the infomercial queen

I think I've mentioned before that Mackenzie is very into Infomercials. Last year, she asked for the bulbs that water your plants for you....I can't for the life of me remember the name. But, she would. She loves infomercials and gets stuck on them and tells us all about them later.

Recently, she's been captured by the "Teach your baby to read" infomercial. She's convinced that it works and that she could do it for Addelyn. (I suppose Nate is a lost cause) So, she made cards with words on them and sat down one day to teach Addelyn how to read. Sadly, it has not worked yet, but I imagine that if anyone can do it - Mackenzie and Addelyn can.

the trashcan

About a year ago, Nate had a thing with throwing things away. I'm sure we lost several things this way. Mostly things I don't miss. Or don't know about. There were a few things that disappeared that were a bit important, and we chalked that up to Nate's trashcan tendencies.

So, the other night Ryan pulled the Christmas wrapping paper container from the attic. I started digging through it, pulling out some paper.....when suddenly I gasped! There in the bottom was Mackenzie's digital camera, a sippy cup full of water, and Nate's baby hairbrush!

First of all, the impressive thing was that the sippy cup full of water held it's seal. That's right - it even smelled fresh!

Second of all, I felt really bad about M's digital camera. All year she's been searching for it! She's even shed a few tears over losing it. She's prayed to find that thing! And I definitely remember a few "mom talks" with the topic of putting important things in their place so we don't lose them. ;) I didn't even think that her sneaky little bro had "tossed" it into the paper box!

This is so typical Nate. It made me laugh! We looked deeper to see if anymore of our lost items were in there. But, alas, they were not.

Sleep Deprivation

I can't sleep. It's 4am and I'm blogging...that's pretty bad. Don't you hate it when you have so many things to do and you're so tired, but sleep won't come? I woke up at 3:15 out of a deep sleep and am now wide awake. I'm going to blame it on the fact that Addelyn has been sleeping through the night for a solid week and a half now! A wonderful celebration. But, maybe, just maybe, my body is revolting. For a year I received nothing but sleepless nights. After my mom advised me, I even quit adding up how many hours of sleep I actually got because it was so depressing. So, maybe my body is screaming for less sleep.

Sound like a possibility? I doubt it. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I was falling asleep by 10pm last night.

So, after checking my email. And my facebook. And my blog. And writing a new blog....maybe I'll be able to fall asleep now.

Happy Dreaming................

Advent

It's been a while since my last blog. Don't know why. I think I was a bit tired of talking to myself about things - or maybe that the only things I had to write about were my kids...again. Not that it's a bad topic, just the same topic!! My sweet cousin, Emily, reminded me that she wanted to know about my life these days. That's all the prompting I need, apparently, because here I am!

I simply love Christmas. It is so wonderful. This year, I really love Advent. The anticipation is so exciting to me this year! The knowledge that Christmas is COMING makes me giddy inside! What a wonderful time of year - the chance to celebrate the gift of Jesus! We've shared this Advent season with our kids in a new way this year. We've been using a devotional geared towards kids - and they've loved it. Begging to read it each day. My kids have always appreciated scheduled things - so I guess they love the repetition of this too!

I've barely started my Christmas shopping - but I don't even care. It will get done...probably. I'm trying to soak in this precious season. Loving each day as we get closer to the joyous birthday of our savior.

No pictures to go along with this post. But, don't worry, Emily, I'll be back soon.

A day full of FUN

Today was a blast. It was rainy, so I met this day with a bit of disdain. We've had so many rainy days this fall, and now that I have a 2 year old son I am desperate for sunny days. I notice a difference in him when he is cooped up in this space without the freedom to run and catch grasshoppers!

But I digress...Ryan and I decided to take a chance and take the kids to see "UP" at the Dollar Movie! We were a bit hesitant to take all 3 kids - Addelyn has never sat through a movie at the theater AND the movie started right at naptime for both Nate and Adds. This could spell disaster...but, the hubs and I trotted off anyway, desperate to find a little fun on a rainy day. The movie was good, a bit intense at times, but good. I actually even teared up at a few scenes and reminded myself to seek out adventure with Ryan. (if you've seen this movie, you understand. Basically, I don't want to die before I get to have all the adventures in life worth living!) Mackenzie and Nate saw the movie with their Grandparents in July, but it didn't seem to matter to them to see it again. They were excited at all the right moments and covered their eyes when the "scary" guys came on the screen. I lulled the baby to sleep in the hallway, then was able to join the others again and sit and hold my napping baby. peace and joy. Later on, Ryan had the babe in the back while I sat with my older two - a head on each shoulder. Nate looked up at me to whisper, "i really really really love you mommy!" peace and joy.

Oh! And before the movie, we carved pumpkins! (and when I say "we"...I mean "Ryan". Neither Mackenzie or I wanted to get our hands in that grimy stuff.) And Nate was oddly occupied with other things. Mackenzie did, however, sit by her Daddy's side and "coach" him. Pictures to come soon!

Then, this evening we had our favorite sitter come over for 2 hours - just long enough for Ryan and I to run out for a quick bite. We shared purposeful conversation that was rich and vital for our marriage. I'm thankful for those two hours of time.

We pulled into our drive and were greeted by happy cheers as we saw our kids. (and Ryan quickly snuck our McD's sundaes into the freezer for after bedtime) And just like that, we entered back into reality. 10 min later I was grabbing the first clean child out of the bathtub and the routine was in motion again.

Such a full day. I'm so thankful for Saturdays to get to do whatever we want to with them.

a full week

My "kid" sister, Kathryn, has spent the past week with me. A whole WEEK with her in my house! Having a best friend around 24/7 is like hot apple pie and Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. Like heaven on earth! I'm so glad that she stayed 4 days longer than she originally intended. We had so much fun together. Sadly, we didn't really do much - since we had 3 kiddos to wrangle each day. But, I enjoyed her constant companionship. What a sweetie my sis is.
She has to head south to GA tomorrow to start her first full-time job! Watch out world - here she comes!
The guest bed is now open folks...who's next?!

Cruisin'

Addelyn has been pulling up to standing for a few weeks now. But, just today I saw her go from one piece of furniture to another. How does she change so fast?! Babies grow at an incredible rate...some days I blink too much and can't believe the change.

Won't you please slow down, sweet Addy. I want to hold you longer.

SIX

Mackenzie is six today. Mackenzie is SIX today. Mackenzie is SIX today!! Ryan and I said we were going to have to practice saying this one. Counting on two hands now. Wow. Is that for real?! I seriously feel like just yesterday I was teaching her how to lift one little finger to form a #1 for her 1st bday! And here we are.

Mackenzie, there are so many wonderful things that I love about you. You are...

-caring: You are constantly checking on your siblings. just making sure all is okay.

-encouraging: You never give up on anyone - you are a natural encourager!

-loving: You are always concerned about others. You are so excited about 1st grade, but if I show my fear of it, even in a small dose, you pick up on that and are concerned about ME!

-funny!: You make jokes and laugh hard. HARD! I love that belly laugh of your's!

-pretty cool: You are learning all the Hannah Montana songs on your Discman that Grandma got you. (oh yea!) You think it's so fun to have control of your own music. Your daddy isn't so crazy about this idea though. ;)

-love to cook: If I am in the kitchen - I better save you a spot! You are my constant companion - even in the kitchen.

There are so many more things about you...this is just to name a few! I admire you for the leader you already are in our family. You set great examples and always strive to do your best. Even though Nate and Addy are so much younger - that doesn't seem to bother you. You already value them and the friendship they bring to you. You keep me company and for that I'm thankful! I truly can't believe you are six. My heart hurts a little bit when I think of it. I remember the instant I first met you when you were born. All the years flash in my memory.

I am so proud to call you daughter. My firstborn. My best little friend. I hope your year of SIX brings you laughter, muddy feet, desserts, strawberries and anything else your little six year old heart could want!

How close are we??

We flew to San Antonio, TX last week. (more on that later) While in the airplane coming home yesterday...

Mackenzie looked out the window and said, "Wow, Mom, we're really high. I bet we're almost to heaven now."

We went on to talk a bit more about heaven and where it is, etc. I just love how matter-of-fact she was about it. It's like she expected to see the pearly gates at any minute!

Fandy-Land and Paci Stories

My husband, Ryan, (aka: the best baby-daddy in all the land) loves to put our kids to bed. I'm not kidding - he loves it. Always has, and I suspect, always will. He loves bathing our kids. When they're tiny babies he leaves that up to me...but once they get a bit older he takes it upon himself to bathe them most nights. This has turned out to be a good system for us - I clean up after dinner and he starts the bedtime routine. It doesn't stop at bathing though - we take turns putting them to bed too. Sometimes together, sometimes alone - there really is no process to it. During Seminary days sometimes this was Ryan's only chance to see the kids and sometimes I had full nightly responsibilities while he was at the library. Now, with 3 kids and one of them being a baby - he typically covers the older two while I have the babe. Because of this, our kids have their own little world with Ryan.

Ryan is a great story-teller. He puts the kids in their beds and they hollar suggestions on what the story should be about! When Mackenzie was younger she used to look around the room and say, "Um, Daddy, tell a story about...um....the clock." or it could be the dresser. or how do they make roads...you get the idea. Anyway, her favorite thing to holler out was "Tell a story about the FAN!" I have no idea why this excited her! But it did! So - soon came the stories of "Fandy-Land"!! To this day, she'll still ask for FandyLand stories.

Recently I noticed that Nate was in on this too. But, he's in a different world. Nate has to have 2 things in order to sleep: his blanket and his paci. He doesn't mess around with these two possessions either. He doesn't need them at any other time - but when it's time to sleep, he'd better have them. So, Ryan tells Nathan "paci stories"! They are a huge hit with that kid!

So, I realize that I have an amazing husband. My kids are blessed by him on a regular basis. I wonder when they are older if they will remember these delightful tales that he spins for them.

I also wonder what Addelyn's stories will be...

the quiet

My house is quiet. There are no toys to trip on while running through the house. The dishes are clean because I haven't even been cooking. I have my favorite candy on the counter - I don't have to hide it in order to save it from being eaten in less than 3 minutes.

However, there is a cute squishy toy frog sitting here on my desk that makes my heart miss a little guy. And this morning while opening the front closet I found my gal's pink bucket hat that I was looking for yesterday. I instantly wish I could get it to her to keep her shaded from the hot sun. :)

Mackenzie and Nate are down in GA - having a great time with their Grandparents! They drove the 8 hour trip yesterday with them and I received text messages that spoke of movies, Go Fish, and honking at the state lines. Yes, it's gonna be a good week full of memories for those two!

I was full of agony while trying to make the decision of whether to let them go or not. It wasn't so hard for Mackenzie since she is almost 6 and understands time and makes great choices. But, Nate is only 2 and it was hard to make that choice for him. In the end, I reluctantly let him go. I instantly knew it was the right choice. My mom called it right - telling me that she had a feeling that I needed a break. :)

Without the older two, my mind has time to think. I'm reminded of my days with only Mackenzie as a baby. Ryan and I have had a couple complete conversations - - instead of letting them drag on for days! I've started a project or two. I've read half of a book and started a 2nd. (fully intending to finish BOTH!) I've shared Bible reading with Ryan. And this is all within the last 24 hrs!

I am enjoying being a mom to one this week. I've played on the floor with Addelyn and watched her figure out this crawling thing. I'll make her more food to stock-pile in the freezer. I'll read to her and bathe her in a bath all alone. When we eat meals we'll put her in the middle and both be able to tend to her every need. Ryan and I will dote on her...because that is what we should do with our babies.

God is recharging me - quieting my heart - reminding me of my loves and what I love to do. I'm enjoying the break even though I have to make myself NOT call every 10 minutes to find out what they are doing!

So...for the next few days I will sit. and think. and read. probably eat out. and shop. yes, shop. for jeans. and swimsuits. and shoes. i will work out. talk with ryan. laugh. and watch movies. and at the end of the week I will savor the hugs and kisses from my two oldest and love them all the more.

Cross your eyes!

I noticed this hilarious thing last week that Mackenzie is doing. She heard the phrase "Cross your eyes" from somewhere, but doesn't exactly know what it means. At the breakfast table this morning this is what goes on:
***I can't remember the phrase she was repeating, so I made this part up...***

Mack: I can read what that says, "Just add milk."

Me: You're a genius.

Mack: Let me see if I can do it with my eyes closed. "Just add milk."

Me: You're a genius!

Mack: Okay, now, with my eyes closed AND with my eyes crossed! "Just add milk." And this is what she did:

Addelyn at 5 months!

Here are a few pics of our Addelyn at 5 months old. (Thanks Kacey for reminding me to show her off!) She's growing like a weed...rolling both ways now. She's found her toes and likes to suck on her big toe! She laughs - loud - when you tickle her neck or bottom ribs. She loves to held! She would rather not take long naps. ;) She laughs at her big sister and big brother all the time - she thinks they are hysterical! Her hair is slow to grow - still can't tell what color it is! But, it looks blonde!!

commercials

Last night M and I were watching a show together - a commercial came on about "what's your flavor"...I don't even remember the product, but they asked that question and this lady replied with different spices like "zesty", "italiano", etc. (I hardly remember) As soon as it was over this took place:

Mackenzie: Mom, what's your flavor?

Mom: Um, I don't know...maybe a little spicy with a kick! What's your flavor?

Mackenzie: Let's see...probably a little creamy.

Ha! She was so serious too...making it even more funnier!!!
....................................................................................................................................

A few years ago Mackenzie asked us to buy her Aqua Globes for Christmas! The infomercial used to come on TV on Saturday mornings during cartoons, so she was familiar with them. She could tell us all about them...including cost, how many globes came with the package, even color options.

She's a sucker for the Commericals.

No judgement here

Nathan, my two year old and most precious boy, has taught me a few things. But, the one I'm learning more than ever?? Not to judge. :) I no longer judge parents quietly in my head. "I can't believe their kid is behaving that way....why don't they control their child?!" Mackenzie was "controllable"...very much the pleaser. Nate, not so much.

I love that kid. He's full of life, energy, excitement. Just this morning he came in and immediately put on his crocs (with his jammies still on) so he could go straight outside when we got out of bed. Sure enough, straight to the garage he went - to catch flies on the window sill. His new fave! (Gross!) Ryan and I now are calling him: Fly Guy.

But, there was a turning point in this new stage of parenthood. What made me come to this state of no judgement?

The Bite.

Yes, my son bit a sweet little friend recently. I was that mother. The one who couldn't control her child. We even talked about biting before we went to this friend's house! Ryan and I sat this sweet boy down and said, once again, that we don't bite our friends. And he did it anyway. He didn't listen - at two he rarely does.

So, when children misbehave, it isn't always because their parents don't discipline or don't try to corral. Sometimes that kid is just spirited - full of life, energy, and excitement!

One thing is for sure - Nate keeps us busy. He is so fun - so on the go! I love him with everything in me. Surprisingly, even when he acts out and embarrasses me like never before. :)

Aunt Kat came!

Last week my little sis, Kathryn came to visit for a whole week! It was a blast. Can I just say how honored I am that she chose to come to my house? Kat is 22, graduating from UGA in 2 weeks (with honors!), and is totally cool. She had a week off before finals and she thought, "hmmm...how about I go visit my older sister and her THREE kids - yeah, the one in Kentucky who never leaves this little small town - the one who is a total mom and uncool now. yep, the one who drives a mini-van." (Catch my drift?!) We had so so much fun.

We....

went grocery shopping together, shopped at Target with all the kids, shopped at Target without all the kids (!!!), walked Mackenzie to school, ate at Subway, then walked home, (clocking over 12,000 steps on our pedometers - ha!), made a late night run to Dairy Queen for blizzards, cooked together, sang in the car, chased Nate together, brought and picked M up from school every day, made our own laundry detergent....the list goes on!

I cried when she left. She cried when she left. How did I get so lucky to have not just one, but two sisters who I love so dearly? (Don't worry brother, I love you too!!) I'm so proud of Kat - she looks to the Lord for guidance and is so pleasant to be around.

Thank you Kat for coming. You made my week. You are so fun - and are welcome back at any time!! We all miss you!

Funnies

A conversation with my 5 yr old on a very hot, sunny day....

Mom: "Mackenzie, you smell like sweat!"

Kenz: "That's because it's freazing hot outside!"

Mom: "Freazing Hot?!"

Kenz: "Yep, Freazing HOT!"

Us

It's sunny today and I am happy! High of 69! The perfect weather. The kids and I walked to the park today - let me paint you the picture...I pushed the baby and Nate in the double stroller. Nate insisted on bringing his pull-along puppy, which he dragged off the side of the stroller half way to the park. It was cute - he thought he was walking him. When I asked him the puppy's name he said, "Dog!" Very original. :) Mackenzie got this awesome stroller from my cousin - it's just her size. Her other baby strollers are smaller, but this one seems made for a 5 yr old. Her new thing is to push one of her babies for our walk. (instead of riding her much-favored bicycle.) She's wearing her sunglasses from Disney World which are shaped like Minnie Mouse. She's pretty much awesome. (The Wilmore utilities man in his truck leaned out his window and told me I had a little movie star with me. ) We start talking as we push our babies - we talk about our upcoming trip to LA and what I should pack for our 3 picnic meals that we'll share while on the road. We talk about the sun. We talk about our green fingernails that we painted last night for St. Patty's day. About half way there I realize that God has given me such a great friend in Mackenzie. She was my walking partner today. That girl is just amazing!

At the park I pushed Nate in the swing. I did "under-dogs" for him and he giggled like only a 2 yr old boy can. It was music to my ears! Then, I saw a great moment in Nate. He leaned back in his swing - holding on to the ropes - and closed his eyes. Not for a quick shut-eye. He closed them for a long time and I could tell he was letting the sun beat down on him. I could almost see the sun filling up his soul. And I could see God showering his love on my little guy. It was a great moment - to know that my God is also Nate's God - filling him and shining his radiant heat on Nate's life.

Meanwhile, my sweet Addelyn enjoyed a little nap in her carrier. She's such a sweetie. She began rolling a few weeks ago! Not crazy rolling yet, but I'm sure it won't be long. She's growing too fast already. Slow down my baby girl!

We had a great weekend in Indianapolis visiting our friends, The Summers. Everyone had a great time playing with their respective friend. Mackenzie and Macy were inseparable. And, amazingly, they played really well - I don't think there were any arguments! Nate and Ava even did well. Ava doesn't take Nate's pushing - she just pushes right back! Exactly what my Nate needs sometimes. :) They are too cute together. And Addelyn is patiently waiting for her little friend to be born - any day now. Andrea and I shared some good conversation and even went to the coffee shop for a few minutes - alone! The guys got to watch a game together and spend some time catching up. It does our family well to be with them - where things are easy and life is fun! Thanks for letting us visit! If only we could get them to move back to Wilmore...

I'm going to enjoy the rest of this sunny day! I'm going to open my windows and breathe in life! Spring is near - a time of new growth! I can hardly wait!

Nato

Yesterday Nate was full of mischief. I was sitting at the kitchen table doing homework with M when I felt a cool breeze. After some inspection, I found the front door wide open and Nate on the front porch looking at the fish in our little pond. He found no fault in what he had done...but he did kindly tell me that Lilly had run off. You're not supposed to let Lilly run out the front door Nate! (Don't worry, I didn't chase after Lilly, but she came home pretty quickly on her own.) I must have forgotten to bolt the door.

Then later, we went to play in the front yard. Our first chance to play outside without getting bundled up in a loooong time! It felt great. We had to come in to get Addelyn and feed her. I noticed Nate chewing on a small rock. While trying to convince him to get the rock out of his mouth, he kept saying "gum!" I kept telling him it was a rock. He finally spit it out...and I'm ashamed to say that he was right. gross. He picked gum up from outside. I don't know who's it was or how long it had been out there! sick. sick. sick.

Am I ready?

Mackenzie today after getting home from school: "We played outside today Mom!" (a big deal this winter!)

Me: "Oh fun! What did you do?"

Kenz: "The boys were trying to chase me and two other girls. We'd hide and when we saw them we'd get out and run!"

Oh my! I'm so not ready for this. Sure, it's all innocent now. But before long it won't be. My little baby keeps growing! I haven't shared this with Ryan yet...he seems to die a little everytime he hears of "incidents" with boys. ;)

At our house...

Sleep is not coming easy. I think all 3 kids are going through transitions at the same time. They all have colds, which I'm sure is affecting their normal sleep patterns. Nate has been staying up until 9pm and getting up at 6am. M has been doing a similar pattern. And there have been a few nights that Addelyn has kept us up most of the night - quite unusual. I am thankful that this is not the norm at our place. I hope it won't be long before we are back to our peaceful, sweet dreams!

My favorites

My grandparents are two of my favorite people in the world. When I was little I wouldn't beg to go to Disney World or to the beach. I begged to go to Jennings, Louisiana. It's there that I'd find acres of land to play on, cousins to laugh with, and most importantly, two people who loved me unconditionally and taught me life-long lessons. Ryan, me, and Mackenzie had the pleasure of living with my Mimi and Papa for a year before we moved to Kentucky. When we decided to move they were so supportive. They encouraged us to step out and go, even when we were nervous. (And even when this meant pulling little Mackenzie away from them!) Ryan and I learned so much from them that year. I admire the friendship that Mimi and Papa have. They know how to love each other. This picture was taken the day we left Jennings to move to Kentucky.

Here's my little two year old Mackenzie. She really is best friends with Mimi. My girl loves her great-grandma. To this day, she asks about her Mimi and Papa and wants to go visit.

Here is Papa in "his" chair. Growing up I remember sitting in his chair while Papa would be outside or doing something. The minute he walked in the room we'd jump out of his chair so he could sit. We wouldn't dare take it from him...even though he would have let us sit there. :) Mackenzie loved (and still loves) to sit with Papa. Here he is looking at a picture with Mackenzie...this one also taken when we lived there in 2005.

My two kiddos with Papa - summer 2007. My Papa once told me that when he can't sleep at night he starts to recite all of his children's names. He says that always makes him tired. :) He has 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and (so far) 18 great-grands.

These two fellas are up to no good - I'm sure of it!!

Yesterday my Papa had emergency surgery to correct an Aortic Aneurysm. I sat by my phone all day waiting for phone calls. Each time the phone rang I cringed inside. Cousins called, sisters called, my mom called. We are a family that prays. We were all praying. I asked God to let us keep this gift a bit longer. So far, he has answered that prayer. I hope to let him meet his 18th Great-Grandchild someday soon - Addelyn Marie.

He is doing very well actually. He's 85 years old and very healthy. He's so strong! He'll be in ICU at least for a week and recovery time after that will take a while.

I love my Mimi and Papa and am so blessed to have them!! For now though, I am begging to go to Jennings, Louisiana.

Six weeks ago...

Six weeks ago our lives changed, for the better. I can't believe Addelyn has been in our lives for 6 weeks. And at the same time I can't believe that she has only been in our lives for 6 weeks!

I weighed her this morning - 11.6 lbs. Not too shabby! ;)

Today Ryan brought her to me in her diaper. I got to nurse this tiny, soft skinned, sleepy newborn in only her diaper. It was sweet to watch her and hold her.


Mackenzie came in as I finished and saw that I was holding her naked. Her response, "Mom, I haven't held her naked yet." This, of course, is not true. (see picture below of M bathing baby!) But, Mackenzie always says things like this. If she's in a new onsie or even new socks...M just likes to hold this baby!


At dinner I was holding sweet Addelyn and Nate came over to check her out. He climbed up too and peeked at her, offering her a paci and a few kisses. When Addelyn unknowingly flung her hand in his face he thought it was the funniest thing in the world!


I took the older two to the library today and left Ryan at home with Addelyn. This was a big deal because Daddy was watching the Texas Tech Cotton Bowl game. (Bad results...don't ask Ryan about it) Ryan loooves to watch football with his newborns. He enjoyed sitting and holding the sleepy sweetie and cheering on his Raiders. Ryan was happy to have that opportunity today!


I sit here at my computer in the kitchen listening to the hubs bathe the older two in the tub. They are all three laughing, like always. I hear thuds every now and then, but they must be having fun. My newborn is asleep on the couch, sacked out. Not a care in the world. Her tummy is full and life is good.




Addelyn, may you always keep your simple approach to life and always know that you are LOVED!