010-08-21T13:38:00.004-04:00

We gave our dog away today.

We have hemmed and hawed about finding her a new home now since before Evan was born, so I guess it's been about a year. It seemed as though one thing led to another that would cause us to delay the decision. We'd then get used to the other situations we came up with to further the delay, which would cyclically lead us to lots of "anothers" until we finally reached a breaking point.

When the breaking point happened, I asked Patrick what he wanted to do. I knew what his answer would be but I wanted him to come up with it. And he did. He said that he didn't want to give her away but he knew it would be the right thing for her and for us if we gave her an opportunity for a new life. Before he blinked, I placed an ad.

Well, I placed 4 ads.

And we got a phone call. "Oh, she looks adorable and I really would love to take her. Tomorrow."

Which is today.

We spent a lot of time reminiscing about Cayman last night, knowing that this morning we would be packing up her personal belongs and favorite treats to give to another owner who would then give them to her.

Since I "seemed" emotionally unphased by her parting, Patrick wanted to know if I had any good memories of her - you know, about her energy, her face, her personality. So, we strolled down memory lane thinking about all the good things we remembered about our dog. Here are some of those memories we both had of her...

"Remember when we first got her and she tore around the house like a mad-dog. She jumped all over the furniture and bed and couch and ran laps and laps until we were dizzy?"

"Remember when I hurt my knee when I chased her after she started jumping over the fence?"

"Remember how I ripped my shirt on the fence when I chased her after she started jumping over the fence?"

"Remember how I laughed so hard watching her walk around in a no-jump harness we got for her when she started jumping over the fence? And a few hours later I went into labor with Mallory?"

"Remember when she peed in your mom's purse?"

"Remember when she used to stare into the vents of our little rental house because she heard the mice scurrying around in the air conditioner ducts?"

"Remember how she used to jump up on top of the grill and sleep there?"

"Remember when she peed in the middle of our bed?"

"Remember when she chewed up the red pen in the middle of our dining room and stained the carpet red? That's when we decided to re-carpet the house."

"Remember the time her face swelled up like a balloon after she got bit by that spider?"

"Remember how she chewed up our door frame in the laundry room and basement because she didn't like it when we left her alone?"

"Remember how she humped our babies every time she sniffed their butts? And she sniffed their butts a lot."

"Remember how we had to DRAG her into her crate before we would leave the house? She'd be hiding under the depths of our king-sized bed and we'd have to sprawl out in an army-crawl position to reach her? And then she'd nip at our hands when we reached in to grab her collar to get her out?"

"Remember the time when she figured out how to jump our 6-foot privacy fence, wander around the neighborhood and look for someone to bother? And that time on Christmas Eve when our neighbors brought her over saying she was rooting around in their trash?"

"Remember the time she escaped at my parents house and was missing for 4 days? Remember how tired she was? Remember how much we missed her and were so relieved she was found? That's when we stopped bringing her to my parents house. Or anyone else's house for that matter."

Wait. Aren't we supposed to be talking about the good memories? I guess these are.

We both have said, though, that Cayman is a dog-lover's dog. People who love animals love Cayman. People who do not love animals do not love Cayman. She needs a pack. She needs a lot and a lot of love. She needs a champion.

I think we found her a good home. And I think the lady who is her new owner is a dog-lover. And I think Cayman will be very happy.

I don't think I'll be second-guess our decision, though there will be times I will miss her.

Just a teensy bit strange

2010-08-16T23:08:00.003-04:00

I've been stalking Craigslist for a few days now as I am on the prowl for some bedroom furniture for the kids. I came across this item description and I found it interesting, to say the least.

"Massaging Husband with Cupholder *No Ring Necessary*"

This made me think really strange thoughts.

How could I not?

Eliminating a case of the Dailys

2010-08-12T10:05:00.007-04:00

It seems as though, lately, our weekends get pretty jam full pretty quickly. It's like one day we have nothing to do on a Saturday and then *wham*, there is more that can be done in one day alone. Despite the craziness, we had a Saturday recently that had nothing on the docket and we racked our brains to figure out what to do. When you get so busy it's sometimes hard to figure out what to do with free time, ya know?

Hello?

You know what I mean?

*crickets*

...maybe I'm just the only one who has no idea what to do if it's not scheduled...

I'm crazy like that.

And in a lot of other ways...

So, what should we do with our family free time? Go to the mall? We'd only spend money and fill our eyes and heads with things that we really don't need, but think we do.

Watch TV? We'd only be sitting on our butts, stroking the back of laziness which will only produce discouragement at the end of the day because we didn't do anything.

Invite people over? Now, there's a possibility. A good one. But we haven't had some family time in a long time. We need to be together.

Yard work? Fun. NOT!

Housework? Laundry? Oh, Lord. Not on the weekend.

So, we thought up an adventure we used to do when we lived on the otherside of Johnson City: go to Sycamore Shoals. Hiking, Rivers, Forts...outdoors!

Now THERE's an idea.

We got off our tooshies and headed out the door to a fun-filled adventure before it got even hotter then Hades it already is. We were out the door by 9 and told the kids we were going on an adventure to explore a river. They really didn't know what in heavens name we were going to do, but I'm sure they were just thankful that they were going to see something other than the walls of the inside of our house.

Needless to say, the kids had a BLAST. Daddy and I had a blast watching the kids have a blast.

It's amazing how much fun you can have being together just as a family while...

watching the river

playing in the river

playing on the bars

pretending in the fort

pretending you're a soldier with a heavy load on your back, watching for the enemy and wishing for a musket to defend your beloved countrymen

and being with the family.

I must say, it was a refreshing day. We were home by lunch and then the kids took a nap...a LONG nap. There's nothin' like tuckerin' out the kids 'til they flop into bed.

I feel that sometimes we overlook the abundance of activities that nature can bring because we get so caught up with daily-ness. I forget that some of the "mundanity" (if that even is a word) of the dailys can be eliminated when we get out, have fun, develop our relationships, and see the beautiful creation that God intended for us to enjoy.

Go forth! Get outta the house! Have fun!

Then take a nap.

Evan is 9 months

2010-08-06T11:36:00.003-04:00

My sweet baby boy is 9 months.

He's all over the place, crawling and cruising his way into mischief. He eats anything in sight and is seemingly hungry all the time. We're going to grow broke by the time our boys are teenagers. I can only imagine the food we'll be going through...

He's my buddy. He's a little booger. And I love 'im.

It's been a long time in coming, but I finally...

2010-08-03T07:23:00.002-04:00

had a photoshoot recently!

I'm still in the process of editing this shoot and I'm looking forward to shooting this cute little girl's birthday party next Saturday.

If you want to have a photoshoot, let me know. We'll work somethin' out!

Something is just outta place

2010-07-29T10:33:00.003-04:00

I'm often finding things in my home that are just so outta place. When I find these oddities of placement, I figure I am just losing my mind.

But I don't think it's just me putting things in the wrong place.

I'm certain of it.

My kids and husband seem to do it to just keep me THINKING I'm losing my mind.

Thanks, guys, but I really don't need your help.

845

2010-07-28T14:12:00.004-04:00

Here's my youngest at 8 months.

He's a cutie, huh?

The thing is he'll be 9 months old tomorrow.

I just downloaded 4 weeks worth of pictures onto my computer. Do you know how many pictures that was?

845.

What is a gal to do with 845 pictures? I have lots to sift through, that's for sure. And I've got about 10 blog posts with all these pictures. I wonder if I'll ever get around to it.

I will.

Next year, maybe.

Proof of Life

2010-07-20T09:21:00.001-04:00

Little boys. Dirty hands. Candy. Watching Tractors in the parade.

Life is good.

Gettin' Ready

2010-07-20T09:12:00.004-04:00

We've been plumb busy.

Side note: I like using the word plumb. It's very southern. I'm living in the south therefore I can use plumb. If a northerner uses plumb, it's just weird.

Lately, we've been busy going out of town and getting ready to go out of town. Both activities pretty much require the same amount of time when you have a family of 5, of which 3 members need me dependently, and a dog that is very high maintenance. And when the dog's normal boarding facilities are full, it requires a little more leg work on my end. By the way, if my legs COULD get a work out from all the "leg work" I do, I could be a weight lifter in the Olympics.

This week, we're prepping for Ethan's surgery on Thursday. Today I've got to go to the grocery store to shop for food for the next week or so but before I go to the grocery, I have to make my lists. But, before I make my list I've gotta figure out what we're gonna eat for the next few weeks. Then it's perusing the coupons for the money savers. I like going to the grocery, but it takes me a long time to prepare. It's worth it to save at least 35% off my grocery bill, though...

I've got pictures and pictures that I haven't even loaded on the computer: pictures from blackberry picking, 4th of July, our trip to Gommy and Poppy's, my first "food photography" endeavor, canning...one of these day's I'll get around to it (that's my life's mantra, ya know?).

I just wanted to check in. I'm here. And I'm alive.

Just plumb busy.

Vacation - Part 3

2010-07-09T09:32:00.003-04:00

"It was shortly after the kids went to bed when Patrick noticed the rash."

We left off from my last post talking about the quasi-successful day at Dollywood with the kids. It was hot, though not terribly hot. I'd say it was around 85 degrees. Ok, that's hot when you're toting around a 20+ lb baby.

Anyway, Patrick started noticing a rash developing on this legs when we got back to the hotel on Wednesday afternoon. It was more noticeable on Thursday morning, but still not too bad. He had gotten these rashes before when we had vacationed in the Caribbean back in '03 and '08. We had not yet determined the cause of the rash, though heat and humidity were both suspects. But, the '03 and '08 rashes were not fun - not fun at all: a red, itchy rash covering him from head to toe. So when we saw the beginning stages on Wednesday, I was concerned about Patrick and new what we would most likely be dealing with. He was concerned, but excited about trying Dollywood again. So, we pressed forward with our plan and left for D-ville.

We arrived at an earlier time and avoided the train like the plague. We took them right to the water area of Dollywood and let them get soaked. They ran around like banchies on Halloween, happy to be free of the heat and soothed by the cool waters. Mallory and Patrick went on the log flume ride while Ethan had a ball in the play area adjacent to the flumes. There were a few other children there, but he tromped around like he owned the joint.

And Evan just zonked.

I must say, a woman must have designed this little play area because it was adorned with huge fans blowing shaded air into the heat of the play area. It was refreshing and it helped ease the sweat drips that were trickling down my back.

We later took the kids to the kiddy rides and they had a blast. There were no lines and there were a few rides they could go on by themselves. We also took several turns on the carousel. All the while, I kept glancing at Patrick's arms and legs, noticing the redness spreading. He said he didn't feel it and was having a great time. Hmm. I didn't believe him.

I have to say that Dollywood had a very nice nursing room for moms like me who were a walking grocery store. Though I know a lot of moms who don't mind whipping out the milk section in public, I'm just not that kinda girl so I was very thankful for the privacy. The room was very small but had A/C and a comfy chair. I just tried not to think about how many sweaty bums and backs that have graced that chair...

After a great day at Dollywood, the kids were hot and tired and very excited to ride their most favorite ride of the day: the tram! Who woulda thought that the tram would be the best ride? At least they weren't fighting to leave. They like Dollywood, but the REALLY liked the hotel. But before we went back to Hotel Heaven, we stopped at the nearest pharmacy for some calamine lotion for that mystery rash that was now very, very evident on Patrick's body. When we got back to the hotel, there were naps all around then pool time. We decided not to take the kids out to dinner because we didn't want to spend a ton of money on food that the kids wouldn't eat. We decided to just pick up whatever they wanted and eat at the hotel. Mallory asked for a biscuit and Ethan asked for sausage so Bojangles it was. And they were happy. Like banchies on Halloween.

My husband still hadn't applied the calamine lotion and Patrick was redder than a ripe cherry. It was not a pretty site. I scratched my leg subconsciously.

After the kids went to bed and Patrick took a shower, we covered him in pink calamine lotion. He was itching to high heaven, though the calamine helped relieve some of his discomfort. Thankfully, he slept very well that night while I tossed and turned, dreaming about mosquitoes attacking my body and sweaty nursing chairs.

The next morning, we considered going back to Dollywood before heading home, but I insisted Patrick try to get an appointment with a doctor back home. It was a holiday weekend and I knew that he wouldn't be able to see someone until the following Tuesday. He said that he felt OK, but he was going to take a shower to see what his rash really looked like under the pink calamine hue. After the shower, he felt miserable.

He called the dermatologist, who was not able to see him. So then he called his usual doctor, who was able to fit him in at 2pm. We packed up the hotel room, snapped a few pictures of this beloved little space and headed home. I drove while Patrick itched. And itched. And itched some more. I scratched my chin subconsciously.

The doctor told Patrick that he had some kind of reaction to the sun and the rash would linger for a week. She gave him a shot in the bum of some steroids, which helped alleviate his misery to just being uncomfortable. In our talking, pondering, questioning and wondering about this rash, we think it's a combination of cheap hotel soap and the sun. He takes the same care of his skin at home like he does on vacation and it's not like we live in a cool climate (though cooler than some) so it can't be JUST heat. The biggest difference between home life and vacation life is the soap. That's my theory, at least.

Anyway, we had a great time despite the rash. We're planning another trip in August/September and I know that I have to take great care in choosing the location since our kids LOVED the hotel. There is no sense in spending tons of money on the other thrills of vacationland since our kids would just be content in a hotel room.

Vacation #1 down and a whole lifetime of more to come!!!

I'll just remember to bring our own soap.

Kids!

2010-07-08T17:01:00.004-04:00

I had to tell my #1 son to get his head out of the toilet today. I had to discipline my girl and my #1 son because they pulled the curtain rod off the wall while they were playing too rough with my curtains...and they hardly ever touch them! Why now?

The kids sure has been pushing limits with me and I'm plumb exhausted. Ethan is testing the waters of how serious I am about discipline and he's learning the hard way. Mallory is obeying for the most part, though I'm concerned about her intentions, whether it is obedience to one-up Ethan or obedience because she wants to please me and glorify God. She's showing me signs of really getting the connection to sin, acting on sin, and the consequence of sin, but I think she also likes to make sure I know (and Ethan knows) that she's doing things right. Maybe it's my sin that makes me think she has some underlying intention? Or maybe it's because I'm a woman. It's a mix of both, I'm sure.

This parenting business is hard work, lemme tell ya.

So is being a girl.

But this sure is pretty, huh?

Growing

2010-07-06T13:26:00.005-04:00

We have a garden this year. Well, I guess you mighta sorta figured that out in my prior post, but I never really talked about it before. Here it is:

OK, that was a while ago.

We had a great time building this little thing. It was a family affair.

I did some of the digging and grass removal. Then I pooped out so I took pictures. Someone had to.

Patrick has been working very hard in the garden this year. We had quite a few yummy salads from the robust romaine we planted, which quickly were overtaken by the butternut squash. Our garden is small, comprised of tomato, green pepper, jalapeno peppers, and butternut squash, but it will give us a nice harvest which will allow me to produce a few jars of salsa, tomato sauce, and some delish butternut squash stirfrys. I talk sassy to my tomatoes in hopes they grow up to be nice and plump and juicy.

I give our peppers a lot of love, too. They need some spice in their lives. And they'll, in turn, give me some spice in my life.

We also are greatly anticipating our first crop of blueberries that I gave Patrick last year as a father's day gift. Hello, you beautiful berries, you. I'm dreaming about making some blueberry pancakes outta you...hmmmm...

I love you.

We bought some blackberry bushes at last year's Evergreen midnight madness sale and they are ripening very nicely. I go out and sweet talk my berries as I know they will sweet talk me with a glop of whip cream on the side. I dream of how I am to use them in scrumptious crumbles and cakey cobblers. And next year? Oh, I have high hopes for next year!

It's amazing seeing where our garden started to seeing the fruit of our labor. Well, of Patrick's labor. Patrick has put a lot of sweat in this garden. Since it's hotter than a fat woman runnin' in corduroys, he's been watering it a bunch. And the kids have been helping.

So, come on, boys and girls. Let's get growin' so I can make somethin' soon!

Happy Birthday, America!

2010-07-03T14:09:00.002-04:00

I've explained to the kids that we're celebrating America's birthday this weekend. To celebrate, we were going to go to a parade and wear red, blue and white with all of the other people at the parade. And we were going to have lots of special treats. And some cake later.

No, America is not going to blow out the candles.

We'll still have fun.

Trust me.

Well, hello there beautiful!

2010-07-02T14:01:00.003-04:00

So, when did you get red?

Let me pick you off, slice you up and cover you with dressing.

Mmmmmm.

Hmmm...

2010-07-01T13:18:00.004-04:00

Do you notice anything a bit unusual in this picture?

At least I didn't do this. It would make sense that I would do this, but I didn't. This just proves that our lives are plain crazy.

Aw, heck. WE are just plain crazy.

Upcoming Surgery

2010-06-30T14:23:00.006-04:00

Our #1 little man is getting his nose cut off.

Well, not quite.

Though sometimes I feel like I'm going to wipe his nose off with as many times I've used a tissue on it. The boy has a yucky nose.

And smelly feet.

And a sweaty head.

And lots and lots of laundry.

For the last 2 winters, we had been in and out of the doctor's office so much that Mallory and Ethan would start adding it to the list of "fun places to go" because at least they get a sucker along with an antibiotic once a day for 5 days. We finally went to see and ENT back in February. He tested Ethan's ears and saw that they have fluid on them and that his adenoids were enlarged. Now, 4 months later, he still has fluid in his ears and his adenoids are still enlarged and his nose seems to get runnier and runnier, even on a daily regiment of Zyrtec.

It's just gross for me and it must be extremely annoying to him. And I know it's not good for my 2 year old to have sinus infection after sinus infection.

So, after much research we've decided to get his adenoids removed. The fluid in his ears are not causing him to have severe ear infections and his ear drums seem to be fine. But since he's "going under" for the adenoidectomy, the tubes are going in, too.

The surgery is for July 22.

I wish my boy wouldn't have to have general anesthesia, but I feel the surgery would help him out A LOT because enlarged adenoids are most likely the culprit of a very stuffy nose, so the he can breathe only through his mouth; snoring and trouble getting a good night's sleep; and ear problems. There is no guarantee that the surgery will improve these things, but there is a very good chance it will.

The ENT told me that Ethan's speech should improve quite a bit after the tubes are in, which doesn't make sense because the boy has a very impressive vocabulary and speech quality for a 2-year-old. I asked the ENT if Ethan will naturally turn down his volume with the ear tubes and he unfortunately said no. He also said that Ethan would have bad breath for about 10 days after the surgery too.

Great.

Bad breath and smelly feet. Such a lovely combination.

Counting it all joy

2010-06-28T20:55:00.003-04:00

I didn't know whether or not I should post about this; I don't know why I've hesitated.

I'm feeling great sorrow and pain for my extended family today. In the wee hours of yesterday morning, while I was peacefully sleeping in my bed, my cousin, Char, and her husband, John, were struggling to save their 5 year old little girl who stopped breathing (without explanation) in the middle of the night. She did not survive.

It doesn't make any sense to me. My hope is in Jesus, though. I'm praying for Char. I'm praying for my sister, who is heading up to IL to be with her. Amanda was close to Char and her family and is feeling a great ache and will be ministering to them up north.

I've been hugging my kids a little tighter today, telling them I love them, and wondering what it would be like not to have them in this life again. The thought alone makes my stomach ache.

Here is a link to my sister's blog, where she posted a picture of Madison.

Everyday I live, I understand more about the reality of how hard life is. There is so much hurt and pain. There is also lots and lots of joy, too. I want to focus on the joy, though I am very aware of the pain. I pray that God will mature my faith to see joy in the trials.

Joy?

Not the kind of joy that makes you want to dance a jig. The joy comes in knowing that God is control of all things, even painful trials he uses to mature my faith and draw me closer to him.

Pray for Char. Pray for John. Pray for their son, Zach.

Me and my littlest

2010-06-26T21:20:00.002-04:00

I've been hangin' out with my little man this weekend as my older two are with Patrick visiting his parents in Charlotte. It's been quiet around here and I've had lots of time to work on projects around the house. I didn't get nearly as much as I wanted to get done, mainly because I was distracted by 23 pounds of cuteness.

It's the little things that melt me

2010-06-25T14:15:00.004-04:00

Wrankles.

Wrinkled Ankles. Aren't they just the cutest?

I think I'd keel over if I had 'em.

But on him, I melt.

Post-Surgery Update

2010-06-24T12:29:00.003-04:00

So, when Mallory was able to see Doggie after he was in recovery, she wasn't too happy. I'd say she wasn't happy at all.

We needed another band-aid. A Peanuts one. STAT!

Then she took a nap.

Then we removed the wrappings. And guess what? Doggie's nose was all fixed! Well, it was fixed BEFORE the nap. I guess he needed a little more time to recover. Mal is the Doggie specialist. She nose best. Er...she knows best.

After a little kiss, all was fine with the world. And peace is now in the land.

Surgery...

2010-06-23T09:47:00.004-04:00

This post is about Doggie. Mallory's beloved Doggie had surgery today. We did schedule surgery for my #1 boy for July 22, but I'll talk about that in another post...

Doggie has had a broken nose for months now. Mallory had the audacity to chew off his nose several months ago and immediately shunned him for being nose-less, even though it was to her own doing. I was thinking it would be an opportune time to wean her away from this beloved lovey of hers, but Patrick wanted to teach her a lesson through this: that even though Doggie was hurt and was missing a nose, he was still the same Doggie. We shouldn't loose our love for something special just because they look different.

There's a reason why I married my husband...

Anyway, we put a band-aid over his nose and it worked beautifully. He's had Hello Kitty band-aids, Cars band-aids and more recently, Peanuts band-aids.

When Doggie gets a bath, the band-aid comes off, revealing his imperfection. She doesn't like seeing him without a nose, so the band-aid NEEDS to be there or she gets very distraught. Doggie with a band-aid is beloved. Doggie without a band-aid is not.

My mom is in town for a few days and has taken Mallory and Ethan out to run errands. I took advantage of Doggie's solace and decided to have surgery.

We'll see what Mallory thinks. I honestly have no clue what she'll think. Do you think she'll like it?

Don'tcha just wanna...

2010-06-21T16:16:00.002-04:00

Kiss this:

And pinch this:

And while you're at it, sweep my floors?

My Baby's Daddy

2010-06-20T16:18:00.007-04:00

I'm a blessed woman.

I'm married to a real man who gives me real love, even when he's seen me at my worst and at my best, and chooses to still love me at my worst and my best. Even on days like today, when I seem to have lost my brain since I gave him a Happy Birthday card instead of a Happy Father's Day card. See what he get's to live with???

But because of him, see what I get to live with?

He's a ~~good~~ great daddy. And our chillin's think so too.

First he gave me her.

And then along came this booger.

And then this one.

Nothin' could be finer.

Love ya, P. Happy ~~Birthday~~ Father's Day.

Vacation - Part 2

2010-06-18T16:24:00.002-04:00

Our second full day in Pigeon Forge started out on the wrong foot. And if any of you have traveled with small children you may already know that if the day starts out bad, it will probably be like that all day, which was true in our case except for one or two little gems along the way.

We stayed at All Seasons Suites, which was right off of Dollywood Lane. Our hotel room was situated very nicely for a family of 5 on a budget. The hotel was ranked #7 on tripadvisor.com, though now it looks like it's #8. With a brazillion places to stay in the Pigeon Forge area, I really wanted to find a place that was recommended. I had some specifics I needed met and did a lot of research to figure out what kind of place would suit our needs. Some of our needs/wants were:
1. Close proximity to Dollywood
2. A room with a kitchen (or at least a fridge w/ freezer)
3. A separate bedroom
4. Free breakfast
5. A nice pool

And even though I've stayed in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge at least 15 times, I've usually stayed at the same place, give or take a time or two. I would have loved to stay here again, but the hotel wasn't close to Dollywood and if we had a room with a fridge/freezer we'd be paying like $200 a night. So, hence my research. The place we found met almost all of our needs/wants. The place was a little dated and the bed was VERY firm, but all in all it was a nice place, very clean and it was extremely convenient (Food City was about a half a mile down the road!). That all said, Evan was sleeping in a pack n' play that we moved from room to room depending on whether or not he was taking a nap (bedroom) or was down for the night (living room w/ the kids). Ethan and Mallory shared the pull-out sofa bed. They all did pretty well with the arrangement, though I don't know what I would have done if I didn't bring my noise-maker alarm clock with me for Evan's sake! Evan slept through LOTS of digitized thunderstorms!!!

The night before our trip to Dollywood, Ethan woke up about 4 times throughout the night and the last time I just let him stay in bed with us (around 4am). Ethan is a pretty loud sleeper as well as a roly poly, so needless to say, I didn't go back to sleep. Then Evan woke up at 5am and chose to be up for the day. So, I attempted to transfer Mallory into the bedroom so Evan could be awake without disturbing her. Well, the transfer failed. We were all up at 5:30.

Needless to say, it was a crazy morning. With crazy kids.

We headed off to Dollywood and got there with everyone else who was going to the park that day. Lots of people. Everywhere. And it was hot, though not as hot as going in July or August, I suppose, so I shouldn't complain too much. We swapped out our online-passes to our real season passes once in the park and made a bee-line for the steam train.

Why, you may ask? We had been talking up the steam train to Ethan quite a bit during the days leading up to vacation. Ethan was very excited about riding a steam train. Evan was really tired and I figured it would be a good opportunity for him to nap during the 30-minute train ride and I could sit down while holding him (he's a bigg'un). Patrick suggested we ride in the front so Ethan could see the engine. So, we board with great anticipation for our ride.

Then the whistle blew.

LOUDLY.

And guess what? Evan didn't like it one bit. Cried. Cried and cried. Like a baby (go figure).

And guess what again? Ethan didn't like it either. He covered his eyes and ears, buried his head in Daddy's chest and was still as a toad playing dead. Who's idea was this to ride in the FRONT? Right next to the whistle? I shouldn't give Patrick a hard time, though, 'cause I thought it was a great idea, too. At first.

And guess what AGAIN? We had to endure the screaming baby and the scared toddler for the entire ride because the nice Mr. Conductor-man wasn't going to stop the train for anyone.

Welcome to Dollywood.

Thankfully the Merry-go-round was a hit.

As well as the flying elephants.

That's all we really had time for, since the kids were tired (from the crazy morning) and hot and sweaty. We had planned to go back the next day, so we didn't mind cutting the afternoon short. We all needed rest!

I took Evan in the pool in the afternoon while the kids slept, after which we headed out to dinner at one of my favorites, Applewood.

The kids were OK, but they just don't like going out to eat, mainly because they are not used to the food, I would say. I usually get "intense", which is a nice way of putting it, when the kids don't eat while we're out. If I learn to iron out my wadded panties, I think I'd have a better time. One day I will, but it will most likely be when all of my children are NOT UNDER THE AGE OF 4!

We did get a picture in front of the gazebo (or "gazoober", as Mallory called it).

Everyone was much happier when we headed back to the hotel per Mallory's PERSISTENT requests. On a side note, she asked to go back to the hotel every time we left the hotel (no joke). She liked the hotel. A lot.

After some pool time, the kids hit the hay. They were pooped.

It was shortly after the kids went to bed when Patrick noticed the rash.

David and Goliath

2010-06-17T14:23:00.002-04:00

David and Goliath, originally uploaded by Melanie.

Here's today's bug picture. Are you tired of the bugs yet? I'm actually enjoying playing with bugs.

Er...

Well, in my pictures, that is. Generally speaking, I don't like bugs.

Not.one.bit.

The Lily Bug

2010-06-16T13:46:00.002-04:00

The Lily Bug, originally uploaded by Melanie.

Here's another picture of a bug I took on one of our blooming lilies in the front yard. If I think pictures all the time, I might as well take 'em, eh? I'm (or I guess I should say "we're"...though I don't know who "we" are...) assigned bugs, so here to I go...

Bugs, bugs, bugs!

Proof of Life - Egypt's breakfast

2010-06-15T13:39:00.002-04:00

Wha? Huh? Egypt's breakfast?

You heard me.

My daughter has unusual obsessions. Doggie, Pink Shirt, Police Car, Orange House, Norway, United Kingdom, Green Blanket...

The list is long and each story is unique.

Her newest obsession is the Egypt sign I made for our VBS this past week, in addition to some smaller signs of "Peace" and "Hope". Anyway, on this particular morning, Mallory was feeding Egypt some breakfast (bean bags that are stored in an Oatmeal can). Once she was done serving..."him"... some breakfast, she put the "food" away.

This is what I saw when I opened the fridge.

Oh, my girl is a hoot. I wonder what the next obsession will be...

The Bee

2010-06-15T13:22:00.001-04:00

The Bee, originally uploaded by Melanie.

I've never, ever, ever submitted a photograph for a contest. And I'm not really in any major contest, either...just something fun. I've decided to try and explore more with my photography and today's the day I start.

I shot this bee the other day in Patrick's beautiful butterfly garden. The bee was trespassing...sampling some of the butterfly's nectar.

I caught him red-handed.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to taking (and maybe entering) more pictures. And more pictures.

And more pictures.

Mr. Attitude

2010-06-11T15:37:00.005-04:00

Ethan's been a bit of a challenge for me. We're in a full onslaught of the dreaded "terrible 2's". And Ethan is a pro. He's mastered crying, The Dead Drop, "No", and several other tactics that my sweet little girl never tried to do. After parenting a Hard-Headed-Leather-Butt, I feel like I can conquer anything, though I hear that parenting in the teen years are just dandy.

Sometimes he can be cute in all this two-terribleness.

Super cute.

This morning I was getting Ethan ready to head out the door and we were battling him getting dressed. As I was putting on his shoes when I said "Alright, Mr. Attitude. Let's get these shoes on!". To which Ethan responded, "Mommy, I not Mr. Attitude! I am Ethan!"

You sure are, son. You sure are.

Evan is 7 months

2010-06-09T14:31:00.008-04:00

It's been a trite long while since I've picked up my beloved SLR. I miss it. I miss it a lot. Along with my 22.5 lbs, 30" long 7-month-old I have to carry, the gear I have to schlep around is another 50 lbs and counting. My bags (and my back!) just can't handle my Canon. There have been so many moments, so many pictures I've ached to take and my trusty old point-and-shoot just doesn't do the trick. Well, it's been taking pictures OK, but the pictures are just OK.

So, I dusted Canon off this week. She and I have re-connected just a bit. I did take Evan's 6-month pictures, but all I did was load them on my computer and I don't think I've even looked through them *choke* *gasp* *sniff*.

My older two cause my head to spin and I locked them up in their rooms yesterday and demanded they take a nap. Well, not really. But I was a hair shy of doing a nappy dance (no pun intended...) before Ethan drifted off to dreamland and Mallory just stayed quiet. Me, Evan and Canon had some time together. And I've been learning some new PSP tricks (that's Paint Shop Pro; I'm boycotting Photoshop...for no particular reason). I've had lots of fun in my spare time. Wait, did I just say spare time????

Evan is a sugary, sweet little boy.

Coy, too.

Which rhymes with boy.

And he likes to play with toys.

He's pure joy.

Okay, enough of that.

He sucks on his bottom lip quite often as if he's wishing he had his pacifier in his mouth.

He looks at me like this when he wants to be picked up. Or, at least that's what I think he's asking me with those big brown cow eyes of his. Because whenever he does look at me like this, I pick him up. And kiss his squishy cheeks.

And then I melt.

VBS Bound!

2010-06-04T13:17:00.003-04:00

I'm up to my eyeballs in VBS stuff. With my kiddos being sick (yet again) and my fridge on the fritz, it's just snuck up on me. I'm teaching the 4-year-olds this year and am super stoked. I've been doing lots of coloring, planning, pasting, and praying. We start on Sunday, though I have lots to do before then. So, I may be taking a little hiatus. I don't know when I'll get the chance to post again.

I still have lots to do with VBS, but that's not going to keep me from spending an evening out with one of my girlfriends for a little R&R mixed with a cocktail. I'm looking forward to girl-time!!! It's been MUCH needed over here! Tomorrow is the Blue Plum Festival, which I HOPE to be able to enjoy with my family, but like I said: Eye balls. VBS. Lots.to.do.

Ready or not, Egypt, here we come!

Vacation - Part 1

2010-05-31T06:51:00.008-04:00

We had the blessing of being able to get away as a family last week for some fun in Pigeon Forge, TN. This was the first time we had ever taken a vacation, other than going to my parents, his parents or some other family member. Patrick and I didn't know what to expect so we left without expectations and hoped for the best. All in all, we had a great time!

We left on Monday after we had lunch. I had scheduled a well-visit for Mallory and Evan several months ago that I wanted to keep, so Daddy kept Ethan while I went to the DR with Mal and Evan. Mallory asked all morning when it was time to leave for vacation and I kept having to tell her to have patience! After lunch, Patrick loaded down the car, which was too "loaded down" since we packed pretty efficiently even though I'd never had to pack for a trip without an accessible washer and dryer! We had 3 suitcases filled to the brim and 5 boxes of diapers, food, and other necessities to make it through the week. We didn't bring ANY toys for Mal and Ethan - just Evan. When I had completed my vacation shopping, I was looking for what to buy for the kids to entertain them while in the hotel room. I looked at Leapsters and a few other electronic toys that I just felt were too pricey for the annoyance they would be to us in a small hotel room. So after searching, I found 2 really cute backpacks that lit up when you moved. And since my older two have become VERY interested in Dora, I thought they would like a backpack with a map. Inside the backpack, I put coloring books, crayons, new color wonders, a new toothbrush, a slinky (thanks Kelly) and then anything else they wanted to bring (which they chose their Doggies, of course, flags (Mallory is still obsessed with her flags), and cars). They were a hit! I drew up a map for them both from the house to VACATION and their little imaginations just took over. Success!

I could write a book about each and every day and our experiences of each novelty the children experienced, but for the sake of length and time, I'll tell the remainder of our story thorough pictures. I have a friend on Facebook who said that over the course of her vacation, there were several mobile upload moments but now that she's posting pictures she has nothing clever to say. I feel that way, but here goes nothin'...

On Tuesday morning, we took the kids into Gatlinburg. Since our children are up EARLY, we arrived about 8:30, parked and explored the quaint little shopping area in G-burg called "The Village". For those who don't know, my family and I went to the 'burg a lot growing up and have MANY pictures of us in front of this fountain in the village. It was super cool for me to get a picture of my kids here.

Next, it was off to the Aquarium. We were some of the first people to arrive and practically had the place to ourselves for about an hour when more people started coming in. My kids had a GREAT time (though Mallory kept wanting to go back to the hotel. She LOVED the hotel)

As you notice, they were more interested in the fish than the camera. Didn't they realized we were just trying to make some memories?!?!?

Nice little fishy

"Want to hold it" - Mallory

This picture about sums up my life with Ethan. Fun, exciting, full of life, mischievous, dare I say more?

This was taken by a kind bystander in the shark tunnel. This is actually a very good picture...

We visited the Smokey Mountain Candy Factory after lunch at the Pancake Pantry. The kids selected these suckers, though I don't really think they needed ANY MORE SUGAR but how can you resist a kid in a candy store?

After the Aquarium and a nap (a much NEEDED nap) we took the kids to Calhoun's for dinner. Patrick had been to one in Knoxville and was very excited about going. I don't think I had ever seen him eat so much food...or maybe I have and just wasn't paying attention. Anyway, Evan was able to even enjoy some ribs. Like father like son...

That about sums up our first full day in Pigeon Forge. So, how about I break this post up into a series, huh? Or I'll NEVER get done...

We can do it!

2010-05-19T12:34:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you, but there are sometimes I feel like I can't do anything right. My kids disobey, I yell. My house is a wreck though I clean all day. The dishes keep piling up even though I try to minimize my dishes usage. The laundry basket never stays empty though I do at least a dozen loads of laundry a week. I fall into bed exhausted every night wondering what happened to my day. What did I do all day?

Yesterday, though, I felt like I did something.

When Patrick opened the fridge last night, poured himself some milk and said "why is the milk warm?", it clicked in my head that a lot of our refrigerated goods were warm yesterday though it didn't strike me until he said something. I felt the butter, it was soft. Oh no, the fridge is broke. So, we went through dinner and our bedtime routine, the whole time wondering what could possibly be wrong. When the kids went to bed, I turned towards the handy, dandy internet to search for an answer to the problem.

Google: Refrigerator is warm

Results, a million.

Wow. Browsing the headlines, I clicked "Refigerator is warm, Freezer too cold". I checked my freezer and there was frost. OK, that's probably a good link. After reading, and troubleshooting, I realized that our condenser coils were very dirty and the coils in the freezer were froze up. Patrick and I removed everything from the freezer and as I vacuumed and defrosted the coils, Patrick cleaned our now-warm refrigerator. All the while I was praising God for the refrigerator in the garage or I we would have lost a lot of food. After 2 hours of cleaning, unscrewing, re-screwing, blow drying the coils, and cleaning again, we were done. And all I had to do was wake up the next morning hoping for a cold fridge.

And guess what? We had a cold fridge.

This morning I fixed our lettuce spinner that I broke yesterday.

I felt like this:

I felt accomplished. Like I had done something. Like I had saved money from calling a repairman. Like I didn't throw $25 down the drain for breaking a salad spinner. Now, don't get me wrong, I would have rather vegged on the couch watching the Biggest Loser (who made the top 3, by the way?). But there was other things that needed to be done.

I'm tired today. Very tired. I don't feel like I can do it today - breaking up fights, turning whining into asking nicely, explaining kindly why I will enforce discipline, listening to Dora one.more.time., wiping tears and runny noses, changing poopy diapers, being spit up on, washing dishes, folding laundry, sweeping my floors. I'm very weary of it all today. But, it can be done. Now the question is, what kind of heart will I have when I do these things? Joyful, right?

I can't do it.

Or can I?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Preperations

2010-05-18T09:38:00.002-04:00

OK, so it's been a week since I've blogged (sigh). I can't seem to keep up.

BUT, we do have lots of fun stuff happening over the next few weeks. Patrick will be on vacation next week and we're taking the kids on our first family vacation - Gatlinburg! We have season passes to Dollywood now! We'll hit D-wood for 2 days, the aquarium and other happening places that Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have to offer. This will be our first extended hotel stay, too. It should be an adventure!

So, for those of you who have experience in hotel stays with your kiddos, is there anything you recommend that I bring? We'll have a 1-bedroom suite with a microwave, full-sized fridge and sink. We'll have breakfast provided in the mornings. Is there any good travel toys you recommend? We're looking forward to the adventure!

The week after we get back, VBS starts. YEA! I'm teaching the 4-year-olds this year and I'm very excited about the Egypt theme as we're delving into the life of Joseph. My neighbor is going to help out with Evan until Daddy gets home; I have to be at church by 5pm and VBS doesn't end until 9. I think Evan will be much happier at home with Daddy. Then after that, summer is in full swing! I'm excited about the coming weeks!

All things through Christ are beautiful

2010-05-10T16:06:00.005-04:00

I've been busy. I've learned that this is the story of my life. It's my normal. But, I'm busy with people. Little people. Little people who can bring me both great joy and great frustration. Little people who God has given me for just a short time to care for and direct to Him. As I was encouraged by my pastor on Sunday, my goal is to go about my career as a full-time without grumbling or questioning (I'm going to add complaining in there too). I want to choose to live as Jesus did - a man who saw equality with God as not something to be grasped but made himself nothing (willingly and without complaint) and humbled himself. Oh, if only I could do this! But I am a sinner. I cannot be humble without Jesus. BUT, according to Paul, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. May he strengthen me!

I had a great Mother's Day weekend. The last 2 mother's day have been hard and this Mother's Day was just perfect. My parents came up to watch the kids while Patrick took me to An Evening at The Cove in Asheville, NC to see Andrew Peterson in concert on Saturday night. If you've never been to the Cove, GO! If you've never seen Andrew, GO! If you've never listened to Andrew's music, LISTEN! It was a wonderful evening with my love. On Sunday, we went to church and then had a great dinner prepared by Patrick and my Dad (steak and shrimp!!!). Mom and I tried to see a sneak peak of Letters to Juliet, but it was canceled at the last minute(go figure!). We were a bit disappointed, but we were able to indulge in a half-price Frappuccino at Starbucks and relieve Dad and Patrick the responsibility of entertaining 3 kids while preparing dinner. Mom and I received big hugs from our men when we walked in the door. I had an early birthday celebration with my folks with cake and gifts. It was a great day.

My 32nd birthday is tomorrow. There isn't anything too special planned and that's OK. I've had a lot of "special" lately.

Life is good. Challenging, yes. But good. And beautiful.

A Great Debate

2010-05-01T06:58:00.002-04:00

There have oftentimes been situations I have walked into with my children that has caused me to either become highly exasperated with them or caused them to be extremely disobedient to me. I have learned to analyze situations I have the opportunity to participate in, trying to accurately predict how my children or I will react and prepare all of us to minimize the negative reactions within either myself or them.

For instance, I try NOT to take all three ~~babies~~ children to the grocery store. This "field trip" usually is an all-morning to all-day experience, from making the lists to organizing the coupons to going to the store to putting away the groceries to cleaning up the huge mess the kids made while making the lists/organizing the coupons. And when we're in the grocery store, oh my. I just won't go there now...but let's just say it's highly exasperating.

So, I've started to think that I should not even enter into situations that cause me to escalate my sinful nature of impatience with the kids (leading to great exasperation...) or give my kids opportunity to disobey (when I KNOW that I'll be giving them a great opportunity to disobey). Now, I know that the children, born into sin, will always be tempted to disobey and will give into that temptation more often than not, but if I KNOW there is something that will be a great test of obedience, I've been declining the opportunity.

All this to say that my friend was going to take her kids to Boone Dam to play near the lake and have a picnic. I, at first, invited myself along, thinking that would be a fun adventure for me and the kids. Yea! It was a great idea! But as I thought about it, though, I foresaw a great opportunity for my kids to disobey and me not being able to aptly enforce obedience. This is what I thought about:

1. My kids would LOVE to run around the hills and open space of the public park property around the lake!
2. But, my kids would want to go INTO the lake and with an infant, I could not properly monitor them
3. When I would tell them NOT to get into the lake, I could say great floods of tears and a great fit of temper from my eldest boy
4. I could see my kids not wanting to eat lunch because of their great desire to get into the lake and disobey me.
5. I could see my kids choosing to disobey anyway in an environment that could threaten their life and for me to not react quickly to that possibility potentially leading to something much worse than "mere" disobedience.

Oh, there is more to the list, but I'll just stop there. I chose to renig my self-invitation and not go to the lake. Now, I was debating within myself whether or not I should not go in the chance my kids would disobey. Hey, they might have loved it, obeyed and had a wonderful time! But, I just didn't want to put myself or them in a situation of great testing. So, we didn't go. And we ended up having a pleasant afternoon and lunch with Daddy (which was another "opportunity for disobedience" that ended up being OK).

So, the great debate leads me to a question: do you assess opportunities that you have with your kids and choose NOT to do them because of how you or your kids will react to the opportunity? It's hard because sometimes I'm choosing to forgo fellowship with a friend or a fun chance for the kids in order to maintain a spirit of righteousness. Now, I know I can't always shelter them, which I don't, but I am starting to assess certain situations where I know I can't handle the sinful reaction of my kids, if it happens (specifically if the situation can lead to something life-threatening). I believe that I did the right thing of not going to the lake. But I wonder how far I should go with my assessing nature.

It's heart breaking to me whenever I look at the sweet faces of my children and know that the state of their hearts are filled with sin. They need Jesus, just like I do, and more than anything, I want to show them Jesus. With all I am and with all I do, I want to God to be glorified and I want my children to desire the same thing. I know that one of the greatest testimonies for them is watching me (and Patrick) in life-action. What life-actions are you willing NOT to take for the sake of righteousness?

o

Oh, Bahamas, how I miss thee!

2010-04-30T13:09:00.005-04:00

A year ago, I headed to the Bahamas with my bestie. What a wonderful trip! As she is immersed in finals this week (hopefully is done by now...) and as I'm accutely reminded that I have 3 small little ones to care for, we are light years away from another vac-A like this one. Well, seemingly light years because we WILL do this again. We WILL. We WILL.

Soon.

Playing in the rain

2010-04-27T16:50:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wondered how you were going to pass a LONG afternoon with 3 small kids, knowing that Daddy is going to be home late? Days like today are hard and long. Especially rainy days which are dark and gloomy adding to the sadness of Daddy being home late.

Despite the fact that it was pretty cold outside, I decided to go out in the rain. We felt the drops on our arms, ears, toes and nose and I used the time to explain how God uses the rain to make our vegetables grow and our grass green. The kids suggested we pull out the umbrellas, which of course I said yes too. Oh, the joy! They had a great time but when their lips were turning blue, I decided to call it quits. Of course, the tears fell hard and LOUD from my eldest boy. I quickly suggested a bubble bath in mommy and daddy's tub. Oh, the joy! We had a great time with the toys in the warm bubble bath while it stormed outside.

Now, it's almost 5:00! The afternoon flew. I still need to feed Evan and the kids, which will quickly lead to 6:00 and thereafter. Daddy should be home just before AFV, which is when the kids will wind down from the busy afternoon and then prepare for our bedtime routine.

So, when I sometimes wonder how I'll get through an afternoon, the Lord usually gives me a way to make it fun for me and the kids. Today was no exception, though this was a first we played in the rain. Sometimes, no...oftentimes, I have to trudge through the 3-6 o'clock hours; God uses the trudgin' times too. Today, I'm thankful for the rain and bubble baths, both of which have put smiles on my kids faces which will (hopefully) remain for the remainder of the evening...

Please pray

2010-04-26T09:05:00.003-04:00

My niece, Skye, was in a terrible car accident early on Sunday morning. She has a broken femur and is still in the hospital recovering from surgery. My sister- and brother-in-law sound tired and covet prayers for their family.

Skye is a beautiful 17-year-old girl who LOVES horses and rides often. She lives on a farm with her parents and has a lot of responsibilities with the animals. With a broken femur, there is a LONG road to recovery and I'm sure will be life-changing for the entire family.

I praise God that Skye is alive! Please pray for emotional and physical healing Skye and that God will be glorified in this.

Milestones

2010-04-24T08:47:00.007-04:00

Do you ever wonder why there are such stark memories of moments when it comes up on a year since that moment happened? Why is that? Like first birthdays (one and two (and yet one more eventually...)) or first wedding anniversaries. Or like "it's been one year since we've moved here". Or the year after a memorable death. Or the year after 9/11. Those significant one year markers cause me to step back and reflect. Not just the simple "oh, remember that?" but I really reflect. I don't know what it is about those one year milestones, but they are very significant.

Today marks a huge one for me.

A lot of you don't know how difficult last year was for me and my family. February through...well, Evan's birth, was very significant in our family. God did a major overhaul in our lives last year. February 6th through April 24th of last year was a time where I struggled with great sin that affected the most important relationships in my life, especially between me and God. I was fighting Him, running from my husband and my children looking for ways to escape the life God had given me. My very best friend in the whole wide world gave me a scripture last year during this time frame of my life that I breathed in and grasped to with every fiber of my being, holding me close to God with a fragile thread:

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Psalm 16:5-6

I had a hard time believing that God could allow my my chosen portion to be so miserable. How could the lines of my life be pleasant? And 3 kids rather than 2? Man, that was not beautiful, or so I thought. God???? Where were you? I didn't have anybody last year. Even when my friend gave me that scripture verse, she had no idea what was going on in my life until later. Yet God used her. Man, I'm thankful.

On April 24, 2009 I turned away from that which was distracting me from my chosen portion. I was like Joseph who ran from Potipher's wife. This sin grabbed me, alluring me away from my Master, telling me no one would know my sin. My sin had me by the coattails and I had a choice: give in or turn and run. Can you imagine what Joseph dealt with? The consequences he faced of just associating with that woman? The years in prison? Do you think he ever wondered what would have happened if he just gave in and indulged in sin? I think he thought about it. He was sinful like me. But instead, Joseph chose God and even through years and years of turmoil, God delivered him and restored his relationship with the King and most importantly his family. God helped me choose to run away. And I pray He will receive all the glory because I couldn't have run away without Him there to run to.

There are consequences of my sin, like memories of what life was, the months and months of restoration back to God and my husband, and emotional turmoil of why I wasn't strong enough to choose God during those months and months of hardship. I think I will always face the battle of “I do the things I don’t want to do but the things I want to do those I don’t do." Just like Paul.

My marriage almost failed. I did not want my life as it was. I did not want my son, who was growing quickly in my womb. I did not want God.

That was a year ago.

Today, I'm a new person: in love with my husband, thankful for God's grace through Evan (man, God's timing was PERFECT with my pregnancy with him...), blessed beyond words, moving closer to God and wanting to renew my mind with the things of heaven and not earth. The lines of my life have fallen for me in pleasant places. I did not believe it a year ago.

I believe it today.

You know, there are still a lot of people who do not know what Patrick and I faced last year. And maybe I'm making it sound worse that it really was, but to me it was miserable. I've realized through all that we went through how important it is to rally around our believing brothers and sisters in Christ. Our pastor has been preaching in Philippians over the past few weeks, encouraging us to surround ourselves with a fellowship to help us stay strong in the midst of a battle. We did not do this last year. Honestly, I can only count on one hand (plus a few) how many people know the details of what we went through. And it's not because I wasn't willing to talk about it. I NEEDED to talk about it but no one was willing to listen. And that isn't entirely the fault of others. I didn't make myself available to others, too, to share such a burden. I was so engrossed with "staying connected" through Facebook or other means that I became disconnected with my friends. I spent so much time giving away my time to time-toilets. That's why I've given up stuff like Facebook. I just don't want those kind of friendships. I want friendships that I can invest in and lean on. I don't want my friends to EVER think that I don't want to bear their burdens. How can they know that if I don't invest? Can you also believe that no one has followed up with me about my sin? Can you believe that no one has held me accountable since? Shame on me for not opening myself up to those kind of relationships. I'm praying for someone here to be burdened for me. And I'm not writing this as a WANT ad...please know that. It's just a prayer I'm praying right now that ALL of you should pray. Pray for God to burden someone's heart for YOU. And pray that your heart be burdened for someone, too.

Today is a huge day for me. I'm glad this milestone is passed. I'm no longer bound to this sin, praise God. He has delivered me. It doesn't mean that I'm not tempted to give into the SAME sin. God is showing me ways to keep on runnin', which means sacrifices that I don't want to make. And man, sacrifice is H-A-R-D!

This time last year I ran towards God, even when sin had me by the coattails. I ran towards what was pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praise-worthy: things worth thinking about and remembering.

Birthday Party Pictures!

2010-04-22T20:31:00.007-04:00

Mallory had a WONDERFUL birthday party. We've been talking about it for weeks and knew what she wanted for her party and I think the entire weekend was a hit. Mommy is worn out, but I'm so happy that my little girl had such a special day.

Mallory has grown quite a special affinity to the flag of Norway. She asked weeks ago for a Norway cake. In addition to Norway, I decided to make United Kingdom and Germany cakes too, her second and third favorite flags. We had HUGE flags waving from the deck and small flags on her cake table. We had the jumping castle set up and had a wonderful spread of grillin' goods. Patrick manned the grill and did a fantastic job, I must say. Mallory received a Norway shirt made by our friends and a Norway pillow made by my mom. She was excited about them both, that's for sure. She's our Norway girl.

On that midnight train to Georgia...

2010-04-22T08:33:00.004-04:00

Oh, I wish how I could take a train to Georgia rather than drive alone with my 3 little ones! BUT, with my parents coming to town with my kids for Mallory's birthday, I had help on at least one leg of the Georgia journey to visit my parents for a few days. The kids and I decided to come to Gommy and Poppy's house while Patrick has a crazy work week. For those of you who don't know, crazy work weeks for Patrick means crazy weeks for me, too. So, we came to Elberton.

And oh, the kids are happy.

They've been going to bed late and waking up early, running hard outside, playing hide and seek, going on nature walks, eating pizza at Papa's Pizza To-Go, enjoying additional channels on digital cable that we don't get at home, playing with new toys, giggling and laughing A LOT. Evan has a difficult time settling down at new places so I've had to rock him to sleep at almost every naptime and bedtime (but really, that's OK). Ethan has been waking up before 6am ready to play. Gommy and Poppy are more worn out that normal (wonder why...). I did get to take a nap this morning because of my LONG night last night with my boys both peeing out of their diapers and needing clothes changes in the middle of the night. Going out of town has it's ups and downs. There are lots of ups. Lots and lots of them. But, the kids push additional limits whenever they are in a new environment. They've missed their Daddy. We've talked to Daddy a few times since we've been gone and his encouragement to "glorify God by obeying Mommy" has honestly helped them keep things in perspective.

We head home tomorrow. The 3.5 hour trek will probably take about 5 hours, but at least we'll eventually get home. There will be lots of whining and screaming and crying, but it's usually worth it. I miss my hubby. The kids miss their Daddy. But it's just SO fun coming to Gommy and Poppy's house.

Happy Birthday Mallory!

2010-04-19T06:51:00.003-04:00

My baby is turning 4 today. She's still sleeping and I can't wait to greet here this morning. It was this time 4 years ago I started the whole pushing process to bring her into this world. She arrived at 7:59am. Man, that was a crazy morning...

Today, though, I've got Banana Chocolate Chip muffins (with a dash of cinnamon...a spice I've figured out that she likes) in the oven, anticipating the moment that Mallory wakes up for smiles and birthday wishes. Today, she wants to color, play with stickers, go to the park, have a picnic, and play in the jumping castle. I think we can do it all. I've still go laundry to do during the down times, but with Gommy and Poppy here today I think we can do it all!

I can't wait to blog about the party on Saturday. Wow, it was a hit! Mallory was SOO excited and was in a state of pure joy during the event, and really just plain joyful this whole weekend.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

This time 4 years ago...

2010-04-15T16:20:00.001-04:00

I was overdue for the birth of my first child. My baby will be turning 4 on Monday and I've been running around like a crazy woman getting ready for her party on Saturday. The decor is purchased. The events are planned. The shopping list is ready. Family starts coming in town tomorrow. There is still food to buy and a cake to bake and decorate. There is still LOTS to do, but I'm just plain excited. I love celebrating milestones. Especially ones like the birth of my first child.

Back on the Blog again.

2010-04-14T21:36:00.005-04:00

Well, I miss blogging. I really do. I love looking back at what I've written over the last few years and remembering the good things. And the crazy things. And the hard things. Remembering the babies, the moves, the sicknesses, the silly things said, and all the in betweens make me happy. I don't have a lot of these writings over the last several months that I'll be able to look back on, and that makes me sad. I have lots of excuses, too. I'm good at excuses. Yes, I have 3 kids - 3 NEEDY kids, mind you. Yes, I can barely find time to take a shower between loads of laundry and breastfeeding. But do you know what's been a big-ol' time-waster? Facebook.

So, I'm going to take a break from it. Facebook has just but one of those quickie things for me to be in touch with people by not getting too involved. Now, what good is that doing for me? I get a bunch of information and let out a bit of my own by not adding much worth to my day but most importantly my spirit. I've been convicted that giving up Facebook for a time (or for forever...I don't know) is a sacrifice I must make. It's been affecting me mentally and spiritually. That sounds strange, doesn't it? This gradiouse and totally awesome application that touches millions of people at a superficial level is really causing me to stumble. It just zaps so many snippets of my time that are precious not only to me, but to my husband and children. Who really cares what I think about if I'm heading to Chick-Fil-A or not? Well, maybe you would've been interested to know that I headed there today at 3pm in order to avoid a major self-destructive erruption at my kids! Anyway...

I figured that no one really would miss me too terribly on Facebook. And if you did really miss me, you could:

1. Follow my blog or maybe you might even
2. Send me an email. Or maybe if your feeling REALLY friendly you might even
3. Call me on the phone. And if you REALLY REALLY wanted to check in on me you might even
4. Pay me a visit at home.

I've decided that I've been too impersonal with my friends, too. So, I'm collecting phone numbers and email addresses...even home addresses. I've been convicted to step out of my comfort zone and actually be more friendly by calling/writing/visiting. Talking on the phone isn't easy for me. But how can I expect others to do for me if I can't do it myself?

Bleh, I've rambled on enough. I've got a bazillion things on my mind that have been backlogged for months. So, I'm hoping to be back on the blog. Again.

Proof of life - The Fridge

2010-03-15T07:45:00.004-04:00

The Fridge

Notice how Mallory is spelling countries. Her favorite country is Norway. She even sleeps with a picture of the Norweigan flag sometimes...

For an explanation of this series, go here.

Tonight's Prayers

2010-03-09T20:00:00.005-05:00

Today has been one of those days...tiring, long, never-ending. And on days like today, when Patrick isn't leading our evening devotions, I tend to want to hustle through them because I'm just plain tired. Tonight, though, I didn't. We read a few fun books, then we spent time reading I John 4:7 and following, which is what they're are currently memorizing. We read from the Jesus Storybook Bible. We sang "And Can It Be" and "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". And then I asked the kids to pray:

Ethan:
"Dear God, thank you for sending your Son to be the propitiation for my sins. Create in me a clean heart, Oh God. In Jesus name, Amen."

Mallory:
"Lord Jesus, Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to rescue me from my sins. Teach me to love others. In Jesus name, Amen".

These words are verbatim to what they prayed.

Oh God, how you lift up my soul through my children! I had to write these prayers down so I won't forget how he uses little children to glorify himself the most. Thank you to my sweet husband for teaching them to pray.

Swine.

2010-03-09T12:44:00.004-05:00

Patrick has the swine flu. We have been infected by the dreaded H1N1. I don't really have the energy right now to wrap my head around contagious viruses that could put my 4-month old in the hospital if he contracts it. I have instructed Patrick to:

1. Only touch the children on the back if he absolutely needs to
2. When he coughs in his shirt, take it off and throw it in the laundry
3. Use hand sanitizer ALL THE TIME
4. Don't breathe on me or the children

Since I found out at 10am, I have stripped the beds, made the bed downstairs for him to use, made our bed, lysoled all the door knobs, wiped down the couch with soap and water, cleaned off the computer, and made a new gallon of gatorade for him to drink. And I fed the baby, the kids, the hubs and myself. Now, I'm hoping to get some rest. I've been sleep deprived lately and have a small amount of energy right now...and I don't think coffee will give me the pick-me-up it usually does. But, with 6 loads of laundry waiting to be folded, at least 3 more in the works, I need the rest to tackle this monster.

I have to praise God for giving me grace, though. I've learned through experience that walking by the Spirit and letting Him produce the fruit of love, patience, gentleness and the like, peace will follow naturally. And it's peace that I desire.

Lord, I submit. Please take over.

Proof of Life - The Baseboards

2010-03-09T12:39:00.004-05:00

The Baseboards near the children's wing of the house

For explanation of this series, go here

Yes, it's washable.

2010-03-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

My friend, Kelly (a wonderful mom of 5 who actually keeps up with her blog...how to do you do it?) started a blog series that I hope to copy here on my blog. That is, if I ever visit my own blog :-). The series is called "Proof of Life", a photo series that shows the little (and big!) things that a mom of little tykes see...and others may not. It's a peek into life at the Mosses...into things that may be funny to you, but are not funny to me, well at least not for another 10 years or so. I've already compiled a few photos for this series which has helped me take light of situations rather than cause them to make me get into a flutter.

So, here is the pic in the series. And thank you to Crayola for making washable markers. I will never, ever buy the non-washable kinds. I'm even thinking about banning sharpies from my house.

Trying to stay afloat...and making it by the skin of my chinny chin chin

2010-03-02T14:29:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I feel so bogged down by what I need to do and want to do that I feel I have no free time to just do whatever. My blog has been classified in the "whatever" column these days and it's a shame because I greatly enjoy looking back over my past posts and reminiscing about the "good ol' days" of yester-year. But, it's a time-thing these days. When I'm on the computer, I usually am feeding a baby making it pretty difficult to type or I only have a few quick minutes to jot something down briefly, which Facebook is a great tool for. I still read a lot of blogs, but mine is getting the cold shoulder.

Anyway, my house is true disarray right now and I'm finally sitting down for lunch at 2:30 pm while all 3 kids are napping (score!). I'd rather be in bed...which I might do in a sec. I just wanted to say hello to those who MAY be reading...sorry it's taking me so long in between the posts. I'm a bit busy.

The Secret to Really, Really Good Pancakes

2010-01-29T13:27:00.007-05:00

I've learned to enjoy the Food Network. I used to not like watching it. At all. I mean, what's the point? The chefs/cooks or whatever-you-call-them would run through the recipe so blazing fast that I often wondered how could anyone remember what they cooked or how they cooked it or whatever. But, when I started nursing Evan I'd flip on the TV and there was nothing on worth watching except shows on the Food Network. And I became a great fan.

I've learned SO MUCH about cooking, shortcuts, and gadgets that have helped me improve my cooking. I've always enjoyed cooking and now I enjoy it SO MUCH MORE with all the helpful tips and tricks I've learned. I wish I kept better documentation on what I've learned from these pros, but now the tricks have become second nature to me in the kitchen. Things that I do remember learning are:

1. You need to have a good, sharp knife. And you do. Really.
2. You need to have a good zester. I had a poor one and when I got a good one, I was hooked.
3. Onions are like underwear...you should have them on all of your dinner dishes!!! (and they are in practically all of mine...)

Wow, that's all I remember right now...

Anyway, I was watching a program the other night called "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" where chef Bobby Flay (based in NYC) finds the masters in different kinds of cooking and then try to out-cook them. Well, in the first episode I saw, he challenged a master pancake maker to a throwdown in making blueberry pancakes. In their discussions, they rattled off how to make these and what their secrets are. I was blown away that I was using the EXACT same ingredients as the Clinton Street Baking Company in NYC (except for their secret ingredient, whatever that was...), but I was just missing out on certain steps to make these pancakes fabulous. And after trying out their tricks, I have learned that I can also make finger-lickin' fabulous-o pancakes. The secret is separating the egg, beating the egg whites to a nice fluff and then folding it into the batter at the end before spooning the batter onto the griddle.

So, I here now impart my pancake wisdom. Don't buy Jiffy or Bisquick EVER AGAIN!!! Do it this way...you should have all the ingredients in your cupboard. And if you don't, go out and put these ingredients in your cupboard. And I challenge you to make them, additional steps and all. You will be pleased.

Pancakes (makes 16-18 pancakes)
2 cups of All-Purpose Flour (for healthier pancakes, substitute some or all of the flour with Whole Wheat Flour)
3 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 c. White or Brown Sugar
1 tsp salt
2 Eggs, seperated
1 1/2 c Milk (if you want, add 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar for a buttermilk taste)
1 Tbsp Canola or Vegetable Oil
1 tsp vanilla or maple extract

1. Heat your griddle on medium high heat. Start heating it before making your batter so it will be nice an hot when you're ready to pour your batter.
2. In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients
3. In another bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients and egg yolks (do not add the egg whites yet!)
4. Add your wet ingredients (minus egg whites) to your dry ingredients and stir (by hand, people) until just blended *Note: I made a mistake here. I used to beat with a hand mixer and I over-mixed the ingredients. There will be lumps when hand-stirring, but that's OK. Just don't mix it until it's smooth!!!
5. Rinse out the bowl for the wet ingredients and dry it out (or just use another bowl...). Add the egg whites to the clean bowl. Beat the egg whites (with a mixer this time or if you want to use a whisk, more power to ya!) until nice a fluffy, about 2 minutes.
6. Fold the egg whites into the pancake batter until just mixed.

Now, your batter is ready. Spoon it onto your griddle and make some AWESOME pancakes!

Here are some extra tips I've tried and work deliciously:
1. If you want some REALLY good pancakes, butter the griddle. I'm trying to cut back on the fat, though, and this is a step that I'm willing to let go of, especially since I use a Teflon pan and don't have a problem with my pancakes sticking.
2. If you want to add something to your pancakes, like blueberries or chocolate chips, don't add them until you spoon the batter onto the griddle. Adding them to the batter weighs the batter down and also inhibits an even distribution of pancake accouterments.
3. I find that if you heat the griddle before making the batter, there is NO SUCH THING as a "throw-away" first batch. I've never had that problem when my griddle is really hot. Now, don't heat your griddle on high heat; the outside of the pancake will burn when the inside has not yet set.
4. After you've flipped your pancake and while you're waiting impatiently for the second side to cook, resist the impulse to press down the pancake with your spatula!!! You will undo all the effort you've made to achieve the most fabulously fluffy pancakes.
5. Buy the $6 bottle maple syrup. The HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) version is gross. Maple is the only way to go. And when you make THESE pancakes, you should top it with the best.

OK, I've challenged you. Please report back and let me know how you have fared!

Hello Blog, my name is Melanie.

2010-01-16T10:49:00.002-05:00

It's been almost 2 months. 2 MONTHS, people, since I've made a post. I'm aghast. Seriously. I never thought I'd be one of "those people" who left there blogs out to dry. But, I am one of those people, I guess. Oiy.

Actually, the only reason I'm writing is because I'm sitting in my older children's room making sure they sleep instead of tarry out of bed, as they do often. I'm tired of disciplining them for this. And since I'm pretty sick, I just don't have the patience. So, instead of reading Facebook or the news of the terrible Haitian earthquake, I'm getting reacquainted with my blog.

Not that this is a re-aquaintence, per se, because that would mean I'd give you an extremely lengthy update on how things are in the Moss world. Besides the craziness of the holidays, the following list will tell you what I've been doing the last several weeks:

1. Breastfeeding
2. Diaper Changing
3. Laundry, laundry and more laundry
4. Cleaning
5. Keeping the Peace

#4 will hopefully get a little better since my husband has agreed to let me hire a housecleaner for a few months. Boy, am I stoked about that one.

I'm also getting into more homeschool work with the kids. I'm especially excited about February, where we'll be focusing on the Olympics. Yeah!!!

Well, I've got to run, but at least you get a little taste of my life. Crazy, Crazy and more Crazy.

But very blessed.

Thanksgiving Day Menu

2009-11-25T10:05:00.005-05:00

I'm starting preparations today for our Thanksgiving Dinner. This year, I'm hosting dinner...again. I enjoy cooking Thanksgiving Dinner very much. I love my kitchen. I love cooking. I love making yummy food for family and friends to enjoy.

The thing is, I haven't cooked in like 4 weeks. I feel a little rusty, but I'm getting back in the swing. I've planned the menu and figured I'd share. Here we go...

Smoked Lemon Turkey (Patrick's undertaking, which was mucho delicious last year)
Good Eats Roasted Turkey (complete with brine including some homemade vegetable stock)
Best Gravy Ever
Mashed Potatoes
Sausage and Cornbread Dressing
Sweet Potato Casserole (my own recipe)
Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Cranberry Sauce (...from a can)
Homemade dinner rolls
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies
Apple Crumb Pie

My in-laws are coming in town, bringing some goods in toe (breakfast items) and we've also invited our neighbors over for Thanksgiving. They are Indian and will bringing an Indian rice dish to add to our traditional meal. We're thankful for the bounty that we'll be able to share with our friends and family.

The blogging respite will be extended until further notice...

2009-11-15T15:18:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged since Evan's birthday. And so much has happened since then. I hate being behind, but I have no choice. Something HAS to be put by the wayside and for now, that is the computer. I'm rarely on it anymore...just to check email and Facebook, which is a huge source of communication for me now. I have load of pics to share and tales to tell, but I just don't have the time right now. Even with another set of hands (or more!!!) being around for the past 17 days since Evan's birth, I still haven't gotten into the swing of EVERYTHING yet. We still meals coming this week and through December (thank you, church family!) and I have lots of people extending me help with the kids. But, between breastfeeding, laundry, my children and husband's daily needs, and rest for my sanity, I have no time. None.

For those of you with multiple kids, encouragement that I will find a new normal will be greatly appreciated. I honestly hope that "normal"will be more than diapers, laundry and a milk production, but for now that's what it is. And I'm thankful. Really and truely.

More to come...eventually. :-)

Evan Jerome

2009-10-29T18:12:00.003-04:00

Here's our little guy...born today about 3:15pm, weighing 7lbs 10oz. More details to come...

God is so gracious.

2009-10-29T05:59:00.001-04:00

I feel very strange today, knowing that my baby will definitely be born yet I have not had one of those death-defying contractions or crazy water-breakage moments. I'm a planner and this whole “planning an induction” thing has had its up sides yet it's still very strange for me to have the birth of my child scheduled, since I'm a very “natural all the way” type of laborist. After talking to my doctor, he explained that the risks of babies passing meconium in utero increases after 41 weeks, which for me would be on Sunday. Mallory passed her meconium before delivery and she was 40w5d (I'm currently 40w4d). We've been there, done that...having a baby aspirate meconium and stay in the NICU for 4 days. More than anything, I want to avoid that for this baby. So, I'm succumbing to having what is usually natural for me be something a little more “medical”. Not that it's a bad thing, thanks to the advancement in medicine for L&D, it's just unusual for me.

So, like my other 2 labors, this one will be very different for us. The outcome, we pray, will be the same: the arrival of strapping Moss-child whom we'll love and cherish. The process of getting him out will just be different.

Both Patrick and I have woken up pretty early this morning in preparation for this day. He's spending time with God, praying for us and reading the Word to gather strength for this day. Me, I've been doing a lot of praying and reflecting, thanking God for bringing me to this point of great, intense joy in the arrival of this little guy. When I found out I was pregnant (I was only 4 weeks along), I was greatly depressed at knowing I was going to have another. We were at a very low point in our marriage, faith and family and I didn't know how we were going to do this. I was, shamefully confessing, hoping that somehow God would take this child from me to relieve us from wondering how we were going to piece together what was broken while raising yet another baby. I was not happy at all. Oh, but by God's great mercy, he did not grant my request. Instead, he took what was broken in our lives and made something very beautiful. God used this pregnancy to show us how much grace He had for us and out of his love, our hearts were changed from despair to hope. This baby, though still unborn for only a short while more, is a symbol of God's sacred blessing in our lives and we're thankful for this 3rd child. We love him so much and I can't wait to hold him, kiss him, nurse him...sacrificing of myself for his life and well being.

Pray for us today. Pray that this labor will go well. My fear that was once about this labor is gone now. The fear has been replace with peace and excitement. Yes, it will be different with lots of unknowns, but that's OK. I have a God who is gracious.

Can't wait to meet you, little one!

40 weeks

2009-10-25T06:34:00.004-04:00

Today, I'm officially "due". October 25, 2009.

I was 40w5d pregnant with Mallory when she was born. She liked where she was in my womb and took her blessed time to arrive. Today, Mallory is easily distracted and continually dawdles and daydreams, taking her time to do everything from going to the potty to eating her food to cleaning up her toys to falling asleep.

I was 39w3d pregnant with Ethan when he was born. He was ready and willing to come out in good time. Today, he wants his way quickly and immediately or he'll pitch a fit. He started running early, talking early, eating solids early, comprehending early...and so many more things...EARLY.

It makes me wonder what this little guy will be like. I guess that will depend on when I go into labor???? Time can only tell...

From the mouths of Babes

2009-10-20T12:34:00.002-04:00

Scene: Mommy and Daddy are getting ready for church in the bathroom.

While Daddy is putting in his contacts...
Mallory: Daddy's eye is broken.

While Daddy is shaving...
Mallory: Daddy's painting his mouth.

Fall Photos

2009-10-15T12:34:00.005-04:00

I haven't had much time to do anything these days except chase after my born children while extra large with my unborn child. I've been switching rooms, cleaning out closets, making burp clothes and blankets, *trying* to keep up with preschool, and all of my other duties as wife and mom. Needless to say, when I have a chance to sit or rest, I sit or rest. So, the blog has been on the back burner and it will probably be that way for a while...

I did have a brief photo shoot with the kids earlier this week before the rain came (we're supposed to have rain for the next several days...). Here are a few...

The Outtakes:

Oh, Ethan!!!

2009-10-06T17:26:00.001-04:00

I just gave Ethan a piece of cheese to munch on and he looked at it and said "It's a trapezoid".

Oh, he makes me smile.

This time last year...

2009-10-05T19:56:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how plans can VASTLY differ from one year to the next!

On October 5, 2008 we were sailing away from Tampa, FL for a 7 day vacation. On October 5, 2009 I'm 37w2d pregnant while caring for and cleaning up messes of 2 sick children.

Fullness of Joy

2009-10-03T13:14:00.003-04:00

While I was folding clothes this afternoon, sitting in front of the TV watching a Praise Baby video for the 100th time with Ethan, I had an epiphany.

So many little things in my life have added up to show me how much joy there exists way deep down in my heart; it's a joy that is only God-given and nothing that I've done is deserving of this joy.

I was folding one of Patrick's shirts and God showed me what a treasure I have in my husband. It's hard for me to believe that 6 months ago, I didn't like being in the same room with him...and him me. There was so much unspoken tension that we didn't know how to address, except through anger, aversion, and tears. After falling down into a lowest of low, God has slowly brought us through this muck and mire, transforming our hearts from ones of despair to hope. And there is fullness of joy in our marriage.

This morning, I woke up about 6:30, thinking that Patrick was downstairs doing some reading and I poured my coffee while starting on my never-ending list of to-dos. About 30 minutes later, I heard the garage door open and I was surprised to see Patrick walk in with a bag of cinnamon-chip scones and a pumpkin spice latte for me. I was speechless at this act of kindness, knowing that he thought of me first thing and went out to get me something I enjoy...just because he loves me. He's been asking me questions about what I like from here or there and I just didn't add it up, not even expecting such a gesture. We shared the pastries with the kids, spending a leisurely morning together in laughter and excitement of another adventure he was taking Mallory on this afternoon...a date to see her first movie in a theatre. He's been wanting to do something like this with Mal and I'm excited for both of them. Last weekend, he gave me time to myself while taking the kids to his parents for the weekend. And he's also been helping out a lot with other tasks that are normally mine, but with the greatness of my berth, it's been more physically challenging for me and he notices. I also found and re-read a note yesterday that he wrote to me a few months ago, expressing his love for me and desiring to show me the love I deserve as his wife.

I'm thankful for the lessons we're learning about love. We sacrifice precious sleep time for 20-30 minutes alone with each other in the mornings to have a brief devotion, pray, and talk about what's going on in our hearts. We had a few weeks of direction through counselling at church, but other than that, our commitment to this time has been under the leadership of Patrick and my willingness to follow. It's amazing what God will do when choosing to do things God's way. God can transform the ugliest of ugly to something very beautiful and new. I can't tell you how many ways our marriage has flourished...and it hasn't been because we talked to the right people or we've been held accountable by this person or that person or because we've delved into programs or what-not. Our marriage has flourished under the grace of God through Christ who is served by a faithful husband dedicated to love his wife and by a wife who chooses to submit to her husband.

Easy? No. This has not been a easy road.

But as the little things happen in life, like lattes, laundry, laughter and love notes, God will show Himself gracious to the undeserved sinner.

And He will give fullness of joy.

Our first unit study is finished!

2009-09-29T06:23:00.003-04:00

We just wrapped up our Home and Family unit study. I can't believe this month has already passed and I'm just so excited about what we have ALL learned in this first month of "school".

Kids:

Topical Learning:
- Relationship between Mommy/Daddy, Child/Parents, Parents/Grandparents, Child/Child, etc.
- Other familial relationships
- We have another brother who's coming very soon!
- Jesus is God's Son. We can be children of God through believing in Jesus.
- Our address
- Details about our home
- Our heart is Jesus' home when we believe in Him
- Being good stewards of our home and things
- We need to be thankful and kind to our neighbors

Practical Learning:
- Sitting and listening
- Cutting (greatly improved Mal's Fine Motor Skills!)
- Gluing
- Following a pattern/instruction
- Following a schedule
- Creating art

Me (and Patrick)
- Patience!
- Schedules cannot always be adhered to, but are very, very useful
- Little things can make a BIG difference
- Persistence is key

There are definitely more things I can add to this list!!! This week, we're going over the days of the week, calendars, seasons, etc. in preparation in talking about our unit study in October of Fall and Harvest. We'll have lots of hands on activities this month, like looking at apples and pumpkins, disecting both, how things grow, how leaves change, etc. I'd like to do more nature stuff, but we'll see how much my overly-large-and-pregnant self can take. We're all having a great time and I'm thankful that God has given me the desire to do this...and Patrick the desire to support me and be interested in what we're doing. There's little else more beautful than watching the mind of a child learn.

Pictures from September:

From the Mouths of Babes

2009-09-23T16:54:00.003-04:00

A few recent discussions with Mallory:

Scene: After talking about that Jesus lives in our hearts when we believe in him...

Mommy: So Mallory, can you tell me where Jesus lives?
Mallory: In North Carolina.

----------------------------------------------------------

Scene: Mommy is fixing her own hair in the bathroom when Mallory walks in holding her belly.

Mallory (in a very pitiful voice): Does your tummy hurt?
Mommy: Oh, your tummy hurts? How does it hurt, sweetheart?
Mallory: There's a baby in there. He needs to come out.

Soccer!

2009-09-19T06:20:00.003-04:00

For the last several weeks, we've enjoyed watching Mallory ~~play~~ stand on the soccer fields in her first-ever team sport adventure. We have her in a 3-5 year-old league through the city and for $20, she gets to play soccer twice a week for about 10 weeks. We have mainly 3 year-olds on our team and Mallory is definitely the littlest one out there. Some of the kids are really good, even at this young age, and some are VERY uninterested. Mallory falls to the latter end of the spectrum, though she at least stands on the field. Whether she chases the ball is another story.

It's been a lot of fun to head out there and watch her on the fields. Though she gets distracted VERY easily, she will sometimes run with the crowd after a ball and at one point, she actually dribbled it for a few feet before the other team stole the ball from her. You would have though she scored a goal the way I reacted!!! We're very proud of her stepping out of her comfort zone of letters and numbers and trying her hand...er, feet I should say...on the soccer fields. Her season lasts through the end of October, but I think we *may* have to stop a little early due to her little brother's arrival, which is expected about that time. :-)

Remembering Grandma...

2009-09-07T15:53:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe it's been a year since my grandma died. My mom is en route to FL to visit my grandpa today, who is recovering from having surgery a week ago to remove colon cancer. Grandpa's been a fighter and I'm glad this cancer was caught early enough to be removed. I know he'll enjoy seeing mom, especially today.

Last year's trip down to FL was such a whirlwind for me...and Ethan...and I'm so glad I was able to go. I have bitter sweet memories...I wish I could have seen her one more time, but I'm glad I was able to be at the funeral, surrounded by my family.

Recap here, here, here, and here.

Labor on Labor Day

2009-09-04T20:40:00.002-04:00

I know, I know...silly pun, but I didn't come up with it. Here is a meme that I thought would be fun to do...in anticipation of my upcoming L&D.

How long were your labors?
Kid #1 - 13 hours
Kid #2 - 6 hours

How did you know you were in labor?
Kid #1 - contractions
Kid #2 - my water broke

Where did you deliver?
Kid #1 - Presbyterian Hospital (the Taj Mahal of hospitals) in Charlotte, NC
Kid #2 - Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN

Drugs?
Kid #1 - Not during labor
Kid #2 - Not during labor

No epi for me...I'm actually scared of them. I'm afraid that I'll be one of the moms that has something wrong with the epi and cause long-term damage. Labor hurts like, well...hurts like hell, but there is an end to the torture. I did have some nice narco as my tearing was being repaired...for both children. I'm hoping for no tearing and, therefore, no drugs at all during this next labor. The nurse at the Med center (for E's birth) loved that I had a "natural" labor, since she said that 98% of the births were "assisted" by drugs. I'm glad that SOMEONE "loved" my labor...

C-section?
Nope. And I hope I don't ever experience one.

Who delivered?
Doctors both times. I was disappointed with my Dr. in Charlotte. No referrals to that practice. My Dr. here in JC is AWESOME!!! I'm one of his "private patients", which means that he'll deliver my baby no matter if he's on call or not. He was a resident at E's delivery and now is an "official" OB/GYN. He's the best Dr. a girl could ask for. Seriously. Love him. Would recommend him to anyone. I loved that he had the audacity to joke with me while I was in labor - he lightened up the mood pretty well. He's so laid back yet encouraging. He's my fave.

Some preschool stuff.

2009-09-03T06:08:00.004-04:00

I've really enjoyed doing some preschool work with the kids. It's really not that hard; it just takes a little forthought and planning. My plan is to do preschool 3 days a week and the other 2 are meant for errands, storytime (at library...or Barnes and Noble if the library doesn't start up soon!), and dr appts. So far, we've had 2 days and the kids really liked having my undivided attention, more than anything, I think.

I've broken our "schooling" into 3, 20-30 minute timeframes. The first is a lesson/book time, where we'll talk about things that we're learning and read stories to reiterate my point. Next is a video (30 minutes) and then we do a project that incorporates math, phonics that supports what we've learned. If I can, I'll add some FMS (fine motor skills) activities in the project to help Mallory, who I think has weak FMS. She's already greatly improved in cutting in the two days we've worked on it! The last 30 minutes will be a craft/activity that is more fun than anything...and doesn't require my assistance, like coloring, stickers, puzzles, additional FMS work, etc. The first day, our project lasted an hour, but the kids sat there and were GREAT! I was very impressed!

The first day, we read Col. 3:20 (one of our Sept theme verses), talked about who their parents are (mommy/daddy, mother/father, full names, etc) and that God called parents to be an authority over them. We read books about mommies and daddies. Our project included cutting, gluing, counting, color sorting, and reading. They also matched activities that mommy/daddy do to the appropriate role (Daddy - office, tractor, plays, bible, etc; Mommy - cooks, laundry, play, pray, etc). The second day, we read Col 3:20 again, talked about who children were (Mallory/Ethan, son/daughter, child/children, brother/sister) and that God called children to obey mommy and daddy in order to please Jesus. We read books about children and brothers/sisters. Our project was similar to day #1, but included matching roles to the appropriate child (Mallory - girl, sister, daughter, child, obey; Ethan - boy, brother, son, child, obey). Their projects are on our pantry door (for now) and they both look at them often and talk about what they've learned.

We're also reading out loud at the breakfast table each morning. After I read, I ask them what they hear (without prompting them to the WHAT) and it's so cool for me to hear what they glean. I'm reading each book/reading at least 2 days in a row. So far, we've read "The Little Engine that Could" and the Westminster Shorter Catechism for Children (Questions 1-20).

Anyway, that's a brief summary. We take Wed and Thurs off and start again on Fri. We'll be learning about the baby in mommy's belly, looking at ultrasound pics, and creating finger-paint art to hang in his room. Should be fun!

Pics:

1 day. 32 weeks. 6 years.

2009-08-30T20:55:00.005-04:00

1 day
I'm embarking on a new journey tomorrow - formalized preschool for the kids, but not in the sense you may think. We're not "going" anywhere for preschool, except to the kitchen table, or maybe the basement, or maybe outside. We're having preschool here. I've spent hours over the last month researching, planning, and preparing lesson plans for me to follow for teaching the kids specific things on "themes" we'll be covering each month. I've learned a lot in my research and am very excited about seeing my kids minds open up to new concepts in our lessons. I'm starting off easy with our September theme being Family and Home. We'll be learning new songs and scriptures, doing crafts, and some phonics/mathematics they won't even realize they're learning. I'm also going to start doing some reading during breakfast to hone in on their listening skills - stories that will hopefully spawn curiosity in their minds and teach them to listen. I will share more as we progress. But as of now, all my Sept documentation is printing and I'll be adding the sheets to my notebook.

32 weeks
I'm 8 months pregnant today. Wow. I have a Dr appointment on Wednesday to check this little guy's heartbeat and measure my ever-growing belly. I have a long list of pregnancy woes, but all in all, I'm having a healthy pregnancy. I'm hungry all the time and I keep reminding myself that it's OK to watch the scale go up...

6 years
Today is the anniversary of my marriage to Patrick. I can't tell you how significant this anniversary is to us. We've learned so much in the last few months about our marriage, our faults, our failures, and our out-right sinful hearts that put the brakes on the happiness of "ever after" earlier this year. A marriage is so fragile without the commitment to love. And we've learned a lot about love this year. Love is learned. It doesn't come naturally and needs to be matured over time. We have learned how to love one another as God has called, not how we think we should love. And we're learning. And it is becoming beautiful.

Our marriage was a pile of fragments earlier this year and we didn't know how it was ever going to be put back together. If I have the courage, I'll write more about how fragmented we were and how close we came to turning away from the mess. But God has grace. And He has led us up to this Happy 6th Anniversary.

May God be praised for these.

Seriously!?!?!

2009-08-28T18:45:00.002-04:00

Am I seriously almost 32 weeks along with this -my third - pregnancy? I'm astounded. I just can't believe that I'm:
1. Pregnant again
2. Almost done being pregnant this time
3. About to experience the hardest, most excrutiating physical act known to man (giving birth, people)
4. Going to sacrifice every part of my body to meet the very-different-needs of 3 very different children

And it's all a blessing. It really is. It's just taken me a while to see it all as a blessing.

No, I still have not taken any "belly" pictures. I have a hard time with that. Why would I want to take a picture of myself looking like a whale? I will though...eventually. And no, we still haven't chosen his name.

Here is a picture of me pregnant with Ethan at 31.5 weeks (which is where I'm at now...). You get the idea of what I look like...just with slightly shorter hair.

Summer Fun - Part 4

2009-08-25T13:49:00.004-04:00

My kids have grown to LOVE water parks. Love them. We've gone to Wetlands three times this summer, once with Daddy, once with Aunt Amanda, and once with Kara and her crew. Mallory and Ethan are both doing really well in the water. They both run around without floaties and are doing a good job of keeping their head above water. They're figuring out to 1. Keep their mouths shut under water and 2. Blow bubbles when their heads go under water. They both still need lots of monitoring, but I love watching them love water.

Being a native Floridian, I was around water A LOT growing up. I hope the kids will get the chance to spend lots of time at pools and lakes. Maybe one day we'll get closer to the ocean, but for now, waterparks and such will suffice.

Summer Fun - Part 3

2009-08-25T13:29:00.003-04:00

Back in July, we were having unseasonably cool temps, most days barely getting out of the 70's and sometimes hitting low 80s. We've only had a couple of days that have reached 90, but other than that, it's been a very mild summer (great for a greatly pregnant woman, I must add).

In the middle of July, we went to a Battel backyard bash in honor of Fisher's birthday. Kara usually goes all out with her parties and, as expected, was a blast. The only thing was that she had a water bounce house (just like last year), but it was like 72 degrees out and dropping. All the kids were pretty cold, but had fun none-the-less. We had to get them into long-sleeves after their lips turned blue and teeth started chattering, but it was all worth it. Ethan tasted Capri-Sun and Doritoes for the first time and scarfed them up (like he does most other things). Fisher had a great time, got lots of loot, and even shared his new trucks with E. I'm glad E has a good buddy like Fisher.

Anyway, here are a few pics of the b-day bash! (see more here)

My Goodness!

2009-08-21T15:01:00.002-04:00

I have had a bear of a time with our computer(s) lately. The "new" computer I got back in April fried up on me last week while at my parents. I'm not positive why, but I have some theories. We were still able to exchange it (rather than fix it since it was brand-new), so we upgraded a little and got another one. Well, it's taken me FOREVER to get this sucker ready with updates, antivirus and downloads. We still have lots to do, but at least I can get on the Internet.

Anyway, if I'm offline more than usual, it's because I'm trying to get my computer straight as well as chase after my 2 kids and am an exhausted pregnant lady. Anyway, I just wanted to check in with my blog-followers...

Summer Fun - Part 2

2009-08-13T07:11:00.006-04:00

Our kids like the water. Ever since we took them to a waterpark earlier this year (I haven't posted on that...but I will eventually), they both talk a lot about going to waterparks. Mallory will play in her toy car, telling me she's taking Doggie bye-bye to the waterpark. She loves it.
Since it's 20 minutes or so away and is only open until 6, it's hard to get there by the heat of the day during after-nap timeframe. We've known that we live VERY close to a lake beach, but it's one of those places that's not the best place to take the kids by myself, so we really only go if I have someone with me. Well, a few weeks ago, we were trying to figure out what to do with the kids when we remembered Boone Lake. We ate an early dinner, packed up the kids and drove the 5 minutes to the Lake. The kids LOVED it.

They both like playing in the sand. I had found some sand toys that I had purchased for Mallory's 1st birthday and brought them along. Mallory was content to stay on the beach and venture into the water when she was curious about Ethan's antics while Ethan pretty much ran around, unafraid of where he was going or how deep he was going. The boy just loved the water. He loved the sand, too, but he didn't which one he liked best. All in all, it was a HUGE hit, it was free, and I'm hoping we can do it again before the heat of the summer goes away.

Summer Fun - Part 1

2009-08-12T07:37:00.004-04:00

I've decided to break up some of our fun summer activities down in to segments, mainly because I have so many pictures in my "vault" that it will take me time to sift through them and write posts. Our summer has been crazy busy, yet I look back and wonder what we've done these past few months. From looking at my calendar and all of the events we've attended, we have had lots of fun and some good memories.

One thing I've been trying to do this summer season (and an unseasonably cooler summer season) is spend a lot of time outdoors. Being a native Floridian, I'm an indoor girl most of the time. And though I think FL is absolutely beautiful and would love to find myself there again sometime in the future, I am not a fan of 90+ degree weather. I'd rather be inside. But, I digress...

Local businesses have been sponsoring free concerts at one of our favorite local parks down by Boone Lake and we've made it to 2 of them. The first one, we brought our chairs, let the kids run, and listen to the duo who sang songs from the 80s and 90s. The second one, we were a little more ambitious and brought our portable grill, invited some friends and enjoyed a cookout. Both times we went, Mallory asked to "go to music time one more time". The kids have a good time, the adults get a little culture, and it's all around very fun. There are at least 2 more concerts I'd like to go to before the season lets up. I'm hoping they'll be on our agenda.

Ethan's First Prayer

2009-08-10T15:16:00.003-04:00

Mallory has been our lead pray-er before our meals and she's had this role for a while now. Ethan usually has his hand out ready to pray before meals, exclaiming "Pay!", since he's almost always ready to eat, and finishes Mallory's prayer sometimes with a hearty "Amee" (followed by a hand clap).

This morning at breakfast, we held hands I asked Ethan if he'd like to say the prayer. He looked at me with his big blue eyes and said:

"Bless Daddy. Amee"

I smiled at his sweet innocence and prompted him to bless the food, though I did praise him for saying such a great prayer. I know full well that he has a big heart for his Daddy. He's awfully clingy to me these days, which gives the sense that he favors me, but I think I'm his comfort. Yes, I know he loves me too, but his love for his Daddy is there...way down deep in his heart that comes out at the sweetest times imaginable.

Gearing up for the Fall

2009-08-07T08:04:00.004-04:00

While I was in Charlotte last weekend, I was able to visit with two home-school mom extraordinares (#1 and #2). I was greatly encouraged and gleaned ideas from both of them as to how to go about this "teaching your kids" stuff and that it can be done successfully. I mean, both of these lovely moms have 5 kids each...and if they can do it, I can do it! There's nothing that balms the soul...er, at least MY soul, than visiting with someone who encourages me. I get a new fire - an invigoration of my self-esteem as a mom, a wife, a homemaker, and all the other titles that are running through my mind (house cleaner, cook, dishwasher, launderer, etc).

Last week, I've spent several hours making some plans for what me and the kids will be learning over the Fall months (pre- and post- baby's birth) and I'm very excited about the research I've done and what I've drawn up in my precious plans.

Today, we're heading out for tax-free shopping to pick up needed supplies and crafts for what's in store in the coming months in addition to tackling the fall clothes shopping for my oldest two, whose wardrobe right now consists of 2 pairs of jeans each. Fall will be upon us soon, which brings a new addition to our family and little time for else. I've got to be prepared. So, I've got my list and my two charges and we're off to the races!

Not as what I thought it was going to be, but good nonetheless

2009-07-31T19:59:00.003-04:00

Well, this week/weekend isn't ANYTHING like it was planned to be as of last week. This past week and it's happenings have taught me a lot about how "my ways are not God's ways". And I still don't know why everything worked out they way it did, but it's all for a reason.

Since May, this week was supposed to be slotted to have the kids at their Gommy and Poppy's house while I stayed at home, cleaned, organized, sewed, and prepared for Mossling #3. This past Sunday, I was supposed to drop off the kids and have Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs at home. Patrick and I booked a hotel room in Asheville to have one last hoorah before our family of 4 graduated to be a family of 5.

Until my ambitious mother broke her wrist last Friday.

My poor mom. Not only was she (er...IS she) in a lot of pain, she's emotionally spent from having an empty home instead of a full one. She has one arm in a cast, the other wrist tender from a sprain, and a knee with a big ol' strawberry. Both of our plans were hung out to dry, and we're still not sure why, but we both keep telling ourselves it's for a reason. And it is, but the reason is still unknown.

We were still planning on going to Elberton to visit mom and dad this weekend, but my mom was still feeling very poorly after her fall that she asked us to postpone our trip for a time where she can at least hold the kid's hands (something she felt she couldn't even do). SO, on Wednesday, we decided to come to Charlotte instead of Elberton. And since we already purchased our hotel room in Asheville, the kids came with (again, not what I had envisioned happening!). Our last hotel stay with them was...well, it was not fun. BUT, I had a different perspective this time: have fun, no matter what time bedtime is. So, instead of heading to bed at 8:30, we headed to the pool. We swam for about an hour, showered, and enjoyed each other for a few hours before our 10:30pm bedtime. At least they fell asleep peacefully.

Now, we're in Charlotte. I'm exhausted and have no clue when the kids will be in bed, but that's OK. We have no plans while we're here, which is unusual, but I didn't have any time to make plans! So, we don't know what's on the docket for tomorrow or Sunday, but we're here and we're together. I don't know when we'll be able to go to Gommy and Poppy's, but hopefully before this little guy arrives in late Oct. If not, then again, there is a reason.

Out with the old, in with the new.

2009-07-24T20:36:00.001-04:00

We said "bye bye" to our faithful Ford today.

We weren't really in the market to buy a new car, really. We put tires on the Explorer about 3 weeks ago, realizing that the routers needed to be changed pretty soon. A few days later, a dreaded "noise" began. It started vibrating and humming whenever it accelerated and it just got worse. We talked about getting another vehicle eventually, after the Explorer died (it had 155,000 miles on it), but really no sooner.

Until last week.

My mom was telling me that my Dad heard about a way to get some of that "Obama Money" that is apparently floating around by getting rid of your car. There was some new legislation that was passed today called "Cash for Clunkers", where the government is giving 3500-4500 for cars that meet certain "clunker" requirements. We never considered our vehicle a clunker, but after some research, we determined that our beloved Explorer was eligible. After comparing the Kelley Blue Book value of the Explorer to the 4500 it could potentially rake in from Uncle Sam, we decided to look at purchasing a new vehicle more closely.

It's amazing how comparable new cars are with used cars (Cash for Clunkers is only eligible for trade-in towards a purchase of a new car). Patrick did the dealership legwork while I worked the computer keyboard, searching sites such as Edmunds.com, CarsDirect.com, and KBB.com. We learned the ins and outs of Cars for Clunkers and were prepared for how to get what we wanted for a new vehicle. We decided to shop for an American car and Patrick test drove a Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura. After looking at the cars (and some imports and small SUVs), we figured we could be the best deal for what we wanted with Saturn.

We've been looking and dealing with this decision for over a week - should we/should we not get a new car; should we/should we not fix the Explorer, etc. We finally made a decision and were able to close the deal today because the Cash for Clunkers legislation passed and we were able to get what we wanted. Not only did we get $4500 for a car worth $2500, we also got an additional $200 for the scrap metal, since our Explorer will be crushed and recycled to be made into something a little more friendly to our environment. We also got an additional $2750 cash back from Saturn for a model that was listed below invoice (and Saturns usually sell for MSRP, not invoice). SO, we got a really great deal on a new car - a 2009 Saturn Aura.

There's not much info on Auras out there, since it was introduced in '07, but it has really cool features, such as standard On Star, automatic and manual transmission, bluetooth capability, MP3 outputs, etc. We found a model with a few bells and whistles that we weren't expecting to be able to afford, so it's been pretty exciting.

Patrick and I have learned a lot about appreciating the other person's strengths during this whole process. He wanted to make sure he got the car he wanted by working the dealerships, testing the cars, and figuring out color/interior and other things. I wanted to make sure we got the price right, crunching the numbers and making sure we were getting the money we desered from the government AND the dealership. I didn't want to do what he did. And he didn't want to do what I did. Therefore, we made a great team in this whole process.

The kids like Daddy's "New Gold Car". Ethan calls it a sports car and could spend all day in it. Never in my life have I EVER had a brand new car and it feels a little weird. I have to say, though, that it was a great deal. Neither of us are feeling "buyers remorse" and are very glad to have a new addition to our vehicle family. So, if you're in the market for a car and are interested in knowing any info on the clunker bill, let me know. I'm pretty well versed :-).

The Squirelliest of all Squirelly Girls

2009-07-22T13:52:00.003-04:00

Mallory is a gem of a little girl - not too girly yet not a tom-boy either - just a little bit of both. She's a smart little cookie when it comes to letters, numbers, and reading. One of her favorite activities is reading words, forming sentences from the word that she read or finding an object that the word is or the word describes. She loves to read books that have to do with letters.

Her favorite toys are letter toys. Let me tell you a funny story about one of her letter toys. The toy I'm referring to is called "Red Toy"...er...well, she calls it red toy. Anyway, the letter "M" on red toy stands for "Museum". There are several settings on the toy where you can learn about where the "museum" is (next to the place on the toy that begins with "N" and "L"), what you see in a museum, what time we go to the museum and how to spell museum. Well, one day, my mom and I were talking about what I was going to do with the kids and I said "Well, I'm thinking about taking them to the m-u-s-u-e-m today" to which Mallory responded "Go to the museum!". I was dumbfounded.

Our most common nickname for Mallory is "Squirrely Girl". It's appropriate for her, since she darts from here to there and everywhere with mind-blowing speed. She crawls, jumps, climbs and cavorts all over house and the objects therein. She has no fear of playgrounds and the vast climbing structures that are usually around. She has climbed a rock wall (with ease), has excellent hand/eye coordination, and has all the energy of a few 3-year-olds when it comes to playing outside. She's an atheltic little mite.

She is still very non-social, though. She clings to mommy or daddy whenever a stranger is around, screams at other little kids if they even LOOK at her, and is not very pleasant with an unsuspecting stranger who tells her how beautiful she looks. We're still working on her social skills...

Our daughter loves compliments, though. She'll pick up her books, run into the living room, and say "You did a GREAT job cleaning up your books!". Or, she'll put her clothes on for the day, run into the living room and say "You look SO BEAUTIFUL in your _________ (pink shirt, stripped shirt, white shirt, etc)" or she'll say something to the effect of "You did a GREAT job putting your clothes not on backwards!". Patrick says we need to teach her some humility, but she does share compliments with her brother, telling him how beautiful he looks in his clothes or doing a great job eating all his dinner or something to that effect.

Patrick is getting a little choked up seeing his baby girl growing so quickly. When we check on her at night, she's usually sleeping in the same position that she used to sleep in as a baby. She'll want to cuddle in the mornings or snuggle up while watching a video, only lasting a few minutes before she's...well, being squirelly. We wonder how long she'll want to do those things. Though we are excited about baby #3 being a boy, I know that Patrick will be wanting another little girl down the road because he'll miss his baby girl. BUT, Mal will always be his baby girl.

She'll be the squirreliest.

A little bit o' Ethan

2009-07-21T14:02:00.006-04:00

My boy is so smart. Seriously. When I compare what Mallory was like when she was almost 20 months old to what Ethan is like, he's STRIDES farther along than she was. I don't think I had a conversation with Mallory until...well, until just a few short months ago (just before she turned 3), not that I don't think Mallory is smart, it just took her a lot longer to communicate with us. I had my first conversation with Ethan the other morning:

Scene - Ethan has woken up from his evening sleep and is happily talking to himself in his crib. Mommy goes in to get Ethan out of bed.

Mommy: Hey Buddy! Did you have a good sleep?
Ethan: See Daddy?
Mommy: No Buddy, Daddy went bye-bye.
Ethan: Daddy bye-bye blue car?
Mommy: Yeah, Buddy. Daddy went to work in his blue car.
Ethan: See Gommy?
Mommy: No Buddy, Gommy isn't here today.
Ethan: Gommy bye-bye silver car?
Mommy (chuckling): Yeah, buddy. Gommy is bye-bye in her silver car.
Ethan: See Mommy!

He's by precious boy. He loves his Daddy and has a special place in his heart for his Gommy, though he loves seeing his Poppy, Grams and Pops, too. The other day, he pointed to the dining room chair his Pops usually sits in when he comes to visit and said "Pops chair". Whenever he sees me on the computer or cell phone, he says "Talk to Poppy". When he sees a picture of his Grams, he points to it and says "Eems! Eems!". He knows them all and loves them.

Ethan talks up a storm and is already starting to recite some of his ABC's and pick up lyrics from songs. He says please and thank you with being prompted and kindly gives Mallory her Doggie if he ever finds it laying around (it's rare the Doggie is laying around, but it happens...). When we're around town, he points out circles, rectangles, squares and triangles in things that he sees; it's just unfortunate for my germ-o-phobia that he likes to point out the square tiles in bathroom floors of every restroom we frequent while out (and we frequent a lot of them...). He also loves trucks. While we're out, he can spot the difference between a car, truck, Hummer, Jeep, big rig, tractor, dump truck, motorcycle, police car, fire truck, and ambulance. He knows his vehicles!

Though he has MANY sweet qualities, he knows how to throw a tantrum. The boy will run mindlessly in any given direction if he doesn't get his way, sometimes into walls, chairs and tables which makes his excessive screaming more screech-like. He can cry and scream with the best of them, but once his big blue eyes (albeit, red-rimmed) turn to me and he confirms he's "'kay, I sowwy" (and I repeat it to him...), his crying usually subsides and he's good to go.

He's our sweet buddy and keeps us laughing and guessing all the time.

Good Intentions. Really.

2009-07-20T13:26:00.008-04:00

I have a host of things I'd love to post on my blog: things that the kids are doing/saying, what I've been up to, what I'm enjoying the most these days, how hectic life is, pics, parties, everyday things. I have intentions of writing and posting, yet my intentions go to bed with me during the kid's afternoon naps. I'm so tired all the time, carrying around an extra XX lbs and rumbly tumbly baby. Mallory and Ethan keep me on my toes, teaching me more about patience daily (since we seem to fight the same battles daily), and I often question if anything I'm saying or doing is getting through their heads.

I've been learning what it means to "lean on the everlasting arms" of Jesus lately.

I often feel like what I say to my kids isn't sinking in, what I do isn't appreciated (since what I do is to clean up messes to it can become a mess again), and when the end of the day approaches, my accomplishments seem frail and meaningless. I've learned lately that in the occupation that God has called me to, my responsibilities are what they are and I'm learning to take joy in glorifying God in changing diapers, wiping dirt off the floors and pouring one more cup-full of detergent in my washing machine.

I had a breaking point today. In the midst of strapping the kids into their car seats today, beginning to haul them around every which-way this morning (starting at 7:30am!!!), Ethan said to me "Mommy, kiss!" to which I leaned in and he gave me a HUGE head-butt right in the nose. I buckled over, he started laughing and Mallory says "Silly Mommy!". I don't know, but it just made me cry. Big tears. I realized at that moment that no matter what I do, or what "angels" they seem to be, they are sinful - just like me - in need of Jesus. I realized that I couldn't take my anger or frustration out on them and I could either choose to love them or be rude to them. Needless to say, I loved them by remaining quiet, trying to wipe my tears and hold myself together without them noticing too much, and biting my tongue as they pinched, screamed, and hit each other throughout the morning - disciplining them quietly and patiently, quelling my bubbling wrath in the process. Motherhood is tough. And doing it patiently is tougher.

Patrick and I have been swamped with our respective occupations (him a little moreso than me) in addition to intentionally act out I Cor 10:24 with each other. It's been really, really hard to put "self" last on the list and each other first, but the fruits of our labors have been growing little by little. We're starting to understand what it means to "learn to love" and that by loving through serving God and each other really does cause a healthy, vibrant relationship to blossom. It's been a tough lesson. We're still learning. It's hard, hard, hard. It took us both to hit rock bottom to get this knocked in our head, though...and it was a big rock.

I haven't been behind my camera lately. Though I enjoy taking pictures, I now get bogged down with the amount of pictures I take, the time it takes to download and sort through them, then try to figure out what the heck to do with all of them. I'm trying to get over it, you know, the idea that what I enjoy doing causes me to have to find a chisel to carve more time into my already busy days. So I just put that aside. I have taken a few pictures lately and I miss it. I miss photography.

I have been enjoying cooking. I've been inspired by a cooking site that apparently has been around for a while, I guess I'm just not that "in" to what's in the bloggy world. Though I haven't tried a recipe from Deb's site, the food photos are enough to get me up and cookin'. I've been on my favorite recipe site a lot, trying to figure out what to do with some excessive ingredients I have laying around; our jalapeno and tomato plants are harvesting an abundance of produce. I've made some extremely tasty homemade mexican items, including sauces and salsas that have made my usually tastey dishes more tastey. Also, the in-season blueberries and peaches have caused me to whip up some great breakfast bread and lure me into a more healthy snack rather than a processed one. I've dabbled with new recipes, created some of my own, and have really enjoyed being in my kitchen. I love watching my family eat well, some of it healthy, some not, and enjoy it. I'm hoping to share some recipes with you because I've really, really liked creating these healthy, hearty meals for my family, feeling like I'm doing some kind of good for their bodies with my cooking.

Enough meandering for now, I guess.

I have great intentions of pairing recipes with food pictures I've taken, writing post after post on the kids, sharing other creative things I've tried to attempt, sharing about the littlest Mossling and what he has brought to our lives already, and such and such. For now, the intentions will remain, but I've GOT to take a nap before I keel over salivate on the keyboard.

Poo Poo

2009-07-07T13:07:00.002-04:00

I have to post about this because this is my daughter's poopy time...

My daughter has taken to the potty very well. She is very good at holding her pee pee until she reaches a potty and has already mastered the art of holding her bladder through the night, which she's been doing almost right from the beginning. She has yet to master poo poo in the potty.

I'm thankful to say, though, that she is smart enough to change herself into a diaper, poop in the diaper, and patiently wait until we come and change her. There have been a couple of times where this has been disastrous, but for most of the time, there is little mess.

So, how do I get her to poo in the potty and not in her diaper? At this point, if there are no diapers in her room, she poos in her panties and it's...it's...not fun. So, do I patiently wait for her to choose to poo in the potty or is there some other tactic you recommend?

A great 4th of July holiday!

2009-07-06T12:17:00.006-04:00

I'm feeling much better since my crazy weekend last weekend...

My sister was here the day I was discharged from the hospital and she left on Thursday afternoon. On Friday, my in-laws came in town and left yesterday, so this is the first day I've had the house to myself and the kids. Though I appreciated all the help over the last 7 days, it's nice to have the house back and start getting back into a routine. This week is crazy with DR appointments; Ethan had his 18-month well visit today (off the charts in all measurements and is doing great dispite a small cold) and I have a follow-up with my OB on Wed and then an ultrasound on Thurs. We also have other appointments throughout the week that are just going to keep me and the kids VERY busy. I'm hoping to do something fun with the kids this week at least ONCE.

We had a great 4th with Gram and Pops. We went to the Jonesborough Days parade and experienced lots of tractors, something which both kids enjoy. Mallory got to hold a bunny and they saw many different animals, include baby donkeys, ducks, and chickens. On Saturday, Patrick, Grams and Pops took the kids to the park and out to lunch so I can have some quiet at home (always a blessing!!!). After dinner on the 4th, we went to the carnival at church and stayed up until 10 to watch the fireworks. I loved watching my kids experience such a marvelous event. They did great staying up so late, but needless to say they CRASHED that night. Yesterday was a nice day of rest for all of us and are geared up for a busy week, though Patrick's work is plum crazy right now, so I'm hoping he's ready! I'm sure he's already looking forward to the weekend...

Here are a few pics from our weekend adventures and you can find more here, too.

An interesting weekend

2009-06-29T14:54:00.002-04:00

Well, we've had a very interesting weekend in our household. On Thursday and Friday, I had started feeling pain in my lower left hip/groin area under my belly. Friday night, it got pretty bad and I started having regular contractions that were very painful. I was up almost all night on Friday and decided in the morning that I couldn't take the pain anymore and decided to head to the hospital.

I arrived around 7:15am and was in triage in L&D by 7:45. The fetal monitoring starting, which showed a very active and healthy baby. In addition, the nurse started monitoring the contractions, which were pretty regular, about every 8 minutes lasting about 30-40 secs. I wasn't too terribly concerned because they didn't feel like the "real" labor contractions, so I was frustrated more than scared. The DR came in and started to probe my belly and found a hard spot on my left side, one that I had felt the day before. He took and ultrasound and found that I had a 2-inch (golf-ball sized) fibroid within my uterine wall (intramural). The fibroid looked like it was starting to degenerate (die), which was irritating my uterus, causing it to contract. The contractions were very painful and I was having pretty consistent pain no matter what I did, including lying down, standing up, walking, resting, sitting, etc. I wasn't able to find any relief!

So, the doctor recommended I stay for the afternoon so I could rest and also try to stop the contractions. By 3pm, I had rested, but my contractions were still there and consistent. My OB visited me in the hospital and recommended I stay overnight so they can get the contractions to stop and so I can rest. By 9pm, my contractions finally abated after trying 2 different meds and I was able to get rest with the help of some IV narcotics.

I got home yesterday about 9am and then slept from 11:30 until 3pm. I'm on some meds until tomorrow that give me headaches and are causing some nausea and dizziness, which stinks. BUT, my sister is here this week to help me out with the kids! I'm so thankful for her help, especially now that due to lack of rest on Patrick's part, a small cold he started on Fri has developed into a full-blown sickness. He sounds pretty lousy and has an appt with a DR tomorrow. Amanda's trip has been VERY timely.

SO, as for what the next several weeks hold for my pregnancy, it's going to be a wait-and-see game. The fibroid could die or remain, causing me pain throughout my pregnancy or no more pain at all. The main thing is to avoid pre-term labor! So, rest, rest, rest and not overdoing it are key!

Gram's funeral was today and I was very sad that all the shinanigans this weekend caused Patrick to miss it. I've been very thankful for his support over these last few days, as well as all the phone calls and help from our friends and church family. I will keep you all posted on what's going on...

Gram Cherinka

2009-06-26T13:35:00.004-04:00

Part of our vacation last week was a trip up to PA to visit Patrick's maternal grandmother. She had been in a nursing home for a few months and had been doing very well and in good health. We had debated on whether or not to trek up there, but in the end we felt it would be best to go ahead and visit while 1. We had only 2 kids to care for and 2. Gram was in good health. Last Monday we were able to spend the majority of the day with her. Patrick's and his Uncle Mac went to pick her up from the nursing home and brought her to Mac and Rita's house, where we were staying. The kids were able to play, nap, and continue on what was there routine so they could have a pleasant visit with her.

While the kids (and I) were napping, Patrick spent a good hour and a half talking with her, sharing about the kids, catching up, and hearing stories of Gram's past. We ate dinner, took a few pictures, and then Gram needed to head home. We had such a nice visit and I'm so glad that we took the time to travel up north.

My mother-in-law told me several times in the last week and a half how much our visit meant to Gram. Gram apparently talked about the kids a lot and enjoyed seeing their antics (some of them crazy...) while we were there, even only for a few hours.

My mother-in-law called me today to let us know that Gram passed away this morning. Her downturn was fairly quick and, in my opinion, seemed to die suddenly. My in-laws are travelling up to PA at this time and Patrick has not yet determined what he wants to do. I'm so very thankful that we got to spend at least a part of a day with her last week. What a blessing it was to be able to see her before she passed away. Our visit was timely and was very special for Gram, Patrick, the kids, and me. Please keep the family in your prayers.

From the mouth of babes...

2009-06-20T08:09:00.004-04:00

Mallory's prayers have been common and the same for several weeks now as she prays before bed and meals. While Patrick has been on vacation, the children have been sitting with us as we pray together. This morning, Mallory decided she wanted to pray. Here is what she prayed for...

Mallory: "Lord Jesus, we love you. Thank you for go to hospital. Thank you for grocery store and Lowes. Thank you for bath tubs and showers and orange letters crackers. Thank you for pink juice and coffees. Thank you for car transporters and silver car. Thank you for rubber duckies. Amen."

The prayer was followed by a hearty rendition of Jesus Loves Me.

*Note:
Hospital - her favorite toy is a letter toy where "H" stands for hospital. She asks to go to the hospital all the time
Orange Letters Crackers - Cheez-it's with letters on them (her favorite snack)
Pink Juice - her juice cup, which is pink
Silver Car - our mini van
Rubber Duckies - why she prays for them, I don't know...she's afraid of them.