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!