Maybe Tomorrow

My Increasingly Green Home

2011-12-31T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my wonderful friend Gwendolyn Rodriguez I was turned onto the ideas of simple, green, family friendly products for cleaning my home. What really hooked me was the fact that these "products" were really just simple old fashioned ingredients that had been around all along! Here we are trying to figure out how to be safe and clean without harming ourselves (which has resulted in untold amounts of money spent and plenty of environmental pollution, I'm sure) when the very best has been here all along! Get two new spray bottles - fill one with Vinegar and one with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Spray one right after the other and what you have is a solution that will kill more nasty bacteria and germs than anything else out there. AND you don't have to worry about the effects it will have on your family! I've included an excerpt below that will explain in greater detail what I'm clumsily trying to explain here!

http://www.michaelandjudystouffer.com/judy/articles/vinegar.htm

Susan Sumner, a food scientist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, worked out the recipe for just such a sanitizing combo. All you need is three percent hydrogen peroxide, the same strength available at the drug store for gargling or disinfecting wounds, and plain white or apple cidar vinegar, and a pair of brand new clean sprayers, like the kind you use to dampen laundry before ironing. If you're cleaning vegetables or fruit, just spritz them well first with both the vinegar and the hydrogen peroxide, and then rinse them off under running water.

It doesn't matter which you use first - you can spray with the vinegar then the hydrogen peroxide, or with the hydrogen peroxide followed by the vinegar. You won't get any lingering taste of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and neither is toxic to you if a small amount remains on the produce. As a bonus: The paired sprays work exceptionally well in sanitizing counters and other food preparation surfaces -- including wood cutting boards. In tests run at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, pairing the two mists killed virtually all Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli bacteria on heavily contaminated food and surfaces when used in this fashion, making this spray combination more effective at killing these potentially lethal bacteria than chlorine bleach or any commercially available kitchen cleaner.

The best results came from using one mist right after the other - it is 10 times more effective than using either spray by itself and more effective than mixing the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in one sprayer.

Reference note: Articles on Dr. Sumner's original research work appeared in the scientific news journal, "Science News," in the issues that were published on August 29, 1996, and on August 8, 1998.

Author's note, updated February 2008: The question I get asked most by readers is, "Can I mix the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar into one sprayer?" The short answer is: EEK - No! The longer answer is: never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together in one container. The resulting chemical, peracetic acid, can harm you when mixed together this way if you accidentally create a strong concentration in this fashion. Peracetic acid also has entirely different characteristics and properties than either hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Additionally, we don't know if peracetic acid kills the same group of pathogenic food-borne bacteria when used this way as a spray - it very well may not.

On the first day of Christmas break my children gave to me...

2011-12-21T10:30:00.001-08:00

1 bloody tooth (courtesy of Ainsley punching Jake in the mouth this morning. He and Reid were rough housing and Ains kept getting caught in the crossfire. I warned them repeatedly to calm down and when they didn't she clocked him. The tooth was obviously loose already and I felt badly for him but not too badly. He had it coming).

2 belly laughs ....Ainsley woke up this morning and walked out in the living room and said to Reid, "hey Reid, my first name is really Ains and my last name is really Ley..how about that?" and I laughed so hard. Where does she come up with this stuff? The second laugh came when I relayed the story to a friend.

3 soaking wet items from my grocery bag. It's kind of hard to explain how this one happend but I will give it a try. Reid and Jane Dare had a mid morning bath/playtime in the tub. When I turned my back for one minute to take something to my room someone (Reid) hatched the plan to hop out of the tub, run across the kitchen, pull a new pack of diapers and two baking ingredients I'd just purchased at Walmart out of the shopping bag and take them into the bathtub with them. Pretty sure Reid's hiney is still red from that spanking.

4 annoyed customers. The other people who were waiting in the customer service line with us at Walmart when the computer malfunctioned and our wait stretched on and on. As each minute ticked by my kids got increasingly loud, antsy, naughty, did I mention loud? It was torturous. By the time wr finally got to the front of the line I quickly purchased my stamps and scurried out without making eye contact with anyone.

5 extra pounds. Christmas baking with children means lots of rejects. I am a major stress eater and so every squabble, scream and tear resulted in another cookie being popped in my mouth. I can feel my pants growing tighter by the minute.

I am pretty sure if we did have a partridge in a pear tree around here it would have run for its life hours ago. I might not be far behind.

October 13th

2010-10-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Things are trucking along out here in Pinehurst. Its been so hot the past few days but finally we had a beautiful day today and while I crave the coolness that fall should bring I'm still trying to enjoy it. I know I'll be sick of the cold in no time . . . all the work it brings putting shoes on and jackets on! One thing I won't miss is mosquitoes! Ugh! I am so sick of those nasty little things. Ainsley will now track me down and present me with a cotton ball and the calomine lotion if she get attacked before I've sprayed her down with Off. I hear that they finally die after two frosts and at this point it feels like that is never going to happen. Thankfully its cool enough that we have been able to enjoy our fireplace outside in the evenings. That may be one of the best investments in family time we will ever make. Plus it brings out the pyromaniac in all of us . . . and better to have our kids do it in our presence than on their own :)

Ainsley is on the final few days of her two week fall break (Pre-K can be pretty grueling, you know). I've really enjoyed the time with her these past couple weeks. She and Reid are so sweet to each other and play so nicely together when Jake isn't around. Speaking of Jake he had a half day of school today and it was so nice to have a relaxing afternoon around the house with him. Really makes me wish we could put him in a half day kindergarten but I know at this point its more important to keep him stable . . . plus he has a really great teacher at Pinehurst Elementary.

I've been trying to get back in my groove of waking up early to spend time with the Lord (on the days that I don't go out and run). Its a wonderful time for me and I really treasure that peace and quiet before the craziness of the day starts. Reid did thwart me this morning as he showed up in our room about 5 minutes before my alarm went off and snuggled up to me. I could not make myself leave him so I got up an hour later then I'd planned! But even so Jake got fed and dressed and sent off to school on time.

Is anyone else watching the show Sister Wives on TLC. Its pure craziness but I can't keep myself from watching. If you missed it you might be out of luck because I think the season finale is next week . . . better luck next time!

Alright people, that's all I've got for you. Back to your regularly scheduled lives ;)

What Day Is It?

2010-09-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I hate coming up with titles to my blog. They are either inane and stupid or they set me up to say something spectacular which (often) does not happen. Whatev. I just have to get a new blog up so the first thing newcomers read isn't the story of how I failed Jake. I should probably ease people into that. Hopefully if people are coming to my blog via facebook they have already looked at my pictures and seen the hats I made for school startup or my crafty banner for JD's birthday and they are all like "how is she so awesomely awesome". And then they mosey over here to my blog and read that and think "hmmm, not so awesome". Its kinda a good reminder to all of us that facebook let's us put forward whatever face we want - so take it all with a grain of salt. But if you know me you know I am all about honesty and being forthcoming with my flaws and imperfections!

Jane Dare turned one on September 9th and it was a great day in which we celebrated the joy she is in our lives. That little girl has just about every member of our family wrapped around her little finger. She and Jake adore each other and just this morning Jake asked me if we could have a bunch more babies when Jane Dare gets big. And don't even get me started on her daddy - when I kid him about it he just gets a sheepish grin on his face that makes me love him even more (if that is possible). The other day Jane Dare was in our room messing with our modem (I would NEVER get anything done if I didn't let her) and Ryan came in and caught us. He looked at her and jokingly said "THAT's what happens to my internet you little hussy" and her whole face clouded over and she just started to sob. Well I thought Ryan was going to DIE. I'm pretty sure that will be the last time he ever scolds her. I can so easily see now how the baby of the family can get spoiled. None of my other kids nursed until they were over a year but here I am just now finally getting her weaned. Its hard to tell that little thing no!

And now a moment to make all you moms feel better about yourselves

2010-09-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

I know that title is a little bit long but bear with me. I'm traumatized. I found out today on the 6th day of kindergarten that I have been screwing up snack time for Jake ever since we started full time school a week ago. Somehow there was a miscommunication and I thought they just did drinks at snack time so I've been sending money for juice or milk. Well, today in the kindergarten newsletter there was a reminder to all parents to "please remember to send in a snack for your child as its a long school day and the children get very hungry". I think I stopped breathing for a minute when I read that. So as I was sitting with Jake doing his homework I asked him about it and he dissolved into tears. Told me (through sobs) that everyone else had a snack and he didn't have any. At this point I was contemplating suicide. Then he went in his closet and cried even harder. Now I'm thinking about contacting someone to waterboard me and then they can kill me.

That's it. I have no happy ending. But rest assured there is snack packed for tomorrow. Then a friend sent me this link and it made me smile again. My favorite one is "Google does not have children" . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taDqKWWPDAY

A Good Reminder

2010-08-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I was in a bit of a funk - a pity party, if you will - because my day was not turning out as I had planned and so I decided to feel sorry for myself. You know the drill, no one likes me, I'm so bored, I lack motivation, blah blah blah blah blah. Now, if I was in charge of the universe and I looked down and saw someone indulging in such self pity I'd probably just let them wallow in it until they could get a grip on themselves. But that is not what my loving heavenly Father did. Instead He sent me four reminders through the day of some of the special women he has put into my life.

1 - I was reminded that I have a friend who would drive many hours to beat up someone who she has perceived has wronged me. No questions asked. Which most likely mean she would be beating up someone who didn't deserve it but that is the kind of friend she is.

2 - I was shown the love of a friend who despite an overwhelming schedule and amount of demands on her would make an effort to put the feelings of my son first. This would involve shoe-horning a lunch with my Jake into their day so that he would not have to be disappointed when circumstances necessitated we cancel our plans (rest assured I talked her down off the ledge of guilt and refused to let her add something else to her plate - there is plenty of time for that).

3 - I was reminded of the love of a friend as we shared our hearts with one another over the clatter of my four children on my side of the phone and the noise of her four children (plus one extra) on her end of the line. As we encouraged one another and laughed and shared prayer requests . . . my heart was lifted.

4 - I was able to watch two girls who I love dearly encourage one another via facebook - sharing love and support and planning a time that they could be together despite the fact that one lives in C-ville and the other in the Boro. And I knew that they would offer the same love and encouragement to me any time I needed it.

Thankfully by the next day I could so clearly see these blessings and all the Lord has given me and rejoice rather than mope! What an awesome God we serve and what blessings He has bestowed on me.

Just Another Sunday Night

2010-08-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share some pictures with you of what's just another night at our house

A little couch acrobatics

Some hard core teething

Showing off his new toy (purchased with allowance & tooth fairy cash)

Portrait by Ainsley (don't mind the cleavage. I assure you I don't!)

More of aforementioned acrobatics. . . yes he is doing what it looks like.

Reid's best Tommy Boy impression

It's hard to be this gorgeous! And for pete sake why am I still in my Sunday dress at 6:30 pm!

For Free!

2010-08-12T11:16:00.001-07:00

Have I got a deal for you! One Sesame Street Talking Elmo phone free to the first taker! I'll even pay for shipping to my out of state readers. How can you resist???

Disclaimer: Phone may be slightly "water" logged. I'm sure nothing some time in a bag of rice won't fix.

Happy 6th Birthday Jake

2010-07-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today is my big boy Jake's 6th birthday! Just so I don't start blurring the birth order roles now I'm going to keep up with what has become a tradition of writing glowing blogs, making beautiful videos, etc of Jake on his birthday while completely ignoring my other three children. They can all go to the same therapist when they get older and have group sessions where the talk about it. I'll even pay.

Six years ago I was in the hospital still reeling from what happened to my body during 19 hours of labor, three hours of pushing, a vacuum assist delivery complete with a complimentary episiotomy. It was awesome. Since no men read this (except maybe my dad) I'll also add that the next couple of days I was a spectacle to all med students & residents as having the most swollen nether regions any of the providers had seen. This was quite a way to cap off my 42 weeks of gestating my precious son.

I remember holding Jake in my arms and talking with my mom about the life ahead of him. We thought ahead to the first time a girl breaks his heart and I broke down in tears. Six years later that little boy still holds my heartstrings in his beautiful little hands. The tears I've shed worrying over him, loving on him, watching him struggle, and blossom and grow. I see a little boy who captivated everyone from the time of his birth with his beautiful blue eyes and shining blonde hair. And now I see his impish grin as he gets up to go good or the look of concentration on his brow as he works to create a masterpiece. And all of it I store up in my heart much like Mary did as she watched her precious baby Jesus.

Next month Jake starts kindergarten and to say I'm a nervous wreck is an understatement. I'm not ready to open up my fist and let my little boy go. I want to hold onto him forever. Jake is so special and unique and I'm terrified to send him out into the world. I feel more prepared for Ainsley to take on kindergarten . . . my girl who I love every single little bit as much as her big brother. But that is not how it goes an I have four more weeks to come to terms with that. Prayers welcome :) But for tonight I'll just try to celebrate my Jake and thank God for the perfect creation he made when he put that boy together.

On the Road Again

2010-07-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

So I think I'm officially back to running. My month off set me back about 7 pounds which was not a highlight but I still managed to rest my foot enough and wait it out until I felt it was good enough to run on. Started out with just 30 minutes slow-ish on the treadmill on Tuesday. Felt good so I took off yesterday and then ran my regular route this morning. It felt good the majority of the time except when I'd step on a rock funny. Its felt good (pain free) all the rest of today so I'm encouraged in that and ready to get serious about training for the Army 10 Miler.

As a result of moving to the area and making lots of new facebook connections with people I'm getting to know I'm feeling a bit more shy with what I put out on my blog. Right now I just feel like writing a big old whiny post but I'm hesitant because I don't want to scare any newcomers away from me. I feel like the majority of my posts since I moved here have been whiny rather than cheerful. Its just still so hard to feel like I belong here sometimes and on weeks like this one (where I'm extra emotional) it really gets to me. I've met soooo many welcoming, kind, friendly women here so that isn't the problem. The problem is that many of these women have a life here - a busy, friend filled, fruitful life - and it doesn't happen to revolve around me. Insanity, I know. And I am insanely busy too but right now that mostly involves taking my children to a never ending parade of doctor's appointments, trying so hard to keep up with my housekeeping & occasionally working a project or two into the mix. Bottom line is that I'm lonely. I want to pick up the phone and call someone but then I stop because I don't want to whine or become a burden.

I know that when we find a church and really settle in that will (hopefully) help. I'm really craving a community group situation like what we had back in TN and I pray that there is one out there for us.

And before I chicken out from sharing my heart I'm going to hit the publish post button.

Sorry To Keep You Waiting

2010-07-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

So I know you are all just dying in anticipation to here my next take on my Vibrams. Well, I'm an idiot and rather than reading how to adjust to barefoot running I just jumped right in and managed to give myself a stress fracture. Words do not express how frustrated I am. I was finally reaching my top fitness level and feeling really good in my workouts AND gearing up to train for the Army 10 miler. And now . . . well know I am starting in on my 3rd week of no training trying to get my foot to heal. I've been riding Ryan's bike when I can and yesterday I did the elliptical . . . hoping to start 30 day shred with my girlfriend as soon as it arrives in the mail but nothing compares to a long, hard run. And the worst part is I have no idea when it'll heel up and I'll feel better. If I had some sort of a timeline that might help but right now I'm just taking it day by day. Wouldn't you think that 4 weeks would be enough time to heal a stress fracture? That is what I'm hoping for.

Now the question is what to do, what to do once I heal and start running again. I think at this point with the countdown on until 10 miler time my best bet is to just put on my Asics and stick with those until after the race. Then I'll give it another try and ease into a fivefinger existence more slowly this time. But seriously I just want to scream. Isn't it hard enough to find time to workout, etc without having this happen. So that is that.

A break from your regularly scheduled blog . . .

2010-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

I've been on an odyssey of sorts for the past couple of weeks ever since my friend/babysitter Christin gave me a book that she said I HAD to read. Its called Born To Run and from the moment I started it I could barely put it down. It really challenged a lot of my preconceived ideas about running for exercise and what the human body is capable of and made for. If you like running or want to like running I can't recommend this book enough BUT I will warn you that after reading it you'll want to go run a 50 mile ultramarathon. Don't worry though because the next time you go for a jog you'll be knocked back down to reality (or at least I was).

Long story short was that the main thing I took away from this book was that my running shoes might be part of my problem when my knees started to act up every now and then. After the thorough explanation in the book about the idea of barefoot running I was intrigued to say the least. For a long time I've laughed at the Vibram Fivefingers as the freakiest looking "shoes" that I've ever seen. My fashion sensible side wanted no part of these. But the part of me that loves a good run (one that is pain free) was dying to give them a try. So, after doing some research including a couple of barefoot runs on my treadmill I was ready to give them a try. Lucky me that the maid of honor from our wedding is the manager at River Jack's so she was able to give me a heads up when a pair in my size came in (these things are SUPER popular). So I picked them up on Saturday and took them out for my first spin on Sunday. My plan is to give you all a rundown of my first few times running in them in case any hobby runners like me out there are considering the switch.

After getting use to the feeling of having something in between each of my toes I took off. My first observation is that these shoes are not designed for running on gravel roads. Maybe fine gravel would be ok but my street has larger rocks and they hurt! So I got off my beaten path and ran along the pinestraw which was much better. When I hit the pavement again it was a bit hard on my feet. So when I crossed the street I hopped onto the grass running alongside the curb. My second observation is that I wouldn't be setting any records in these shoes as I had to be a lot more careful where I was stepping and I found myself running with more awareness of each footfall. My about the turn around point my left foot was aching a bit with each step. When I zoned out I found that it didn't bother me at all but as soon as I tried to pay attention to my stride I felt it again. When I was able to get onto a cushy place of sand or straw I felt no discomfort at all. Running the same length of time as usual I probably covered about a half mile less than what I might usually.

I didn't get any blisters from the fivefingers and it didn't mess up my pedicure. What I noticed soon after my run and even more yesterday was a pleasant soreness in my calf muscles. I like this feeling showing that my legs were working differently in these shoes and I hope that will work to improve my fitness.

Stay tuned for my next installment of day two in the fivefingers.

Ants!!!!!!

2010-06-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

This morning while I was still fumbling around for my coffee Ainsley called to me that there was an ant on the floor next to her. No biggie, I thought as I went to check it out. That ant, however, led me to another ant and another ant and another ant until I found myself by our breakfast nook window where the floorboards were crawling with ants. I freaked out and started calling every pest control company in the book. Only one was actually open at 7 a.m. and none, apparently, view my ant infestation as a major emergency. WRONG ANSWER.

Fortunately I got some good advice on Facebook and after Jane Dare's nap (during which time I kept my vac on high alert and sucked up the little buggers every chance I had) I packed the kids up and we headed for Lowes. I got in, got out with the stuff I needed and the kids were great! As we were heading out the door I was telling them how proud of them I was and what a great job they had done. I said to them, "You know what? You guys were so good that when we get home . . . " but that was as far as I got because a man walking behind me thought it would be a great idea to yell out "GO FOR ICE CREAM". Um, what!?!?! Excuse me but did you really just say that to my three young children who now believe they are going to be rewarded with ice cream? Are you going to chaperone that excursion? Were you planning to buy? Who the heck do you think you are Mister! I wanted to kill him. Instead I laughed and looked at the kids and went back to what I was originally going to suggest to which Jake replied "that sounds like an even better idea Mom". Whew, barely escaped that one alive!

The Rest of The Story

2010-06-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

When I was in elementary school my family participated in a neighborhood carpool group to get my brother and I back and forth to school. We went to a private Christian school (so no buses) but my parents got lucky in that our small neighborhood had three other families with large vehicles and children at the same school. I still remember sobbing at the front window waiting for Mrs. Sherrill to show up on Monday mornings when I had safety patrol duty. She was ALWAYS late and I was, after all, the Captain of the patrol so I was supposed to be early. I'm surprised I survived those mornings - both that my parents didn't kill me and that my heart managed the stress of it all.

Often when it was Mrs. G's day to pick us up we'd climb into her enormous Chevrolet station wagon and get to hear the "rest of the story". Literally always just in time to hear the culmination to whatever great tale Paul Harvey had been weaving.

Well, if you saw my post a couple of weeks ago on Facebook about Jake heading out one evening to deliver pictures he'd drawn to our neighbors . . . now you can get ready for the rest of the story.

When Jake got home that evening awash in the glow of sharing his art with adoring fans he immediately began planning which pictures he would draw next and deliver to the neighbors he'd missed. We assured him we would take him out again soon and kissed him goodnight and put him to bed. Aaaah, we smiled, what a sweet, wonderful boy we have there.

The next morning my cell phone rang from my bedside table rousing me out of a sound sleep. I grabbed it and noted first the time and then the fact it was a local number that I didn't recognize. I almost didn't answer but curiosity got the better of me. Good thing I did answer because who was calling me at 6:39 a.m. but my neighbor down the street who had been roused from her sleep by Jake and Ainsley knocking at her door in the pajamas to deliver a picture. Even better she was NOT the first stop they had made apparently. Bless Kathy's heart she called me to let me know that she had two of my children in her possession. I gasped, began apologizing profusely and assured her that Ryan would be right down. He was walking out the door before I even hung up the phone.

What I wouldn't give to have been a fly on Jake and Ainsley's bedroom wall to see who woke up whom and what conversation preceded a early morning trek down Midland Trail.

God is watching out for my little chicks in more ways than one but tonight as I write out this story I'm thankful for kind neighbors, good cell phone reception in our house, and a house at the end of quiet, gravel street.

Is Mother's Day Over Yet?

2010-05-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Not to complain (who, me???) but I don't have very positive feelings about Mother's Day. Not because of any deep Freudian reasons or problems with my own lovely mother but more because the bleeping Army has pretty much ruined it for me. My first MD was in 2005. Ryan was home, I was newly pregnant with Ainsley but Ryan was also graduating that weekend with his PhD so I got a little overshadowed. (waah, waah). In 2006 Ryan was in Iraq and I had a 21 month old and a 4 month old so it totally sucked. In 2007 Ryan was home and we were on a cruise in Alaska. Ok, so that one was pretty good. In fact, I came home from that cruise with Reid. Is that TMI? Sorry. In 2008 Ryan made it home on Mother's Day Eve so that was nice to have him home but he was very jet-lagged and I was kinda cranky. In 2009 Ryan was gone. In 2010 Ryan is gone. Do you see a theme here.

I have to say that my wonderful husband does everything he can to make my day nice when he can't be here. I get presents, there are always flowers delivered . . . the problem is the dang kids. Do you see my dilemma? Someone actually commented to me one time that they had thought about offering to babysit for me on Mother's Day but then they realized that of course I'd want to be with them on Mother's Day. Um (cough, cough) yes, of course I would! What kind of mother would want to be away from her offspring on Mother's Day!?!

Me, to be perfectly honest. I love my children. They bring me so much joy an happiness but they also plain wear me out and Sundays can be particularly difficult. I had a breakdown this morning trying to get us all out of the door for church on time and I might have said a naughty word when I dropped some ice on the floor (the horror!). Thankfully Jane Dare was the only one who heard it and she promised not to repeat it.

But what would really make a great Mother's Day would be to sleep in, have my children calmly shower me with cards and gifts while I eat breakfast in bed and then for them to *poof* disappear for 5, 6, 7 hours. And then I can see them again at dinnertime and treasure these little darlings that I've given life too.

Ryan, are you listening?

Good Times At Kindergarten Registration

2010-04-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

This morning Ainsley, Reid, Jane Dare and I accompanied Jake to Kindergarten registration at his new school. What a lucky boy Jake was to have Reid climbing up on the table to "assist" him while he tried to demonstrate his skills during assessment. How blessed as his sister loudly announced the names of all the animals in the book she was reading during the lead teacher's speech. How wonderful for him that his mother couldn't do much to help as she was busy taking care of paperwork and holding his baby sister.

I'm sure Jake did great on his assessment. I bet that speech had lots of great information in it. Positive that the tour of the school took us lots of places we'll need to know about for next year. I couldn't hear or see any of it because I was busy listening to the chorus of "my you have your hands full" and "look at this busy mom" with the occasional "are they all yours?" thrown in.

Ainsley was all about it. She would be starting kindergarten tomorrow if they would take her. Within about 30 seconds of us being in the library one teacher commented to me that she was a "fireball". I wonder what took her so long to figure it out. As we were leaving Ainsley told me how excited she was about her new school. The excitement was not contagious as Jake pretty much just wanted out. He was not to be won over by the turtles, guinea pigs, juice or cookies. He's going to make these teachers work for his adoration.

I do need to toot my own horn here a bit. First of all I managed to get all five of us dressed, fed and out the door by 8:10 with all the correct forms and documents. This includes having a loaded diaper bag and stroller in the car. Secondly when the woman who came into the library five minutes after I did with her one and only child waltzed in front of me in line without even a glance in my direction I did not pull her hair out. Thirdly when Reid wanted in and out of the stroller at every one of the four kindergarten classrooms we visited I complied and did not try to slip him a mickey.

Like I said . . . good times.

Turning the corner

2010-03-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd start off this post with a little smile from my girl Jane Dare. How could that baby not make anyone's day a little brighter? And then I had to share a shot of my big kids playing with their new bubble machine courtesy of the Remick family. It came in a huge box of goodies that was like Christmas all over again. Two weeks later I'm still grinning when I come across something special out of that box.

I feel like we are starting to turn the corner here in Pinehurst. I've met some really super nice ladies who are helping me get connected around here. One in particular who reminds me a lot of Nicki Clay - and that is just about one of the highest compliments I could pay someone. She is a "connector" and everyone (especially a newcomer) needs one of those in their lives! So far I've gotten hooked into MOPS, Mother's Morning Out, a church playgroup and gotten the lay of the land on hairdressers, VBS programs for the summer and more! On Saturday I ventured to a church baby shower and although I was nervous to put myself out there it was a good time and I was rewarded for my bravery by getting to talk to some very sweet ladies from the church. And then on Monday I was invited to join a group of moms with kids at the same preschool as mine who were heading to the zoo in Asheboro for the first day of spring break. I took a deep breathe, girded my loins, strapped on my baby bjorn and off we went! The kids had a great time, I was totally excited that we all survived and I was also energized at the chance to get to know a couple of ladies better. And just one more example of the quality people I'm meeting - one friend just called to offer to watch my kids so Ryan and I could go on one more date before he leaves in a couple of days. How thoughtful and generous! (too bad I have a hair appt and can't take her up on it!).

All of this business with "friend making" has got me thinking deep thoughts (dangerous, I know) on what makes a friend. Its caused me to think back to the beginning of some of my best friendships ever. All of them got off to a slow start (at least from the point I met them to the point of real, deep intimacy) but all of them are richer than I could ever have imagined. I met my bff Red right after I was newly married but we didn't really become friends until about 3+ years later and even then it was another year or two until we really deepened our relationship. And I have similar twists and turns in my other close friendships. With some I have very similar backgrounds, with others they are polar opposites. With some we always end up buying similar outfits, getting similar haircuts (ok, I'm talking about Troy) and with others our taste is totally dissimilar. All of this to say that I would do a pretty awful job on my own of deciding who my friends should be - but God always brings just the right person into my life at just the right time. And I'm thankful that I can rest in Him and enjoy this ride as I try to carve a niche for myself and my family in this new area.

A Tale of Three Lovies

2010-03-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

This post probably doesn't need to much explanation but I'll give a brief story anyway. When Ains was born Ryan's aunt and uncle sent her lovie number one pictured far left. Its had a few nicknames - the Lover, Jorge, Juan - but Lovie is the name that has stuck. When we realized that she was getting attached we ordered lovie number two (center). For a while it didn't matter to her which was she had and they were virtually indistinguishable but all of the sudden she made it clear that her heart belonged to the one and only "real Lovie" (as opposed to "other lovie"). In a bind other Lovie will do but she always goes back to the original. So when Jane Dare came along I ordered her two bunny lovies of her own (which I hope to use interchangeably for as long as possible!). I just could not resist snapping a picture of the three all lined up to show the life of an adored Lovie. If I chose correctly than Jane Dare's will probably be in the same shape in 4 years!

Disenchanted

2010-02-24T06:38:00.001-08:00

Lately I feel disenchanted. I love using this word even though it doesn't represent very positive feelings or emotions - it actually makes me feel a little less disenchanted. But then I begin to ruminate on life again and, whoops, there it is . . . disenchanted.

What is it causing me to feel so blah. I mean, I have on official friend now (see comment on my Observations blog), Ryan is home (for now), the kids are finally adjusting . . .

But then there are those last 5 pounds of pregnancy weight I can't get off now matter how much I run (or how many chocolate chip cookies I eat. Oh, wait.), the fact that I occasionally feel like I'm in junior high again when I'm trying to make a connection with other moms, Jane Dare's new pattern of waking multiple times at night, but mostly I know it has to do with the spiritual environment in my home. Or lack thereof.

I've become so lazy in making time with the Father a priority. I've let family worship time become a distant memory. I'm not being purposeful in my parenting, discipline, and homemaking. And rather than feeling motivated and excited to turn over a new leaf and start over I feel discouraged because I don't want to fail again. Jake is 5 - these days with him are precious and he'll never be so impressionable again. I feel like if I (we) screw up again we may never recover those lost opportunities.

Where does all this leave me? I don't know. I got up early this morning to try again in spending time in prayer and the Word. I got in about 10 minutes before Jane Dare and then Reid woke up. But its a start. I ordered some resources on the Internet last night and I'm excited to see how all those goes. And most importantly my wonderful husband and I are communicating on working together on this. What a blessing. So, I'll keep you posted. And in the meantime a few of you may be getting a tap on the shoulder requesting some accountability help. I sure need it.

2010-02-15T16:50:00.001-08:00

How on earth could anyone NOT want to be around this guy?

He always smells like pancake syrup, he gives big kisses right on the lips on demand & he calls milk "miltch". Who could possibly resist that kind of cuteness?

Apparently, his brother, that's who:

(In case you are having difficulty seeing the picture hanging on Jake and Ainsley's door this is a picture of Reid (complete with pacifier) with a circle and line drawn through it).

Observations

2010-02-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

- I lived in this house for well over a month before I realized that the little light/fan combos in the bathrooms actually blew hot air out of them when you hit a certain switch. Fantastic feature but it would've been helpful to know this through frigid December and January.

- I also lived here a month before I realized I didn't have a house key. I still don't have one.

- Do you know how many times I have read the book about the 10 little ladybugs without realizing that when "along came a (fill in the blank animal) and then there were (one less ladybug)" that this book is actually talking about the sweet ladybugs being eaten!!!!!! And I'm reading this to my 2 year old? Poor ladybugs - using their untimely demise to teach my kid how to count.

- I need to hurry up and get out all of my snarky comments about a few people I've met around here before my blog gets out there. Right now I have no friends so not much danger of anyone discovering it via my facebook page, etc.

- When we go to Walmart its always busy but as Ryan noted "we have a distinct advantage over all the other patrons because we aren't pulling our oxygen tanks behind us".

- My master bedroom is so frickity-frackin cold that I am never in here unless necessary. Right now two kids are napping and the other two are up in the play room watching a movie so I deem this necessary.

- Ryan and I had a small skirmish this morning. He called this afternoon to apologize and I laughed when we hung up thinking if he'd just called 45 minutes earlier he could've saved himself a lot of money. I excel at retail therapy.

- I have to keep reminding myself of all the painful experiences I had in C-ville before I actually made friends. Like that time I went to PWOC. Or my first time to MOMS Club. Just give it time, just give it time.

- Why in the heck is Jake upstairs screaming so loudly - what is the point of letting them watch a movie if he is going to scream. There is the end of Reid's nap.

Maybe, just maybe, you can buy happiness

2010-01-31T12:39:00.001-08:00

I mean, I don't want to make this post seem too materialistic right from the get go but I don't have that much time to beat around the bush lately. So let's get right to the point - a couple of weeks ago I pulled out Ryan's laptop, I clicked here and clicked there, I entered in my Amex number from memory (oh yes, I know it forwards and backwards including the expiration date and security code), pressed "purchase" and instantly was happier at just the prospect of what was coming. Three days later the UPS man visited (don't think I need to detail again how I feel about that) and again, happiness. But that night, as I put my purchase to the test I found pure joy. What was it that brought me such delight?

Paintbrush flannel sheets from Garnet Hill. Without a doubt the best money I have spent in a long time. Every night I get into bed and am transported to my own special world. I actually plan what pj's I'm going to wear to bed to maximize the amount of skin that will be touching the sheets without freezing my tush off during those occasional middle of the night feedings. To sum up, I did buy myself some happiness. And I highly recommend you do the same - you will not be disappointed.

The Gymnastics Show

2010-01-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of years, around the time when Reid was born, Jake and Ainsley have participated in gymnastics off and on. They absolutely love it and whenever time allows I get them registered - which wasn't always as often as they would have liked. In TN they went to SKIES on post because it was low cost, the timing of the classes worked well, and (most importantly) the waiting area was big enough for my non-participants to run and play without causing me constant stress.

So when we moved here to NC I knew I wanted to get them involved in gymnastics to help ease the transition by putting them in something that would feel familiar. For some reason Ainsley started calling gymnastics class the "gymnastics show" during her last round of classes at SKIES this fall. It always makes us laugh because if you know Ainsley you know that her life is one big show. And when she is at class it is taken up a notch - she dances and prances and twirls and skips through the whole hour. When its gymnastics day she is ready to go from the time she gets out of bed and is constantly asking if she can put on her "black" - her affectionate term for her leotard. (As I'm sitting writing this she walked up and asked me about it . . .she is on top if it today!).

On Friday they tried out their new classes at Sandhills Gymnastics - Ainsley in Tumblebears and Jake in Beginner Tumbling and Tramp. They had a blast. This gym is so fantastic - especially compared to SKIES where they had a blast probably because they didn't know any better and despite their incredibly apathetic coaches. Ainsley's coach here had her number within about 5 minutes noting that a walk from point A to point B is much more complicated with an aspiring gymnast such as Ains because any opportunity to jump or twirl or bounce that might present itself along the way is immediately jumped on. Another little girl in the class figured this out too (apparently she is the self appointed watch dog of the class and since she is easily twice Ainsley's size in body weight I guess it works out) and so the coach would walk holding Ainsley's hand while the little girl would walk behind Ainsley doing her best sheepdog imitation nipping at Ainsley's heals to keep her in line.

I don't know that I am crazy about the idea of Ainsley pursuing gymnastics as she grows (its a great sport but I have concerns about the prevalence of eating disorders and high injury rate) but if ever a kid was made for it its her. She has the spunk, sass, teeny size, fearlessness, energy, stubborness - the whole package - to be good.

And yep, Jake was there too and he had a great time and was very cute too but its hard to live up to Ainsley stories in this type of situation.

Well, I better wrap this up as its almost time for the show!

Getting settled

2010-01-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

So we are here in Pinehurst. It feels like its been forever in coming and sometimes hard to believe its actually here. I have so many emotions about it that its just about impossible to sum up how I'm feeling. I haven't lived in North Carolina as a full time resident since I was 18 - its almost surreal to be back. I can't get over the fact that my family is a two hour drive away - its something I always dreamed of. The other night I was feeling under the weather and worried I was getting sick - but what a thought it was when I realized if I needed to I could call my parents and they could come out even just for a day to nurse me back to health :) Its beautiful here in Pinehurst. When I drive around I'm constantly rubber-necking at the beautiful homes, golf courses and just the unique and wonderful terrain. I love our house. I have granite countertops - I'm not sure if there is much more to say - that pretty much sums it up. And so far most people have been very, very friendly. Oh and there is Harris Teeter. Free cookies, free balloons, tons of samples around the store, swanky products . . . my first job was as a HT cashier. Its like being home again.

BUT - I still feel like a huge outsider. I don't know where things are. I hate being the new parent at preschool - esp. when Ainsley is being Ainsley. Church shopping has proved frustrating and underwhelming. I don't have anyone to call to watch the kids so Ryan and I can go on a (much needed) date night. And I thought Ryan and I had something special with our builder's son and now he never even comes over anymore. OK, that is a joke and if it doesn't make sense its ok. I'm secure enough in my humor. And finally, as much as I love HT my shopping takes me forever because I still don't know where things are and so I wander around more than I'd like.

So, there is an update on our life for now. There are so many people I am missing and would love to catch up with on the phone but unfortunately the reality of four kids is setting in and I rarely get a spare moment let alone 15-20 minutes to chat on the phone. But if you miss me too please call me - don't just wait for me to call. It would make my day.

So, the kids are still pretty cute and pretty funny. Lately Jake has taken to using the word "soakling". As in, "Mom, if I wash my hands then they will be soakling wet". I love it. And Reid likes to say "Oh man!" and it is beyond adorable. He also is constantly asking us what we are doing. Only, the words run together and I think he gets lost in the midst of his sentence so it comes out more like "A ju, ju, do, ju, ju, doing?" And then we just repeat what he said back to him because we think its so funny. And at bedtime Ainsley has taken to asking for "A kiss" (kiss) and "a hug" (hug) and "a squeeeeeze" (squeeeeeeeeeeze). Most of Ainsley's humor is in her mannerisms which are hard to describe but if you've ever told her no and seen her hand her head, droop her shoulders and heave an enormous sigh then you know what I'm talking about. Then there is baby Jane Dare who may or may not be recovering from a direct kick to the cheek from her 23 month old brother (and yes, he had shoes on and yes, I was sitting RIGHT there when he did it). She is practically perfect in every way (the practically part due to her excessive desire to spit up). She sleeps like a champ, she coos and talks and smiles. She is a true doll baby.

So, until next time . . .

Air Assault School

2009-11-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

Last week Ryan had a big accomplishment in his Army career thus far. He graduated from Air Assault school - a very grueling and exhausting 10 day exercise designed to weed out the weak and make the strong stronger. Well, he did it and we are so proud. Of course, we had to make sure we were at his graduation - and it was one crazy time.

I kept Jake and Ainsley (well, Reid too) out of school that day so we could all be there for his graduation. The plan had been to get a sitter for Reid and Jane Dare but, as usual, I left things til the last minute and it just didn't work out. Blessedly the ceremony was held outside so I figured at least we wouldn't be in a confined space or a room that echoes. I get to the graduation 25 minutes early and find about a million cards already there so I had to park way

far away. Which meant I had to schlep 4 kids through the makeshift parking lot, down a road, and across a rather large field. I had one kid on my shoulders, two in the jogging stroller and Jake following (very slowly) behind. Thankfully this is the Army we are talking about so I nice soldier pitched in and helped me push the stroller to the graduation site.

We got there just in time to see the grads take off for the tower where the do a demonstration of their fast roping skills which was very cool. What wasn't cool was that my kids were awed by it for about 3 seconds and then these jaded little hooligans decided to start having fun on the metal bleachers. Up and down and in and out crawling around like little monkeys. After the demo the graduates come back and stand in formation for a prayer, the national anthem and a short speech. This was about the time Reid decided he wanted to stand at the top of the bleachers and every time I put my hand up to keep him from falling he yelled "DOH" (that is how he says no) at me. So at this point I'm sweating bullets trying to keep some order when I spy a number of maroon berets in the back of the crowd. Maroon berets meant one thing - Ryan's coworkers were back there. So I then desperately began attempting to make eye contact but to no avail. However my kids shenanigans must've been loud enough because shortly two of my favorite maroon berets stepped up behind me like angels sent from heaven. Jay took Jane Dare to free up my hands and Derek took charge of Ainsley. I was saved! After that the ceremony flew by and we were able to enjoy Ryan having his pin put on by the cadre and, of course, the singing of the Army song. Thank the Lord for those guys or I don't know that I would have survived.

November . . . that's the best I can do.

2009-11-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been over a month since my last blog post. I think about this blog all the time and I miss sitting down on a more regular basis to put my thoughts out there into the great abyss of cyber space. But I have been short on both time AND ideas lately and it shows in my absence here. There were so many things I somehow still made time for when I was the mother of 3 but I think that for me 4 has been that magical number that has done me in. Don't get me wrong - I'm loving life as the mom to four kids and I feel like we are not just surviving but totally thriving during this time - but its just been impossible to make time for certain things. My copy of Anne Karenina sits forlornly on my nightstand with the bookmark in just about the same space it was 2 months ago. Emails have piled up in my inbox to the point that I'm not really sure where to start sifting through them. I'm still trying to get the last of Jane Dare's birth announcements out with the thought of Christmas cards looming large over my head. I feel like not one day goes by that I'm not apologizing for someone for dropping the ball in one way or another. I actually had to resort to writing Ainsley's show and tell schedule in my daytimer because I was so frustrated with screwing up the day or the assignment or what not.

And yet, I get dinner on the table most nights. The laundry has not piled up and drowned me yet despite the fact that I'm averaging about two loads per day right now. The kids are decently groomed and most days their outfits match . . . . I occasionally even get their teeth brushed. I am getting in at least a few minutes of snuggle time with each child on a daily basis. My husband and I still love each other and enjoy being together. Sigh. As you can see I'm all over the place. Right now, if you are still reading, you are probably wishing I hadn't decided to start blogging again :)

So, you may have heard that we had a baby. Jane Dare arrived on 9-9-09 and weighed 9 lbs. 9 oz. Just kidding. That would have been cool though. That really is her birthday but her weight was a boring 7lbs 11oz. Too bad, huh? Anyway, little miss Jane Dare is absolutely a dream baby. I mean, I always went on about how wonderful Reid was and he really was a good baby but she is better. Sorry Reid. She has slept through the night the past two nights in a row (and many nights before that as well). But lately she's been sleeping from about 8 - 6:30 or so. I mean, this kid is only 10 weeks old. She barely ever cries. In fact she didn't cry at all the first 3 days of her life - it really freaked out the nurses at the hospital when she wouldn't cry right after she was born. But she was pink, breathing fine . . . so they just pronounced her the most perfect baby ever and I agree. She has been smiling for the past few weeks and her smiles are priceless. I'll just be talking to her and glance down and she is just beaming up at me. And she is starting to "talk" back to me - its so sweet!

Well, I could keep talking here but if I wrap it up now and save some of my ideas for future blogs maybe I'll get back on here again before the New Year :) Gotta go make some coffee - I'm heading to the midnight premier of New Moon tonight and I need to be wide awake!

What The World Needs . . .

2009-10-11T18:29:00.001-07:00

Is less time spent playing video games and more time playing "Ninja"

*Costume design (i.e. underwear on head to act as ninja masks) entirely by Jake and Ainsley

A Little Sad in 'Hood (Mother"hood" that is)

2009-08-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this next post was supposed to be all about the most wonderful experience I had on Sunday with the pink party to celebrate yours truly and my soon to be born little wonder. But I just can't do it right now - I'm feeling so down and deflated about this job I'm doing that it would be silly to post that and then follow it with this downer. So I decided to get this out of the way and then in a couple of days I'll post my glowing report of my shower.

I think one of my bigger fears would be one of my children looking at me one day and saying "Mom, why on earth did you have so many of us if this is how you were going to act . . . " just typing that brings big tears down my cheeks. I speak so glowingly about this calling to raise up children and to not be afraid of big numbers and what joy children are and right now I'm not feelin' ANY OF IT. I guess it was just time I got back to being real on my blog and instead of glossing it over I wanted to share with all my mom friends out there that right now I am not super mom. I am "get by mom" or "barely present mom" or "dreaming of an escape mom". My temper is so short, my energy is so low. I feel like all I do is say NO. Or Maybe Later. Or Just Give Me a Second PLEASE! And you know, probably all this is normal but its not ok and I hate it. My children are not feeling delighted in or enjoyed right now. Hopefully the worst they are feeling is that I'm just trying to endure them. Because the alternative is that they feel resented, or barely tolerated . . . and that would be a pretty crappy way for the woman who gave you life to make you feel.

And yes, I'm pregnant, and tired and large but I wish I could say that was what this all is but its not. I can't say I wouldn't be feeling this way even if I was fit and trim and not enormous and pregnant. (And on a side note WHY have I chosen to listen to the song "Letters From War" as I type this . . . seriously am I a sick masochist?).

So that is how I'm feeling. I'm not going to try and tie this up neatly because right now my emotions are raw and I don't feel tied up - I feel torn up. So I'll leave it at that. Thanks for reading and listening to me. It means a lot.

My Pink Party

2009-08-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon I had one of the best few hours ever. I was surrounded by women who love me and support me in this life of motherhood to celebrate the coming arrival of Jane Dare and to be showered with wonderful gifts. Words can not begin to express how overwhelmed I was by all these women I am blessed enough to know and love. I know these days baby showers are a dime a dozen but I realized on Sunday how wonderful it is to celebrate EVERY baby and to never underestimate what it means to the mom-to-be to have the event celebrated. Its easy for me to get "too busy" to attend or honor these events but after the feelings I had on Sunday I will always remember . . . and try to do MY best to remember what it meant to me and what it might mean for this expectant mother.

As you can see from the pictures Troy went all out in making a truly beautiful shower for me. It was all pink and brown which I just adore and the theme was around a momma bird preparing her nest for a new baby. So the (GORGEOUS!!!) invitations, decor, petit four cakes and even the cookies all matched that theme. The food was delicious - I skipped lunch to ensure I would be hungry enough and it worked! When I'm nursing I can't eat dairy because it causes very unhappy babies so this shower's menu centered around all things cheese! It was a dream come true for this cheese lover.

And, of course, I left with so many wonderful things to welcome my new love bug. I came home and spent the evening putting away all sorts of special things I'd received including the most beautiful handmade diaper bag that my mom created for Jane Dare - I LOVE it.

To top it all of my dear friend Redonna drove all the way up to celebrate with us. Truly - it could not have been a better day.

Thank you to all the woman who showered me with love - most especially to Troy whose friendship I value more than words can express!

My Husband is Awesome

2009-08-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

My husband is awesome. In fact, he is the best husband in the whole wide world. No other husband is as good. So there - I said it - watcha gonna do about it? Now, I hope that every married woman who reads this will vehemently disagree with me because I wish nothing but wonderful, happy marriages for all the couples I know - but don't post about your wonderful husband on my comments. Start your own blog and write it there, kay?

What has brought out all of these gooshy feelings for my other half? Well, its just little things that he does that reminds me how blessed I am to have him. One of those things is shopping for clothes for our kids. He loves to do this and he will go out all on his own and shop for them and bring home the most wonderful finds. Its not the stuff factor really that makes me love him - its that he gets as much joy out of doing things for our kids as I do - he is an amazing father - and this just illustrates that.

Last weekend Jake and he headed to the GAP because we'd both read about their new line of 1969 jeans that are supposed to be GAP's answer to Sevens, Joe's etc. In fact, Ryan told me more about how they hired away designers from these top labels, etc, and started fresh to make this new GAP brand. AND then we found out they were on sale for $20 off - so he simply had to go and get some jeans that would make his butt look even more fabulous (my words, not his). When he and Jake returned home a few hours later their shopping bag held 2 pairs of jeans for Ryan and a whole bunch of other stuff for our kids. I got to sit on the bed and watch excitedly as he showed off all his finds! And he got the most adorable stuff. I tried to put pictures in but it was too much trouble so if you are curious here are just a couple of examples!

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26043&vid=1&pid=665813 - for Ainsley

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=42572&vid=1&pid=663100 - for Jane Dare

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=42543&vid=1&pid=664063 - for Reid

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26210&vid=1&pid=664998 - for Jake

What a guy!

I'm Hot

2009-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm hot and large and tired. There you go - that sums up the "how are you" portion of this post.

Today is the first Saturday since Ryan has been home that we haven't been packing, unpacking, frantically searching for housing, moving in to found housing or traveling. July is just like a big huge blur, in fact. But this weekend not only did we make minimal plans but Ryan also had a DONSA so we got to enjoy starting our weekend a day early. So far its been great. We both got quite a few things done yesterday, today has continued to be productive, and we have a great party to look forward to tonight with fun people and good food (if we can survive this heat). Last night we got to have Troy and her kiddos over and there are few things that we enjoy more. Its such a wonderful time even amongst the screaming (mostly the kids) and general chaos of 7 kids vs. 3 adults.

My project for this weekend has been to tackle my van. I was motivated by the aforementioned Troy and some not so subtle comments from my parents :) I think its also a form of nesting in preparation for the new baby. Since we are in a rental that I don't like too much and have no intention of decorating I have to find new outlets for this stage of pregnancy. I think its a good thing because my van is a worthy project. I pulled out all the car seats and they are being scrubbed down and the covers washed. I scrubbed and vacuumed and rubbed and polish the interior. I washed and buffed the exterior. Now I just need to shampoo the interior rugs and order some new protective mats that I feel sure will do wonders for my sanity. And we are finally getting a couple of dents on the hood fixed this week SO my ride will feel brand new. Oh what a feeling :)

And finally I've been feeling kind of down just because I'm so not prepared for this baby. There are lots of things left to buy (contrary to popular belief you do not "have it all" by the 4th baby). Rather you have tons of worn out, over-used things that need to be replaced. I need to clean out the car seat and put new batteries in the bouncy chair and have at least a few special things that are just for her. All of this has fallen by the wayside in light of my other daily tasks. But then my dear Troy (I should have just titled this post "Have I Mentioned My Friend Troy?" informed me that she was throwing me a Pink Party & Baby Shower. Because in her opinion (and I couldn't agree more) EVERY baby is special and should be celebrated, whether it be number 1 or number 8. Who am I to argue with such wisdom. The thought of gathering with friends to celebrate this babies arrival has just done wonders for my spirit. I'm so excited for it and even got to put together a couple little registries. Nothing too big but just some of the basics I could use. What I really love about the registry is that even if I'm the only person to use it, its a very helpful list to help me keep my thoughts straight on what is left to do and get before Jane Dare comes into this world! Plus I got coupons :)

OK, my wonderful hubby is back from his trek to the trampoline with my kids. I love him so and I'd better sign off.

Flight Etiquette

2009-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Note: Last week I had the chance to fly to California to spend 3 1/2 wonderful days with my friends Megan and Nicki. It was a fantastic time to be with girlfriends and recharge my batteries. I wrote the following blog on my ipod touch while in flight from Nashville to Salt Lake City . . .

So here I sit on flight number 305 to Salt Lake City and wouldn't you know I'd end up next to an arm rest encroacher. No matter how much planning and preparation you do to ensure a pleasant flight for yourself there are certain things that you just can't avoid. I booked my flight well in advance allowing me to select my seat. I wisely chose a window seat knowing that at 32 weeks pregnant chances were good I'd need to potty early and often on this 3.5 hour flight.

When I got to my seat on the plan to discover a man already sitting in it I nicely explained he was in the wrong seat. He informed me that my seat, 26C was across the aisle (there were only 2 seats on the other side of the aisle and three on his side). So, I pointed to the chart right over his head that had a picture of a window and then the letters E, D, C clearly meant to be moving from window to aisle. Again, he argued with me that I was wrong and if anything C was the window or it was across the aisle. Losing my patience I pointed out seats A and B on the other side and restated that obviously seat C was next, and it was, in fact the aisle seat, but kept myself from saying "so get your butt out of it!!!". He finally agreed and they shift over to their rightful place.

I unapologetically plop myself into MY seat while the wife asks her husband loudly enough for all to hear if he'll be ok not being on the aisle. It was all I could do not to growl at her that if they had booked in advance as I had they too could have picked their own freakin' seats and he could be loving his aisle position. Then, referring to a comment I'd made during the seat assignment debacle about being pregnant and having to use the bathroom a lot, the wife looked and me and said "well, I'm glad you won't mind then when I have to get up and use the restroom a lot too". Um, excuse me, but what on earth makes you think this cranky, swollen, tired pregnant woman would be so gracious? Let me reiterate - YOU TOO had the opportunity for an aisle seat just like me. Your lack of planning does not require a gracious attitude on my part.

In response I pulled out my headphones, grateful that at the last minute I took Ryan's Bose over the hear headphones so I could play deaf and avoid any further interaction. This is precisely when I discovered I was next to an arm rest encroacher. The husband plops his arm up on the armrest and it totally spills over into my personal seat space. Now, I firmly believe that the middle seat passenger is mostly entitled to both of his shared armrests since they are crammed in the middle seat. But what they are not entitled to is even 1 centimeter of my precious personal seat space. I don't want your arm rubbing mine while its sitting innocently on my lap. So now I have to start the subtle game of communicating arm space rules. This involves firmly pressing my arm against the side of the armrest and, if necessary, moving it vertically up and down to communicate my point and(hopefully) cause discomfort on the part of the encroacher. So far, its working ok but it looks like frequent reminders may be necessary.

Oh, and so far his wife has already made a trip to the potty and we are only 1/3 of the way through the flight. At this point I think the score is Lacey - 3 and Outdoorsy-wanna-be-upper-end-of-middle aged- couple (you know the kind with special hiking shorts, keens AND keen socks on) - 2. I feel confident that I will prevail.

Just another evening

2009-07-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

So it was just another evening here in the house. We were still reeling in post-deployment bliss! Everyone was happy and all was good. It was a couple days after the 4th of July but fireworks had been happening forever in our neighborhood so loud noises were nothing new.

We had put all the kids to bed and Ryan was relaxing in our room downstairs while I was folding laundry nearby. All of the sudden I started to hear loud, weird noises. "Are those fireworks?" I asked Ryan. "Yes", he said. More loud, weird noises. Followed closely by my super-mom suspicions that had been well honed during his deployment (Ryan's super-dad sense may have atrophied some) so I walk over to the window in our bedroom that looks out on our deck and look up the the window in Jake and Ainsley's room. Just in time to see the screen pushed open and a Larry Boy go plunging to certain death on the wood below. Only he crashed into a pile of other toys that had taken the plunge before him which certainly saved his life. I turned around and said to Ryan, "No, that isn't fireworks, its your children throwing things out their window". And then I turned around and laid down on the bed to watch some TV while he went upstairs to deal with the situation. Ahhhh, more post-deployment bliss.

And in case you are wondering, NO - their windows were not open and YES - their windows were locked before this incident began. But clearly that is no match for our children!

Ryan comes Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

What a joyous reunion it was last Friday when the kids got their daddy back and I got my husband back. After three years of long seperations we are excited for a new chapter that will keep him in the US for a couple of years!

Finally - a contract!

2009-07-08T06:50:00.001-07:00

So I guess you could say the past few days have been somewhat eventful . On Thursday evening I received a call from our real estate agent asking me how quickly I thought we could be out of the house. I honestly would have probably promised her anything at that point although I couldn't contact Ryan and the housing office at Ft. Campbell had just closed for a 4 day weekend. But what I said was "tell them to bring us an offer and we'll go from there". And they did. And it was a good offer and so when Ryan called the next morning I was able to tell him we had a very good offer on our house! We countered that evening and got a verbal acceptance right away and that was that. The inspector is here now so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well but we have on our side that fact that these buyers are a little house desperate right now and hopefully that'll smooth over any wrinkles!
It had been a couple of weeks since our house had shown when I got this call from our realtor so I certainly wasn't expecting it. Turns out its a couple we had shown the house to three weeks prior. They came to look a couple of times but wanted to do a pool and were concerned about the orientation of our house and the direction it faced. So they made an offer on another house which got rejected when another all cash offer came in (yippee). And then they offered on another house and the inspection was bum ( yippee). So finally they decided to lower themselves to 240 Cullom Way and offer on our house. Hey, I'm not prideful, I don't care where we were on their list.
So, we have a closing date of 24 July. Lots to do before now and then. Post housing is not going to work out which means we had to find a place AND we have to move ourselves but so far all things are falling into place. We found a 4 bedroom house in a good location and we can get in now. And my parents are coming to help (WHEW!!!!) which is huge. And this house has a two car garage so we'll have some storage options.
Of course, just a couple weeks before I'd booked myself a flight to California on the 23rd so we need to be out of this house NLT the 21st so I can clean it out before I leave. Bring it on!
oh - and Ryan got home too - hee hee. I'll post pics soon. Its been an out of this world reunion time. We are all in heaven. I guess the more times you do this the less difficult it is to adjust!

What's In A Name?

2009-06-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

So, for the past few weeks I've been asked at least once a day if we've picked a name or if we are sharing that name. My answer varies between "no, we haven't decided" or "no, we aren't sharing yet". I wanted to be able to tell my parents first but after that I had decided I wanted to post it on the blog. My reason being that I am an incredibly sensitive person. No matter how much I try not to, reactions matter to me. And a negative reaction when it comes to the name I've chosen for my beloved future daughter just isn't something I'm emotionally up to right now. And no matter how great any name is there are bound to be those who would react negatively. In this case the name we've chosen is fairly unique so the odds rise.

Before I go on and on anymore let's just get to the name. Our sweet, beautiful baby girl will be called Jane Dare. She is going to go by both first and middle name - hence all of you will be calling her Jane Dare (I told Ryan he could call her Jane if he wanted but nobody else could). I very simply LOVE this name. The more I ponder it the more I love it. To the point that I could not imagine calling her anything different. Ryan has always loved the name Jane but I wanted to give her something a little more unique so wanted to do a double name. Its a long, very uninteresting, story how I came up with Dare so you can ask me in person if you care. What settled the name for me was when I looked up Jane to see what it meant and found the meaning "God is gracious". Truly I can't think of a more fitting meaning to describe how Ryan and I feel about the incredible blessing he has bestowed on us to allow us to have four children. God truly has been so gracious to us and Jane Dare will be the final piece to that puzzle of our family . Dare means absolutely nothing, which suits me just fine. And as if that wasn't enough I stumbled upon this quote by H.G. Wells and it sounded so much like something Ryan would say that I almost felt the angels singing.

'It's giving girls names like that,' said Buggins, 'that nine times out of ten makes 'em go wrong. It unsettles 'em. If ever I was to have a girl, if ever I was to have a dozen girls, I'd call 'em all Jane.'" -H.G. Wells, referring to the name Euphemia .

I also love the name because she'll have lots of flexibility with it. When she is older she can choose to be called Jane, or Dare or Janie or . . . well, you see. I had a coworker named Dare and so I know for a fact that it works :)

And now that we've decided this will be the name of our precious daughter I absolutely can't imagine calling her anything else. Of all our children's names this one is most kindred to my heart. So, if you love it as I do, feel free to let me know. If you think its just ok but you are a good liar like I am feel free to lie away. If you think its "interesting" or if you'll "need to think about the Dare part " then feel free to keep your yap shut.

Weekly Review

2009-06-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

So, this week was a little less eventful - thank goodness! It actually flew by which is always a good thing when you are counting the days until a deployment is over. The kids went to VBS at a church downtown and it was a great program! However it wasn't a very relaxing start to the summer as we needed to be out the door shortly before 8:30 each morning. After some initial kicking and screaming on both Jake and Ainsley's part they ended the week sad that VBS was over - which might have been largely influenced by the 3 inflatables they brought in for the last day! Jake has been walking around singing the songs they learned this week and its so sweet to hear. A great bonus is that three of my friends also had their kids there so I got to see them most mornings and afternoons and that was totally a treat.

We are still recovering from the aftermath of Ainsley's haircut. I chopped the rest of it off myself right at her ears. Its just too big of a mess to waste the effort taking her to have a professional do it. I'll give it some time to grow a little and then we'll head back to Fantastic Sam's so they can work some magic. I ran into my girlfriend Ashley yesterday and she was trying so hard to be sweet and not comment on it and then we both just started to laugh hysterically. It really is too funny! The best part is that her portrait is featured in a full page ad by Barbee Studios in this month's Clarksville Family - but no one would guess this was the same child!

We've got an exciting week to look forward to. Redonna is coming to visit tomorrow. The Rowes will be here for a couple of nights while the clean out their house and then Honey and Ozzie are coming for a week. Certainly a lot to look forward to. Maybe amidst all those visitors I'll get a nap - one can hope!

The Cold, Hard Truth

2009-06-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

The stories I am about to relate in the following post are 100% factual and barely, if at all, embellished for the sake of good story telling. Not because I am above hyperbole but because my life needs no exaggeration. Last Wednesday, the day that I celebrated 9 years of marriage to Ryan, the children rewarded me with "special" behavior all day long. And that day must be told for the history books . . . so here goes.

It was a slow, starter day as we'd arrived home late the night before from our Memorial Day trip to Ohio. We were tired and trying to adjust back to the Central Time Zone and this momma was certainly a little bit out of it. Unfortunately, as a parent to MY Children, this is not a luxury I can afford.

Our first event of the day was Ainsley deciding to open her own hair salon and start with herself as the first client. Reid was napping and I was in the big kids room putting away their clothes from the trip. Jake was on the computer playing games and Ainsley was coloring. All was well. Ha - well, the joke was on me. After about 3 minutes of being one room away I came back to check on my quiet children and Jake looks up and says "mom, Ainsley is cutting her hair". In shock I walked a few more steps forward and saw my carpet and the table covered in her soft, beautiful hair. I asked Jake, "WHY didn't you COME tell me?!?!!?" to which he shrugs his shoulders and returns to Super Why. Ainsley starts scooping up her handfuls of hair and showing them off to me proudly. I examined the damage (bad) and threw my hands up in the air realizing no fit on my part was going to make this better. I went downstairs and called the folks at the Little Miss Tennessee pageant and told them we were out for this year (ha). And the day continued.

Later that afternoon the kids and I went out in the front to get the mail (again, Reid is napping - see why I like him best?). The garage door was open and I sat on the front steps while they ran to get their bikes and rode around in the drive. After a few minutes they road into the garage and I could hear them happily playing. So I let them because I'd (supposedly) safety proofed the garage pretty much and there wasn't much they could get into. After a couple minutes ( seriously - that was it!!!) I went to get them and found the little vandals - caught them red handed!! They had opened the door to my outside fridge, gotten out the brand new carton of Eggland's Best eggs, and proceeded to egg my garage, my car, their toys . . . OH THE RAGE!!!!!! I dragged them inside, gave spanking they won't soon forget and shut them into separate rooms while I went to repair the damage. At this point I began counting the minutes until my babysitter would arrive for the evening.

I bring them kids inside as Reid is waking up from his nap. I sit them down at the table with snacks and run upstairs to retrieve Reid from his crib and give him his cup of milk. Ryan calls and I'm quickly filling him in on the day as I step out onto the landing and let out a strangled "Oh MY Gosh . . . I am going to kill your children". Ainsley had gone into the pantry, gotten out my XXL jar or peanut butter, opened it, stuck her hands in it up to her wrists, and proceeded to give my family room carpet her own version of a peanut butter cleaning treatment. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About 5 minutes later Mary (babysitter extraordinaire) arrived so I did a quick job on the carpet, kitchen floor, cabinets, stainless steel appliances (you get the picture) threw the instructions and kids at her and stalked out the door.

Providentially Ryan had asked me to schedule a massage and pedicure for myself that night as a way to celebrate our special day. As I was finishing up the massage the girl said "wow, you were so tight and stressed out . . . I can't believe it!". Well, if she reads my blog she'll believe it
now.

Chocolate Ex-Lax . . . the story of my life.

2009-05-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have nothing to post so I go long periods with no writing. Other times I have about a million things to write about but no time to do the writing. The latter is the case lately. I have been absolutely overwhelmed with all that is going on and I feel so out of touch with so many people. I've had no time to catch up on blogs, reply to emails, make phone calls, etc. I'm just trying to keep my head above water I guess you could say.

Anyway, I'm going to go for a funny story today to try and lighten the mood after my last post. Don't want to be too much of a downer around here even if that is the current status quo. Ok, so this weekend I took the kids on a retreat for spouses and kids of deployed soldiers from Ryan's unit. It was a nice (free) weekend at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel which is somewhere I've always wanted to take Jake. I knew the weekend would be challenging but I figured "what is the worst that can happen "? Well, I don't know if the worst happened but I would say that "pretty bad" happened. Our weekend was going along ok, I'd attended a session while the kids were in child care, I took them swimming, they were fed and hydrated (I'm NOT kidding on this point - all meals were buffet style . . . 2 hands, 3 kids, 4 meals . . . the math does not work out there). On Saturday afternoon we went back to our hotel to rest before we headed to the aquarium. I put Reid down in his crib and then put on a movie for Jake and Ainsley and laid down on the bed next to them to rest. Well, I must have all but passed out from exhaustion because when I woke up 45 minutes later I discovered the remnants of what must have been Ainsley combing through my travel kit. In that travel kit is a package of chocolate ex-lax that I bought for Ainsley at Disney World because she was a little stopped up. It takes maybe half a little tablet to get her system moving. Well, exact data won't ever be found but she must have eaten at least 7 or 8 full tablets. Inches from my sleeping head.

So, at this point what can you do but wait? We got to the aquarium and back without incident. I settled the kids down to eat pizza when we returned and that is when the inevitable began to unfold. Ainsley basically pooped her head off for the next 14 hours. It was just one pull-up after another trying to contain the flow. She went through at least 3 pull-ups during breakfast alone on Sunday morning. Shortly thereafter (probably when she was standing in the child care room holding her stomach and sobbing) I decided to call the trip a wrap. I'd had enough.

Looking back now I think I just might've been crazy to attempt this trip on my own but we survived and we accomplished 2 things - we saw Chattanooga AND we got another weekend down until Ryan comes home.

Funk

2009-04-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post I just realized. Hard to believe I've posted that many times in the little over a year since I started this blog but I guess I have. So it seems like I should have something funny or heartwarming to share but I don't. I am in a total funk right now. I was talking to a dear friend today and was telling her its just one of those funks where you kind of want to crawl in a hole and stay there until you snap out of it. Because when I feel like this I absolutely can't trust myself around others. I'm either prickly and distant or overly weepy and emotional. And I hate going into a situation knowing I'm going to act that way and I hate the feelings that linger after those encounters. I just can't be trusted.

Why am I in a funk? Well, of course, I miss Ryan like crazy. But that is nothing new in our marriage - our in our relationship as a whole. This summer it will have been 14 years since we met and fell in love and those years have held a lot of separation and heartache. It doesn't ever ache less but I have developed a number of coping mechanisms. Right now though my funk has more to do with just missing his companionship as my best friend than with being tired of single parenting, etc.

But there is more to my funk than Ryan being gone. I've realized in the past few days that its coming to the end of an era here in Clarksville for us and there are tears on my cheeks just typing that. This time has meant some of the sweetest, deepest most real friendships I have ever experienced. And while I'm leaving soon most of those friendships are leaving sooner and that has me in mourning. I suck at being a long distance friend. S - U - C - K, suck at it. And so I'm afraid of losing what I have. Will I still call M just to complain when my kids are whiney? Will N still call me with crazy, random questions that then morphs into 15 minute long laugh fests? What about when we can't count on S & C to invite us over for their famous Sunday cookouts? And that doesn't even begin on the dear ones we will leave behind when we move. I honestly don't know that I will ever, ever, ever have again what I have right now and it scares me to death. Because I know friendships like this aren't commonplace. I know they are nothing to be taken for granted.

And I've learned so much from my friends here. I've learned about selfless hospitality - TRUE hospitality. When I lived in Virginia it was entertaining - not being hospitable. And that was pressure and status and keeping up with the Joneses which is as far from true hospitality as you can get. But here I've learned what it is to say "come as you are" and to say it often. I've learned how to be a better phone friend. I generally stink at talking on the phone but I've learned to how to have short conversations that manage to cover the whole gamut in rapid fire style. I've been shown what it is to be selfless with your time. How many house calls has my favorite pediatrician made? Too many to count. I've seen what it means to really embrace life and go all out for every opportunity. To not let life pass you by but to take charge and make each day count. I've learned true generosity - from the heart giving that has blessed me to my very core. I've learned all this and so much more.

And so I know that is contributing heavily to my current funk. I've got little over a month and then many will begin to drift away. Its not going to get easier over these next few weeks but I pray that I'll find solace in the special times we have left together.

And on a final note - a little something so this doesn't end totally sappy - I learned today that crayon bits seem to pass through the system and re-enter the world in their original color. Fascinating.

My Escape Artists

2009-04-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

There is no longer any peace in my home because my children are clearly developing their skills as escape artists in the circus. Seriously. In the past 10 days there have been more instances that I can even remember of them turning up in places they should not be. I'll give you the four most vivid examples:
1- I was washing dishes one evening while the kids were playing. They were playing in the foyer and then moved into the front guest room. It was a beautiful evening out so I had the front door open but the storm door closed and locked. I had the water on so I couldn't hear everything but knew where they were (or so I thought) so I didn't worry. About 5 minutes later I shut the water off and turned around to find them and see Reid climbing his way down the front steps . . . and his brother and sister no where to be found. So I run outside and run to the house they usually escape to but there is no sign of them. I run around my house to the other side but no kids. My neighbor across the street is out on his front porch watching so I'm trying to look like I'm in control so he won't think I'm a total idiot. Just as I'm going back inside to look for them there my new next door neighbor runs up to tell me the kids have taken off for a run around the block. He came to tell me while his "roommate" went to follow them. I freak out and take off running just as I realize Reid is still on the front steps. Thankfully my other neighbor who was watching these shenanigans comes running for Reid and motions me on. I find my two runaways THREE QUARTERS of their way around the block. Neither with shoes on and Ainsley in her pajamas. Oh I was so mad and upset and scared. After the punishment they received I thought it would never happen again. Ha. Ha. Ha.
2- Last Friday morning Jake was sleeping down in the guest room and slept in pretty late. I was in my room with Ainsley and Reid getting ready and I heard a bedroom door close. So I went to find Jake and let him know where we were but his door was closed so I decided to he'd just gotten up to go to the bathroom and gone back to bed or something. Before I head back to my room I wanted to run get the paper so I open the front door and storm door to find JAKE bare-butt standing on our front sidewalk taking his morning bathroom break. He shut all the doors behind him as to avoid detection. I had no idea he was out there. But my neighbors sure did - I ran into her at Walmart later that day and she was still laughing.
3 - Friday night was a rough night with Reid running a temp, etc. so I was up with him a few times and exhausted. I was awoken at 3:30 a.m. by a strange rustling overhead and prayed it was just Ainsley going to the bathroom. but the noises were weird and kept going so I had to get up to investigate. I came upstairs to find the bonus room light on but no Jake. Then I realized the closet light was on but didn't see him in the closet but heard more noises. So I went THROUGH our closet to the door that leads to the attic and lo and behold there he was. At 3:30 in the morning. Trying to find his blue car. At least that was his story. I never found out anymore and I'm still wondering if he was sleep walking. Needless to say the door to the attic is now locked.
4- During naptime today I put Jake in the guest room and went to my room to work on a project. About 20 minutes later I came out to get something and heard more weird noises. Huh, what could that be. I look out the front window and there is Jake trying to scale the window. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had all the doors locked and the extra slide lock on so there was no way he could get out. But what I had never thought of was the possibility of him kicking the window screen out of the guest room window and climbing out the window. I can only imagine how long he was out there.
So, there you have it. If you feel the need to call Child Protective Services PLEASE be my guest!

Stolen and Hilarious.

2009-04-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

I just stole this from a note my friend Gwendolyn posted on her facebook. I give all credit to her for finding it but it is just TOO genius to not pass this along!!! My personal favorites are the grocery store test and OF COURSE the last one. Not that I have any childless friends who read this blog who, ahem, think they know a thing or two to teach parents about raising their kids. But if I did . . . :)

How to know whether or not you are ready to have kids: -

Mess Test Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

Toy Test Obtain a 55 gallon box of Legos (you may substitute roofing tacks if you wish). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold and take off shoes. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream because this would wake a child at night. -

Grocery Store Test Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage. -

Dressing Test Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag making sure that all the arms stay inside. -

Feeding Test Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor. -

Night Test Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00pm, begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00pm. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00pm. Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these too until 4:00am. Set alarm for 5:00am. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful. -

Ingenuity Test Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. Now take a toilet paper tube and turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty box of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower. -

Automobile Test Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it into the CD player. Take a family-size package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a rake along both side of the car. There, perfect! -

Physical Test (Women) Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Then remove the beans. And try not to notice your closet full of clothes. You won't be wearing them for a while. -

Physical Test (Men) Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time. -

Final Assignment Find a couple who already has a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, and toilet training and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you will have all the answers.

Easter

2009-04-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

This post is a little overdue since Easter was yesterday . . . I guess if it was an overview of our Easter it wouldn't really be overdue but since it isn't, it is. Ha - try to make sense of that one. I have a good excuse though for this being late. 1 - my parents were here for a great week and I hated to spend time on the computer when I had great adult company . 2 - I got sick as a dog on Wed/Thurs - ya know, puking and all. It was great. 3 - Ainsley got her hands on the computer last week and pulled the space bar off and while I've fixed it to the best of my abilities its still really annoying and typing just isn't much fun when you have to backspace every third word to take out extra spaces. Thanks Ains.

So, Easter. Its a wonderful time of celebration in the world of believers. Its really THE most important time as we reflect on our sin and the price Christ paid on the cross to wipe us clean of sin so that we could know the Father God. None of the gripes that are about to follow are in the least meant to detract from the true meaning of Easter. Hmmm, maybe if I'd actually been in the Easter service yesterday rather than serving in the toddler nursery I'd feel less like griping but since that WASN'T the case here goes my complaining (whew, I was worried I wasn't going to be able to work my personal pity party into this post). My gripe is about Easter clothing. Its a nasty scam. I mean, here we are pressure to put our little girls in little frilly dresses so we run out and buy these adorable frocks and sandals and then 5 days before when we check the weather and realize its going to be 30 degrees on Easter morning we go into a panic. Then we are on the hunt for a matching cardigan, tights, shoes instead of sandals . . . and we have to pay top dollar for them all because we already have the dress and heavens knows we can't change that. So Easter morning dawns cold as all get-out and we pile on the layers and finally top it all off with a dress meant to be warn on an 80 degree day. Its maddening I tell you. The one good thing is as the mom of two boys I have it easy there. I mean - at least Jake isn't sweating his head off in his undershirt, long sleeve button up and sweater vest! Actually, follow me on a short rabbit trail. A few years ago we were in Charlotte for Easter and it was blazing hot. Seriously, the only Easter I have any memory of it even being warm, let alone hot. So, I have Jake in white twill pants, a long sleeve white button up shirt and a seersucker blazer and he was burning up! Poor kid - I still look at those pics and laugh at his poor little red cheeks.
Now, on to adult women and our Easter apparel expectations . . . Has anyone examined the Belk or Dillards Easter ads lately? Do you see the clothing they have these women in? Its the same crap they wanted our moms to wear in the 80's. Why on earth does the celebration of Christ's Resurrection mean I have to dress up in some hideous pastel Easter outfit? I'm sorry but I just refuse. I mean its frightening, really.
And I think I could go on with other topics - such as the requirement for an Easter dinner of foods I don't particularly enjoy - but if I wait to get time to get that all out this post will never happen. And its late enough already!

Going, Going, Gone

2009-04-07T18:50:00.001-07:00

Today my sweet baby Reid wasn't feeling so well. Here are a few pictures of him at lunch ...

Going...Going. . .

GONE!

Spring Break

2009-04-03T16:53:00.001-07:00

Whoever came up with the name "Spring Break" was obviously not thinking of mothers. This week has not been so much break-like as its been work-like. I think Spring Work might be a more appropriate title. Or "Spring What In the Heck Are We Going To Do Today?" might be another good one.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm really not complaining. Its not been a bad week (even though I'm happy to see it drawing to a close). We've done a lot of fun things and enjoyed our lazy mornings and time with friends. However I won't linger on Monday morning once Jake and Ainsley are safely in their teacher's jurisdiction.
And its definitely is starting to feel like Spring so that is making everyone happy (ok, I kind of laugh as I type that because right now my kids are absolutely having a hissy fit at each other screaming and crying so at this exact moment they are not happy . . . but I'm choosing to ignore it). But the trees are all starting to bud or bloom. We made a trip to Lowes this week to pick out some lovely flowers for our front walk and pots (flowers that hopefully will say "buy this house!" to potential buyers). And a robin built its nest on a fence post in our backyard and yesterday there was just one egg but today there were two! How exciting! I was a little stressed last night when the storms came that sweet mama bird was going to lose her nest but thankfully it was still there safe and sound this morning. Now if I can just keep my kids out of it . . . See, I thought it would be cool to show Jake what was happening right in our very own backyard - thinking he was mature enough to understand that he must not touch the nest, etc. Well, I think I was wrong. So now one of my main pastimes is shooing the kids away from the nest. I will not have eggacide happen on my watch! Anyway, right now we are reveling in Spring and even though I may have to cover my flowers for our projected rain/snow event on Monday - I WILL NOT LET IT GET ME DOWN - so there!
And finally I have to brag on my Jake. He is getting to be such a big boy. Today we were at Chick-Fil-A (shocking, I know) and when he asked to get ice cream I told him he'd have to go up and get it himself. Well, I didn't know if this would work or not but I handed him his kids meal toy to trade in and anxiously watched as he headed up to the counter. Well, my little boy so clearly told the man that he would like an ice cream, then handed him the toy, and then clarified that he would like it in a cone and not a cup. I was so proud of him I could have burst!
Well, I guess I should go dress the kids for bed and read some books before I chuck them in bed. Goodnight!

Happy Birthday Ryan

2009-04-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 33rd Birthday to my wonderful husband! Times like this when I get to sit back and reflect on my amazing guy and how thankful I am for him . . . I tend to get overwhelmed by the blessing he has been to me. I am a different person now than when we met - he's made me better in so many ways. And at the same time he has loved me for just who I am. He has never tired of caring for me and taking care of me and I have such incredible security in him, in our love, in our marriage and what we've built together.

When I met him he was a really cute, really, really amazing soccer player and the guy that everyone wanted to be around. Oh, and he also loved Jesus Christ and wasn't afraid to say it, show it, or tell others about it. How was I to know that one day he would earn his doctorate (something I'm immensely proud of), become a soldier (something else I'm immensely proud of) and turn out to be the most amazing father I could have imagined for my children. I guess I just saw in him all the wonderful qualities just waiting for the opportunity to come out.

I just always knew, right from the start, that we were supposed to be together. And here we are 14 years later and I love him more than ever. So I guess I was right about him (and vice versa).

So Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband. I love you and miss you and can't wait for you to come home safely.

Let in the Light

2009-03-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Let me just start off by saying that it is 4:22 p.m. and I have not talked to a single adult all day long. Not even one single word. And that is starting to wear on me. I know I could pick up the phone and call someone but I don't even have much to say and I'd just be using them for adult conversation . . . so there it is. Plus, I haven't exactly been bored. It just would've been nice to have a conversation is all I'm saying.

So, today's topic of conversation is window coverings. The minute I get up in the morning I begin the process of letting in the light from outside. Whenever its possible to open up those curtains I do (i.e. AFTER I've gotten my shower and gotten dressed, etc). I love natural light. I love to feel it warming my house. Even on overcast days it still brightens in its own muted way. So I DO NOT GET people that leave there blinds drawn all day. I mean, do they really think that at 11 a.m. someone is lurking outside just waiting for them to open their blinds so that they can peak in? Besides, its very difficult to see INTO someone's windows during the daytime if you are out in the light anyway. Not that I've tried, I'm just sayin'. Do some people really enjoy living in a cave? Do they just love the idea of their electricity meter running nonstop as they use artificial light to cast a glow on their sallow skin? I mean, really. I had a lady that lived next door to me for 3 years and I kid you not, I saw her blinds open ONE time. In THREE years. Is that not just weird. I mean, she also drove around the entire block to pick up her mail without having to get out of her car so I guess there is more there than just the blinds. Anyhow. I have other neighbors who seem entirely normal except for the fact that on a beautiful, sunny day - when it is 74 degrees and breezy - they have every shade closed. Me, I have every single window open and the most lovely movement in my home. Even if you are addicted to A/C (another gripe for another day) wouldn't you at least like to enjoy the sunshine?

Ok, that's it. Gripe done. Time to take Jake to soccer practice where hopefully the one mother that I seem to have anything in common with will be there so we can chat. C'mon Elizabeth. Don't let me down.

Refreshed

2009-03-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

I am feeling most certainly refreshed. This weekend I had the opportunity to steal away with a few dear friends to spend time doing an activity I enjoy and get great satisfaction from. It was my bi-annual scrapbooking retreat to Paris Landing State Park and, as has become tradition, my dear Redonna was able to come up and go with me. It was such a great time of laughing and catching up with friends while also walking down memory lane as I preserved memories from Reid's birth, special summer trips and our wonderful vacation to Disney World. We stayed up late each evening because the scrapbooking room is truly a time warp location - you blink and its 2 a.m. - but I had the luxury of sleeping in both mornings! I can't say enough how much this weekend recharged my batteries and how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to go.

My incredible mother-in-law Belinda came down to take on my three kids for 48 hours of craziness. She drove down after she closed her store on Thursday afternoon and didn't arrive until well after midnight. But the next morning was up-and-at-'em with me and the kids (well, Red too). And what a CRAZY couple of days it was. Our house has been on the market for the past month and we've had a few showings but not too much activity. Well, wouldn't you know that I have two houseguests and am preparing for a weekend away and I get a call that someone wants to come see our house in 2 hours . . . and I get this call as Belinda and I are on our way to a photo session I'd had scheduled for months for Ainsley. So I call Redonna (there could not have been a better person here in this "crisis") and she immediately begins transforming my home based on her HGTV expertise. When I came back to pick her and Reid up this place looked like a model home. It was unbelievable. We all headed to Chick-fil-A to wait out the showing and returned with some exhausted kids! Redonna and I quickly packed up the rest of our things and took off.
Well, Saturday morning I awoke to three messages on my voicemail. One was that Belinda couldn't find Ainsley's shoes, the next was from my agent that the same people from Friday wanted to come look again at 11 and the third was from another agent that wanted to show it at 11:30. And I'm an hour away . . . ACK! I know my kids and that 16 hours is more than enough time to take my house from treasure to trash. I immediately call Belinda who has a mild heart attack at the news. But HALLELUJAH my dear friend Anna was here to watch Reid during Jake's soccer game so she was able to clean my house up. Two days in a row, two dear women step in to clean my house for a showing. Nuts. Just crazy.
After that I believe the weekend settled down. I know that Belinda could probably use a very long nap but I'm so grateful for the time I got away and for the dear women who made it all possible!
PS - looks like my house lost out at the very end. We were a final two contender but we may have been beat out by a last minute entry!

Good Friends

2009-03-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

For the past day or so I've just been struck with the blessing of good friends. Ever since Ryan left on Thursday its just been one thing (or person) after another - doing something big or little - that has continually lifted my spirits and given me a little boost. I've been mulling over how to write this post without it seeming like an attempt to be boastful or showy because really I just want to rejoice in the blessings of the past few days. So, I hope that will come across in how I communicate what I'm feeling.

Where to start . . . on Thursday my friend Troy made a special effort to spend time with me that really was just the relaxation and break I needed at that moment. All day long I was sent words of encouragement and love via email and facebook from dear friends who wanted me to know they were thinking of me. The best had to have been from my friend Sarah who told me to let her know when I needed her to make a Manzanillo delivery to my house. She's a true friend to know how much I love my mexican food and how much I was worried about how to get a fix while Ryan is gone.

On Friday we were treated to a nice pizza dinner at the Remick home and Troy's sister Tarrah was there to constantly lend a hand and keep the pandemonium to a minimum. It was such a nice evening.

On Saturday in the midst of the craziness of soccer pictures my friends Amanda and Stephanie were there to help me herd my kids this way and that. After the pictures we all met at the park and just the few minutes of their company was so nice. Plus I didn't have to lug three kids into the disgusting bathroom when Ainsley decided she had to go potty. Not to mention Amanda's husband Bill who sweetly took Reid up on the playground for me a few times.

Yesterday at church I was surrounded by those looking to give me a hand or a hug. My very pregnant friend Kacy was asking ME if I needed anything on her way home after a long morning. Megan came back to sit with me to help me keep a handle on Jake and Ainsley during the service and Carol and Steve stayed up a few rows to watch her kids so she could help with mine.

And last night I was able to spend some great time having dinner with my friend Kristen. It was so nice to have her company but what was nicest of all was that when my children absolutely all fell to pieces at the exact same moment I didn't have to be embarrassed in front of her. Because she is that kind of friend.

So last night as I dragged myself into bed absolutely exhausted, my spirit was lifted by the blessing of many friends.

What a Day!

2009-03-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Normally when Ryan is gone I HATE Saturdays. With all caps cuz that is how much I hate them. But today has been a really great day and I can't say enough how grateful I am for this blessing. The weather is absolutely beautiful outside - warm, breezy and the sun is peaking through just often enough to keep me happy! And beautiful weather means outside adventures which are just balm for the soul - for all the souls big and little that reside in the home. We played outside, rode bikes and went for an adventure down to the pond to throw rocks. Then we pretended we were Backyardigan spies and looked into the windows of a new construction house that was just finished.

This morning before all that fun began the kids made there own fun in the playroom. Their newest trick is to convert the train table into a slide. It is endless entertainment for everyone. I'm not sure how long the piece of plywood will hold up to their weight but it is SO worth a trip to home depot for a new piece if this one doesn't make it because they so enjoy their new slide. Here are a couple of pictures of this mornings fun:

Its a shame I didn't take these pics yesterday morning because everyone had on matching pj's and they looked so cute and coordinated. Ryan usually dresses them after bath and he does a wonderful job except that he has absolutely no regard for pj coordination. Its somewhat of an abomination.

So, that's kind of whats going on around here these days. As long as the weather is nice I feel like my outlook on this deployment will be sunny. But I know the weather won't hold so . . . I'll just do my best to make it warm and sunny inside. Lot's of great friends to walk alongside during this time and I'll never stop being grateful for the blessing of friendship!

Oh Ainsley!

2009-02-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

I often used to tell people that even though my kids were crazy, rough and tumble, we'd never yet had a visit to the Emergency Center and that meant something. Well, I can now no longer say that . . . for as I always knew would be the case, Ainsley broke our streak.

On Wednesday night Ainsley and Jake were upstairs watching a movie while we were downstairs beginning our study with our Community Group. Every now and then we'd hear some playing or rough-housing but in general things were good. Then all of the sudden I hear a big crash and Ainsley start to wail. Well, Ainsley wailing is nothin' new to be honest with ya but I thought it was time for them to hit the sack anyway so I came up to check and then put them in bed. As I'm walking up the stairs I can hear Jake apologizing profusely and by the time I arrived Ainsley was sucking her thumb and no longer crying - she gotten engrossed in the movie again already. But as I walked up I see blood running down her face from a pretty big gash in her forehead. I picked her up and ran downstairs to Ryan where we applied some pressure until the bleeding slowed and then took a group consensus and decided she needed to be seen. So off Ainsley and I head to the urgent care centered followed by our good friend and pastor Richard (Ryan was going to stay home with Jake and Reid in case we were there a long time). When we got there the wait wasn't too bad and Ainsley was really in pretty good spirits but when we peeled off the bandage I'd stuck on we could see that this was truly a deep and pretty significant cut. The doctor concurred and told us it would need stitches (crap!!! I'd really been hoping they could just glue it) and they produced the papoose - which is the closest thing we have to a torture device in modern day society. If you know my Ainsley at all you know she did not like the papoose one bit even though we made sure to strap lovie into her little hand. The stitch procedure was long and horrific and I won't go into the details other than that it made more than one person in that room queasy and light headed. In the end it took one deep stitch and 5 on top to cover it all over. We rewarded her at the end with Dora stickers and a lollipop which Ainsley felt were a mere pittance for what she'd been through but accepted them anyway. I asked the staff if she was the loudest patient of the day and the just laughed. And then said, "oh yeah". Hmm, maybe she was the loudest patient so far this year. Its hard to imagine a more powerful set of lungs than Ainsley's and she screamed from start to finish with brief breaks when I could think of a song to sing. But as soon as I'd take a breath she'd scream again which was totally distracting to my train of thought.

The next morning when I had to change her bandage Jake took one look and took off for downstairs crying. Maybe the guilt was setting in? Turns out that as best we can tell they were running around and Jake pushed Ainsley and she fell and hit her head on the corner of the TV stand. At least that is the current story and, so far, Jake is stickin' to it.

Looks like the little princess is going to be ok although I might be tempted to finally cut some bangs on her while the scar heals. Meanwhile she can tell people she is related to Harry Potter.

It's Monday

2009-02-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, what an original title to this blog post. Clearly this post is going to be inspired. I swear, if I spent half as much time actually blogging as I did stressing about what to blog, or the fact that I haven't blogged in forever or whatever . . . then this blog would be on a roll. But its not. I think the main problem is that I don't want this to be a blog where I share with you what errands I ran that day or the latest sick list around here. I want it to be creative and funny and cool and lately I am none of those things and so the blog has been dormant. Ooh, maybe it needs to go into hibernation. I wish I could go into hibernation lately. Especially with Ryan's departure drawing closer and closer - I just want to crawl in a hole or hide my head in the sand or something because I am absolutely dreading it.
This weekend was so nice but cold! We drove down to Nashville on Saturday and as we were leaving the mall I was thinking how nice it felt outside! I mentally started to make plans for what I'd do when we got home - vac the van out, sweep the garage - stuff that I hate to do when its freezing. Our car said it was 59 degrees as we were pulling out of the Cool Springs Galleria. Well, over the next 40 minutes I watched that temperature gage drop 20 degrees!!! By the time we pulled into our driveway it was 39 degrees with freezing rain that eventually turned into snow. Not cool. The only thing that was cool was how awesome my husband is. I have this total fascination with crazy weather so every time the gage would drop another degree I'd get all excited and he was totally making fun of me but laughing with me at the same time. We were laughing so hard I was hurting trying not to wake up Reid who was dozing peacefully in the back seat.
On the pregnancy front the nausea is much better which is good - although it also means my jeans won't fit for too many more weeks as I'm sure my ass expansion is imminent. I ate some dessert last night watching the Oscars with Ryan and it still didn't taste that great but I did it for the comraderie and the experience. Isn't that stupid? I'm just tired of being left out of the good dessertness. I just hope this and my disdain for coffee will pass. I shudder to think of life without a desire for dessert or coffee. Some may see it as a blessing but I see it as a life less worth living.
Well, gotta go fetch Reid from his nap. I'm dragging him to Wal-mart for the umpteenth time as my latest craving is commanding me to make more Chicken tortilla soup . . .

Knocked Up

2009-02-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

So the word on the street is that I am, yet again, knocked up. Well, the word is true and we are thrilled. I almost said we "couldn't be happier" but that would be a lie because I feel pretty crappy and therefore without the crappy I would be happier. But I guess if I was just talking about adding another kiddo then I could use the term "couldn't be happier" and I wouldn't be lying. Hmmm, what to do, what to do.
I think what I should do is move onto another paragraph before you get any more confused by my rambling. I have been incredibly blessed through my 3 previous pregnancies that they were basically easy with few problems. I'd feel a little queasy here or there and certainly tired but never something that really slowed me down. Well this little egg/sperm combo has knocked me out like a kung fu fighter and I still don't know which way is up. Pretty much every single food disgusts me. I cry when I have to come up with meals for my family because it involves thinking about food. I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat. And I'm a smidge more emotional than usual. On the positive side my complexion hasn't completely exploded (yet) and I've gained nary a pound. Usually I bulk up a hefty 10 pounds or so in the first trimester because all I can think about is cheese and new and exciting ways to consume it. This time Ryan has become my personal shopper - making countless trips to the store to get whatever I think I can stomach. One weekend it was Won-Ton soup. The next it was french bread with mozzarella cheese. Another time it was a Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuit. That guy is a trooper.
Well, I feel myself dozing off so I guess that is a good sign its time to wrap up this post.

A little rant a little rave

2009-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

When I say rave I mean it in the positive sense so I'll start there. I just got an email that THESE are finally on the way to my home.

Well, obviously not all of them but the pewter pair in the bottom left. I ordered them forever ago and they were backordered but its ok because I got them for a STEAL and I've been in love with them my whole life. Ok, not really. But as long as a I've known a certain friend (ahem) who turned me on to Garnet Hill and many other wonderful delights that grace my mailbox. Who knew how wonderful catalogs could be? And, of course, the thrill when Mr. UPS man delivers them. Gives me shivers.

A little rant because our computers are all dying on us and its ugly. I hate when technology goes bad. Its just SO much work to change over to new computers and while some find that kind of work rewarding I do NOT. I find it annoying and consuming of time I'd rather spend doing something else. I am so over PC's. Our next computer is going to be a Mac and I'm excited to give it a try. I'm praying it doesn't let me down.

Little more rave. Ainsley had her parent teacher conference today and she is pretty much the only kid who can do all her colors and shapes. I am so proud. After constantly being the parent of the kids who are behind its so nice to finally have a great report. Its mostly due to speech therapy that she is such a superstar on it so I can't take credit but still . . . the kid knew "rectangle" when she was 2 and darnit that makes me proud. I won't go into some of the other parts of the conference, ahem. Let's just say NONE of it was a surprise :) I was telling Ryan about it and he said he was pretty sure she was the only kid in the 2's class who could completely decleet (its a soccer term, think about it and you'll get it) someone twice her size with her two armed shove. I haven't had Jake's conference yet but his teacher told me I was going to be "very happy" the day she did his testing!

Little more rant. The Army opens early, right? I mean - formation is at o' dark hundred and the day just runs on from there. It opens early and then it ends a little early (usually). So WHY do the clinics at the hospital there not start answering their phones until 8:30? I don't get it! Its called Blanchfield ARMY Community Hospital, right? I don't care when they go home I just want their butts in gear when I want them in gear. But don't take this rant as a rant against Army medicine in general because I could go on a rant against THAT on its own. I'm proud that my husband is part of the Army medical community. I'm proud of my many friends who are also medical providers in the Army. They are wonderful providers and wonderful people and my negative experiences are so few and far between I don't even remember them because there are SO many good experiences. So when people just dismiss Army medicine on principle or make a snooty comment about how they "go off-post" with disdain in their voice it makes my blood boil.

OK, I guess I need to end with another rave so I don't seem like a bitter, ugly woman. Hmmm, thinking, thinking. I just ate buttered noodles and they were good. That was weak. Oh well.

My sweet Baby Reid

2009-02-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday Dear Sweet Baby Reid

Happy Birthday To You

This post might be a little late but its not a reflection of how excited I am for this opportunity to brag on my sweet baby boy on his birthday. Its a reflection of our rapidly deteriorating computer situation.

Last Thursday my beautiful boy turned one. What a joyous day to celebrate a year of knowing and loving this little boy. And to remember the beauty of a year ago where I had the most beautiful birth experience surrounded by my newly returned husband, my mom, and a dear friend who came to take care of me. It was truly one of the most magical days of my life. And this boy has brought so much magic into our home so its only fitting.

Here are some of my favorite things about my Reid:

- His smile. Its always ready and it will just warm you from head to toe.

- His voice. He is my little talker and although most of what he says is just babbling he says it with such feeling . . . he's going to have lots to say one day.

- His hugs. My boy gives real, honest to goodness hugs. He throws one arm around your neck and lays his head down on your shoulder and just loves.

- The way he lights up when he sees me. The best feeling in the world.

- The way Jake and Ainsley make him laugh. He just rolls with laughter when they are doing something silly.

- The way he is so busy. He's always got a mission.

- He is so ticklish. If you tickle under his arms he absolutely squeals with laughter until he is out of breath.

- He smells SO sweet. I could sniff his pumpkin head right off.

- The way he just relaxes into me completely when I nursed (or now bottle feed) him. Its wonderful.

- The way he loves to smile and flirt with other people and then burrow into my shoulder and hide when they smile back.

- How he loves to eat cheerios and popcorn out of Ryan's mouth (well, lips I guess). Its hilarious. The more he wants it the more aggressively comes in for the kill.

- I love that everyone that sees his face can't help but smile.

More Randomness

2009-01-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

As promised here are some more random things you should know to get the Full Lacey:

- I think mayo is the perfect condiment. I really can't think of many condiment worthy foods that don't benefit from mayo. French fries, grilled cheese, hamburgers . . . I could come up with more but I don't want to gross anyone out. But just to prove my point - I think the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is quite possibly the most perfect sandwich every created but if I can't find mayo to go on it I might just not even bother.

- Apparently I don't know how to spell mayo. I feel like I'm close but I don't have the self-confidence to do it wrong. I know what your thinking - I'm obviously typing this on a computer so for Pete's sake Google! Wickipedia! Ask Jeeves! Nah, I'm too lazy. I'd rather whine that I'm not sure if it has two S's or two N's.

- If we leave for church on Sunday and we are all in either the brown or black family than I truly feel I've accomplished something good. If, however, Ryan and I are in the black family of clothes and then Jake comes running in with brown shoes and belt I just want to cry. If my kids are all black or brown that at least makes me feel better even if it doesn't coordinate with Ryan and me.

*The last thought was jogged by Troy's facebook note
** On the last thought I mean not that we are all wearing black or brown but that our accessories or scheme is in the same genre.

Looooooooooosssssssssseeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr

2009-01-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

That would be me. I'm a big old loser lately as far as my world of blogging goes. Its not that I don't want to blog, its just that this year is wearing me out so far and I haven't had the energy to keep all my balls in the air. If it comes down to feeding my kids or blogging, well its a tough decision but they tend to win out. And its also not that there aren't lots of things to blog about because there are plenty. I feel like so much has changed lately both with relationships and just in my own world. But I don't feel it would be fair to blog about the former (which is kinda a reason I wish sometimes I had a secret blog . . . anywho) and don't know if I'm at liberty to blog about the latter. Cryptic, huh? That's how I roll.
I did this thing on Facebook the other day where I wrote 16 Random Things about myself. But I keep coming up with more stuff. How incredibly narcissistic would it be if I just kept writing new Facebook notes about myself. Like, "oh wait, don't you want to know even more about me?" I mean, isn't that what my blog is for. So I thought I'd add some more random things here and now I can't think of any. Typical.
Did I mention that my big boys are off on an adventure to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown NY this weekend. I'm incredibly jealous because they are with spittin' distance of my most dear roomate EVER and I bet they won't spit on her at all. Ok, now THAT was funny. I'm sitting here laughing at myself. Anyway, its so weird (read: EASY) to only have two kids. I do NOT know what you moms of two are whining about all the time. Ok, I'm just kidding. If someone would have said that to me pre-Reid I would have hurt them. I think its just all in what you are used to. Only getting two kids buckled in the car - a cinch! Doing the preschool dropoff/pickup thing with two - a breeze! Feeding two kids lunch - a walk in the park! Naptime - a dream come true! Now, I'm sure by the end of the weekend I'll be dying for my Jake to get home but right now, I kinda am enjoying life without being asked every 5 minutes if I can turn on the computer for him.
Don't stay away too long. My new goal in life is to come up with more random thoughts and post them here. I know, my goals are lofty. Try to keep up.

The New Style

2009-01-14T07:37:00.000-08:00

Four and Three And Two and One (whatup) and when I'm on the mic, this sucker's done.

OK, sorry, I couldn't resist. If you have no idea what I just wrote I forgive you. If you are however married to me or your name is Christin you know exactly what that is and you love it. And I love you.

On to the real point of this post (is there one?) oh yes. So I have a new style now in the mornings. It starts with my alarm on my watch going off at 5:20 a.m. I've learned that the best thing is to put it a few feet away on my chest of drawers so I have to get up to turn it off. Or I could let it beep but Ryan might kill me. So I get up and turn it off. Plod into the bathroom and then into the kitchen where my coffee is brewed and waiting for me. And then the day begins. And you know what . . . its great. Today was only my third day of getting up early and I'm praying I maintain the motivation to keep with this schedule because, for me, it is revolutionary. I turn my living room lights on brightly overhead to give a further jolt to my sense and then I snuggle into my favorite chair for time of prayer and bible reading. Something that I've always struggled to make a priority! Even though I know I desperately needed it I was determined to find some way other than first thing in the morning. And, you know what, for me it just did not work. Ever.

After that precious time I move on to my next task which on a non school day is usually a chore like folding the laundry. On a school day I use that time to get showered and dressed before the kids wake up. Then I have the time to greet my children, make my husbands lunch, make everyone breakfast and, in general, start out our day on the right foot.

What initially seemed like an enormous sacrifice to me has turned out to be the biggest blessing I could have asked for. I'm excited about this new style of mine and thankful for the wise insight that brought me here. NEver in a million years would I have come up with this idea on my own - but through the Girl Talk blog (girltalk.blog.com) I found their awesome idea of the 5 am club and decided to create my own 5:20 club. While I'm still the only member I feel encouraged to know that these women are out there doing the same thing and seeing the fruits and rewards.

In closing I feel the need to make one thing really clear . . . I am not at all trying to toot my horn. I know this style is from the Lord and its only through Him that I've even managed to get up these past three days at all! I'm in awe of His provision and goodness to me in my feeble attempts at obedience. So please, don't for one second think anything more of me than that I am His servant and He is blessing me abundantly. The reason I do share is because I'm excited and I want to share the good works He is doing. And to encourage all my fellow Sisters out there.

B-E-A-S-T-I-E (whatup Mike D) oh yeah that's me.

Lacey's Recommendations

2009-01-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have a number of recommendations that I've wanted to post for a while. As my blog continues to evolve I've decided to try and add in my thoughts on places I like, love and those that I pledge my undying dedication to. I know you are all out their just waiting desperately to hear what I think so I've decided to meet the needs of my clamoring fan base.
So let's start out with my feet :) Back in December when I was recovering from my tonsillectomy (did ya hear I had my tonsils out? did I mention that it hurt?) I wanted a little pampering and what better place to start that my toes. I headed to the new Foxy Nails in the Shoppes at Willow Chase (sorry you non Clarksville residents) to give it a try on Troy's recommendation. What followed was an absolutely fantastic pedicure. Halfway through I was sure I was getting the more expensive spa pedicure even though I hadn't asked for it but decided to let it go. And then when it came time to pay I was only charged $25 . . . SO the only logical conclusion is that their regular ol' pedicure is so fabulous it'll make you feel like you are getting the superstar treatment. Its all nice and new with a big plasma TV that was showing something nice and relaxing. The lighting is dim and soothing. The nail technicians were very friendly without being too talkative. Only thing that could have made the experience better was a beverage. Just a note in case the Foxy folks are checking out my blog. So ladies (guys too) if you haven't been to Foxy get yo-self over there. You'll be glad you did.
The other evening I cracked the carafe on our coffee pot which has left us in a coffee famine the past few days. So we've been running up to the new Blue Notes Cafe here in Sango for some morning Joe. I can't say enough how thrilled I am with this new addition to our area. The coffee is delish, the folks their are SO friendly, the menu looks absolutely yummy and they even have live music in the evenings. PLEASE go and visit these guys. Buy something. Buy lots of somethings. Treat yourself to a sandwich and some Wi-Fi, write out your New Years goals while sipping a latte, relax with an appetizer and some music. Let's support these guys. I'd hate to see a wonderful business like this not make it. I'm going back very soon for a more substantial purchase. I mean, its the least I can do :)
And finally, I dragged my family back to Jump Zone (somewhat with my tail between my legs) to use the free passes we were gifted after my less than positive review. What can I say - we had a great time. The kids love the inflatables there, they have a new baby area that is great for Reid, the snacks are well priced with a great selection . . . it was good. Ryan said "this place is really cool" . . . and I looked at him with ice in my eyes and said "traitor". But, he was right. It is cool. And I forgive them - ha. The only negative was when I noticed the manager and "rule boy" having a hushed conversation while looking knowingly in my direction. I was spotted. I knew they'd been waiting for me to come back. Well, I went. It was good. Now stop talking about me. Oh, one final note - please install some coat hooks over the shoe area. During the winter this is a MUST.
And there you have it folks. Enjoy.

Reliving the Christmas Glory

2009-01-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

So as the first real week of the new year sets in I'm going to take some time and look back over some of the wonderful things I was gifted over Christmas. Far and away the best gift was having my little family of five altogether . . . but yada, yada, let's get on to the good stuff.

Chyloe & co. gave me this awesome purse. Isn't it so fun?

My mother-in-law Belinda gave me two of these amazing windows from her shop. I am going to put pictures in the panes and then hang them. One is going over Ainsley's bed.And then my parents are always happy to meet my cooking needs. I desperately needed an instant read thermometer that reads a wide variety of temps. I already made some yummy french bread with its help. And then these adorable little pinch bowls. And finally the pot clip. I mean isn't that thing ingenious!!!!!!!!!

And finally look at this gorgeous trench coat I got - Its seems more like a pea coat to me in soft wool but Gap calls it a trench. It was a Chyloe find. I always need to go shopping with her.

Honey's Handiwork

2009-01-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

So the next few posts are going to be designed to make you green with envy at all the wonderful things I got for my birthday, Christmas and on our shopping extravaganzas in Tampa and Columbus! But my first post has to start with some of my most special things handmade by my mom (Honey).

For my birthday she made me this purse - isn't it just incredible! The inside has my name monogrammed inside and included a personalized sunglass holder! The button on the front is an antique that belonged to my Great Grandma Helene for whom I'm named. I proudly carried this bag through all our recent trips and felt so cool and chic with it!

And to atone for the summer dress fiasco Ainsley went crazy for her newest Honey-made couture. The bow and tights were also from Honey and altogether it is just one of the cutest darn outfits I've ever seen. She wore it for her 3rd birthday party and looked adorable.

Of course, on the first day she wore this dress (along with her new snow boots - one can never be too prepared) her dress fell in the potty so I had to take it off. Ainsley insisted on walking around with her panties and tights around her knees for at least a good hour.

Happy 3rd Birthday Ainsley

2008-12-31T13:43:00.000-08:00

I need to put together a photo montage for Ainsley for two reasons. 1: She is so darn adorable it'd be a crime not to and 2: Her birthday is in December so she always gets the shaft in some ways that are just unavoidable.

But in the meantime I've decided to put together a little list of some of my favorite Ainsley moments from this past year.

1- Ainsley coming in BUCK naked from the backyard where she was playing with Jake. Despite the 40 degree weather. I asked Jake why Ainsley took her clothes off and he explained it was because she was trying to go swimming. Oh, and he clarified that it was also because she was having fun.

2 - During her school program in May Ainsley tried to crawl underneath the communion table up on stage. Her teacher pulled her back to say no and Ainsley slapped her across the face. Then she gave her a kiss. All within a 5 second timespan and all DURING the show.

3 - Ainsley was running around after her bath up in Ohio and cousin Reese said "Nonny, Ainsley is SO rowdy". He doesn't know the half of it.

4- Ainsley asking herself if she is ok whenever she falls down.

5 - Ainsley answering us as a baby jaguar (rrrreearhhh, rrreearhhh) whenever we ask if she is okay when she falls down (its a Diego thing).

6 - Ainsley asking me if "Ms. Chrichy (Chrissie) is coming today?" everytime I hang up from a call on my cell phone. I guess I talked to Chrissie once on my cell phone so now every call is her.

7 - Ainsley as Jake's personal parrot.

8 - Ainsley crying for Jake to sit in the wagon with her, or go to sleep with her or do whatever it is that she needs his comfort and protection.

9 - Ainsley being the most theatrical little pixie fairy I could ever have imagined!

10 - Ainsley covering herself head to toe in peanut butter after her tubes were put in.

11 - Singing, singing always singing.

12- Ainsley wandering around in her snow boots with her panties and tights around her knees - for at least an hour - before she would let me pull them up.

You are TRULY one in a million little girl!

Goodbye to 2008

2008-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

Leave it to me to send out my Christmas cards with our blog address printed on the back so everyone could "keep up" with our goings-on . . . and then fail to post anything new for over 2 weeks. I'm sure any momentary surge I had in readership is now gone but I just figure that is the Lord keeping my ego in check. I've had lots of that lately so I think I'm appropriately humble as I begin the new year.

Its been a whirlwind few weeks. The week of the 7th of December I hosted three parties HERE at my house (yes, I'm serious) and we also trekked up to Kentucky for our Polar Express adventure. But wait, did I mention that Ryan was receiving and IV in our bedroom during party #3 for dehydration resulting from a day of combatives that sounds more like a day of pure hell? Then my parents arrived 24 hours before Ryan and I flew out for our respite in Tampa. We had to leave directly from Jake and Ainsley's school Christmas program which was priceless (seriously, those kids rocked the house - out of all the kids in there you could here J and A singing out at the top of their lungs . . . I was SO proud). Anyway, Tampa was awesome, relaxing, fun, shopping expedition all rolled in to one. We had a wonderful time in the sun while my parents suffered through an ice storm and illness here in TN.

We arrived back in Tennessee on Thursday evening, I spent all day Friday doing laundry and packing (oh and fitting in a dinner and fun with the Remick family which is always a priority) and then Saturday morning we were off to Columbus, Ohio. We had a truly fantastic week with Ryan's family up there, so much so that we kept extending our visit and ended up staying until the 28th instead of the 26th. The end was bittersweet as we said goodbye to Jared and his family. We probably won't see them again for about 2 more years and many tears flowed as this realization hit me. I just have to trust the Lord's plan and that He works all for good. Even when I'm not happy about it.

So we pulled back into TN on Sunday night, I ran around like crazy on Monday planning Ainsley's third birthday party, ran around crazy on Tuesday throwing Ainsley's third birthday party and now I'm just trying to catch a breath.
Stay tuned. More to come. I've got bloggin' just itchin' to come out.

The Big 3-0

2008-12-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is my 30th birthday. And its been a wonderful day. There has been no hair pulling or crying or tearing my clothing in mourning. I think that is probably because I couldn't feel more blessed by where my life is at the ripe old age of 30. I have a wonderful marriage built on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, I have three fantastic kids and I have the best job in the world. I truly can't imagine doing anything that would leave me more fulfilled and happy than running my home, caring for my husband and raising my children. I'm blessed, blessed, blessed and I don't deserve a drippity-drop of it but God has chosen to so richly bless me nonetheless. So where else could I possibly be on my 30th birthday but joyful and content.
I think my 30th birthday is an appropriate time also to recognize the love of a mother. My mother to be exact. I remember having a conversation with my mother-in-law once where she was relating in the months after Ryan was first born being hit with the realization that her own mother had done all of the same things for her. And as I'm in the throes of motherhood and all the fatigue, worry, joy and stress that goes along with it I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have had a mother who did all these same things for me. Who cared for me when, by all accounts, I was an incredibly fussy and unhappy baby. But who soothed and loved me anyway. Who raised me up to be who I am today. Who instilled in me the love of Christ by always sharing openly with us the transformation that occured in her life the day she received Him as her Savior. And who is know caring for my brood so that Ryan and I can get away for a much needed bit of R&R to take care of our marriage and ourselves for just a few days. I know we'll feed off this rest for quite some time to come.
So hopefully you've enjoyed my time to reflect on where I am today and the woman who helped me get here. And hopefully she'll be encouraged enough to not be so discouraged by Jake's pee that manages to wind up just about everywhere but IN the potty.

Top 10 Reasons To Have A Tonsillectomy

2008-12-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

As I improve my sense of humor is coming back as well. So I've decided to put together a little list of the top 10 reasons to have your tonsils out:

1- All the JELLO you can eat . . . yumm-o!
2 - Find out how you would talk if you were deaf (if you haven't heard me talk in the past couple weeks you just have to trust me on this one)
3 - Give your underutilized liver a workout as you overdose on controlled substances - PAIN management.
4 - Holiday weight gain? Nope, not here.
5 - Get on a first name basis with the guy who dishes out the egg drop soup at China King.
6 - Make extra Christmas cash selling your left over Oxycontin to the kids at the local high school.
7 - Relive the pain of childbirth. But worse.
8 - Make a top ten list with only eight things on it but nobody can say anything because you are so pitiful.

Lacey's Favorite #4

2008-12-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

Another one for my fav's file. This is too funny. It takes a couple minutes to watch so grab a cookie and sit back to enjoy.

http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx

HOW Many Kids?

2008-12-04T13:17:00.001-08:00

OK, time for another post straight from my brain. Lately I've been thinking a lot about kids. How many kids will we have? What is God's plan for procreation? How many kids is too many kids? I don't know. But its been on my mind a lot.
I guess I'm just trying to work through the preconceived notion we seem to have about family size and where does that come from. Is it from God? Lots of families have their two kids and then they are done. Some get a little more out there and have three (I'd be interested to know what corelation there is between religous beliefs and family size - but that is way to much to get into here) and some CRAZY families (sarcasm intended) go nuts and have four children. Since I've already had plenty of comments about teaching me how to use birth control or "better you than me" when I mention that we might have more I know what the world's perspective on having so many children is. But why? What is really so nuts about four, five or six kids even. If you enjoy your family why is that so nuts. Sure there are financial ramifications to be considered but as Ryan and I were discussing the other day even this is miscontrued in today's culture. I mean, I would be careful to not have more kids than you can afford but what do we mean by afford. As long as you can dress them in Baby Gap and Stride Rite? Or as long as you can send them to private school? Or is there more to it . . . should it be as long as you can take care of them and provide for their basic needs. I grew up feeling sorry sometimes for kids who had to wear hand-me-downs or whose parents couldn't afford gymnastics lessons for them (and I don't think there was anything wrong with my sympathy - I was incredibly blessed in having a father who provided for our family and a mother who took care of us all) but I wonder if maybe they had joy and love that I didn't recognize for what it was worth. Now when I look back on those families I see how their big families probably had much to admire that was in no way material (and again, we also had a very happy family too I'm just saying . . . ) . I hope this is all making sense!
Anyway, I also wonder about God's perspective on this. I've had a hard time finding in Scripture where it commands us to have "two to three children and then quit"! It seems to only tell us to be fruitful and multiply.
Those are my thoughts. I'm sitting here at the computer questioning if I should publish this because I'm not so sure it makes sense but hopefully you'll get to see my heart!
And a final note, don't worry. This isn't a precursor to telling you we are going to be the next family featured on TLC's 17 and Counting show!

And now a plea from Baby Reid

2008-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers of my Mommy's Blog -

If I am lost please know that I won't be found. Because my mommy has eaten me up. She says I'm too delicous to resist. And she is always nibbling on me.

Please. Help.

Oh, and did she mention I'm WALKING!

Christmas Cheer . . . sort of.

2008-11-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

First off, let me assure you all that I am alive. Having your tonsils out sucks. It hurts a lot. You feel like crap. I don't like it. But I'm alive. Anyway.
Today as I teetered on a rickety ladder in my dansko clogs (praying that I wouldn't fall) hanging garland around my front door I heard wailing emanating from my living room. Jake's wailing to be precise. You see we got our Christmas tree and as we decorated it we also set up the train we got at Disney World to go around the tree. Jake has been asking about this train since we got home from our trip and today was the day of its debut. Well, when I climbed down from my precarious position to find out what Jake was yelling about I found my three boys in the living room. Ryan was consoling Jake while Reid did what little brothers do best . . . mess stuff up. See, my inclination would have been to scold Jake for having such a fit but that's probably because I was never the bigger sibling. Ryan was. I don't know what its like for a little brother (or sister) to mess up my stuff. Ryan does. So Jake had the right parent in there with him when Reid messed with his newest most prized possession. On a side note: I DO know what its like to have someone twice your size sit on your face and fart on it (or toot, as I'm trying to get my kids to say so people won't think I'm a horrible Christian mother - ha!).
So our festivities hit a bit of a bump today with the whole Reid messing with the train debacle but other than that it was a good day. I love this time of year. My house has never looked more festive. I even got a fresh white pine garland for my banister - LOVE it! And of course doing the whole tree thing WITH Ryan this year was so great.
Sweet mercy I just sneezed and now I'm going to cry. OK, I think its time for another round of Codeine. G'night!

Tis the Season

2008-11-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

How is it that the Christmas season hasn't even technically started yet and already I feel a bit frazzled and overwhelmed by it all? On one hand I feel very on top of things but then I remember I'm working on a shorter time frame than usual and I start to panic.

In case you've been living in a cave the past few weeks and somehow managed to avoid the news that I'm having my tonsils out tomorrow, let me fill you in.

I AM HAVING MY TONSILS OUT TOMORROW.

And from what I hear its going to hurt. BAD. So that is going to take a chunk of time out of my festivity preperations. And then Ryan and I are supposed to be (wonderfully, gloriously) taking a trip to Tampa for a conference. I don't really know (or care) what the conference is about just that its far away. And I won't have to cook. (Thank you, thank you in advance Honey and Ozzie). And two days after we arrive home from the respite we need to be packed and ready to head to Columbus for a OUR FAMILY Christmas. So in essence I only have until December 14th to get myself ready for the holidays.

But wait, there is more. While I'm happy at the chunk of Christmas shopping I've already managed and that I've gotten my Christmas cards ordered there is still SO much to do. Like plan my 30th birthday party. That's right. You heard me, I'm throwing myself a 30th birthday party. Its on December 12th. And YOU should come. And my dear Troy is having a baby and I haven't done nearly enough for her yet. But I shall. And I need to start thinking on Ainsley's 3rd birthday. Oh, and I'm hosting a cookie exchange here for my fellow MOMS.

So, I need to get off my rump and get busy. But I'll leave you with a smile from my Christmas card photo reject pile:

A Magical World

2008-11-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well, we are back from our Disney vacation and I can't really find the words to express what a wonderful week it was. I'm trying to figure out if they actually put something in the water that just makes everything seem better at Disney or if its just the fabulous service, wonderful accomodations and friendly people . . . not to mention the true magic of seeing the wonderment and delight of Disney World through the eyes of children.

Anyway, the trip could not have been better. The car trip was totally tolerable thanks to the incredible hospitality of my dear, dear Redonna. I really need to take a lesson from her on how to be a wonderful hostess. She had tents set up in her 2nd guest room for the kids - a CARS one for Jake and Disney Princess for Ainsley. The were so thrilled and slept like logs. She had a pack and play for Reid ready to go complete with appropriate white noise mechanisms for each kid. The next morning the apple juice was ready and then she spoiled us with a breakfast of waffles and bacon which she KNOWS my kids love. We then set out to see my dear Grandma who is an amazing lady at 90 years of age! I know the craziness of my kids probably took years off her life but since I know she seems to have an unlimited supply she'll forgive us ;) We also were spoiled at her house with one of my favorites of all time - Sonny's Barbecue for dinner. YUMMO!

But I digress.

I won't go into too many details here and bore you all to tears but I will say that Jake had a better time and was better behaved than I could have imagined. Ainsley was in love with every charachter we met and was voted "most likely to run away with the circus" by the adults, and Reid was dreamy as always and did so great for a baby who was on the bataan death march for babies (i.e. - no naps, feedings in weird places, forced rides on odd contraptions).

If you have kids and you've not yet been to Disney all I can say is GO! I don't care what you have to do to get there just go. Start skipping meals, stop using diapers, turn off the heat and bundle up - whatever it takes to save those dollars. Its so worth it.

I'm going to post all my pics on Snapfish and just put a couple here. If you want to see them all let me know and I'll send you the link.

More Fall

2008-11-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Holy moley I am still loving the fall around here. The other day I was inspired to stick my camera in the car and shoot some of the trees that surround us here in Clarksville. These are just a few of the beautiful sites I see while driving the kids to preschool or going out for a job.

Tomorrow we are heading out for a wonderful week at Disney World . . . stay tuned for stories of our adventures when I return!

Sheesh

2008-11-02T17:44:00.001-08:00

When I am nowhere near a computer there is no end to the blog ideas I can come up with. As I'm out on a run or driving in the car I come up with some great stuff. Then a couple minutes come for me to sit down at the computer and its like "chirp chirp, chirp chirp" . . . nada. So that brings me to my title of Sheesh!
Anyway, last week I read an article in our local paper about how lifestyle choices are costing the U.S. big dollars in that health care costs comprise $2 trillion of our national debt. Most of these costs are spent on preventable conditions such as Diabetes. This $2 trillion works out to $7000 per capita and the writer of the article (side note here- her name is Diane Welker and I had the privilege of meeting her at a baby shower for a mutual friend and she is really lovely and very knowledgeable about nutrition) says "If you are shoveling microwave and fast food dinners into your children's mouths, you owe me $7,000."
Now, I make a pretty concerted effort to make well-rounded, healthful meals that we sit down to eat as a family. But I always feel like there is more I could be doing. I know that promoting healthy eating now will stay with my kids through their whole lives. So, I want to just put it out there for all you moms who read to share just one idea of tip that you use to help your family eat more healthfully. Please - do share!
One more thing - I had a request from my friend Tricia to share my whole wheat chocolate chip pancakes recipe - and I'm delighted to do so.

1 large egg
1 cup whole wheat flour (or 1/2 cup whole wheat and 1/2 cup all-purpose)
3/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
2 Tbsps vegetable oil
3 tsps baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (this is totally a guess - I just dump in until I'm satisfied)
Note: I also add flax seed and wheat germ to give these an extra healthy boost - the more of this stuff I add the more chocolate chips I feel entitled to dump in@

DIRECTIONS - Note: I use my KitchenAid mixer to make these - SO fluffy!
Beat egg in medium bowl until fluffy. Beat in milk and oil.
In a separate bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add all at once to mixer and mix at low speed until combined. Add chocolate chips.
Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375 degrees. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup batter hot griddle.
Cook pancake until puffed and dry around edges.
Turn and cook other side until golden brown.

The Birthday Party To End All Parties

2008-10-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the kids and I met up with Ryan at Outlaw Field here in Clarksville for the birthday party of the century. I knew going into it that chances were good this party would be amazing but I think I can now safely say this party would kick the ass of any party I could even attempt to throw in order to outdo it. So what was this party? What woman was capable of throwing such a fete? What children were deserving enough to deserve the ultimate party ever?

I'll tell you who. The same mom who dropped Saint Patrick's Day goody bags into Ainsley's cubby at school last year (and every other holiday too). Who never failed to look chic despite having twin (boy!) two year olds. Who also managed to juggle working part time and supporting her husband in a very successful Army career. That's who.

So when the twins mom ran up to me at school pickup on Monday to tell me she was throwing together a last minute birthday party for the boys I knew something great was in store. Ainsley was specially requested by the boys (along with just a couple other friends) as a guest. They've had a special relationship ever since last year in the 1's class when those little guys became quite adept at helping Ainsley locate lovie whenever it was misplaced. She always rewarded them with a big hug and a kiss - so the story goes.

We met up at 3pm yesterday afternoon at Outlaw Field where our pilot, Mr Chuck Twomey, had his 1954 Bell 47-G helicopter ready to go. Each kid and parent where taken on a 5 - 10 minute jaunt around the area and it was amazing. Ryan took Jake who held his hands over his ears the whole time but still enjoyed it. I took Ainsley who, for once, was so in awe she sat stock still with a big goofy grin on her face. She absolutely loved it and wanted to go up again for another ride in the "heli-opter". This was my first time on a helicopter and it was very nerve racking but also very cool. In true "awesome mom" fashion the birthday boys mom had a goody bag for each family with snacks, drinks, bubbles and chalk to amuse the kids while they waited their turn. Then each kid was presented with wings when the ride was over by the boys pilot dad.

We then proceeded over to the boys house for pizza, cake, libation and a big ol' jumper in the backyard to help the kids where off the sugar rush. Oh, did I mention the libation included plenty o' beer for the parents? At that point I threw my white flag of surrender up and swore to the twin's mom that I would never even attempt to outdo her. This was the party to end all parties and we are so glad we were invited!

Ry and Jake after their flight:

Ainsley and I in the helicopter:

Ainsley and one of the bday boys :

And what a Fall Break it was

2008-10-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

I think this week we experienced the whole gamut of things a break can contain. We started off our week o' fall fun with some serious virus going through our house. That was, needless to say, awesome. Vomiting, diarrhea, high fevers . . . oh my! Thankfully the momma was the only one to escape unscathed and I don't think anyone needs me to tell you that is the best case scenario. If one of us had to come out whole it needed to be me. I am a fantastic nurse and everyone got plenty of hugs, kisses, back scratches and juice until they felt better again.
The week certainly looked up from there though! We had dinner with the Remick family on Tuesday night and its ALWAYS a great time and this time did not disappoint. I'm so grateful to be able to walk through this deployment with them and do whatever we can to love and support Troy on this journey. It gives me an excuse to have them over for dinner lots which my kids get so excited about, then play like animals, then sleep like rocks. Its totally a win-win situation. She is doing a fantastic job handling it all . . . I just want to go on the record there!
Wednesday I dragged my still-not-quite-totally-well kids to Honeysuckle Hill Farm for fun despite the 85 degree day! It was a MOMS Club event so we got to see lots of friends and have lots of fun. Ainsley was definitely done by the time we dragged our sorry bums home but I still think it was worth the effort (and heat).
Thursday dawned rainy and cold and I could not have been more excited! The only bummer was the birthday party we were supposed to attend at Fairgrounds Park was moved to Chuck E. Cheese . . .but my kids still had a blast. And I got to eat my weight in birthday cake (and bring some home with me) which gives this party my ultimate two thumbs up!
That evening the other rolled into town and we've had a blast during this short visit. The kids have played so hard with their cousins and they parents have had a great time too. Our hearts are heavy as we know J&C will be moving soon and it'll be quite a long time until we see them again but we are just trying to make the most of the time we do have together. We've packed in plenty of fun to enjoy this gorgeous weather including a makeup trip to Fairgrounds and yet another journey out to HH Farm. It did not disappoint.
So that is my Fall Break roundup! Hope yours was as great as ours.

I don't just love my husband, I really, really like him too.

2008-10-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

So more along the lines of what I posted previously about the process I feel like I'm undergoing in changing the way I see some things and deciding what I want my viewpoint as a Christian, wife and mother to be.
I'm now reading a book called Feminine Appeal written by Carolyn Mahaney whose blog I linked on my previous post. Her husband is the pastor of the Covenant Life Church in DC where Ryan and I were so struck by the positive family vibes that the whole church gave off and modeled. My friend Donna, who is a relatively new friend but a wife and mother who I have a great deal of respect for, brought this book over after I mentioned my current journey of thought. I am SO excited to read this book. I feel like its so affirming of the direction I want to go in but I also like it because I can just imagine what the National Organization of Women would do with this book. Burning it would probably be too tame for them. And that alone is a big stamp of approval on this book :)
Anyway, the 2nd chapter is entitled The Delight of Loving My Husband and there are too many good things in this chapter to touch on (but I highly recommend reading it for yourself) but one thing has really stuck with me. Its a quote from Elisabeth Elliot (an amazing woman) that goes like this: "A wife, if she is very generous, may allow that her husband lives up to perhaps 80% of her expectations. There is always the other 20% that she would like to change, and she may chip away at it for the whole of their married life without reducing it by very much. She may, on the other hand, simply decide to enjoy the 80%, and both of them will be happy."
For me this quote was just a big WOW moment! I don't even know if there is 20% that I would change about Ryan but that isn't even the point. So lately I've been focusing on the 80 (plus) percent and its made me fall in love all over again. My husband is a truly wonderful man. The other morning he stopped me in the midst of running around doing some house cleaning to ask me if I'd had a chance to eat breakfast. Such a small thing but it meant more to me than I think he could possibly realize. I love my life. I love being married to this guy. I love the family we are creating. And it doesn't get much better than that.

Shame On Me

2008-10-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

There is something wrong in America today. Something very, very wrong. Its been a problem for longer than I've even been alive and there was a time when I was sickened and angry about it. And I couldn't imagine voting for a politician who stood on the other side of the line from me on this issue. And then I felt like I "grew up" politically and that as I became more evolved I felt like this issue was a lost cause and so I shouldn't vote singularly on this issue. And while that might be true I let myself become more callous then I'm prepared to admit. I was no longer outraged. I started to accept it.
On Sunday Ryan was teaching Sunday School in the adult class he is team teaching at our church. The issue up for discussion was human rights and we batted around theories on atrocities happening around the globe such as forced prostitution, slavery, torture for religous beliefs and we all felt sick discussing these things. And then it hit me that the single greatest human rights violation ever is happening each and every day (legally) right here in our very own country. Abortion. Let me say it again (to use a Biden-ism) ABORTION. The very tiniest and most helpless of human beings are being murdered in the safest place there should be - their mothers' wombs.
So shame on me for letting myself become complacent about this issue. For thinking there is nothing I can do. For being remiss in my prayers asking our Father in heaven to help us defeat the legal practice of abortions.
If you disagree with me about this issue then I want to ask one thing of you. Please watch this video http://www.silentscream.org/video1.htm . If you are a believer then please pray about this video. And then I would welcome any comments, discussion or fair arguments on this issue.

And if you want to know a bit more about Obama's stand on some past abortion bills I was fascinated to read this article from the National Right to Life website. Even if you can make peace with abortion I can't undertand how anyone can stand behind a decision that would stop a bill to keep doctors from killing infants who are born alive after failed abortion attempts. http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/WhitePaperAugust282008.html

Halloween Fun

2008-10-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight my family took a trip to Wal-mart to do something I never in a million years thought I would . . . we went to buy Halloween decorations to put up outside of our house. Bright glowing orange lights on the crepe myrtle tree, pumpkin lanterns to brighten the front doorway and a couple of cute signs in the natural areas. You have to understand the rather ambivalent feelings I've always had towards Halloween to know why this trip to Wal-mart was something I never saw coming. I mean, as we were hanging the lights tonight I was telling my kids about how when I was their age we went to Reformation Day parties at church and played "harvest games" instead of trick-or-treating (all my reformed friends know what I'm talking about, the rest of you will just have to ask me about it later). I went to a private Christian school where Halloween was not honored with decoration, celebration or costumes. So for me Halloween has always been the somewhat forbidden fruit of holidays.
But in recent years I've lightened up about Halloween. My kids have so much fun going to costume parties and trick-or-treating. And so when neighbors began breaking out the decorations and Jake went wild with excitement I knew it was time to really step up to the plate and come out of the Halloween loving closet. There is no hiding it anymore. The orange glow emanating from my house shouts it loud and proud. And Jake is thrilled.

DISCLAIMER: Before this gets too out of hand and I piss off everyone I want to say that the forbidden fruit element of this holiday was an influence of church/school and not my parental unit. They happily allowed us to trick-or-treat.

Fall

2008-09-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Oh MY Gracious, Goodness me. Its fall and there are no words to describe my joy over this fact. I love, love, love, love, love, love FALL!!!!!!!!!!! Its just by far the very best time of the whole year. The weather is so beautiful. Those chilly mornings and evenings that just make the bed even more wonderful and inviting. The smell of burning leaves, the drop dead gorgeous trees here in this part of Tennessee as they explode in color. The excitement of Halloween parties and trick-or-treating. Pumpkin spice lattes that just make you feel so good from head to toe. Pulling out jeans and sweaters and my wonderful Dansko clogs that I do love so very much.

Sunday afternoon we went to a birthday party at Honeysuckle Hill Farm. It was such a fantastic place to have a party and it just celebrated everything that is so wonderful about this season. And to my incredibly delight they had the most gorgeous selections of heirloom pumpkins. I toted this poor 14 year old kid around with me forever as I hemmed and hawed over choosing which ones for him to load into his wheelbarrow. This one! No! That one! Wait, over there is another one! Oh me, oh my. And when I got home I created a tower of my pumpkins that makes me grin each time I see it. Isn't it so very Martha Stewart?

We were out enjoying the beautiful weather on Tuesday with a stroll around the little lake in our neighborhood. I looked down into a drainage ditch and saw a snake skin. Well, motherhood has clearly changed me because instead of running home screaming I climbed down into the ditch (with Reid strapped to me I might add) and retrieved the skin. I carried it home (in my BARE hands) and we carefully pulled it on and laid it to dry. Jake is going to take it to school tomorrow to show to his class.

Where Have I Been?

2008-09-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you see me let me know because lately I feel like I can't find me. My thoughts are all over the place, I'm desiring to really set out some new goals and plans for myself and I just can't seem to get focused. And that is partly what has kept me from blogging lately because I feel like I don't even know where to begin. But I'm just going to jump off the ledge and ramble for a bit. If I seem to be drowning and you can't bear to watch feel free to come back another day and maybe I'll be more coherent.
A few years ago we went to a church in DC called Covenant Life. There were so many things about this body of believers that really inspired me but the most profound was their stance on family and the role of women in the home. It was so encouraging and affirming of exactly what I feel like I'm called to and I met many women there who I would desire to emulate both as a wife and a mom. I had dinner with some girlfriends recently and this church came up and as I talked about it I felt transported back to those feelings of inspiration and hope that I got whenever I walked through those doors. I came home and pulled out the folder I kept during my time there and I look forward to reading back through those notes and rediscovering some of those truths again.
While Ryan was gone on his latest adventure I was surfing the Internet one night and stumbled upon a story that continues to hold my attention weeks later. A young, beautiful woman who is deeply in love with her husband and with being mother to her four children was in a serious plane crash on August 16th. She received burns over 83% of her body and her husband was also badly burned. Her sisters, who are caring for her children while she remains in a medically induced coma in Arizona, are keeping her blog going as a means of fundraising, information sharing and to continue the inspiration that this woman, Stephanie Nielson, gave to so many. Whenever I have a few minutes to myself that I can indulge I slip into the world of Nie and let her love of her family and her domestic life sweep over me. She is a woman of deep faith and although our beliefs are not the same I know that she trusts Jesus Christ as her Savior and I pray for her deliverance.
All these things at a time when I was already feeling called to introspection and examining my motives and actions and wanting to sit down and figure out what is the legacy I want to leave. What do I want this family to stand for? What will be the memories my children have of this sweet time in our lives?
So, stay tuned if you care to. I'm sure this will be a slow and evolutionary process but its one I'm excited about. My start has been to drastically reduce TV time and the reward has been sweet. Even times like this morning which started at 5:30 I was able to withstand the temptation of flipping on the tube and was rewarded with a rousing game of hide and seek as I gulped my coffee. Also whole wheat chocolate chip pancakes are becoming a new speciality. I'm not sure how exactly they fit into the master plan, but I'm sure somehow they do.
http://girltalk.blogs.com/
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/
http://blog.cjanerun.com/

Time with my boy

2008-09-20T12:48:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday I got some really special one on one time with Jake. It was so fun to just spend some time focusing on him and enjoying the little boy that he is. I took him to see Disney on Ice and it was really magical. When the charachters from the movie CARS sped out onto the ice his face lit up in excitement and disbelief. I don't think he blinked once while watching that portion of the show. They did lose his attention a little bit during the extended Tinkerbell portion of the show (to which a friend commented "I wish the CARS would come back out and run over tinkerbell) but all in all it was a fantastic afternoon.

My Power

2008-09-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Let me set the scene. A few weeks ago my friend Nicki informed me that when she had googled Jump Zone Clarksville that my blog was the very first hit returned. I was a little in awe of myself and the number of people who I potentially reached with my message about our less than pleasant experience at JZ. Also a little scared lest the big bad JZ giant come after me . . .
Well, yesterday I received a hand addressed envelope in my mailbox with a Jump Zone return stamp. I opened it to find three passes for a free open play session - with our last name written very small in the corner of each pass. And that was the only thing in the envelope - no letter, no promotion, no catch.
What freaked me out a bit was when I looked even more closely at the envelope and realized it didn't have any postage on it. Which means either the post office just sent this letter along for free (not likely) or someone hand delivered it into my mailbox.
The only thing that makes sense to me is that someone from JZ found my blog, used the scant information about us on the blog to locate the release form I filled out on our first visit and so was able to determine who was woman behind Maybe Tomorrow. Maybe JZ hand delivers free passes to everyone in Clarksville and my imagination is just running away with me but I doubt it.
Oh the power of a blog!!!!!!!!

Random Rambling

2008-09-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

I am totally stealing the word rambling from my fav roommate of all time's blog. She'll forgive me because she loves me like that. She also forgives when in my comments on her blog I correct her grammar. Why on earth would I be jackass enough to do that I don't know but I do. And she loves me anyway. Heaven help me if someone were to whip out English 101 on this bad boy. I never proofread and that always gets me in trouble. Amber - I love you! I read a piece of flair the other day that said "God made us friends because no parents could handle us as sisters" or something along those lines and I thought of you. I thought of a few of you other girls too so nobody go get your panties in a wad but Amber has not so subtly hinted that my blog should have more to do with her and so this was it.

Randomness #1 - Hot and Ready Pizza from Little Caesars.
Never something that has played a big role in my life until today . . . and it was a lifesaver. I seriously wanted to hug the girl at the drive thru. I'm chugging home from a late appointment stressed about feeding the kids dinner and getting bedtimes moving when I drive past a crazy guy waving a sign in front of Little Caesars. In about 2 seconds I made the decision to whip into the parking lot. I drive up (no line) ask for my pepperoni pizza, for over $5.48 and the pizza is immediately handed out to me and off I go. Seriously from the time I saw the sign until I was on the road again was less than 2 minutes. Throw some applesauce into bowls once we get home and voila - dinner is served. It was fantastic. It was cheap. It was EASY.

Randomness #2 - Snow Cream "Frozen Dairy Dessert" from Purity.
Yum. Let me say it again, YUM. Its supposed to be reminiscent of when you'd take freshly fallen snow as a good and add vanilla and sugar and milk . . . and it is every bit as yummy as you could imagine. I can't stop eating it. Even though the scale says I should I still don't care. A couple pounds is totally worth the yummy goodness of this delectable dessert. Its icier than real ice cream but it also has a LOT less fat and calories. But mostly its just fun and yummy and a nice change of pace. I love it.

I know I had another one but that is just how random I am - I can't remember. Well, 3 minutes until Project Runway starts and that is a priority so off I go! Toodles.

Fun, More Fun, BAM!

2008-08-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

So our past few days have been great. Fun, followed by even more fun and then we hit today like a brick wall. Ryan left today for something that is not going to be fun (understatement of the century) and we'll be out of contact for 3 weeks. It never gets easier and we miss him like crazy . . .

Anyway, back to the good stuff! On Thursday Ryan and Jake went down to Nashville for a Sounds game. They had a blast! Ryan called me mid-game to fill me in on all of Jake's adorable antics. I think they spent about three innings chasing the mascot (ironically called Ozzie) around. As soon as Jake would get close he'd run up to give him a high five and then high tail it out of there. He wanted to be close but not too close. By the time they got home around 10 pm Jake was still a crazy, sweaty mess but they made memories that will last forever!

Then on Saturday we had tickets for the USO tour of Sesame Street Live on post. It was a great experience. Just the right amount of time, a cute show, decent seats - the kids had a blast. The whole shebang was totally free right down to these light-up whirly toys that would have easily cost 15 bucks a pop at a real show. In fact, this event easily would have put our family out over $100 and we were treated to the whole experience as a thank you from the fine folks at Sesame Street. It was very cool.

And now its almost Labor Day which means summer is almost over! I'm ready for fall and all the fun that brings. So if you see me wandering around next week with a sweater and jeans despite the 90 degree heat you'll have to cut me some slack :)

That's My Girl

2008-08-26T12:07:00.001-07:00

Ainsley's skin is very soft and smooth right now. Why, you may ask. Well because of the peanut butter skin treatment she gave herself of course. Oh, well why did she give herself a peanut butter skin treatment? Because her mother left her unattended with a spoon and an open jar of peanut butter at the table. Oh, and because she was pretty much drunk as a skunk. Ainsley + Drunk + Peanut Butter = New Beauty Treatment. Literally head to the tips of her toes covered in ooey-gooey peanut butter.

Now, before you go thinking that I've been letting Ainsley get sauced with a bottle of whiskey or that I've been cutting her apple juice with vodka let me go on the record that it was medically induced drunkness. This a.m. Ainsley had to have her tubes in her ears put in for the third time. She was a little worked up and so they gave her some Versed to calm her down. And calm her down it did. She went from little ball of fire to helpless limp noodle in no time - complete with head bobbing helplessly around and eyes rolling back in her head. After the procedure was over and the gas wore off she turned into her best impersonation of what she'll be like the night of her 21st birthday (I hope not but just being realistic). She'd wiggle to get down and walk and when I'd put her down (holding on tightly) she'd sway and bob until I'd scoop her back up. As I was carrying her out of the hospital she had her head thrown back looking at the lights on the ceiling going "oh wow" as if she was seeing her own psychadelic light show. She'd mumble something and then start laughing and giggling at her own personal joke.

When we got home I put her on my bed to watch a movie and went to get her some juice. She scrambled down to come after me and fell to a heap on the floor where she stayed until I returned. Later I realized she was getting hungry so I gave her some peanut butter (something I do often) and ran out to get the mail. I got a little distracted and by the time I returned 4 minutes later the spa treatment had happened. I guess drunk Ainsley got confused with putting the peanut butter IN her body instead of ON her body.

Unfortunately all fun things must come to an end and the medicine has worn off enough to make her out of control cranky. Makes me want to mix her up a little cocktail of my own ;)

And now a message from my daddy. . .

2008-08-25T12:29:00.001-07:00

editors note: in case you haven't already guessed, in my family sarcasm is a true art form.

Sitting in today as guest blogger is Lacey’s Dad, Ozzie. Would that make me a glogger? I asked Lacey if I could write this so I would have a chance to brag on her. This past Saturday was my 60th birthday, and Lacey was instrumental in arranging my best birthday ever!
You might wonder how it fell to Lacey to arrange my birthday. I couldn’t exactly do it, and her mom / my wife Desire’ was worn out from organizing an extravaganza weekend for her parent’s 60th anniversary at the end of July. She was lamenting to Lacey that she was going to have to put together something for me, too, when Lacey said “Mom, put in my hands.” And she did.
Now, I knew that something was being arranged, but I was kept in the dark about what it was. This past Wednesday, I received by e-mail a packing list and instructions to be ready to be picked up at 9:30 Thursday morning. At the appointed time Desire’s parents Pete and Marge showed up, and we loaded our luggage and golf clubs into their van. I was permitted to drive, but only given directions one waypoint at a time. If you know Lacey, you know that she always has a plan, and she got that gene from me. So, you can imagine how out of sorts I was to be on a need-to-know basis. T o make a long trip short, we arrived in Pigeon Forge TN a little before 3pm. We stopped at a welcome center, and it was suggested that I pick up some info on golf courses, indicating to me that no prior arrangements had been made for golf – what I was anticipating to be a highlight of this trip. Swell!
I found myself sitting in the parking lot at Cabins USA while Desire’ checked in for our accommodations. . If you know Pigeon Forge, it is a sprawl of t-shirt shops, miniature golf courses, fast food and buffet restaurants, go-kart tracks, and other cheesy attractions. It looks like a tornado picked up all the worst of Americana and dumped it in a jumble in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was described at various times on our trip as “Myrtle Beach on Meth in the Mountains”, “Redneck Vegas”, “a Cornucopia of Crapola”, and some unflattering names too. Across the street from where I sat was a flashing sign proclaiming “Memories, presenting Elvis& Friends; the ultimate Legends Show.” I have always wondered about performers for whom impersonating Elvis is the acme of their career. What about those whose claim to fame is impersonating his friends?
In this family we’ve learned about the five stages of grief from our resident psychologist - Ryan. I was going through my own five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, whining, and pouting. My mind raced to all the exciting possibilities: sitting around our room in the heart of Pigeon Forge with my in-laws; cruising the strip; checking out the tattoo parlors; eating at MO’s All-You-Can-Eat Buffet (the initials apparently stand for Morbidly Obese). Maybe if I was lucky we could squeeze in 216 or so holes of golf – the kind with dinosaurs, windmills, pirates, and/or farm animals.
My attitude did a 180 when we arrived at our accommodations; a cabin nestled in the trees high on a ridge overlooking the Smokies. It had 3 levels, each with a living area and two bedrooms with private baths. It had a hot tub, pool table, air hockey, and Foosball. Way to go Lacey!
What made this, in all truth, my best birthday ever was spending it with the people I love most in this world (minus my mom and sister). Lacey and Ryan, Jake, Ainsley, and Reid arrived Thursday evening, and Matt and Allie shortly thereafter. We ate drank and were merry. Jake and Ainsley were in the hot tub 2-3 times each day, butt naked. We played pool with the kids– actually a version without cue sticks which was more like soccer and team handball. We watched the raccoon raid our trashcan each night. Desire’ compressed 60 years of being me into a wonderful video which made me cry tears of joy.
Since I have given Pigeon Forge the worst trashing since Lacey’s went off on Croc’s here in her blog, I need to be fair and mention that we did enjoy some go-karting, golf with the kids at Pigs Can Fly, and a nice hike complete with a snake across our path and a black bear sighting.
A milestone birthday like your 60th can be a catalyst for retrospection and introspection, and is also a good time for looking forward. I have been asking myself what I want my next 10-15-20 years to look like. I don’t want to be presumptuous, since in the next 15 minutes I could become deathly ill or get zapped by a UPS truck on its daily run to Lacey’s house. I put together a bucket list, complete with some of the typical items: travel to the eastern Med, Russia, the Baltic; get a tattoo; get tattoo removed; etc. But, if God does grant me further years, what I really want to accomplish is summed up by a psalm I read recently in my quiet time: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18) The Lord has done so much in my life. I have experienced the joy of seeing my own children walk in the truth. Now it’s time for the grands.
I have to go now so I can start planning my own 80th birthday party. It will probably involve a cruise ship with 6 or so adjoining verandah cabins. Ainsley and Matt & Allie’s daughter will share one with Jake’s fiancée, with Reid and Jake and little Whit in another. Won’t that be grand?

The Big Race

2008-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

The morning of the race - before the start.

Whew, so if you've read my blog for any amount of time (like even two posts) you know that this past weekend I participated in the Tri Fall Creek Falls Race. Its a triathlon at a beautiful state park that consists of a 1500 m swim, 40k bike and 10k run. I was on a relay team so I just did the run (duh . . . like I could actually do that whole thing). Let me just say that the athletes we saw this weekend were amazing. Truly amazing.

Next, let me say that my team was amazing. I'm so proud of each of us for different reasons. We accomplished what we set out to do and we did it with style. It was a really fun time to be with a long time friend and get to make a new one. And it also definitely gave me the bug for future races.

Me coming into the finish line

Our team came in 2nd overall for female relay teams. When I saw the run course I was intimidated. My training route here wasn't completely flat but also didn't have any major hill - this was NOT the case at Fall Creek Falls. The 10K course started out with about 3/4 of a mile down a major hill. Awesome. Except this mean that the course finished out 3/4 of a mile UP a major hill. Not Awesome. When I realized this I thought my goal of a sub 45 minute 10K was shot. Well, when it came time to run I just ran as hard as I could. When I got to the end I told myself to just put my head down and run. And I made it. My time was 44.08 and I was thrilled. If I hadn't gotten confused at the end and had to stop momentarily for directions it couldn've been sub 44 but I'm trying not to focus on that :)

So, the only major bummer for me was when they were doing our body marking the morning of the race. They write your number on each arm and then your age on the back of your right calf (in big numbers, I might add). Only, it isn't your actual current age, its the age you'll be at the end of the year. CURSES. That's right, you guessed it. I'm 29 now but I'll be 30 in December. So I have to walk around for the next week (or until this permanent marker will wear off) with a big 30 on the back of my leg. Nice.

I AM ANGRY

2008-08-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

OK, so this is a post for you moms out there. Lately I'm sure you've heard the buzz about Bisphnol A (BPA) and its potentially harmful affects on all people but most potentially babies. If you haven't here is a little info from Wikipedia to get you up to speed.

There are seven classes of plastics used in packaging applications. Type 7 is the catch-all "other" class, and some type 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate (sometimes identified with the letters "PC" near the recycling symbol) and epoxy resins, are made from bisphenol A monomer.[4] When such plastics are exposed to hot liquids, bisphenol A leaches out 55 times faster than it does under normal conditions, at up to 32 ng/hour.[73] Type 3 (PVC) can also contain bisphenol A as antioxidant in plasticizers.[4] Types 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (polypropylene), and 6 (polystyrene) do not use bisphenol A during polymerization or package forming,[74] and thus will not leach bisphenol A into food or beverages.

So, being the good mom that I am (ha ha) when I did some research on this I felt it was important to switch all of Reid's bottles to glass bottles and get some new sippy cups for Ainsley from Born Free. This is not a health risk I wanted to take with my kids, especially since its fairly easy to avoid. I try not to think about how much Jake and Ainsley were exposed to this before we knew about it but thankfully they were both breastfed so their exposure during their first year of life was limited.

Now that Reid is eating baby food I've been buying Gerber organics for him. Again, I'm not an organic freak but I just wanted to give him the very best food possible. So, I'm sitting here at the computer and there is an empty container from his baby food here and I look down at the bottom and what do I see but the Type 7 sign on it to let me know there is the possibility of BPA in this plastic. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so mad I want to type out what I really mean when I say that but I won't. What is Gerber doing putting its organic BABY food in dangerous containers. Containers that I HEAT which causes even more BPA to potentially leach into his food.

So now, I'm pissed. You really can't trust anyone these days. And its sad. Rant over.

Its soooooo beautiful . . .

2008-08-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Its just so beautiful outside. I can't get over it! These past few days have just been gorgeous. Low, low humidity (UNHEARD of this time of year), mild temps, sunshine and blue skies. I can't even express how much it lifts my heart and my attitude. I feel God's blessing and provision in this beautiful weather - such an unexpected surprise for August and I'm going to love every single minute of it! This morning I strapped Reid in the Baby Bjorn and took the kids out for a ride on their little bikes. We rode down to the lake and walked around it and then around our block and I never broke a sweat. It was so nice to be out enjoying the morning together.
Last night Ryan and I stayed up late watching the Olympics and I'm SO glad we did because we got to see the amazing US men's victory in the 4x100 freestyle relay. In case you missed it they were up against their major French rivalry on this one. The French team had been quoted as saying they were going to "smash" our guys. Well, in the most exciting swimming race I have ever seen our team beat them by just hundredths of a second (I think) and it was awesome. We were jumping up and down (well, bouncing up and down I guess) and cheering and it just made me so proud. These guys won with such grace and class and I loved every minute of it!
So, that's about it for now. This coming Sunday is the big race and I'm feeling ready. I went out on Saturday and ran as close to race pace as I could and I was really happy with my time. If I can run the same on Sunday I'll be thrilled. I'm trying to focus on eating healthy foods this week to give me the fuel I'll need to perform my best. This is a real test for me because I LOVE food and have little self control. But I'm hoping I can stick with it for just one week.

Yummy

2008-08-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, its hard to follow-up on my last post. My most commented post ever. Before I let it go to my head I'm going to write a totally lame post that will take it back to the uzh around here on my blog :) That's totally ok because this blog for me is mostly a creative outlet. I needed one and it primarily serves that role. That it lets me keep in touch with friends near and far is most just a bonus (albeit an AWESOME one).

Lately there has been a lotta food going on around here. Yesterday when the kids and I got home from Ainsley's speech therapy session we had some time to kill so I thought we'd make cookies. I hesitated for a second because my kitchen was very clean and we had company coming later but quickly decided to plunge ahead. It actually worked out great (she says with surprise in her voice). We had fun, I only yelled a little, the cookies were yummy despite the fact that I have no idea how much oats actually went into the mixer because Ainsley got carried away while Reid needed a reapplication of the pacifier (i.e. he was in his bed and not happy and I needed him to hang on just a couple more minutes).
Wow, that tupperware looks almost empty. How did that happen?

Then today the kids and I went to a farmers market down by the train station here in Clarksville. It was small but very nice and I got some beautiful produce. I was actually pulling away when I decided to go back for the blackberries. I'm going to make gazpacho and BLT sandwiches tonight. The squash is for my man Reid - big boy that he is now!

When we got home there was a package from Nonny on our doorstep. She'd sent some darling shoes for the kids but also two little rolling pins and fun little shapes to cut biscuits (biscuit making is an art form in my mother-in-laws family). Jake was so excited we immediately had to make biscuits. Jake helped me get the dough together and then Jake and Ainsley played away with the rolling pins and cutters for a good 10 minutes! The end result was yummy!

The recipe made more biscuits than this. This is just what was left after the three of us chowed down :)

Purposeful Pareting

2008-08-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try and dive into a post that has been on my mind for a long time and I'm not sure I have the time to really tackle it this morning, but here it goes. I have the need to get this out whether its entirely coherent or not. A few weeks ago my friend Christin sent me a link to an article in Newsweeek - Does Having Kids Make You Happy? http://www.newsweek.com/id/143792?GT1=43002. This article piggybacks onto recent thoughts I'd been having anyway so it really opened up a line of thinking for me that I've been mulling over. The gist of the article is that martial happiness decreases markedly after the birth of the first child and doesn't increase again until the kids leave home . . . and that parents are happier sleeping or grocery shopping then they are when spending time with their kids.

My first thought is not one of surprise. As with most issues we face in today's culture I think the answer lies much below the surface. Its not a band-aid fix and, unfortunately, I don't think issues like this will ever get better because of the direction our world is headed. Where is that? As far away from God as possible. To find the root to this problem you can't try to find what is wrong with today's culture or what possible cultural influences are causing this or do kids just plain suck. You have to go back to how incredibly far our world has come from God, from His plan in creation, for His reason for giving us life and breathe and allowing us to be on this earth . . . for the sole purpose of glorifying Him and enjoying Him forever (which seems like a pretty sweet deal to me).

So, instead we are living these lives focused entirely on ourselves, desprately trying to find something that will give us meaning and happiness. And when we don't find it in ourselves rather than looking to God and realizing HE is where we should find meaning, we start adding. We add a college degree, a job, a spouse and then children. And these things are all good but we are trying to make them fill a hole they aren't meant or made to fill. And by far children are where we are going to see and feel this the most. Like a big blinking neon sign saying NOT RIGHT because children will suck the very will to live out of you at one point or another and if the whole reason you had them was to complete yourself you are going to feel screwed.

But those who believe in Christ don't have to fall into this trap. Because we can search scripture and know we DO have a higher calling and purpose for having children. I truly believe I am called to train up the next generation to serve and love God and to continue to spread His name on this earth. I do a horrible job of it but when I'm losing my mind at least I know that there is a reason WHY I had kids and it was NOT for me. Bottom line is that I am called to by God and I'm obeying Him and fulfilling His plan for my life in this way. But blessedly I think my kids are the bees knees (and I think this is how God designed it) so even on my most frustrating, pull my hair out day I wouldn't trade them for all the tea in china.

Thanks for indulging me.

Jake . . . our Boy Wonder Turns 4

2008-08-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

It's a couple days late but 4 years ago, on July 29th, our lives changed forever when Jake Allen was pulled (very much against his will) into this world. Two weeks overdue, 19 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, and one vacuum extraction and there he was - our perfectly beautiful firstborn baby boy.

What an incredible joy he is to us. He is so full of life. Ready to take on new adventures and learn new things. So very sweet and tender. Lover of trains. Fan of books. Water slide king. Perfectly grumpy in the mornings and sweetly kissed to bed at night.

As is our family tradition I put together a video of pictures from Jake's life. Its kind of long but (I think) worth it.
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Lacey's Favorite #3

2008-08-01T17:48:00.001-07:00

So, its been a long time since I've done one of these. Nothing has really struck me. Until now. And this one is going to get me in trouble, I can guarantee it. But I can't stop myself! This article so perfectly articulates what I've felt deep in my heart for a long time. And to quote the author "I also worry about writing this because some of my best friends—and their sweet, innocent children—wear them." But like I said, I can't stop myself so here it goes:

Make. It. Stop
The case for ending our long national nightmare.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/150240/page/1

Old MacDonald

2008-07-27T12:06:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Charlotte! This past week has been totally nuts as I once again had to pack, clean, do laundry and a million other little things to get my family ready for a week back home in Charlotte. I couldn't say anything about it on the blog though because the reason for our visit was to celebrate my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary and the weekend of festivities as well as the guest list was all a big, wonderful surprise for them! It has been a fantastic weekend with family and more events (mostly revolving around food) than I can even remember at this point. What added to the craziness of the preparation was my volunteering to bake and transport all of the desserts for a 30 person dinner on Friday night. So this past week had quite a few late nights and early mornings in the kitchen as I pulled together a trifecta of Barefoot Contessa delicacies. It was worth it in the end . . .
Isn't that amazing to think about being married for 60 years?!?! What is even more amazing is how much they still love and adore one another. I'm incredibly blessed to have this (and other) marriage (s) as an example. Congratulations Granpa and Grandma - I love you!

Ok, but now for the funny part of this post. Lately Jake and Ainsley have reverted to their infanthood and really gotten back into the Baby MacDonald video (from the Baby Einstein collection). They are always singing Old MacDonald or The Farmer in the Dell and Ryan and I join in and sing with them. On Thursday night we drove from Clarksville to Charlotte . . . 8 hours in the car with 3 kids . . . it was a long night. When we stopped for dinner Jake got a Batman toy in his Happy Meal that fit on his hand and had a little red laser light on it. So very fun for Jake, so very annoying for the rest of his family. Somewhere in between Knoxville and Asheville and Jake shone the light into my eyes for the millionth time I told him if he did it one more time I was taking away the toy for the rest of the night. Well, Jake loves nothing more than a challenge so about 10 seconds later the light was in my eyes so I snatched it away and tossed it out of his reach. Jake sat for a second and thought then said "give it back". I said "no". He thought for another second and started to sing. The song went like this "Old MacDonald give it back, e-i-e-i-o, and on this farm he gives it back, e-i-e-i-o". Ok, so Ryan and I are dying laughing and then Jake starts to sing again so we get quiet to listen and hear "the cows gives it back, the cow gives it back, hi-ho-the-dairy-o the cow gives it back". Now we are practically rolling. I still wasn't giving it back though. But I was shocked at how clever and quickly that little mind worked. The end of the story, though, is that when Ainsley threw up all over herself and her car seat with about 2 hours left in the trip Jake did manage to retrieve the toy during the ensuing hullaballoo. I decided to turn a blind eye.

Weekend Roundup

2008-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Let me start out by saying I'm in a weird place right now - mentally that is. See, its naptime here at our house and that is a sacred time. But the UPS man just pulled up in front of my house and rang the doorbell and now Reid is crying. I'm emotionally flummoxed - one of my favorite people to see (UPS guy) ruins one of my favorite parts of the day (naptime). I think the deciding factor here has to be what it was being delivered . . . and it looks like it was a Creative Memories scrapbook I ordered for MOMS Club. I've deliberated and decided that this delivery was most certainly NOT worth the screw up in naptime. So now I'm angry at UPS man and its not a good feeling.

It was a really fun weekend. Friday we were treated to a fabulous dinner with some really special friends! They made us feel like royalty with steaks and other delicious items. Most importantly the beer was cold and flowing and as long as the right person poured the foam was manageable (wink, wink).

Saturday was mostly spent counting down until our babysitter would arrive. Finally the time came and we gave some hurried instructions (like - don't call us unless there is blood and a tourniquet won't stop the bleeding) and headed out for a real, live, actual, authentic party. There were no children, no bouncy houses, no water play and at the end of the evening no herding exhausted, stained, sobbing kiddos into car seats. We went to a luau and it was just a heavenly evening of good food, a fun theme and great friends.

Last night we wanted to keep the fun alive so we invited some friends over to cookout. What made it a particularly sweet time was that these particular friends are expecting the arrival of their firstborn child in the very near future and this was the last time we'll spend together before their world was rocked by parenthood. And it will be. Rocked that is.

So that is it. Reid seems to have fallen back asleep. When it comes to naps I am THE hammer.

The Jump Zone - Danadanadadana

2008-07-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

That was supposed to be like the music that goes with The Twilight Zone but I have no idea how you would type that. Anyway, this morning I was looking for something to do with the kids and my friend Kristen and I decided to head over and check out the new inflatable jump warehouse here in Clarksville. This thing has been highly anticipated for over a year now and today was opening day so we thought we'd check it out. Now before I get ahead of myself let me talk a bit about Go Jump. Same idea, also located nearby (but not technically in C-ville) great experience every time I've been there. They have great pricing, very friendly and laid back staff, free popcorn for the kids, a variety of jumping levels, etc. I've said that I would probably remain loyal to Go Jump even after Jump Zone opened because we've had such good experiences there.

Well, what do I do on the first day that Jump Zone is open but jump ship from the Go Jump loyalty cruise and drag my brood immediately over to the new guy in town. So, I probably on some level deserved every ounce of badness that happened today. And it was bad. I do not like Jump Zone. I do not like it on a boat, I do not like it with a goat, I will not go there on a train I will not go there in the rain. Am I clear on that?

We walked in and its VERY impressive. Six enormous inflatables most with different themes (Disney Princess, Pirate ship attacked by Giant Squid, Superman, Train). The kids were dying to get started. I've got all three of them with me and just getting there was QUITE the workout. I had to fill out the release form and then go to pay and the guy says "That'll be $15.33". What? Surely I didn't hear you right. No, I did hear him right - these guys must not know they are located in an Army town with a median income of squat. So I dig through my wallet and pull out my credit card and am informed they only take cash. OK - strike two. I did actually have $15 on me so we were safe. The kids start to play and are having fun when after 10 minutes the little referee comes over to tell me my kids need socks (I had on socks but they didn't - they can't get enough traction to climb with them). Well, I didn't bring socks which I tell him. He tells me they can't jump without them. I tell him that he can go tell his managers and have them come throw me out. Sure enough, two minutes later here comes the manager to tell me my kids have to leave because they don't have socks. Are you kidding me?!?! I start to sweat with anger and frustration. He then makes sure to tell me that he informed me we needed socks as we came in. WHAT?!? No, you did not, DUDE. Do you think I would have ignored that little tidbit of information because I relished the idea of dragging my screaming children out of a inflatable wonderland less than 10 minutes after we arrived? But they sell socks he tells me. Well, too bad because I just forked over my last $15 to get in this place and you don't take credit cards. So, I have to get my kids who are all screaming and crying and drag them out to the car. I'm crying now. And so is Kristen's daughter Avery. I was so angry and I didn't know what to do. Well, I calmed down and as much as it KILLED me asked Kristen to borrow money so I could buy socks. I wanted to give this place more money like I want a whole in my head but I couldn't stand to do this to the kids and so back in we went with my tail firmly tucked between my legs. Thank goodness Kristen went up to the counter and bought the socks for me because I couldn't bear making eye contact let alone speaking with these people any more. The rest of the morning was mostly without incident although it took the kids a good 15 minutes to calm down and enjoy themselves after being dragged in, and out, and back into the Jump Zone.

So, that was my (very long explanation of the) Jump Zone experience. I don't think we'll be returning. Instead I'll be heading down 41-A to good old Go Jump . . . and taking as many Clarksville moms and kids with me as I can!

Awwwwwww man . . .

2008-07-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

This phrase has come out of Jake's mouth a lot this past week. Ever since we returned from our trip to Ohio and he discovered a huge Disney Store bag full of presents on the floor in our room while we were unpacking. I hit an amazing sale while we were up there (seriously, great toys for about 5 bucks each) and loaded up for his impending birthday. Ryan discovered him just as he'd peaked in the first bag . . . he was frozen in surprise, anticipation and excitment. Well, that didn't last long as Ryan pried his screaming and writhing body from the bag explaining that these were birthday presents and it wasn't yet his birthday. You can imagine how well that went over. So for the next hour we had a repeating cycle of Jake sobbing and crying on the rug by our front door, then calming down, thinking it through, coming up with a mastermind plan, making his way to the door of our room to carry out his plan (something like: "mommy, do you hear somefing in there? I fink I hear somefing in your room"), me saying "Jake, there is nothing in my room, you can't go in there right now" and Jake re-dissolving into tears and retreating back to his rug by the door.

This was all compounded by total sleep deprivation from our trip and honestly Ryan and I just laughed the whole time. Poor Jake was so distraught and rightly so. He'd had a peak into the promised land of Disney Store goodness and it was like we'd told him he had to wander in the desert for 40 years before he could get in. I know to his little mind 3 weeks sure feels like at least that long.

Great Trip

2008-07-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a great time in Ohio. I'm sitting here looking through the pics and there are just way too many to pick from to post on here but I'll try.

We left straight from the HHC Company Picnic. The kids had a blast and played their hearts out. We were there for 3 hours of bouncers, playground, water play and the hot sun. I thought for sure everyone would conk out for a nap in the car but no such luck. Jake and Ainsley didn't sleep a wink the whole drive but they were great (LOVE that DVD player) and so that was fine.

We spent the first night at Ryan's brother's house to make our drive an hour shorter. The next morning we headed out to Nonny and Poppy's house. It was so chilly and drizzly it felt nothing like the 4th of July. They live in a beautiful old farmhouse out in the country complete with barn, creeks and ponds. Its just a really fun place for them. Jake particularly liked digging worms so we could fish in the pond. He wasn't so keen when Nonny would put the worms on the hook - he asked the fish to please not eat his worms. Well, they did eat those worms right off our hook so we never actually caught a fish but Jake didn't care because he had his can of worms (which I just realized is somewhere in my minivan - we put soil in and put a lid on and poked holes - and I'm freaking out a little now). The rain cleared on the 4th and after we put the little ones to bed Ryan and I went with Jared and Chyloe, their boys and Poppy to see fireworks. It was Jake's first fireworks and he was in awe. It was precious. Then we did sparklers and I think that was Jake's favorite part of the whole weekend.

The highlight of the weekend for the adults was playing Singstar on PS2. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. I must have this game for myself so now my new hobby is surfing craigslist for it!

Ainsley enjoyed the time to be the princess as she is at any amily function. She had Uncle Chad sufficiently wrapped around her little finger by the time we left. And Reid continued to be the superstar baby that he is. Giggles, laughs and coos. I think he made at least some of his aunts and uncles get that baby itch (again).

I'm Guest Bloggin'

2008-07-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

check it out . . .

http://www.mymorningcaffeine.com/

Vacay

2008-07-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

OK, so of all the new abbreviations out there lately "vacay" is for sure one of my favorites. It just makes going out of town seem so much more exciting when you can say "I'm taking a little vacay with the fam" . . . rather that "we are driving 8 hours to Ohio to see my in-laws". N'est pas?

So today I am taking the kids to meet Ryan on post for his company picnic and then we are heading out to drive to Columbus. We haven't been to visit his family in well over a year. Are we horrible or what? I keep telling him we need to visit more because I want my boys to grow up with that example (i.e. that you are SUPPOSED to go and visit your mama early and often). And as far as Army posts go we probably won't be moving much closer than we are now so we shouldn't wait too long.

The amount of planning it takes to pack for four people is crazy (yes, just four, Ryan is on his own). I pulled a Troy this time though and got all the clothes washed, laid out, arranged by outfit and put in suitcases two days ago. If you have met my dear friend Troy you'll know this is very much something I stole from her. If you haven't then just you wait, she was recently named Most Likely to Be A Superhero by our local chapter of MOMS Club. . . you can imagine what a superhero packing for a trip would look like.

Well, off to finish it all up . . . wish me luck :)