Vacation pictures

They are finally here! To fit as many as possible, they are all very small. Simply double click to get a closer look.

This was our first real vacation since Hawaii in May 2003. This was the first vacation not involving family since our honeymoon over 9 years ago. We had an amazing week with dear friends. Four families: eight adults, seven kids running around and one simply along for the ride (that we didn't know about until after we got home - congrats Clarks!) all under one roof. We left on a Thursday after picking the boy up from school. We made it all the way to Gulf Shores that night. Clay's folks and aunt and uncle were at the end of their vacation so we had a free place to stay. The kids did really well on the long drive - even wedged among all the food for the group for the week and our own luggage. Ike was about 350 miles southwest and we felt his strength. The wind and waves were quite impressive (see the girl hanging on to the balcony on the 21st floor). We ate lunch with Clay's family including his cousin and husband who live nearby, and the place had a great sand play area for the kids. That afternoon we headed to the beach - a first for both kids. They were tentative at first, but not freaked. The boy had fun, but the girl wasn't so fond of getting hit by the water. They enjoyed walking along the beach and finding shells and such. We were encouraged that the week would go well.




All four families converged on our home away from home Friday night about 9:00 p.m. and the fun began. Here are various pics of the fun we had (and by far not even a drop in the bucket of all the pictures we have between the 4 families) - playing in the sand, playing ball, enjoying the water, boogy boarding, catching crabs and fish, soaking up the rays, playing at the amphitheater in Seaside on our last night. There are lots of things not documented because I forgot my camera, but I figure you can tell we had an amazing time...and we are all still friends! The kids did well with the change in routine for so many days (we didn't leave until the following Saturday) and with the varying conditions in the ocean. The boy preferred to be in the water and the girl preferred to play in the sand, but neither was totally opposed to the other. We are so thankful they did well. We are so thankful for the time away. We are so thankful for these friendships that began back in 2001.

Melt my heart

Before I tell you what melted my heart yesterday, may I stop and say how awesome it is to be on my back porch at 9:00 a.m. wrapped in a sheet because it is a bit cool? AWESOME!!! While fall caught me a little off guard this year thanks to our late summer vacation, I must say I am much enjoying the cooler temps. And yes, I know I am way overdue on pictures, but it has been one crazy week. Everyone appears to finally be well. The girl seems to have turned a corner this week with speech. She has been "talking" a lot for a while now, but this week her words sound more intelligible instead of just utterings only we understand.

I wish I had picture proof of yesterday, but alas I rarely have a camera ready to capture these moments. I loaded the kids in the car yesterday afternoon to head to Mardel for a couple of books and various items. The girl desires to be big like her brother so she wanted to walk from the car to the store just like him. Fortunately, I parked next to the sidewalk so I was able to accommodate her. She often wants to hold someone's hand while walking, and yesterday the boy was the chosen one. This was a first, and I wasn't sure how he would respond. He HATES holding hands while walking. In a moment of true brotherly love, he conceded. I watched the two of them walk hand-in-hand into the store.

Melt my heart. Someone mop of the puddle of me off the sidewalk.

It's been fun to watch them begin to really play together and take care of each other. I know moments like this are few and in a few years I may wonder if my mind really remembers truth or simply some fabrication of the past. I'll take whatever I can get though.

Vacation - now back to reality

There are a lot more pictures to share, but time is limited right now. Here's just a sampling of the scenery and our group (minus me - well, you can see my shadow). Eight adults, seven children, one house = a wonderful vacation and lots of amazing memories.

Here's a just a few of the things we did: short visit with Clay's family in Gulf Shores on the way there, the beach, the pool, girl time painting pottery (sadly, we all forgot our cameras), guy time deep sea fishing (again, no cameras), single date to Harry T's (we again forgot our camera), double date with the Powells (again, we forgot our camera...do you see a pattern here?), amazing seafood (I am a HUGE snow crab fan), shopping, Mexican dominoes, walks, watching kids while others had dates, parks, a not-so-great science center, and amazing fellowship with some of my favorite people.

We are now back to reality: fall temps, acorns all over the drive and the other 3 members of my family battling a stomach bug. We were the only family not to deal with illness while in FL, but it hit hard about 30 minutes after we got home! The kids seem to be on the mend already, but Clay is still down for the count. Thus why you will have to wait a bit longer for more pictures.

Off to enjoy a few moments of quiet while they are all three resting...

Special memories

I'm constantly reminded how blessed we are with the friendships we have here. I love watching our kids grow up together and sharing in all the milestones - especially the ones that aren't big to anyone else but a mama. This picture is one of those moments caught on film. If only the kids were all looking at me...from left to right: the girl, the boy, the boy's buddy, the girl's pal.

The boy is a little over a year younger than his pal, but they don't seem to notice too often just yet. The girls are only 5 weeks apart although Miss LSU is a few inches taller!







Following her gal pal's lead, the girl decided she really could hold on to the big swing. She thinks she's big stuff!


I'll be MIA for a bit as we head to the beach for vacation with some of our dear friends...8 adults, 7 kids (ages 4 and under), 1 house...sounds like a blast, right? More special memories to be made. A much needed vacation for me and Clay.

Don't worry, there'll be more pictures and stories than you desire to read when I return...and I promise to get around to blogging about my trip to San Antonio a few weeks ago. It's amazing how crazy these last couple of weeks have been!

Fall is kinda here

The weather here has turned quite nice. We enjoyed the fall-like temps for a couple of hours this morning in our back yard. Not only did I get some cute shots of the kids and their personalities (check out Miss Priss' face en route to her next activity), but I now have evidence that they play together. Over the last week or so, they have moved from playing alongside each other to playing together. They love to race around the living room to the boy's room, jump on Daddy or the pillows, and tickle each other. Today they rode in the wagon together (no pics as I was pulling it), played in the "clubhouse", and then swung. My heart truly melted when the boy said he wanted to push his sister. I got to rest and watch this sweet moment as he pushed her for about 10 minutes or so.
The girl so wants to be like her brother - here's a video of one of their favorite things: jumping on Daddy. Great evidence of how much the girl wants to run with her brother.

She's wearing a bow!

Mom kept the girl Tuesday while I had a meeting. When I got home I was surprised to see the girl dressed and WEARING A BOW!!! This is a constant battle in our home; and one she often wins because I can't tie her hands behind her back. She has all of this great hair, but won't let me do a thing with it. Sure enough, she was done with it not long after I snapped these shots. And she wasn't happy about pausing her play to smile for me. Can't you just hear her cry? I promise it loses it's cuteness after a minute.

A day at the river

Labor Day we headed down to the river. We have some friends whose uncle has a house on some land in the middle of nowhere about an hour away (as I mentioned in a previous post). Clay and the guys attempted to dove hunt, but only saw buzzards. We all had a great time hanging out, eating some great grillin', and then playing in the river. Here are a few shots of the day minus the river fun (the camera would have never survived). Clay and I commented that this was probably the most exciting Labor Day we've ever had - at least in our memory!

I say "30", you say "1"

Yesterday my sweet man joined me in the ranks of being 31. I laughed when a friend texted him, "I say 30, you say 1". We had the joy of a date last night - great steak (Saltgrass, baby!) and a movie. It was nice to be out without the kids - and we didn't even talk about them most of the time!!! We didn't get too dressed up (it just isn't us), but I still wanted to document my man's special day. I am so thankful God gave him life 31 years ago and then shared him with me. Another friend was kind to point out we are now closer to 40 than we are to 30...where has the time gone?

And on a side note, the boy is struggling to stay awake late each afternoon. If he's still for more than about 3 minutes after 3:00 p.m. we often find him in just such a position. It's like he just stops mid-action. He isn't quite ready to give up the nap because he has to work so hard to stay awake; but when he does nap, he doesn't go to bed until 11:00 or 12:00!

Our week

This has been one great & crazy week. Sunday night we gathered with friends to finalize our vacation (did you see we leave one week from today?). We are so excited to go with three of our fav families (not to slight those of you not going) to the beach for a week. Can you imagine: 8 adults, 7 kids (with the eldest being 4), 1 house? One other mom and I (the ones with the kids who don't sleep as well away from home) were excited to learn the house is 3 stories with at least one bedroom on each floor. Hopefully we'll be able to let everyone else sleep. It has been 5 long years since my feet have touched the beach, and I am more than ready.

Monday we spent the day with friends at "Bosque" as they call it. It is a house on a bunch of land next to the river in the middle of NOWHERE. We had a blast grilling out, hanging out, and floating in the river. The guys had gone the night before to hunt (opening day for dove season), but didn't see the first dove. The buzzards taunted them all day, and one paid a grave price for his pride. I didn't take a lot of pictures because the kids required a lot of attention. Being their first time in a river, they both did great. They LOVED throwing rocks and sitting at a small waterfall (simply a change in elevation, but it seemed huge to them). The boy rode the current on his daddy's back and everyone laughed a lot. I'll post pictures soon - they are still on the camera.

Tuesday brought the boy's first day of school. Being a great mom, I totally forgot my camera! I tried to take some at the end of the day, but he was not cooperative. His teacher sent this picture of him playing with a friend. He is LOVING school this year - no tear either day. Tuesday brought a few other appointments and meeting with my gaggle that night. Tuesdays are full, but always end on such a great note.

Wednesday was our one "slow" day this week. We just hung out here at home until the boy asked to go ride in the buggy at the store. What good mom wouldn't oblige, right? We ran to Wal-Mart and then headed home to have lunch with our new children's minister. She won the boy's heart by flying him around the living room. After that I was chopped liver. We ate supper at church and had a business meeting.

Today started with school again. The girl played with a friend while I had an appointment, and we'll meet some other friends at the indoor bounce house place in a couple of hours. Tonight the man and I are headed out on a date (wahoo!) to celebrate his birthday. Thankfully, he's finally as old as me. You'd think these 4 months and 4 days are 15 years! He gives me such a hard time. Gotta love him!

This week has flown by, but it has been good. I promise to get some pictures posted before we head out because I know I will have a ton from that excursion. I'm just hoping we can get some good shots of the kids on the beach so I can avoid the challenge of professional photos with my two very uncooperative subjects!

Reaction? CHECK

According to the papers, mild problems (meaning noticeable, but did not interfere with activities) include:
- Pain CHECK
- Redness or swelling CHECK
- Mild fever of at least 100.4 POSSIBLY - I NEVER TOOK MY TEMP BUT FELT FEVERISH
- Headache
- Tiredness CHECK AND I WOULD SAY THIS IS INTERFERING WITH ACTIVITIES
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache
- Chills, body aches, sore joints, rash, and swollen lymph glands NOPE; YEP; VERY YEP; POSSIBLY, HARD TO KNOW IF IT'S RASH OR SUNBURN; and MAYBE SLIGHTLY

Moderate problems (meaning interfered with activities, but did not require medical attention):
- Pain at the injection site CHECK
- Redness or swelling CHECKED ABOVE
- Fever over 102
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache
- Headache

Yeah for me for trying to be a responsible adult, right? I went Thursday morning for a physical because my PCP wouldn't refill my allergy meds again since it had been 2 years since she'd seen me. During the ER experience with Clay, I realized I hadn't had a tetanus shot since I was 15. I figured since I was already paying my co-pay, I should get my money's worth, right? I joked with the doctor and nurse about giving shots in the general area to keep patients from crying, thrashing or making crazy scenes. We got a good laugh out of that - for all the years she's been at that office, and I know it's been at least 9.5 years, she said she'd never thought about that. Anyway, the nurse told me the new tetanus (also known as the DTaP because it also contains diphtheria and pertussis) wasn't like the old one. It didn't burn and didn't cause soreness later. I remember that shot from when I was 15. Mind you, I was a much bigger wienie about shots then, but that sucker HURT. Then my arm hurt for days. I was all excited about having nothing more than a poke; and that truly was all it was. The shot didn't hurt or burn as I got it. I thought, "Man, that really is nothing." Then yesterday hit. My shoulder was a bit sore, but I didn't think anything about it knowing it was common. Then my joints began to ache. At first I simply thought I hadn't slept well and am simply getting old. If I had cared enough I would have checked the barometer reading because sometimes changes in pressure can cause me discomfort, but I didn't. I was tired a lot of yesterday, but again dismissed it because I have a toddler and a preschooler. Who isn't tired with two kids 3 and under? But at the day wore on and my aches increased, my arm became warm and extremely sensitive to touch, and I felt that heavy, fevery feeling, I pulled out my fun sheet. As I read, I just laughed...I would be one to have a reaction, right? I am thankful that it isn't worse than it is, and we've gotten some good chuckles out of it...in between me sleeping and lying around.

Perspective

I've been reminded lately that it's all about perspective. And in my opinion, perspective is a choice. Sure, it's shaped by my upbringing, life circumstances, and my personality, but I still have a choice how to view something. I can look at my daughter's drama as an exhausting drain or I can see her passion for life and how she experiences things with her whole self. I can see the potential of her personality and pray God would mold her and shape her for His purpose or I can hang my head in utter frustration. I can see the challenges of 3-year-old independence as a fight for control or I can see it as an opportunity to teach about authority. I can get angry that he doesn't always understand me or I can realize that he must feel the same way when I don't understand him. I can wake up unexcited about another day of the same-old, same-old or I can be excited about what God is going to do - even if it is something so small no one else might care. It's all about perspective. Suz over at Steece's Pieces (link on the right) wrote beautifully about choosing your attitude - and she should know being the mom of quadruplets!

My devotional today also talked about perspective - faith perspective (from Beth Moore's Whispers of Hope, day 36, p. 132). How do we define and exercise our faith? How we do makes all the difference. She says "believers in Christ must place their faith in one of two factors: either what God does or who God is."

For those placing their faith in what God does, they choose to ride an insane roller coaster. Think about it. If my faith is based on what God is doing around me, there will be no consistency. I know I'm not the only one who feels like God has left the building at times. There are times of dryness, of silence, and of disagreement (meaning I don't like how He's choosing to bring glory to His name, most likely because it means something hard for me). His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). If no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corin. 2:9), then how can we expect to understand everything He is doing? So if my faith is based on what He is doing, I will have times of little or no faith. Beth writes, "Remember that most of what God does is invisible - totally outside our realm of observation or understanding. We cannot base our faith on what He appears to be doing or how dramatically He answers our prayers - because faith founded on God's apparent actions is not faith at all."

Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is being...certain of what we do not see."

Those who place their faith in WHO God is will not experience the same roller coaster as they walk through life. God does not change like the shifting shadows (James 1:17) - He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He was God before time began, He is God now, and He will be God long after my last breath. As Beth writes, "Our faith must rest on God's identity, not His activity." Hebrews 11:27 says Moses "persevered because he saw him who is invisible." After all that Moses had seen in his life (hello, burning bush!), it was his faith in Who God is that helped him persevere. While life's circumstances may not be easy, we will find "stability in Who He is."

I don't know about you, but the older I get the less I like roller coasters - especially emotional ones. There are a lot of things in life right now that aren't as I hoped they would be, but I have a choice about my perspective. And, in my opinion, perspective is key. Thank you, Lord, that you are no less God just because life isn't my perfect dream.

The gaggle

Well, this is most of the gaggle - me, Abby, Haley, and Kristina (from l to r). Two key pieces are missing, but it's hard to get a pic with them when they both live so far away! We took this picture last night before heading out to dinner - a break from our norm to enjoy some fine Mexican food.

You've heard me mention my gaggle of gals before. Why my gaggle? Well, I heard that a flock of geese are called a gaggle; and once when we were all together that image/sound popped into my head. (Side note: I just looked up what gaggle means, and it just makes me laugh - especially knowing our group. Gaggle means to cackle, a flock of geese when not flying, an often noisy or disorderly group or gathering, or an assortment of related things. That makes this term all that much more fitting a description of our wonderful group.)

Anyway, we gather weekly for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship - and have for 2 years. These women walk me through tough times, joyful times, and blah times. They pray for me, challenge me, make me laugh, and most importantly point me to Christ. They give me the honor and privilege to return the favor to the best of my ability. They truly are a blessing. We know what we have is a unique gift, and we often thank God for the blessing of these rare relationships.

Gaggle - thank you for the gift of yourself. Your transparency, honesty, support, and love mean more than you will ever know. Jodi and Meghan - you are missed and loved...fortunately God is not bound by time or miles.

I pray God continues to join others' hearts like He has joined all of ours.

Yeah, not as cool as I thought

So I'm typing my first post on our new computer. It wasn't planned to get a new one last Thursday, but the BSOD we got on the original laptop last week turned our want into more of a need. (BSOD = blue screen of death, ie. your hard drive is going to crash soon, but you may not have any further warnings.)

We were blessed by the great back-to-school deals and got a lot more computer than we truly need. Thank you, Lord. Our fun new red computer (much to Clay's dismay, but what you get when you go for the deal) stayed in its box until today. I finally decided to break it out, figure out how to get our internet connection working and Norton subscription transferred. Well, it wasn't as complicated as I thought (well, I haven't truly transferred the Norton sub., but the trial goes for 60 days). Go figure.

Anyway, I went to the blog to check a few things, and realized that I'm not as cool as I thought. See, previously when I posted, I made great effort to get my pictures lined up just so and the text where it was pleasing to the eye (yeah for my communication background). I would go back and forth from publishing to editing to get it just right. Well, now I realize that what I saw is probably not what you saw (and you probably already knew this). It all depends on screen size and layout and how big you have your font and a myriad of other things I am sure. Guess that's what happens when you graduate before the internet becomes the dominant mode of communication!

So all this time, I thought I was producing quality work, and I was only fooling myself. I do feel a little cool at the moment though - I've got 2 computers on and both have the internet going. It's the most high-tech I've ever been!

I promise to get to the post about the weekend soon - Mom brought the pics over this morning, but they are on the other computer...you know the one that will probably now work for another year or two!

And for any who are wondering just how small our little gal is - you know, our 18 month old - she weighed in at a whopping 19 lbs today and measures 30.25 inches. Still not on the chart for weight, but she can claim that she's bigger than I was at her age!