Iron Bowl Saturday

Intensity....even before the game begins!!!

Good thing we DESTROYED THEM!!!  

Rollllll Tide, Roll!!

Hope we didn't scare Landon off...I really like him!

(Aren't they cute?)

Our own personal Cheerleaders!!!

They entertained us throughout the game with the most hilarious cheers

An attempt at a Group Photo.....yeah, right!

And some random goodness.  Who can resist a good pickle!?

Thanks for helping him fish it out Landon....You are his hero!!!

****Update**** Photos are Up!!

No pictures for this post....yet!  I forgot to bring the cable for my camera, so you'll have to wait a few days to have some visual proof of our fun times in Gadsden.  I plan to take a lot of pictures today of our cheerleaders and football player.  Some Iron Bowl festivities are sure to bring out a little "Roll Tide Roll" in all of us.  

We're all here taking over my parents usually quiet home.  All in all, there are 10 adults and 5 kids (plus at least 4 animals) still here.  Thanksgiving day was a bit more crowded, but we all loved it.  It is so wonderful to gather together for fun and fellowship, and you can't beat the food.  Today the weather is drizzly and cold, so we are having to be a bit creative in order to keep the natives from getting too restless.  My mom is currently helping the girls make some homemade pom poms to have in time for kickoff....

Erin brought "the boy" home and everyone loves him.  Landon fits right in like he's known us all forever.  The kids have broken him in pretty well, and he is so great with them.  Especially Reeves!  He is very impressed by anyone who will play legos and football with him, and was so proud when Landon started calling him "Go-go".  He has definitely won his heart!  Let's just hope that "the boy" still likes us after he gets to experience the intensity of watching Alabama football with Chris and my Dad!

Greer has developed a passion for dancing that is absolutely hilarious.  I'm gonna try to catch it on video at some point today.  She simply can't help herself....once the music starts she's movin'.  Last night when I was rocking her to sleep, I started singing the lullabies I always sing to her.  The room was completely dark, and I could barely make out her face.  As soon as I started to sing, I felt a little wiggle.  She was dancing herself to sleep.  I LOVE this girl!!!

We're stuffing ourself again today, and watching a little football.  Tomorrow will come too soon, and we will all carry ourselves home.  Sadly we will not all be together for Christmas this year, but we have enjoyed this special weekend together.  I wish we all lived closer, but it makes times like these even more special I think.  I am so thankful for my wonderful family, and I pray that God brings us all back together safe and sound very soon.  

Wordless Wednesday

(Hide and Seek)

What took us to New York in the first place?

....besides a plane full of annoyed passengers who I am certain shared the following sentiment.... "It would have been a great flight had it not been for the screaming baby!" Yep, I was that mom...you know, the one with the screaming baby!

We were there for the Vascular Birthmarks Conference hosted by the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. This amazing organization hosts a conference each year for medical experts, patients, and their families. The morning was full of presentations by medical professionals who are experts in the field of "all things birthmark". There were hemangioma experts, vascular surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists, interventional radiologists, a neurosurgeon who specializes in Sturge Weber Syndrome.....the list goes on and on. I just took it all in, realizing that this conference was beneficial to me for both personal and professional reasons. I feel that God has a plan for me to be an advocate for patients and their families who may be born with a vascular birthmark. I look forward to the day when I can refer a patient to the proper medical experts.....so many patients fall through the cracks. This opportunity to serve others is one of the "blessings" that has come from Greer's birthmark journey.

It can be very frustrating to have a child with a rare condition. Friends and pediatricians and local specialists may give you a multitude of false (usually outdated) information, simply due to ignorance. I don't really fault them. It's like any specialty....new advances and findings all the time. I believe that it is the responsibility of a primary care giver to know when to refer, and to not be afraid to refer when they don't know what they are dealing with. The common sentiment is that "I wish they had done something sooner." Greer was blessed to have referals and treatments very early on, but that doesn't mean there haven't been questions along the way. There have been times when I have had to bite my tongue when someone says something that is outdated or no longer the standard of care for these patients (and I am not just talking about Greer's situation). You want the best care for your child. You get accused of being an "internet junky" who is trying to diagnose/treat their own kid. You may get labeled as crazy and over reactive, but in the midst of all that, you realize that you DO know what you are talking about. You get your hands on the latest research, the latest findings from the experts (of which there are only a handful), and they are telling you things that GREATLY conflict with what your local practitioners are telling you. I have met many families with these frustrating circumstances.

So what do you think happens when a bunch of "crazy" parents and adults living with vascular birthmarks and associated syndromes gather with the experts at a conference in NYC?  Those experts THANK US for pushing their research. Yep...that is what they did at this conference. They thanked us for being strong advocates, for asking questions, for searching the proper websites, for joining the support groups, and for sending them emails and pictures. They thanked us for BLOGGING! They thanked us for posting our stories on YOUTUBE! It was such awesome affirmation. Best of all....it made me not feel so crazy after all!!!

If you have a chance, visit this website.  I met so many wonderful people that day, and even got to speak with some who I have gotten to know over the past few months via the internet.  One of those families has gone to unbelieveable lengths to get the best possible treatment for their little girl.  You simply won't believe it!!!   Through it they found the amazing Dr. Waner. What he did for Kaylynn can only be described as a miracle, and you must see (and read) her story to believe it!  What makes it even more unbelievable is the battle her mother had to fight right in the middle of it all.....she was diagnosed with breast cancer after little Kaylynn was born.  I will be praying for their continued healing, and ask you to join me.     

Thanks to all those who made this conference possible.  Thank you to those "expert" caregivers who care enough to make a difference in the lives of soooo many people, and thanks be to God for miracles!  

Gee, Thanks!!!

So today, I got my first blog award!  I'm not sure that my ramblings are award-worthy, but I was honored just the same.  Thanks sooo much Aspiemom!  I can always count on you for a kind word or prayer.  Sometimes I wonder if I am merely blogging for my own benefit, and there you are encouraging me.  I am blessed by so many wonderful friends (both ones I can see and ones I can't)!  

This award carries with it a bit of an activity....so here goes!  I am grateful that it requires one word answers (but some of them made that impossible).  After my insane weekend at work (where I was in charge of LOTS of sick patients and the nurses taking care of them), I don't think I could muster much more than a few words! 

1.  Where is your cell phone?  coat pocket

2.  Where is your significant other?  bed

3.  Your hair color?  blondish-brown

4.  Your mother?  home

5.  Your father?  home (or maybe at the hospital working)

6.  Your favorite thing?  food

7.  Your dream last night?  forgot

8.  Your dream/goal?  for my kids to grow up happy and loving their Savior

9.  The room you are in?  den

10.  Your hobby?  blogging

11.  Your fear?  something bad happening to my kids

12.  What do you want to be in six years?  fulfilled

13.  Where were you last night?  sleeping in Lucy's bed

14.  What you are not?  fake

15.  One of your wish list items?  a better camera (and lessons on how to use it) 

16.  Where you grew up?  Gadsden (Alabama)

17.  The last thing you did?  let Nana in

18.  Your TV?  on some random channel

19.  What are you wearing?  Alabama Crimson Tide PJ pants and a black t-shirt

20.  Your pet?  Lily  is eating, Nana is sleeping

21.  Your computer?  In my lap

22.  Your mood?  exhausted....busy weekend

23.  Missing someone?  Yes....my sisters!

24.  Your car?  in the garage

25.  Something you're NOT wearing?  socks

26.  Favorite store?  Costco (my friends think I should be on the payroll!)

27.  Your summer?  Busy and so much fun (lots of time at my parent's condo in Destin)

28.  Love someone?  Of COURSE!

29.  Your favorite color?  Red

30.  When is the last time you laughed?  a few minutes ago (watching a video of Greer)

31.  Last time you cried?  Last night (listening to SCC Christmas song "All I Really Want for Christmas")

Thanks so much for the award....I can't wait to pass it on to some blogs I love!!!

What a COOL Gift!!!

So, as you have probably figured out, I love to read blogs.  I have traded in "blogging" for "TV viewing," and through it, I am finding that I am MUCH more fulfilled.  I have a few friends who don't "get it" and who can't figure out how I have the time to indulge in such things.  As I see it, it is a way to fill some of my "me" time with something meaningful.  I have read about and gotten to know some amazing people, and I feel like the things that I read and write about make a difference in the lives of others.  I am getting WAY more out of my "me" time by delving into the blogosphere than I EVER did watching mindless TV after the kids went to bed....

Virtual rant over....

Today, as I was reading one of my "regular" blogs, I happened upon this AMAZING PROJECT!  I am in the process of writing my own letter, but just to catch you up, here is the concept.  

There is this guy (a guy who will not yet reveal his true identity) who is doing something UNBELIEVABLE for his wife this Christmas season.  Instead of giving material gifts, they have challenged each other to come up with something creative....something that doesn't cost any money.  Instead of buying gifts for each other, they will be giving their money to some worthy causes....a passion that has grown in their hearts as they participated in mission projects this past year.  

This "unsuspecting wife" is a mother of young kiddos, and as mother of young kiddos myself, I know just how challenging it can be!  Her sweet husband is on a quest to create something that has developed into the "Mother Letter Project."  Basically, the "Mother Letter Project" will be a collection of letters of advice/insight/perspective/prayers/devotions from other mothers.  This sweet husband is even going to let all of US in on the fun by sending us a copy of the finished project!  

SO......

If you would like to participate in this VERY COOL activity, PLEASE visit his blog.  I am very excited to see how this thing turns out.  I see a bestseller in the making!!!

Happy Writing, and Merry Christmas!!!

May we all find a way to be this creative, frugal, philanthropic, romantic, holy, and giving this holiday season.

Urgent Prayer Request for Alan Henley!

**Update** I just spoke with Jennifer, and Alan has been admitted, and is settling  in at the hospital.  Jenn has been saying all week that something just "wasn't quite right", and those suspicions were confirmed this morning.  He became unresponsive, and she called 911.  By the time they were getting him into the ambulance, he was coming around.  She called me while they were loading him up, and she was really scared.  Pray for peace for her, and for him to get this infection under control.  There are still a lot of questions right now.  I'll keep you posted, and please visit their caring bridge site for more frequent updates.  

Jenn just called me in tears, and to tell you the truth I don't know what is going on.  They are headed back to the hospital and the ambulance is there.  She wanted me to take care of Skylar, and she is devastated that she won't be able to have lunch with the girls.  My heart is just breaking for her right now, and we need to cover them with prayers.  

I'll update as soon as I know something more.  Click here to read about their journey....they need our prayers now more than ever!!!

Some Thank You's are in Order

Charcey, Bubba, Reeves, and Lucy's beautiful paper leaves!

With Cousin Kay out on the town!  We visited her office

at the ABC studios, and she even gave us a tour of the 

Regis and Kelly set....

The Brooklyn Bridge

We spent Sunday site-seeing around downtown with our

own personal tour guide, Kay!

Our trip to NYC would not have ever happened had it not been for some wonderful women in our life!  We are blessed to have grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and cousins who love us all enough to be there when we need them.  I just wanted to thank them each for their help and love.

Charcey (my mom), came down on Thursday in time to pick Lucy up from school.  She and Bubba (my grandmother, her mom) joined her to help with the kids and to spend some time with them.  They got to enjoy their favorite fall activity by playing the leaves.  As for Bubba (aka Bubbs)....no, that is not really her name.  That is the endearing nickname I gave her over 30 years ago as the first grandchild.  How can you turn down that first grand baby....they get the privilege of naming the grandparents (I bet she regrets giving me such an honor!)?   All in all, they had a wonderful time playing hard and eating yummy goodies.  They even left me those beautiful paper leaves to come home to!

There was a changing of the guards on Saturday, and Honey (Chris' mom) took over.  Honey did not disappoint (as usual)!  She is responsible for our vast movie library, and every time a new flick comes out on DVD, she is sweet enough to buy it for the kiddos.  They had a blast watching "Kung Fu Panda" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth".....we sure do love our Honey!  Unfortunately, Honey ended up in the hospital on Monday morning!  Sure assures me that it had nothing to do with the kids, but I told her that sometimes they make me feel like I need to be admitted for testing!!!  She is back home now, and everything looks good with her heart.  She has had issues with it for a while, and it is good to know that things look pretty good for now.  Please pray for her as she recovers, and that she feels good as new very soon!  

And last, but certainly not least, thank you to Kay!  Kay is Chris' 2nd cousin, and she has lived in NYC for 20 years.  She was so kind to welcome us in with open arms (in the midst of a major remodel she has going on in her apartment....it is looking fabulous)!  She was our personal tour guide, and she even spent an evening babysitting Greer so we could enjoy a Broadway Show and a romantic dinner!  We couldn't have asked for more.  We love you Kay, and we can't wait to come back and see your apartment when it is all finished....it is going to be gorgeous!!!  I hope you have gotten caught up on your sleep....Greer gave us all some very early wake up calls while we were there!

We love you all, and we thank God for you everyday!  

Not me!, Monday

It's that time again!  I find that this little bloggy fun is a great way for me to preserve some of those random happenings in my life (for better or worse!).  It is going to be great fun to look back on these some day!

Check out MckMama's blog for more "Not Me!" moments (and for one of the most amazing stories you have ever read) from other "perfect" moms like me!  They are hilarious!

I did NOT spend a FABULOUS weekend in NYC with my husband, baby girl, and Cousin Kay.  We were NOT blessed to have her open up her "under major remodel" apartment to us so that we would have a place to stay for the weekend.  It was NOT absolutely wonderful, and she is NOT the best tour guide in the city!!!

I did NOT feel self conscious about my accent and wardrobe in the "city that never sleeps".  Nope, I didn't say "Sorry, Y'all!!!" every time we got on a bus with all our baby gear and questions about where we should go, what stop to take, etc....nope, not me!

Greer did NOT eat more junk food in 3 days than I allowed my other two children in their first 2 years of life....combined (she is also NOT only 10 months old).  Nope, not me!  She did NOT eat cupcakes (from Magnolia Bakery), french fries and cheeseburgers (from an authentic New York Deli), or frozen hot chocolate and ice cream sundaes (from Serendipity).

I also did NOT keep her up WAY too late every night or  let her nap on the go ALL weekend.....I stuck to strict naps and bedtimes!  Despite all the chaos, she was NOT a total trooper and she did NOT charm the pants off all those hard a$$ New Yorkers!

Chris and I did NOT feel a bit "out of our league" at the fancy restaurant where we ate before our show on Saturday night, and after a reality check (and a glass of wine), I didn't care one. single. bit.  The food was delicious, the atmosphere delightful, and the company cozy.  I love my life just the way it is!

I did NOT obsess about the size of Katie Holmes' feet for the entire show (we saw her play on Broadway.....All My Sons).  Man, they were NOT that big.......were they????

I did NOT learn amazing new things and meet amazing people at the Vascular Birthmarks conference on Saturday, and I am NOT going to post about it sometime after I recover from the weekend!  It was NOT the primary reason for our visit in the first place!

I do NOT have about a MILLION posts running through my head, and I WILL get to them sometime this week.....pictures included......I promise!

What did you NOT do this week!?

 

So much to say, so much to do....

It's been a crazy few days.  We are back home in Alabama, and very happy to be a whole family again.  I missed my two big kiddos so much.....so much, it hurt!  

Our flight home was much better than our flight up.  We convinced the flight crew to let us take the carseat on board (the flight was only half full), and it made the ride sooo much more enjoyable bearable for everyone!  Greer screamed till we were in the air, but fell sound asleep for the rest of the flight (I even managed to get through half of Twilight....aka, my new obsession).  Our good fortune continued for the car ride home from Atlanta....she slept most of the way.

As soon as we landed, we got the news that Honey (aka Charlotte, Chris' mom) was in the hospital.  She has had some heart issues for a bit (palpitations, etc), and her doctor wanted to admit her to check it all out.  Please be in prayer for her in the coming days as she has some tests and monitoring to figure out what is going on.  

The house is pretty quiet now.  We shared the kid's "surprises" with them as soon as Chris got home from the hospital, and they were quite impressed.  We brought them bags of their favorite sweet treats from Dylan's Candy Shop.  What an amazing place!!!  Definitely a must see if you visit NYC.  We also got Reeves some very cool "stunt planes" at F.A.O. Schwartz and some matching PJ's for Lucy and Sarah (aka, her Bitty Baby) from the American Girl store.  Chris and I decided that the kids would love NYC as much as we did....I see a return trip in our future!

So, those are just a few of the hot topics on my brain at the moment.  I have sooo much more to say (and more than a few pictures to share), but my pillow and bed are calling me.  I'll post more tomorrow....I promise!!!

Live From New York.....finally!

I've been trying to post something on the blog almost every night since we arrived in NYC.  The thing is, we've been too busy to stop (and when we do stop, all I want is to lay down and go to sleep!).  We have been busy y'all!  

It has been such a wonderful trip so far....and we have a great day of fun ahead.  Greer is taking a little nap while we all get dressed to head downtown for brunch and to see the sites around Ground Zero, Ellis Island, and China Town.  Our sweet host and tour guide, Kay, has taken great care of us, and will join us for the day.  It's going to be a lot chillier, so I am praying that Greer is as good of a trooper as she has been so far.  This girl can HANG, let me tell you!  She has been so sweet and easy going.....we couldn't have asked for more.

Well, except for the flight.....that wasn't exactly her favorite part of the trip.  Chris and I basically passed her back and forth for her maiden voyage.  She fussed and fidgeted and cried most to the time, and when she finally passed out, her ears started to hurt.  Hoping tomorrow is a little better for the trip home....we'll see.

So, there are many posts to come, but here are a few shots from Friday, our first full day in the city.  We basically walked our way from midtown to Central Park, stopping at many places along the way.  It was a very pleasant day as far as the weather goes, and there was so much to do and see.  We window shopped (ahhh...Chanel, Fendi, Tiffany's, Bloomingdales, Saks 5th Avenue, Gucci, and on and on), sampled the local fare, people watched, and looked like goofy tourists....

The Christmas Tree going up in Rockefeller Center!

(People were snatching up discarded branches to take home as momentos)

Yummy cupcakes from the famous Magnolia Bakery.....

Which Greer enjoyed VERY much!!!

 

The WONDER of FAO Schwartz

And a grown-up toy store for Daddy!!!

Our week so far....

I may be on a bit of a blogging hiatus for a few days.  That said....I will do my best to update my twitter, but there is so much to do (and not nearly enough hours in the day to do it!).  

We leave on Thursday morning for NYC, and we are sooo very excited.  Mom (aka Charcey) is coming down in time to get Lucy from school, and she will be with the big kids till Saturday (or longer, maybe).  After that, Honey (aka Chris' mom) will take over on Saturday and then keep them till we get home on Monday.  My greatest prayers for the time we are away is for them to behave for their precious grandmothers....it's quite a tall order these days!  I feel like I am being tested in my parenting prowess, but I am determined to win the battle!

For posterity's sake, I feel that I must document a couple of milestones my kiddos have reached this week.  As my "virtual scrapbook", this is where I want to capture all those little moments in time....

Lucy can TIE HER SHOES!  I was very impressed by this, considering she learned to do it all by herself.  One day this week, she just up and said...."Hey Mommy, look what I can do!"  And, she did it!  She sort of freaks me out with her maturity....I am praying that this is not a foreshadowing of sorts!

Greer is pretty much using walking as her primary mode of mobility now.  Amazing, also, since she just turned 10 months yesterday.  Oh, and I can't BELIEVE that one!  My baby is NOT almost 1!  Gotta get planning that first birthday bash....it promises to be fabulous!  She has also learned to wave "bye, bye" and to nod her head "NO."  I promise to get some video up of that one soon.  

Reeves, well, he is just as "Reeves" as ever.  I will leave you with a conversation we had on the ride home last night....it was TOO funny not to share.  Here is a little back story:  Our microwave broke this week (along with a pipe and a window), so we had to make a trip to the mall to buy a new one.  On the way home, I decided to use the purchase as a "teachable" moment.  Here's how the conversation went down.....

"Do you guys know how much money it took to buy this new microwave?"  I said.

"Hmmmm.....I KNOW!  Was it 16 dollars????"  Lucy screamed!  "NO, I bet it was like ONE HUNDRED dollars"  chimed in Reeves.  

"Well, close, I guess....it cost $332 dollars!  Can you believe that?  That is a LOT of money, huh!?"  I said.

Lucy said, "DO you HAVE that many dollars????"  To which I replied, "Yes, but we work hard to pay for the things we need and want..."

Chris jumps in, " Did you guys know that we paid, like, $2,000 to have you a the hospital?"  (he was trying to make a point, but it went terribly SOUTH!)

(after a loooonnnng pause).....Reeves said (with a bit of concern in his voice)....

"You mean.........You BUYED US!???"  

Needless to say, there was some explaining to do....so much for "teachable" moments!!!

Not me!, Monday

It's that time again!  I find that this little bloggy fun is a great way for me to preserve some of those random happenings in my life (for better or worse!).  It is going to be great fun to look back on these some day!

Check out MckMama's blog for more "Not ME!" moments (and for one of the most amazing stories you have ever read) from other "perfect" moms like me!  They are hilarious!

I did NOT let Greer feed herself a carton of yogurt so that I could finish cooking dinner one crazy night this week!  She did NOT make a tremendous mess, and she did NOT LOVE every minute of it.  It did NOT keep her entertained for at least 20 minutes!  And btw, I am NOT a clean freak and this did NOT overwhelm me one little bit!

In another fabulous parenting moment, I did NOT let Lucy fall asleep on the couch at least 3 times this week instead of sticking to our sensible and usual bedtime routine. 

And, I ABSOLUTELY DID NOT let her fall asleep with a "ring pop" in her mouth.  That would be something that lazy and permissive parents would do.  I, dear friends, am NEVER lazy nor am I permissive!

I could go on and on and on.....

What about you?  What did you NOT do this week!?

New York Here We Come!!!

So we leave for NYC on Thursday, and, well, we have planned nothing!  We DO have plane tickets, a place to stay (thanks Kay!), and our conference itinerary for Saturday.  Other than that....we are wide open!

Any suggestions?  

We will be there Thursday-Monday.  

More later!

New Doo!

So, Reeves needed a haircut six a few weeks ago, but we just got to it tonight (followed by a yummy night at our favorite Mexican Restaurant!).  

Isn't he just the most handsome boy you have ever seen?  Well, he's the most handsome "little" boy in my house!!!

Oh, and by the way.....

ROOOOOLLLLLLLL Tide, ROLL!!!

In regards to my health and wellness....

I am happy to make two very exciting announcements!  

First.....I have lost 6 pounds in the past 3 weeks!  I have been mostlydevoted to sticking to my points (I'm a weight watchers girl), and it has paid off.  I guess my gallbladder attack didn't hurt (at least in that department), but even still, I am 6 pounds (and one good size) smaller.  Seeing the weight come off (and getting compliments from others) is super motivation for me.  I plan to try to lose another 5-7 pounds by Thanksgiving.  I'll keep you posted!

Second....I think it is safe to say that my gallbladder attack has subsided (at least for now).  I haven't felt this good in 2 weeks, and I am praying that I can stay out of pain till at least January.  I found out that my ejection fraction (a result from the Hydascan) was 28%.  They usually recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder when it is below 40%.  That said....surgery is definitely in my future.  If I can stay healthy till after the holidays that would be wonderful!  

The rest of the gang are doing pretty well, too.  Other than healing from some flea bites!  I'll let that be a story for later....I am feeling like the worst mom in the world on that subject!  

Happy Weekend to you all!

I've been Tagged!

My friend Ginger (a real-life friend who is also a fellow blogger) has "tagged" me, so I must not disappoint!  Here are the rules....

Pick the 4th picture folder on your computer

Pick the 4th picture in that folder

Explain what the picture is about

Tag 4 blogging friends to do the same

It may seem like a random picture of some beautiful flowers, but this photo brings back a flood (no pun intended) of memories.  First of all, this flower arrangement was a centerpiece bouquet for my friend Gray's bridal shower.  Here in the south, you can't have a pretty spring bouquet that doesn't include "magnolias" and/or "hydrangeas".... two of the many beautiful things you will find down here.  

My friend Leeanne made the arrangement herself, and I just thought it was gorgeous.  I wanted to replicate it for my door vases from "Southern Living At Home", but I never did get around to it this year....on my ever growing  "to do list" for 2009!

That "shower" ended in another lovely "shower" we experience here in the south...

A Wild Springtime Tornado!  

I got stuck for some time in the restaurant..... 30 miles from home.  Reeves and Lucy were at their separate schools and I had an emergency call list a mile long (as the room mom for Reeves' class I had to call and notify all the parents).  Thankfully, my sweet girlfriends held Greer while I made a few frantic phone calls, and we all made it home safely.

Soooo now it's your turn!

I am choosing to tag:  Janice, Val, Sam and Amy, and Anna

Have fun, y'all!

Lucy - "isms"

Lucy gives me a new laugh on a daily basis, and today was no exception! 

Here are two of the conversations that we had today....both very, very "Lucy"!

"Hey Lucy, what did you have for lunch today?"  I asked (she likes to buy the school "hot" lunch, but I may be re-thinking that).  

"Well....I didn't really like it, but I did eat my cake."  she said.

"Really?  Just your cake?  You didn't eat anything else?"  I said.

"I drank my milk!!!" pause "And....I didn't just eat the icing!!!"  she said.

Wow, I never knew that cake was such a nutritious meal!?  I mean, if she had just eaten the icing, well, that would have been terribly unhealthy!!!  Thank goodness she ate the cake, too!  Whew!

And, later in the day.....

"Mommy....when I grow up, I'm going to be a Teacher, and a Mommy, and a Babysitter, and a.....

PAYER!"  she said.

"A what?  A pear?"  I said.

"NO!!! A PAY-ER!!!!  You know with money!"  she said.

"HUH?!  What do you mean...tell me more, Luce"  I said.

"You know (with a very "duh" tone)!  Like I give people money and they give me stuff!"  she said.  

I guess my child has ambitions to be a "personal shopper" one day.  I'll pray that she works for a big corporation and doesn't plan to open her own small business!!!  

Yeah, I had to throw that one in!!!  Don't you just love kids!? 

Works for Me Wednesday!

Christmas is just around the corner my friends, and this post may revolutionize your shopping list!


I am really stressing about what to get the kiddos this year. I despise junk toys, and have pretty much decided that I WILL NOT buy things that I think they might play with. I am all about the good/useful/tried-and-true toys. You can imagine that I was soooo excited when my friend at Rocks in my Dryer decided to host this blog carnival to help us all out (what could be better than advice from other moms....no media hype incuded)!


So, here is my entry for "great toy(s) that have served us well and not ended up in the charity pile." These two have been well loved over the past year, and continue to be part of our daily routine. They are not just for pre-schoolers either. The games on some of the websites (like Wiggles and Arthur) are actually more suited for 6-8 year olds. Once my 1st grader figured that out, he plays them all the time. And as for the art studio...well, it provides endless fun, and I secretly am very jealous that this wasn't around when I was a kid. I would have been obsessed. Thanks Fisher Price!!!



We decided to put a "kids only" computer in the kitchen, and it was the best decision we have ever made (maybe that is a bit overstated). The kids love these little gadgets, and I am forever grateful for the hours of (supervised) entertainment that they provide (with no mess). As an added bonus to you, I am jealous that you will get them at a MUCH lower price than I paid just one year ago. Oh, and on top of it all, they are even educational!


If a family computer is part of your "daily routine," these gadgets will revolutionize your life!!!


Click here for the details: Fisher Price Easy Link Internet Launch Pad and the Digital Arts and Crafts Studio





Even if you don't choose to participate....I would love to hear what toys are your favs!!! Please leave a comment with your own recommendations.

Yep! It's True!

Stop growing up so fast Sweet G!!!

Getting in the Spirit a bit early!

I needed a little lift today (with all the craziness that is going on) and one sure-fire way to get my spirits up is with a little holiday cheer.  Yes, I realize that we're barely beyond Halloween (and in fact, my Halloween decorations are still up), but I don't give a flip.....I wanted to listen to some Christmas music!

I heard that Casting Crowns had a new Christmas album out, so of course I had to get it (they are at the top of my all time favs list).  The big kids and I  jammed out to some tunes during bath time tonight, and I have to say.....I love it!  Lots of classics with a "Casting Crowns" twist.  

Highly recommended, friends!  Enjoy!!!

Exhausted and Waiting!

***Update***   All the test results came back fine.  Looks like she just has a nasty virus.  She slept OK this afternoon, and has kept her milk down.  I'll keep you posted.....still a bit cranky!

Let me start by saying....today has not been at all what I had planned (but when does that ever happen these days??).   

Greer has not been well since last Monday.  It started with a little sniffle, fever all day Tuesday, and afternoon fevers the rest of the week.  She broke out in a rash all over her trunk and legs on Saturday, and last night she started vomiting.  The fever also came back.  Her night was good, so I was praying for her to wake up well today.  

She did pretty well till about 9:30 (when she woke up from her first nap a bit too early).  She was very fussy, and wouldn't let me put her down.  I held her for a bit and she just laid limp on my chest.  Then she started vomiting again.  I took her temp, and it was back up to 101.  We both took a quick shower and made a doctor's appointment for 11:20.  My pitiful baby laid on the floor in her boppy and watched Sesame Street without moving a single muscle....I quickly got dressed.  She threw up a few more times before we left.  

After a negative strep test, a cath urine that is clear, and a general looking over (no ear infection and her chest sounded clear), we went for blood work and a chest x-ray.  Needless to say, she has NOT been amused with all the procedures.  At one point, she was just laying on my chest moaning....it broke my heart!

Dr. I should be calling anytime with the results.  Please say a prayer for my sweet baby....she is miserable.  I am praying that she sleeps for a while so that we will all be ready for what could be a yucky evening....I just want some relief for her.  

P.S.  We had to cancel her Laser Treatment that was scheduled for tomorrow morning.  She can't be put to sleep after such an illness.  I am really disappointed because it is going to delay her treatment until early December.  I know it is best though...she really needs to be well.  

I keep reminding myself that God is in control.  God is in control.  God is in control.  

Not me!, Monday

It's that time again!  I find that this little bloggy fun is a great way for me to preserve some of those random happenings in my life (for better or worse!).  It is going to be great fun to look back on these some day!

Check out MckMama's blog for more "Not me!" moments (and for one of the most amazing stories you have ever read) from other "perfect" moms like me!  They are hilarious!

And remember....He is STILL (and forever) the God of Miracles!!!

I did NOT spend a week in complete misery with a "poorly functioning" gallbladder, and I did NOT wait until Thursday to have it seen about.  I do NOT need surgery, and I did NOT decide to stick it out for a little bit longer.  I do NOT have a MILLION things to do in the next 2 weeks and surgery (no matter HOW minor it may be) is SO NOT going to work for me for a while.  

I did NOT run errands dressed up in an old bridesmaids dress pretending to be Ursula on Halloween day.  Reeves was NOT  proud to have his mommy/Ursula read to his class in costume as the "mystery reader".  

I am NOT totally exhausted after a day of trying to figure out what is wrong with my baby girl.  She was NOT absolutely PITIFUL all day today (vomiting, running fever, not wanting to be put down), and I did NOT give in to her every whimper.  

I did NOT rock out with my kids during bathtime to some Christmas music.  I am TOTALLY against Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving....it's just NOT right!!!

I did NOT take care of the most critically ill patient in my history of nursing on Sunday, and I am NOT still weeping for her and her situation.  Sometimes my job is NOT harder than you can possibly imagine.....but it IS (it really is) rewarding beyond measure!

I am NOT praising God for the miracle He performed for the life of sweet little Stellan....He does NOT continue to amaze me in ways that I just can't explain.  

And, last but not least, I DO NOT have a great peace about tomorrow's election.  I trust that God is in control....NO matter what the outcome!!!

What did you NOT do this week!?

...give me something good to eat!

About the time our "Disney" Halloween theme started, we started another tradition that has lasted through the years.  Our friends Keith and Amy (and Jake and Abby) invite us over for dinner before we head out to get our loot.  We always have Taco Soup and the kids munch on mummy dogs and other junk  yummy treats.  It is very delicious and fun and we look forward to it year after year!

They live in an area that is PERFECT for trick-or-treating.  Lots of houses close together and flat streets....who could ask for more!

Here are some pics of the fun!!

"Pirate" Reeves and his best buddy "Indiana Jones", aka Jake!

Lovely mermaids, Maddie and Lucy!

Lucy's stash!

And Reeves' stash (sorted by category....such the first born!).  Makes a Mama (who is also a first born) proud!!!

And, guess who else had a Halloween treat?  Yep....and isn't it spooky with Reeves' silhouette in the window....

Thanks for getting in the spirit, Mr. Raccoon

Under the Sea

I told you we liked a good Disney theme!  For the 3rd year in a row, we have carried on the tradition, and it has turned in to a family affair.  I promise I'll post pics from Halloween 2006 (when it all began), but for now here is this year's edition!

Reeves reluctantly happily agreed to participate for some pre-trick or treat pics as Prince Eric, but as you will see in a post I'll put up later, he morphed into a Pirate as soon as the obligatory photos were snapped.  He was a really good sport about it, though!

 

Greer was a bit overwhelmed by all the excitement, and I never managed to get a smile out of her.  She still looked absolutely yummy as Sebastian!

It didn't take long till she was totally pooped, and Chris took her home to put her to bed.  He had the fun of handing out candy to all the neighbors while I took the big kids trick-or-treating with our dear friends.  More on that later!