Boys Campout

Life can be hard for a little boy with 2 older sisters. Just ask my brother about being dressed up in a pink tutu, being coaxed out of his crib at night just so that he would get into trouble when he didn't know how to climb back in, and everything else that goes along with it...I know...mean wasn't it. I remember my sister and I yelling to my parents..."Jonathan's out of his Cri-iiib!!" and hearing his little footstep racing back to his room.
Matthew can relate. For the most part, the girls include him & they play really well together. But there are times when he sees the girls play together & sleep in the same room, that makes him a little sad & maybe wish for a buddy all his own. Don't think I havent tried coaxing Bill to try for another baby...I have, but he's not giving in...and honestly I think my body has given up in that department anyway. So I talked with Bill about how important it is that Matthew has a strong relationship with his daddy. I want my son to follow after his daddy's example...to some day be a godly man who protects & guards his family, loves & cherishes his wife & willing to sacrafice for the sake of his kids.
So Bill came up with this camping idea...and boy was Matthew excited! They had treats, read books and played in the tent...and in the morning, even had a little chance to snuggle. So while I do not think Matthew will have a brother...his daddy will always be his best buddy!

This Smile Makes My Heart Melt

My little man...Oh how I love him so!

Finished Finally!

It's been almost 3 years since we put the addition on to our home and it's nice to say that the decorating in our master bedroom is finally finished! Since we had the room built, I imagined this traditional cottage style room in blue. We were used to being in such small rooms before, where we only had room for a bed, a dresser & an armoire. This room is now so much bigger that it was really fun to be able to add a desk, a bookshelf, 2 sitting chairs and now.....MY MIRROR!!!!!

I always wanted a pretty cheval mirror and saw it everywhere in brown...but I wanted it in white or antique color. Last week my mother-in-law and father-in-law came to visit and walked through the front door with this big box. They found a white cheval mirror at the Christmas Tree Store & picked it up for me....YAY! Poppy put it together & I carried it up to our room & voila! Isn't it pretty?
Thanks Nana & Poppy! I love my new mirror!

Meet Mini Hip-Hop

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First Meet

The girls had their very first gymnastics meet. It was a mock meet with no judges or scores. A good starting place for them. They were both excited & nervous & we had many conversations about 'butterflies' the morning of the meet. You'll notice Adrienne does a cartwheel on beam because this is in the level 5 routine & they are hopefully progressing to level 5 next year. Only a couple girls were ready to try the cartwheel on the high beam. I missed filming bars because my flip video needed new batteries. We are so proud of the girls. Hope you enjoy the video.

Send Them on the Bus

Some days I wonder what my life would be like if I just sent them on the bus...all 3.
Kisses & hugs, zip up the coat, hand them their lunch, and wave goodbye.
Would I love it? Would I work? Would I teach aerobics or spinning? Would I take naps? Would I go out to lunch with friends? Would I wander around Home Goods to my hearts content? Would my house be tidy & clean all the time? I wonder.
These thoughts come into my head occasionally...on those days when fighting, whining and bad attitudes fill my day.
But then there are days like Wednesday. Adrienne's assignment was to write in her journal. As we talked about it she started to cry. "What if I spell the words wrong?"
"It's ok Adrienne...spell them the way they sound, I won't correct them, as long as you try."
More tears.
So I sat with her on my bed and opened up my journal. I write my prayers to God in my journal. I started doing this in 1996, when I got saved. Today I have about 6 journals that contain my struggles, my fears, bible verses, victories, words of thanksgiving, and words of anger...all of it.
I read one entry to Adrienne. I told her my writing was not perfect, but the words come from my heart. and one day when I am gone, my children & grandchildren will read these journals, and know what was in my heart and how the Lord met me right where I was at. I encouraged Adrienne to write her prayers if she wanted to. To write whatever was in her heart. Was she scared about her meet this weekend? Was she angry, sad, happy? I kissed and, told her I loved her & left her alone.
And then she wrote...."Lord help me   I nede you help   I wot too tern too you    Love Adrienne"
She was so excited. I encouraged her & she has written 5 more times in her journal.
Then I thought...I would have missed it. If I sent her on the bus. I would have missed it and so much more!
I don't believe homeschooling is for every family...but for ours right now, it works and we believe it's what is best for our kids. What a wonderful opportunity for me to take hold of these moments with my kids...maybe even prepare them for the day they do get on that bus.

Christmas Memories Slideshow

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