Life - Knowing How to Turn a Door Knob

Since Mady has learned to open doors, bedtime has become very not-easy! She does not stay in her bed, or her room. If I get up in the middle of the night I have to be careful where I step because who knows where she might be sleeping. Usually it is in the hall, right outside her bedroom door, on the hardwood floors. You also never know what she will be wearing. I have found her completely dressed (in regular clothes, not pajamas), I have found her completely naked, I have found her in her tutus, I have found her in as many as 7 pairs of panties and just this morning (at 2:45) I found her like this:



That is the stinky boys bathroom next to her and the door at the top right corner of the picture is her bedroom. And, she has her Pinkalicious book with her :) She is wearing a night gown AND pajama pants this time. I tried to move her to her bed and was up for the next hour trying to get her to go to sleep. Then she was up to stay around 5:45!

A "BORING" Girls Trip to Florida

For a while now, a friend and I have been trying to get away for a little trip - just the two of us. We were going to do it the year we turned 30, but I had Mads instead. A few months ago, my wonderful husband did lots of research, found us a great deal, booked it, paid for it and sent me the info. We were going to Florida and staying on the beach!

Emily and I have been friends for almost *cough* 20 years. This is the first time we have ever done anything like this. She lives in Texas and I live in Louisiana, so we don't get to see each very often, although we "talk" (through texting and IMing) every day. It was nice to get away from everything and both of us have a VERY relaxing vacation!

We got checked into our hotel around 3:30 and we were on the beach before 4! I was more relaxed in the short amount of time we were out there before dinner than I had been in YEARS! By the next morning, my brain was turned off. It was such a different beach experience with no kids. At first it was weird not carrying a ton of stuff down to the beach and watching kids every move. But, I QUICKLY began enjoying this new experience - and LOVING it. Don't get me wrong, I love taking my kids to the beach. But, as I have said before, I do not consider taking five kids anywhere a vacation. I call them business trips.

THIS was a VACATION!

The only choices we had to make each day were beach or pool and what are we having for dinner (we went to the grocery store so we did not even have to leave for breakfast or lunch). It was awesomeness! The hotel had two pools and a hot tub. The big pool had a waterfall in it, and inside the rock under the waterfall was a bar. It was also a COLD pool! We got in once and that was enough for us. We used the hot tub several nights and I got in the heated pool a couple of times.

Mostly, though, we chilled at the beach :) Paul would ask if we were having fun and my response was always "yeah, in a relaxing, do nothing kind of way" which he always replied was boring.

A boring vacation is just what I needed! I VERY rarely have anything "boring" in my life, so yes, I am at the point in my life where I apparently crave boring (and I didn't even know I was craving it).

The water was pretty rough while we were there, and got rougher by the day. There was a lot of seaweed and it wasn't as clear as it normally is. The last day (of course) the water was still rough, but it was beautiful and clear. I did not go very far into the water until the last day. On Monday night when we went out to take some pics there was a sign at the water that said Do Not Enter - Rip Current! Between not being able to see in the water, and the fear of rip currents (which we were warned about a lot) I was content to lie in the sand!

The drive home was good until we got to the Mississippi side of Alabama. We had a a pretty heavy, short rain. Then, as soon as we got in Louisiana it was a DOWNPOUR! I don't like driving in rain. After a while I realized my hands hurt from squeezing the steering wheel so hard. We could not see in front of us, lots of water on the road, high winds, everyone driving between 35 and 40 with their flashers on. I wanted to exit and sit it out, but we could not even see the signs on the side of the road TO exit!

As nice as it was to go, it was nice to come home too! The kids were super excited when we got back. And I was too, especially since I came home to a spotless house (he even did all the laundry)!!

AWAY!

My husband goes to a conference every year. Every year it is at a different location. A couple of years ago it was in Toronto, and I REALLY wanted to go, but it did not work out. This year it did work out. So, I am in Portland Oregon, with my husband and without my babies.

I had mixed emotions about coming. I was REALLY excited but at the same time, I had to leave my babies at home. Our oldest is 12 1/2 years old. I thought this was the first time we had ever gone anywhere without kids, but I remembered that when Caleb was a baby and I was pregnant with Isaac we went to New Orleans with Paul's boss at the time for a couple of days. So, it has been over 10 years since we have gone anywhere together, overnight, without kids.

We needed to have some time alone. I needed to have some time alone! This trip was needed. But, even knowing this, it was not any easier to leave the kids. I know they are in good hands with my Mom. She came over a week early to learn the kids routines and learn her way around the area. I knew the transition would go okay. I knew things would be fine.

Then, on Wednesday night, I heard Bryce crying in his bed. I asked him what was wrong and he said he did not want us to leave. Honestly, he was not one I was expecting to react that way. I figured Andrew and maybe Mads would take it hard, but not the older kids. I got him calmed down and in bed (and there may have been some bribing about us getting the kids something from Portland - which he then coined as the "Portland Prize").

Things were okay until Friday morning. Andrew got up and came to my room and saw our luggage. Then he started crying and saying he was coming with us. He was glued to me and would cry off and on. We had already decided that we were going to put the kids down for their nap before we left, just to make it easier on everyone. So, we laid them down, explained that we were leaving and would be back in a week and gave our goodbyes. Andrew reminded me that we needed to get him some candy from Portland and that was it.

As much as WE needed the trip and as much as I needed the trip, I realized the KIDS needed us to take this trip. They have learned that Dad can leave for a trip and he will come home. But, Mom has never left on a trip. They need to learn that they can survive without me being there and that I will come home.

As for me - I had a very relaxing day yesterday. I explored downtown Portland with the wife of a friend of Paul's. We did a little shopping (there is no sales tax in Portland :)) and a lot of people watching! You can sit and watch people for HOURS here and NEVER get bored! Today has been very relaxing too. I slept until after 9 this morning. Other than going out for lunch I have stayed in the hotel room. It is cold and rainy and I have enjoyed just lying in the bed and watching tv. Paul has had an all day class both days. I am looking forward to us doing some sight-seeing between his conference this week.

Bin Laden Controversy: MY Opinion

Since the death of Bin Laden was announced I have read and heard a lot of controversy over how American's have perceived his death. Especially Christians.

There are people cheering that he was killed. There are people praising that he will rot in hell. There are people who ask how can you (as a Christian) cheer for someone who died and never knew of Jesus.

I don't normally get into these type of topics and debates, especially when EVERYONE feels SO strongly one way or another.
Heated debates turn ugly quick on this topic. People say how we should stand undivided, yet those same people start criticizing if your opinion does not agree with their opinion.

Here is my opinion. I am a Christian and I am glad he is gone. I would be JUST as glad if he was captured and not killed. Yes, it would have been awesome if he was able to turn his life around and accept Jesus, but that did not happen. He was a murderer and a terrorist. If we leave these people on the street more innocent people die. I understand those that say he should not have been killed. It is my understanding the military went in with hopes of taking him captive. But, the man carries a gun with him all the time from what I have seen. There was a slim chance, I am figuring, that he would have been taken captive.

I don't cheer that he is dead. I cheer that he is no longer able to harm innocent lives. I cheer anytime anyone who purposefully causes harm to anyone is taken off the streets. I fear that one day it will be MY family or MY friends that crosses paths with a person like this and I would like to see them all off the streets.

It doesn't matter who started the war, why the war was started, who sent the commands to go after him or who pulled the trigger and shot him. What matters is that he can no longer harm anyone.

Or can he? Why are we still letting him divide us, even in his death?

BIRTHDAYS!

HAPPY FOURTH BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!



HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY MADELEINE!!





My babies are growing up too fast! I know I say that EVERY birthday, for all of the kids, but they really are!! Sweet Andrew turned four on the 11th. He keeps us laughing with the witty things he says and he loves giving hugs and kisses (to anyone who will accept them). He is in the asking questions phase. I mean, asking questions he knows the answer too. Like, he will ask what we are eating for dinner - WHILE we are eating dinner. Or he will sit down to breakfast and ask if we are eating dinner right now. Or, he ask every morning where his brothers are at. Like he has suddenly forgotten they go to school. He is such a goofy boy.

He is still very into Toy Story. Although, after the new pirate show started on Disney he is now very into pirates as well. He got a Toy Story landfill toy and an Alphie Robot for his birthday. The Toy Story obviously is MUCH more important than the robot, but he does play with them both.




Madeleine turned two yesterday (the 19th). There are times I still can't believe we have a girl! She has recently gotten big into GIVING hugs, kisses and saying I love you. Melts my heart every time. Her vocabulary has exploded and she is saying new things daily. Even if she isn't speaking English, she is usually jabbering away. She has an infectious belly laugh and she likes to use it to make other people laugh. She is still a perfect mix of girlie, with just enough tomboy. She still allows me to do dress up with her, and is now starting to ask to play it. She has MASTERED walking in heels, even heels that are WAY to big for her. My shoes will never be safe again! She squeals when she sees a bug or lizard, which I not-so-secretly LOVE!

It has been a very fun two years!

She got a double stroller, a baby doll and a Jessie (pull string Toy Story) doll. We got her the Jessie doll because she is always trying to take Andrew's Sheriff Woody and we thought this might stop the fighting over it. This morning they were fighting and I told AJ to get away from her and her new toys. He busted out bawling. I asked what was wrong and he said "She won't leave Jessie's hat on her!" SERIOUSLY??







I am going to enjoy my last year of having two at home. I am glad they get along so well (for the most part) and enjoy playing together. If Mads doesn't see Andrew, wherever we are, she will start yelling "Where ANJOO??" I hope they always stay that close!

Blessings

After a rough couple of weeks with several things going on, some friends loss was a breaking point for me. I had really been questioning why God "allows" things to happen the way they do sometimes. I heard this song this weekend and it has really helped me put things back in perspective. I still don't understand WHY things happen the way they do, but that isn't my place. God has a plan for everything He does and who am I to question that.



I hope that those suffering trials of any kind or a loss can feel the Lord's mercy on them. I hope they can keep their faith in Him and feel Him near them. I pray that their hearts are open to feel His blessings - however He sends them.

Is God Walking With You or Are You Walking With God?

Imagine going to heaven and standing by God as He lovingly shows you the calendar of His plan for your earthly life. It begins with the day you are born. Once you received Christ as Savior, every day that follows is outlined in red. You see footprints walking through each day of each week of your life. On many of the days, two sets of footprints appear. You inquire: "Father, are those my footprints on the calendar every day and is the second set of prints when you joined me?"
He answers, "No, My precious Child. The consistent footprints on your calendar are Mine. The second set of footprints are when you joined Me."
"Where were You going, Father?"
"To the destiny I planned for you, hoping you'd follow."
"But, Father, where are my footprints all those times?"
He answers, "Sometimes you went back to look at old resentments and habits while I was still going forward, hoping you'd join Me. Sometimes, you departed from My path and chose your own calendar instead. Other times, your footprints can even be seen on another person's calendar because you thought you liked their plan better. At other times, you simply stopped because you would not let go of something you could not take to the next day."
"But, Father, we ended up OK even if I didn't walk with You every day, didn't we?"
He holds you close and smiles, "Yes, Child, we ended up OK. But, you see, OK was never what I had in mind for you."
"Father, what are those golden treasure boxes on certain days?"
"Blessings, My child, I had for you along the way. Those that are open are those you received. Those still closed were days you did not walk with Me."

I got this out of a Beth Moore Bible study I have been doing and I have not been able to stop re-reading it. When I first read it I immediately thought of how I am always telling my children to hold my hand. When they do hold my hand, they are usually pulling on me to go their own way, but I force them to go MY way.

I am that child pulling on God's hand. I want God and I to walk together, but too often I want God to go my way. What is the difference whose way we go, we are both walking together. That is what counts, right?

I am learning that it DOES make a difference! God wants us to walk with Him, because He knows the plans He has for our lives. But, unlike when I am holding my children's hands, God is not going to "force" me to go the path He had planned. What blessings are we missing because we want to do things OUR way and walk OUR path?

Isaiah 30:21 and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: "This is the way. Walk in it." (HSBC)

Valentine's Day 2011

I had a busy valentines day yesterday, but we had so much fun! I made fruit smoothies for the kids for breakfast, which is their favorite breakfast (they all agree on something)! As I made the lunches for the school aged kids, I cut their sandwiches in hearts. Then for dinner we had heart and flower shaped pancakes and bacon (they all also love having breakfast for dinner).

After the older kids went to school, the younger two and I went and delivered some Valentines to some friends. Andrew and Mady wanted to do Valentines like their brothers, so we filled out some and gave them to friends. Then we went and met Paul for lunch. Andrew had filled out some of the valentines for people that work with him, so we had to hand deliver them. Andrew chose a hamburger joint for lunch....one of those that you sit in your car to eat. We had a wagon in the back for our later plans. He sat in the wagon and ate his lunch (yep, he is goofy).

Andrew decided that he wanted to just sign the From: section of the rest of the cards and hand them out where ever we go that day. Our plans were to go to the zoo after lunch for a while. We knew we didn't have time to stay long (Caleb gets home at 2:30), but I was planning on getting our annual pass, so we planned on going back again this week.

We got to the zoo and as I stood at the entrance filling out our information for the annual pass, Andrew stood next to me armed with an envelope of valentines. He chased to give them to the people coming in, and he gave one to the lady at the ticket window. They went on and on about how sweet he was to give a stranger a valentine card. We did have one older lady who kept trying to give it back. She didn't understand what he was trying to do, and he was very insistent that she take it. She finally said "But Mady won't have a card" (the Hello Kitty valentines had Mads name on them, Toy Story had AJ's name). I explained that he had planned the day before to take all of his valentines and hand them out to everyone he came across. You could see the sternness in her face melt and she came around the counter to give him a hug and thank him.

The first half of the short visit consisted of Andrew literally chasing people down to give them cards. He was not so much interested in the animals as he was giving away his cards. When he would give them to little kids (Mads age and younger) he wanted to give them kisses. He snuck one in before I could stop him (actually I HAD stopped him, but he got away and kissed the baby anyway). After apologizing for him entering the babies personal space, we moved on. Needless to say, he was a hit at the zoo yesterday!

Mady LOVED the zoo. This was the first time she has been and really understood what she was looking at. We ended up not taking the wagon in because we were going to be there such a short amount of time. They did great without it! Mady was so excited about the animals that she would hold my hand until she saw a new animal, take off to see it and then come back and grab my hand when it was time to walk again. There was no complaining, just lots of squealing and laughing.

She especially liked the "Big Ducks" (aka the emu's). Paul and I figure it was because they remind her of Big Bird. But, she saw them, didn't even care about the zebras that were with them, and started laughing, saying "big duck" and quacking over and over. She also kept saying the big tiger was a "Beaux Beaux" (which means dog) and would not go near him. He was lying down most of the time. When he lifted his head (even though he was looking away), Mady's mouth dropped and she started slowly taking steps backwards.

She also liked the elephants. They were standing just on the other side of the big ditch that seperates them from the fence we were behind. She did not want to go near the fence, but was very excited to watch from further back. One of the elephants kept talking and swinging his trunk and she thought that was pretty funny!

We are going back today. Our weather is so awesome right now (70s and sunny) that we want to be outside. After seeing how excited they were, and the fact that Mads slept until after 7 this morning (and she was woken up then), I think it is a good thing to do (and it is free now). Our zoo actually lets you bring in food and drinks, so we are going to take a picnic lunch with us. Andrew and Mady are both excited about going back.

My Perfectly Imperfect Life

On my favorite radio station, they have a contest every year where listeners submit their love story and artist Matthew West writes a love song for the winner. While our love story was not submitted, I could swear this song was written for us. Here are the lyrics:

I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING
By MATTHEW WEST

HAD A PICTURE IN MY HEAD
OF HOW I THOUGHT IT OUGHTTA GO
BUT LOOK WHO SHOWED UP INSTEAD
TURNS OUT YOU NEVER KNOW
LOVE WILL STEAL YOU BY SURPRISE
TAKE YOUR HEART JUST LIKE A THIEF
LOVE CAN BRING A STUBBORN MAN
DOWN TO ONE KNEE

I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING
IT’S PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
SO CRAZY BUT IT’S WORTH IT
I’M WRAPPED AROUND YOU LIKE THIS RING
AND SOMETHING TELLS ME EVEN IF I COULD
I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING


LOVE WILL SHOW YOU WHAT YOU LACK
LOVE WILL LAUGH AT ALL YOUR PLANS
AND IF YOUR HEART WON’T GIVE IT BACK
LOVE WILL SLIP RIGHT THROUGH YOUR HANDS
HEAVEN KNOWS WE’VE HAD OUR SHARE
OF DAYS WE’D RATHER LEAVE BEHIND
BUT LOVE DON’T REALLY SEEM TO CARE
IT MAKES THE WRONG TURNS TURN RIGHT

I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING
IT’S PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
SO CRAZY BUT IT’S WORTH IT
I’M WRAPPED AROUND YOU LIKE THIS RING
AND SOMETHING TELLS ME EVEN IF I COULD
I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING

I’M TRULY, DEEPLY, MADLY, COMPLETELY
DEVOTED EVERY MOMENT UNTIL MY LAST BREATH I’M YOURS

I GOT A PICTURE IN MY HEAD
A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW
ALL OUR LINES HAVE ALL BEEN READ
AND WE’RE BOTH UP THERE LOOKING DOWN

Our perfectly imperfect life together started over 15 years ago. We were in high school together. We spent endless hours when we were dating talking about how our life would be together and the family we would build. Of course, when people create these pictures, they are always "picture perfect." My picture perfect life was me and him being in love forever with our own family. The thing noone ever tells you about planning your picture perfect life is that this "picture" you have can't show what is around all of the corners of the windy road that gets you where you want to be. That windy road is not always an easy road, and it hasn't always been for us.

at our prom


But, I can still say that I have my picture perfect life. I have a wonderful husband who treats me like a princess on a daily basis. I NEVER wonder how he feels about me because he tells me constantly. If he could give me everything in the world, I have no doubt he would. Not because he thinks that is the only way I know he loves me, but because he would do anything to put a smile on my face. He makes me laugh until I cry. He is my best friend and I have no problem or complaint about spending all of my time with him. Fifteen years later, I am more certain now than I was then that he is THE ONE I want to be with for the rest of my life. I can definitely see us growing old together and it makes me excited about what is to come in our lives together.

And, I have a beautiful family! I have five wonderful and gorgeous kids. It can be a very frustrating job sometimes, but all of the other moments make all of the work worth it! I have the best job in the world and my hubby works extra hard so that I can stay home and be with them.

Sure, there are days we don't want to remember, but the days we do want to remember far outweigh and overshadow those. I am very lucky to have met the man I want to be with forever at an early age. Our life together will never be "perfect", but I can honestly say that I would not change anything we have gone through in the past. Those hardships are what got us where we are today. Each hardship made our love for each other stronger. Our love is perfectly imperfect and I wouldn't have it any other way!

First Valentine's Dance

Last night Caleb and I went to the Mother/Son, Father/Daughter Valentines Day Dance at school. I was not really sure what I was getting myself in to, but it was a good night! It started off with us going to the car to leave. When I walked outside, Caleb opened my door for me. He even let me get ALL THE WAY IN the car before he shut the door (I was kinda nervous for my foot/leg). When we got to the dance and we were getting out, I opened my door and he lectured me that HE was supposed to do that!

I never would have guessed how emotional it would be for me. I know, I sound crazy. But, other than Caleb's band concert the middle of December, this is the first time I have really seen him in the school setting since he started middle school. I caught myself by surprise. First off, we walk in and I see all of these Dads slow dancing with their daughters. That is enough sweetness to get anyone feeling sentimental! He just seemed so much older when we were in that room full of kids his age.



We walked around the dance for a few minutes, just checking things out. Then he went and fixed me a plate of fruit. As I am standing there eating my fruit, I really start looking at everyone there. The dance was "Sunday best" attire. Most of the boys and the parents were in their Sunday best, but I was pretty shocked by what the girls wear to church. It was looking a lot more like prom than a middle school dance! There are girls at all stages of development wearing strapless dresses, dresses that barely cover their bottoms, dresses that looked like second skin, etc. And some of the dancing going on....I wanted to throw my coat over my sons eyes and lead him out of the dance!

Okay, maybe it wasn't THAT bad! But it DID look more like prom and the girls were spending a lot of time pulling their strapless dresses back up where they are supposed to be! The dancing would not have been bad if the dresses were more bouncing friendly (they were REALLY short dresses). As a girl, I can understand the girls excitement of dressing up for a dance. It was funny listening to the girls complain about how uncomfortable their heels were! GET USED TO IT GIRLS!

The funniest part was seeing the MOM's that were in THEIR formal gowns! There were only a couple, but you had to wonder if they were living vicariously through their children or if this is really what they wore to church. Maybe all of these people wear formals to church every Sunday. If it is what they wear to church, I might want to visit their church from time to time. It would give me a reason to dress up!

Caleb spent over half of the dance by my side. He left several times and came back with cookies or cake or drinks or some kind of goodies for me. He didn't even get himself anything most of those times, he just got stuff for me. I kept telling him if he wanted to go find his friends he could (by this time most of the parents are on the sidelines and the kids are with their friends). He kept saying that was okay. After the third or fourth time of me telling him I didn't mind if he found his friends he says "This is a mother/son, father/daughter dance, not a friend dance." I got a HUGE smile, gave him a hug and didn't mention it again. After a while longer though, he took off. He would come back every now and again and check on me and see if I wanted anything.

He mentioned dancing on songs like "Whip My Hair" and the Cuban Shuffle. I sat those out and told him I would go for more of the slow dances. He wasn't around for most of those ;) He came up at the last song with a handful of M&M's. The song was "Butterfly Kisses". EVERYONE was dancing with their kids. I commented that he should be dancing with me, so he popped some candy in his mouth, put his arms around me (my arms and everything) and started swaying so hard that I almost fell over (with no hands available to catch myself with). Then he stopped, popped a few M&M's in his mouth, grabbed me the same way and "danced" the same way. He did this throughout the entire song.

When the dance was over and we left he said he was going to race me to the car and took off. He beat me to the car, but as he started to open his door he said "OH YEAH!" and ran to my door. On the way home he thanked me for coming with him and I thanked him for inviting me. Then he asked me if I would go with him next year :D

It really was fun to spend the evening with him. While him being in middle school is MUCH more real for me, as is the fact that he is growing up, I was reminded that teenagers today are still a lot like teenagers when I was one. It is still about being with your friends and having fun.

I am feeling better about when he starts to date, which he says will be NO later than the eighth grade (although he said he will have girlfriends before then). I was very impressed with his attentiveness and manners while we were out. I can only hope if he HAS to go out with girls, he treats them as well as he treated me last night! I felt proud that he has such a great father that treats me so well and teaches his children, by example, how to treat girls (and how to expect to be treated by boys in Mads case).