Check Out My New Buttons!

My blog designer friend, Danielle, made me these cool little buttons!

Check them out and let me know what you think (all you have to do is click 'em and you'll see)! I will add blogs and buttons as I find new favorites, and of course, keep you up to date on Greer's birthmark journey. When you click on the "Bye, Birthmark" button, you'll find all sorts of info and links pertaining to Greer's story and vascular birthmarks in general. There's even a "birthmark buddies" blog link list!

Oh, and speaking of Danielle, check out the awesome holiday template giveaway she's having on her design site (along with a few other fun giveaways). I can't wait to have a holiday look on my very own blog....it'll be even sweeter if I can win one! She is so amazingly talented, and her spirit is as sweet as can be!

Thanks for all you have done for me, Danielle....I can't WAIT to meet you soon!

Can't wait for the stillness!

We're busy, y'all. It seems like ye ole blog has fallen by the wayside....and I must admit that it has been low on my priority list lately. Sad, I know. It stinks that when I have millions of things to post about, I can't seem to find time to post about any of them! Oh well, I'll give it a shot!

The kids are pumped about Halloween, and frankly, so am I. We are heading to Gadsden to spend the evening with my parents and the kids just about can't stand it. It's our first year (in a long time) to not be dressing up as a family. We did a family theme for 3 years in a row....but this year I just decided to let the kids take their pick. I can't wait to unveil the results! Nothing spectacular, but every costume has a story. I promise to give you a full-on post on the subject later in the week....

Lucy has her first "real" fieldtrip tomorrow, and we are so excited about it. We are heading to a real "working" farm where we will pick cotton, feed cows, pet goats, run through a hay maze, and choose a pumpkin. The kindergarten classes have been studying all about farm animals (remember the farm breakfast) and are even awaiting the arrival of a bunch of baby chicks!

In FACT....

....those chicks are going to be hatching sometime tonight or tomorrow, and YOU can watch them LIVE by clicking here! Cool, huh? The kids are beyond excited! I bet your kids would love watching, too! Check it out!

All that and so much more. I'm trying to keep things in perspective and soak it all in. I love my life....all the crazy busy fun, but sometimes I just want to be still.

Still.

I'm not sure I even know what that word means anymore....

....but don't you worry! I'm about to have a rendezvous with stillness. Yep, that's something I'm going to find time for. Real soon.

How do you find time to be. still. ???? I would love to know!

Miley Cyrus 2009....

(btw, beauty hurts)

Thanks Jaime!!!

....it's all about the hair (and fabulous outfits)! Didn't you know???

Does this tell you anything about how the photoshoot went?

.... but I think I may have actually captured a couple of possibilities! Yay!

I'm NOT Oprah's biggest fan....

....but this was really cool!

p.s. make sure you go down and pause my playlist first

It's been a busy week or so, y'all!

And I'm gonna go ahead and warn you...

....this post is going to be sorta long and have lots of pictures.

Just so ya know!

First and foremost, I need to share the sad news. I've just mustered up the strength to post about it, so I'm going to keep it brief as to not open the floodgates again.

Our precious kitty, Lily, is in heaven.

And yes, I wholeheartedly believe that she is in heaven (along with Sapphire and Clancy and Molly and Maisie and Savannah and Max and Bandit and Chloe....and probably some I'm forgetting). Well, maybe not Chloe, she was a a little mean :) JK, Erin!

Lily has been sick for a couple of years, and we decided that she just couldn't go on suffering anymore. The kids were so sad (especially Lucy), but I think they understand. We are attempting to let this situation jump-start some understanding of death and eternity and heaven....this has been quite a journey for all of us. We will bury Lily in Gadsden next week with many of my beloved childhood pets. The kids are taking it all in, and I would be so honored if you would say a prayer for this situation. It's still pretty hard.

Even with the sadness of losing Lily, life is marching on. We're busy with school and sports and church and friends and homework and all sorts of other stuff....

...like our first High School Football game! In cool football weather! Yay!

I can't say that the cool weather has lasted, but we're praying that it comes back real soon. Last Friday night was so much fun for us and the kiddos. We headed over to cheer on our Hoover Bucs (and sadly, they didn't win) against Vestavia Hills. Between their previous domination and my absence from all other games, I'm a little worried that we were the bad luck charm! Good thing I don't believe in luck! Go Bucs, you'll get 'em next time!

See, we weren't only there to watch a football game.....our favorite Buccanette was performing! We love us some Mary Kate!

And as you can see, the end of the game didn't do much for Lucy! That girl can fall asleep anywhere....as we would soon discover!

Our weekend marched on. Sunday was as crazy as ever....church, softball, baseball, small group, Lucy hiding under a bed and falling asleep. Us panicking and almost calling 911 and finding her and feeling complete relief...and after all that, we started the brand new week off with a bang.

Or the knock of the snooze button.

Yep, I let my kids sleep-in on Monday morning!

I know, I know....

.....but it was sooooo worth it!

We all need a mental health day every once in a while, right?

And speaking of that....I got a little mental health moment of my own this week!

Our old Bunco group had a little reunion at my friend Jenny's house....and it was so much fun.

We talked and ate and sipped and laughed and caught up on old times. I love these girls.

Wanna know what else I loved? Jenny's Halloween decorations....

....I found me some of those cool skeletons today, and you can bet they're already hanging from my dining room chandelier. I promise to post some pics real soon!

Knicknats Designs Giveaway Winners!

Hoping I find more time to post tonight, but I wanted to announce the winners of the Giveaway before the day completely runs away!

Congratulations to.....

Tina and Charlotte Ann

Get in touch with me soon and let me know which earrings you like best! I am so happy for you girls....you are going to love your new earrings. And make sure you send your admirers over to Natalie's Etsy store where they can purchase some of their very own!

Happy Monday, y'all....

....mine has been a bit crazy.

Looking for something to do tomorrow?

Join us at a2 Church!

We're goin' Cow Tipping....

Need more details?

click here

Knicknats Designs....a GIVEAWAY!

A few months ago (remember back when I was doing lots of giveaways? Yeah, I haven't had one in a while), Natalie Fry Horne was featured here on my blog and gave away 3 pairs of her unique, hand made earrings.

They were a HIT! All my lovely readers raved about how much they loved them and wanted a pair of their own! It was awesome!

Little did we know, Nat and her lovelies were about to hit the big time! Besides selling like hotcakes on her Etsy store, several big name stores in the area (and even around the Southeast) have started selling Knicknats Designs. The are HOT y'all!

If it weren't enough that she's so talented (and did I mention beautiful), she also has an amazing spirit. She has a heart for Jesus, her family, and her community. I just love her! It's no surprise that when I needed gifts for the teachers at the kid's school, she donated a few with no hesitation.....those teachers are in for a lovely surprise today!

I wanted to thank her in a big way, and what better way than a giveaway! Two lucky blessed readers will have a chance to win a pair of their choice! Here are a couple of the designs that I picked out for the teachers.....and there are sooooo many other designs on her Etsy site.

I wore these adorable skull and crossbones yesterday, and got stopped several times....aren't they adorable? Lucy was quite impressed with my coolness!

And you can bet on this.....

...these lovelies will be worn tomorrow! Roll Tide, Roll!

So, wanna win a pair (or 2 if you're really lucky blessed)? I thought so!

Here's how you can make it happen....and have up to 5 6 chances to win a pair (I just added number 6):

1. Leave a comment telling me which ones you like best....and don't forget to visit Nat's Etsy Store! Most prints can be made in various sizes and shapes, depending on your style!

2. Follow this blog publicly (just remind me in the comment if you are a follower.....new or loyal)!

3. Follow me on twitter (and remind me of that, too).

4. Tweet about the giveaway (again, let me know in your comment)!

5. Blog about the giveaway (that is if you blog....)

6. Put up a Link on Facebook! Invite all your friends to join in the fun!

I want Nat to gets lots of traffic....

will you help me?!

Hope you win :) Happy Friday! Voting will end at midnight on Sunday....you have ALL weekend to spread the word!

I've got the.....

Joy. Joy. Joy. Joy....

.....down in my heart! Down in my heart to stay!

How long since you heard that little ditty? I know, I know....it reminds you of Vacation Bible School and weak lemonade and piggy tails and sitting on cool linoleum floors and screaming and whispering and Bud's Best butter cookies, too.

What? It doesn't remind you of those things?

Oh....

...those must be my memories!

See, I'm finding my joy. my bliss. my peace.

moment by moment by moment by moment.

We finished an awesome series at church on Sunday....I think that's what tipped it off. I am embracing the good. the joy. the wonderfulness that is my life.

The wonderfulness that is my children. and my husband. and my family. and of course....

....my Jesus.

Yay!

P.S. The gawgeous curly-headed baby in my last post is my precious niece Olivia.....in case you were wondering.

Snapshots....

....from a busy couple weeks!

I am working on pulling together a cohesive post in the next day or two. In the meantime, why don't you try to figure out what we've been up to!

Living. Loving. Breathing. Feeling. Being. Doing....

....this!

And, a whole lot more.

Surfin' Saturday....

.....it's been awhile!

I am working today (and I worked yesterday, too).....you know how those days have been lately. So, in light of my bloggy absence, I thought I'd post a couple of links to some things that are heavy on my heart right now....

Dr. Oz happened to have a segment on his show yesterday featuring a young woman with a Port Wine Stain birthmark like Greer has. While I am thrilled that the topic was featured on a major show like this, I must admit that I was a bit disappointed by the "info-mercial-ness" of it all. Oh, how I wish he had focused a bit more on the medical impact of PWS and about other "miracle" therapies like laser and support groups. Oh well, at least he's getting some info out there!

And now, on a much more serious note, a precious little patient of my dad's went to be with Jesus yesterday. He was born with a rare disorder and many challenges, but he lived for almost 2 years.....a miracle in itself. Please read little Ian's story and say a prayer for his sweet family. Taking care of Ian over the past couple of years has been so amazingly special for my daddy and his nurse, Joan.....and I know his heart (his still healing heart) is breaking for Mary and Wae. I am lifting them up in prayer as they face the coming minutes, days, weeks, and months without baby Ian. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child. If you get a chance, please leave a word of encouragement for them over on their guestbook...I know they would appreciate it!

Oh, and speaking of Joan, would you please say a prayer for her? As I type this, her mom is gravely ill. Please pray for peace and comfort for her in this very difficult time. She loved Ian and her own Mama so very much...I love you Joan!

I have a theory....

....and it involves toilets.

I know, I know. (Remember, I have already warned you that the Gross Factor is HIGH around here!). If you have kiddos, you MUST read on. I need your input! But let me digress for a moment....

My friend Debbie and I spent the day together. It was simply divine.

We went shopping at the brand-spankin' new Target near our house. Today was the "soft" opening, and the store was fully stocked.....and immaculate! Did I mention that it's the biggest Target in the US? Yes. You can be jealous. It was unbelievable! And NOBODY was there. I mean NOBODY but us well pretty much....it was amazing. I spent a little bit too much money. Oops....

After that delightful adventure, we dropped our baby girls off at school and hit the road for Gadrock. We headed north to have our hair "did"....it was so much fun. 2 hours - sans children - at the hairdresser. Fun! We talked and laughed and ate a bunch of junk. Ahhh....

....and here is where our "theory" comes in.

Do your children always forget to flush the toilet at home? Are you constantly finding the job "unfinished"? Does your child go to a school with "automatic flushing toilets"? Do you visit establishments with "automatic flushing toilets"?

Our children have NO IDEA HOW TO FLUSH A TOILET.....

....think about it!!!

Decisions, decisions....

....but I'll get to those in a minute.

Let me start by saying, today was a really hard day. Well, it started out really hard, but as the minutes marched on, I felt the peace of the Holy Spirit flooding my soul. If it had been up to me, I would have climbed back under the covers the moment I got home from dropping the big kids off at school (yep, we even missed the bus)! Greer might have eaten cheese puffs and cotton candy all day had I not pulled myself together.

It seemed like this black cloud was looming over me, and everywhere I turned something was pulling me down. The gloomy weather didn't make it much better....and I am usually a fan of cloudy days. Today it just mirrored my spirit.

After a good, long cry, a desperate prayer, and a pep talk from my husband....I pulled up my bootstraps and got on with my day. That's what we mommies have to do, right? No rest for the weary.....life goes on.

I won't bore you with the gory details (have I mentioned that the Gross Factor is HIGH around these parts?). I prayed for peace and providence and forgiveness. I set about the task of living....and making big decisions. I knew that facing my giants was the only way I was going to pull myself out of the quicksand. And that's where the decision part comes in.....

We are at a major crossroads in terms of Greer's Port Wine Stain treatments. I've been half avoiding/half dreading making the next move....and frankly, I still don't know if we're doing the right thing. I just don't know what to do. I prayed specifically for God to guide my heart and my mind and my decisions today.....after that desperate prayer, some big things happened.

A little history....Greer has had 8 laser treatments since her birth. Five of those treatments were with a laser called the Perfecta. Three of them (including the last 2) were with an older V-Beam model. Greer's birthmark seems to respond better (in regards to fading) to the Perfecta, but our wonderful dermatologist here in the 'Ham doesn't have permanent access to the Perfecta in the facility where Greer can receive General Anesthesia. Greer needs General Anesthesia for her treatments.....and Greer needs the Perfecta.

Alabama can't give her that.

We don't want to waste valuable time with a laser that is not getting the job done....but we don't really want to travel and leave our wonderful doctor. But that's our reality, and I made a big leap of faith today. After a good long cry, a big ole prayer (not to mention the pep talk from Chris), I scheduled a consultation with a highly recommended doctor at Duke.

Will our insurance cover it? Will the travel time wipe us out? Can we afford it? Is it really necessary? Will our friends think we're nuts? Will it all be worth it? Are we making the right decision for our baby?

All I know is that it's in God's hands. All I know is that I have a baby girl who is counting on me....even though she doesn't even know it. I have to trust that it's in His hands.....

....and that we have a home in Raleigh that is going to welcome us with open arms.

Maybe that's my sign!

I really need to tell you this....

Chris and I make a good team. Always have. It's an especially amazing blessing now that our kiddos are going a million different directions. And lately, it seems like one of them is always sick....that's just a little bonus!

Lately, I feel like God has been trying to remind me of how awesome my husband is.

I know I take him for granted. I do. All the time. I'm trying to do better....I promise I am.

He's a dedicated father, husband, provider, child of God. He puts up with a LOT of junk from me.....I mean, really! I'm not the easiest person to live with, ahem, but he loves me and our babies ferociously.

For 3 and a half years, he took care of the kids every weekend while I worked (thank the good LORD I don't have that same schedule these days) and he tells me almost every day how much he appreciates what it takes to be with the kids all day long. Do you know how awesome it is to have a husband who has literally walked in your shoes? Amazing.

He coaches 3 little league teams, makes pink pancakes on the weekends, and makes the bed. He works 3 jobs and meets the kids at the bus stop and combs hair into ponytails. He prays for me when I'm struggling and worries about the kids when they are sick. He unloads the dishwasher and wipes down the counter and pays the bills. He stays up all night to put together a video for worship. He yearns to know God more and to be the best man he can be. He gets up at 3 am everyday so that he will have time to spend in communion and prayer with God.

He doesn't get mad when I drop my cellphone in the pedi-bowl or blow my tire out for the 4th time because I seem to always run into the curb.

No, he's not perfect.

Sometimes he gets on my nerves. He leaves the seat up and the wet towel on the floor and the milk on the top of the refrigerator.

No, I'm not perfect either.

I nag him about leaving the seat up and the wet towel on the floor and the milk on the top of the refrigerator.

We both screw up. A lot. But you know what I know I know is true?

He loves me.

He loves us.

He loves Jesus.

That's it. And that's enough.

Carnival Fun....

....with my little fashionista!

More later, I've got about a million things to do to get ready for work and school tomorrow! Check back soon!