Soup Weather!

So I know that it has been soup weather in most parts of the country for several months now.  Down here, we're getting one of our first few cold snaps of the year.  Gets me in the mood for some yummy soup, and I found the perfect one to bring my cravings to a blinding halt (in fact I have had a bowl of this soup for the past 3 meals...including breakfast!

Creamy Tomato Basil

Thought I would just link straight to the recipe so that the wonderful chef can get all the credit even though I thought about passing it off as my own :)!

Enjoy some creamy goodness....it is to die for!!!  For what it's worth...I don't strain mine.  I like the little bit of texture!  Oh, and make sure you let it cool before you blend it.  The first time I made it I didn't do that.  Ended up with soup all over my kitchen and on my Mac!  NOT a good move...

P.S.  Erin, I mainly posted this for you....I was afraid that Dad probably forgot to give you the recipe that I had printed out.  ENJOY!!

Happy (1st) Birthday Greer!!!

A baker, I am not.  

At least it tasted Yummy!!!  This morning, I found myself saying (over and over again, if only in my head).... "The best laid plans..."  In hindsight, deciding to make Greer's birthday cake (and cupcakes for the rest of us) was probably a bad idea.  I was trying to be a little bit domesticated and save a little bit of money.  I didn't factor in that I didn't have any idea what I was doing had to work yesterday and would be really tired and busy getting the house ready for a few guests.  Most of the credit should go to my mom who I worked like a dog was gracious enough to help me pull it all off in no time!!

Anyhoo....

Greer (and the rest of our precious friends and family) didn't seem to mind too much!  In fact....we had a delightful afternoon!!!  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for my Sweet Baby G!!!

At least she thought it tasted pretty yummy!!!  Love the bib?  We sure did!!!  I just wish she would have worn the adorable matching hat....it was too cute!  Maybe next year (it has a "G" on it instead of a "1").  

Wanna see a little "live" party action?!  If you're not my sister in Virginia, or Joan....you might find this a little dull.  

WE sure think it's cute, though.  Oh, and don't forget to pause the music (or not...I think it is cooler when you have the tunes on top of the voices....like watching a movie)!!!

Got me to thinkin'...

A blogger I follow asked us to describe our husband's eye color.  After some thought, this is what I came up with...

"They're like the color of the ocean right before it hits the shore.  Like light-greenish swirling with slate blue covered in smoky glass."

It got me to thinking about what an amazing artist our Heavenly Father is!  I mean, it's simply amazing to me that we could all be so incredibly, beautifully different.  Thank you God for giving me such beautiful eyes to gaze into!!

Just for kicks....how would YOU describe your husband's eyes?

Milestones, Memories, and Fashion Faux Pas

I took this picture of Lucy tonight, and it got me to thinkin'.  How many little moments do we miss just because life is too busy for us to slow down and soak it all in???  Tonight I saw her, and thought, I can't let this one pass me by.  

You see, it's been a warm (and wet) couple of days here in the South.  Lucy came home from gymnastics today and changed out of her gymnastics leotard into a bathing suit (oh, and these athletic socks of Reeves').  Isn't that what you would have done??  She had a good time running around and playing, but when Daddy said he was headed out to fire up the grill (in the pouring down rain, no less)...well, Lucy was in!  First she asked for a jacket, but when she got out on the covered deck, she realized that some pants might also be in order.  So, here you have it.....athletic socks, bathing suit, winter jacket, and Christmas themed leggings.  

Who says my girl has no fashion sense???  

And, while I'm at it, here are some more snapshots of our week....

Chris, Reeves, Lucy, Aunt Becca (my youngest sister), and Landon (her sweet boyfriend) hangin' out watchin' the game (which turned out to be pretty pathetic if you were rootin' for the Tide)!

A random picture I know, but I must share the hilarity of this one.  I am NOT kidding y'all!!! EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. my mother comes to visit, she does this:  

The woman (God bless her) writes down her cell phone number for each of the kids!  You wanna know why????  (I mean this is insane).  She wants them to be able to call her if I'm being mean to them.  It has sort of become a joke between us, but the kids take it VERY seriously.  Any time I get on to them, their first reply is..."I'M CALLING CHARCEY!!!"  

Sure, laugh, but it is true my friends!!!  

Thought you might like to see a snapshot of my proud snaggle-toothed boy!  He has been beside himself since the tooth fairy made a visit!!! 

Oh, speaking of fairies....

Guess what PRECIOUS little baby girl is turning 1 on Saturday!!!!  I can hardly believe it myself!  Massive birthday postings are sure to come!

Not me!, Monday

Yesterday, one of my friends from college (a sweet sorority sister who I've reconnected with in the blogosphere) commented on my blog that she liked how "real" I was.  I guess I've gotten more open and honest here on the blog as time has gone by.  I have a really long way to go in the "real" department, but I'm going to get there! Basically, I've grown to realize how very important it is to be authentic.  That is what I want to work towards more and more in 2009, and authenticity is what my New Years Resolution for 2009 will be.  I want to be a more authentic mother, daughter, sister, friend, wife, nurse, niece, granddaughter, cousin, small group leader, sister-in-law, blogger, church member, neighbor, room mother, aunt, daughter-in-law, teacher, child of God, and follower of Jesus Christ (and I'm sure I left out a few other "roles" I hold).  I've really been in prayer about this New Years Resolution theme, and plan to post more in the coming weeks about what it really means to me (probably a series of "Authentic" posts...mostly to keep me accountable).  Until then....... 

I don't think there could be a more perfect way to kick off that resolution of authenticity than with a little "Not Me, Monday" fun!!!  MckMama started this little weekly event back in the fall, and most weeks I try to join in.  There is nothing more authentic than admitting to your not so perfect experiences right here for all the world to see.  MckMama...Thanks for your inspiration in 2008, and for inspiring me to find my authentic self in 2009!!!

Here are a few of my not so shining ones from the past couple of weeks.  

I did NOT let my children go without brushing their teeth for several days in a row during the two week break from school.  It was NOT because we stayed in our pajamas till noon, ate breakfast for dinner, fell asleep watching movies on the couch, or were just plain lazy for over 2 weeks.  I did NOT decide that in 2009 I will be better at keeping up with the cleanliness of my children's teeth and make it more of a priority (and I did not think to myself how pathetic it was that I would have to make that a New Years Resolution)!!!  I am NOT blessed beyond measure that good genes are on our side, and my kids do NOT get a good report every time we go to see the dentist....WHEW!!!

I did NOT almost deliver a baby on Saturday (on a toilet no less), and it did NOT make me reflect on all the babies I have delivered over my 11 years as a Labor and Delivery nurse (when the doctor couldn't quite make it).  I do NOT sometimes take for granted the AWESOME responsibility and privilege I have as a nurse working in the business of miracles.  It has NOT influenced the way I view life and motherhood and miracles, and I do NOT still cry almost EVERY time I attend the birth of a baby.  

I did NOT talk in my sleep on Friday night and my husband (and mother) did NOT hijack my blog  on Saturday with a post about it while I was working.  Nope, I am NOT still trying to figure out how I'm gonna get them back....that would be really mean (NOT really).

I do NOT have a child old enough to be losing teeth, and I did NOT cry tears of joy when I saw how happy he was to get a dollar under his pillow from the tooth fairy.  

I did NOT have a few proud parenting moments where I didn't raise my voice a little higher than I should have. I did NOT lose my temper a few times when the kids had had a little too much "together time" and were having their sixth fight before breakfast.  

I am NOT sad that the past year has flown by so quickly and that on Saturday, my sweet baby G will be turning 1.  She has NOT rocked our world this year with her delicious little self, and we are NOT blessed beyond measure for the light she has brought to our little family.  

I am NOT sad that school starts back tomorrow and that my kids (and I) will have to get back in the swing of reality.  I do NOT have a million things to clean and organize around here, but would NOT rather be lazing around our house for another 2 weeks.  Nope....NOT ME!!!

On second thought, I am NOT excited about some alone time with sweet G and Reeves' new DS.  I am NOT addicted to Super Mario, and I do NOT plan to spend naptime tomorrow trying to get to the next level!!!  

I did NOT run my air-conditioning all night long (because it is NOT humid and foggy and dreary here in Alabama).  I did NOT just turn the air-conditioning off and light the fire for a few minutes just to get the den feeling cozy.  That would NOT be crazy-nuts!!!  I do NOT hope and pray for at least a few cold days and nights before Spring, and at least 1 good snowfall would NOT be the icing on the cake!!!

Jump on in....what have YOU not done this week???  Head over to MckMama's blog to read more.  I plan to!

IT'S JUST A HA HA THING!!!

Sometimes the second string QB has to be put in and this is one of those times. Megan is at work and this is my first post, so bear with me.  This story cannot be left untold. Our oldest child (Reeves) had his first visit from the tooth fairy last night, so we were all excited and getting prepared for the first fairy visit to the Mileski household. We were administering our parent role (wink wink) to make sure Reeves' first visit from the tooth fairy would be unforgettable. Was it ever!! 

Megan went to bed during the Alabama game ( in hind sight, not a bad idea), so I was left with the parental responsibility of making sure that the tooth fairy had access to Reeves' room (wink wink again). About 11pm (after Alabama was embarrassed on national tv and FOX was finished showing obnoxious Utah fans and band members) I needed to ask Megan where THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT HAD BEEN LEFT (know what I mean). Of course, Megan was, at this point, extremely asleep. I, being the loving gentle husband that I am, carefully and quietly asked her "Meg, where is the (well you know what I mean)?" At this point, most people wake up and answer the question, even though they might be a little sleepy. Not my wife, no sir, not my wife. The next series of utterances made about as much sense as a solar powered flashlight, or a screen door on a submarine, or even a box of hair. Megan replied in a slurred and hypnotic state "It's a ha ha thing...it's just for fun..." I responded once again very gently and  carefully as a loving husband should.  "Meg, where is the (insert certain mouthy item)" Once again, she utters and slurs, "It's a ha ha thing, just take care of it...It's a ha ha thing."

My mother in law laughed so hard that she actually snorted and I once again got to experience Megan in her most tired state. I love when Megan is very tired. I look forward to this coming week when I can once again wake her up and see what is flying around in that pretty little head. Stay tuned for more from the backup quarterback.

Chris

A Year In Pictures....One Month at a Time!

You can find all of these pictures somewhere on the blog, but I just felt this strong urge to post them all here again.  What a year it has been, my friends!  It has been life changing for us....a year that has carried us down paths we never even knew existed.  A tiny baby girl (who's going to be ONE a week from Saturday) started our year off with a bang, and we will forever be changed by her love and blessings upon our little family.  

As I was choosing the pictures to use for the post, I was overcome with emotion.  Good thing the teardrops can't blur the typing!  What an amazing journey my faithful God has walked us through these past 12 months!!!!  My cup runneth over, friends....it runneth over (Psalm 23:5)!

January 2008.....We meet a precious baby girl who will ROCK our WORLD!!!  Sweet G is born  January 10, 2008

February 2008....My best girlfriends from church (thanks for all you have been for me this year girls!) take me out for some fun on my 32nd birthday.  We painted our masterpieces at "Sips 'n Strokes."  It was soooo much fun (and a much needed baby break!)

March 2008...Our first Easter as a family of 5. Our church family went through some MAJOR changes this year, and it has really challenged our faith and our journey in the church we call home.  We had to trust so much in God's grace through the whole experience, and He has moved in amazing ways to grow a congregation and to build a body of faith that is STRONG and UNBREAKABLE!  We are still healing, but we are putting all our trust in Him.  Thank you Jesus for the blessings of a wonderful church home!  

P.S.  Lucy sported broken leg #2 this past Easter!  A purple cast this time....to match our family wardrobe!

April 2008....As usual, baseball ruled our Spring!!!  I am guessing that this will be a familiar theme for years to come!!!!  My baby is ALL BOY!!!

May 2008...Chef Lucy enjoys lots of cooking time around her 4th birthday!  She has a "cooking party" and Reeves enjoys a cool "baseball night" with the Barons of Birmingham to celebrate turning 6!  Good times, good times!!!

June 2008...First Summer Camp experience for Reeves (and his buddy Cole).  We have been anxiously awaiting the day when Reeves could experience Camp Sumatanga.  Chris and I met there, and it holds a special place in our hearts.  It is truly Holy Ground and a place where we both grew by leaps and bounds in our faith.  May ALL our children create many happy memories there (and it's not a bad place to find your soulmate),  just like we did!!!

July 2008...Making all of Greer's food from scratch.  It's a first for me, and one of the best

experiences of my parenting life.  I feel like I gave her such a special beginning....it was fun 

for all of us.  I truly believe that it has been the reason for her awesome eating habits.  Sweet G (or "G-Money" as the kids like to call her) loves her food....currently she is eating us out of HOUSE and HOME!!!

August 2008....First day of school for the big kids!  Reeves starts 1st grade with Mrs. Anderson, and Lucy starts 4K with Miss Frazier.  It has been a big year for both kids...they have grown up

so much!  I just can't believe how old they look in this picture!!!  August (and school) also 

introduced us to our new friends, The Henleys.  Jennifer and I have talked about God's hand 

in our meeting.  Only God could place our girls together so that we might meet.  This family

has been and will continue to be at the top of my prayer list, but most importantly, we have 

found a family who will be friends for a lifetime.  We love you Jen and Alan and we pray

for you everyday!  If you would like to be in prayer for them and catch up on the story, please visit their Caring Bridge Site....This families faith is astounding!

September 2008....Football Season!  ROOOOOOOll, Tide, ROll!!!

October 2008..It's a great Halloween for all of us.  We continue with the Disney theme.  We choose "The Little Mermaid" this time, and Reeves reluctantly agrees to be Prince Eric.  Well, as long as he can wear the rest of his Pirate garb while we Trick or Treat!!!

November 2008....Treatment #5 (actually, it was right at the beginning of December).

What a year we have had with such a sweet baby girl!  I hate for her to be defined by a birthmark....for our Awesome God is so much bigger than a birthmark.  But, I can't deny it.

The adventure that Greer's Port Wine Stain has taken us on has been simply amazing.  

Through this journey, we have grown.  We have made friends we will have for a lifetime.  We have learned things beyond our imagination, and we have been able to share God's love. 

I have met women and men of faith whom I may never have met had Greer not been born with her "beauty mark."  I have had the opporunity to educate, learn from, pray for, support, cry with, laugh with, understand, and listen to dozens of families going through the same thing either personally or with their little ones.  God works in mysterious ways my friends, and we are JUST beginning our walk of faith when it comes to Greer's birthmark story.  Praise be to God for surprises beyond our imagination!!!

December 2008....Tired of this picture yet??? Well, sorry, but it is one of my favorite moments of 2008.  I can't even describe feelings that this photo conjures up for me.  There was such JOY

in their hearts and eyes in this moment in time, and I am so grateful that it is captured on film.  Thank you Dear Father for ALL our many Blessings!!!