3 under 3

So there are 3 under 3 in our house.  Wish you could see my smile.  It's wild, but I'm not complaining.  I might be the most blessed woman alive.

Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond) was once asked, "what's it like to have 3 children under 3?"  To which he replied,

"It's a lot like living in a frat house.  Nobody sleeps, everything's broken, and there's a lot of throwing up." 

I laugh my head off everytime I think of that because it's pretty true.

But I wouldn't change it. 

Can't wait to post some pics of Princess Abby.

Queen For A Day

There are those women who let the housekeeper in in the morning after a long night of uninterrupted sleep, go soak in the tub and dress in extravagant clothing while a cook prepares breakfast and a nanny cares for the children.  They then head out for a day of shopping, lunch with friends, and time at the spa.  At least I think there are... I don't really know anyone who does this. Maybe it's just in the movies. Seriously though, in real, true, gut-level honesty I don't care to be one of those women.  Okay, well maybe on the spa part... ;)  I'm a sucker for a massage or a facial...and I like a great pedicure...

Anyway, I really, truly love my life.  Every day.  I love waking up to care for the most precious houseful of children and being a helper to the most amazing man alive.  I don't want a housekeeper (well, once in a while I do) and I definitely like being the one to choose the meal planning and preparations for all the hungry tummies that live here.  And you KNOW how I feel about being the ONE person my children spend the most time with.  This is an area of fierce jealousy for me...  They are MINE and I don't anyone else raising them...  Well, unless we're blessed to have Daddy home for the day.  But even then, I want to be right there... joining in all the excitement!  (Of course I'm not talking about older teens who have part time jobs and outside of home activities occasionally... I'm mostly referring to anybody under 13 or so... you know the ones whose little hearts are still being discipled and trained and who are SO EASILY influenced.  And even still, my heart desires for ALL my chicks to be right near my wings whenever it's possible!) 

I want to do the work.  I do.  I know it may sound nuts (certainly next to the world's standards). In fact, I might have to glance back at this in a few weeks to remind myself what I said.  But I WANT to be the one up in the quiet of the night nursing my baby.  I WANT these privileges that are really only available to me for a small piece of time.  When you think of the life span of a woman, the amount of time that she actually has her children in her womb, in her home, close for her to care for -- it's a very small amount of time!  I WANT TO BE PRESENT FOR THIS SEASON!  (yes, I am shouting... hoping you can hear me!)

But, can I just tell you that on Monday I got to have a "splurge" day.  It was really amazing to me.  And even now, days later, I'm still feeling the sweetness of it just wash over me.  There were 4 big TREATS for me that day. 
#1.  I had a dr's appt for our sweet Abby girl and Troy and I went alone to the appointment... which means that for several hours (drive time and a few errands added on) we got to just be together.  A date with my husband.  ahhhh...  wish you could hear the deep, contented sigh that just came out of me. It was so nice.

#2.  While on this date, while running errands, I got to run (ok, not run - waddle quickly) in and get a pedicure.  If you could see how swollen my feet are and how large my tummy is between "me" and my feet, you'd know that this was a much needed, deliciously wonderful treat.  It. felt. SO. good!  And my toe nails are pretty too!  Yipee! 

#3.  Also during these errands, we stopped by the cleaners and picked up ALL OF TROY'S WORK CLOTHES!!!  That's right!  For the next couple of weeks I don't have to stand at the hot ironing board and iron!!!!  Now, let me be clear.  This is usually one of my homemaking chores that I quite like.  (I know, I'm kinda weird).  I remember my senior year of high school talking with all the girls around me about college, degree plans, future successful careers...  I meekly admitted that I just wanted to iron my future husband's shirts and take care of him.  Of course they all laughed.  But it's no laughing matter.  God had planted a seed in my heart for homemaking waaay back then.  Somehow in my young and immature teenage girl brain, I understood the glory and privilege of being a wife and a helper to a husband.  Thank you Jesus for working in me - even then.  ...........Okay, back to my point though - ironing is not so much fun when you are full term prego, hot ALL THE TIME, and did I mention that my feet and ankles are the size of watermelons?  So the fact that my hubby removed this chore from my list to give me a break... just might be the most romantic thing he's ever done!  ;)

#4.  And last but not least, my friend Sarah cooked supper for us.  Baked chicken, veggies, cream corn, and BROWNIES!  I probably don't have to explain or elaborate on how this blessed me.  It was just so nice to have the break from the kitchen, but still get to eat healthy, delicious food!  Thank you Sarah!  And YUM!

So, yes.  For just one day I had so many sweet little blessings that I felt as though I was queen for the day.  I am grateful to Troy and Sarah for these gifts... but no matter how small these things may seem to some, I take the time to bend my knee in gratitude to the ONE who knows just when Mama needs a little break and some TLC. 

The Right To Bear (Clean) Arms

It's Monday morning, and one of my first tasks of the new week is to get the laundry going.  (As if it doesn't have to "go" all the time!)  I got up, had some snuggles with my littles, got to spend a little time with Jesus and his Word (loving my new Beth Moore study of the book of Daniel) and then it's time to start breakfast and get that laundry beast going. 

So, the morning goes forward, school prep, breakfast, chores, little boy fun AND discipline, etc.. and then I go to my washer to move the load over to the dryer and as I'm transferring the sheets and blankets (all tee teed on last night) I find - not one, not two, not three, BUT FOUR toy guns all wrapped up in the load of laundry. Two nerf guns, two water guns.  How did these weapons end up in the washing machine you ask?  I'll give you two guesses.  Well, really just one because one of them can't reach that high yet...  ;)

Oh.... the fun times just never end.  Some people whine, gripe, mourn and wail over it being a Monday morning...  Not at our house.  Let the good times roll. 

And we have some clean guns.  ;)

Home with My Chicks

Really and truly I am not an anti-public school homeschooler.  While there are many fabulous reasons that I LOVE that we homeschool, I do not hate the public school, nor anyone who learns there or works there.  I love MANY that are a part of the government system and I pray God blesses and protects them. 

But, can I just say for a minute that I LOVE THAT WE HOMESCHOOL?!!!!  :) I'm watching all over Bailey Jo's Facebook at all the status' of school starting everywhere... kids heading off to class and teachers heading off to work.  And.  I'm.  so.  happy.  my.  little.  chicks.  are.  with.  me.  today.  There are sooo many beautiful benefits and blessings of homeschooling, but without a doubt my favorite one is that MY children are with ME!and not in the care of others, especially strangers.  :)))

My big chick started class today at McMurry University and I can hardly wait for his call later to tell us how it went. 

Gotta run and enjoy the blessing of my chores. ;)

Will try to post some pics soon!

Temporary Itching

Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I apologize if the above verse is not exact on the wording.  Instead of looking it up, I just typed it from memory.  It is a verse that I may have blogged from before, though I don't remember.  It is a verse that I have hidden in my heart through memory and the Holy Spirit stirs up in my thoughts exactly when I need it.

This exact moment is 3:55AM.  Not a time of day that I prefer to be awake.  I am 31 1/2 weeks pregnant.  I have a husband and 4 children in my home to care for and 1 away at college to pray for.  2 of those children in my daily care are the busiest little bees one has ever seen.  They go hard from early until late........ (thank God for nap time in the middle of it all.)  I have no business being awake right now.  I mean, I could argue that I REALLY NEED TO BE ASLEEP.  And I do.  But you see I have this thing...  This is actually really pride swallowing to put this out there...  (I prefer to keep these things private), but perhaps the hour, or exhaustion, or just God himself has brought me to place of being really transparent about it all.  So, back to this thing...  it's a "little" side effect of pregnancy for me.  I've had it every pregnancy.  Back when I was pregnant with Taylor and had it, no one had a clue what it was and basically looked at me like I was nuts.  Now, all these years later, it has an official medical name - Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, or more commonly just abbreviated to PUPPS.  It's a skin condition that causes ITCHING and it occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies.  While mine can hit at any time it usually comes on strong at night, sometimes lasting through the night.  I have tried just about every kind of remedy known to man, with little relief.  Sometimes soaking in a hot bath and then slathering up in raw organic coconut oil can bring some minor, temporary relief, but usually I just have to ride it out.  I have researched and spoken with my Dr, but there's really nothing that can be done.  It usually starts in about the 6 month, slow at first and gradually getting worse, until the last couple of weeks I am a clawed up mess.  For whatever reason, this pregnancy it has begun in the 5th month and I am now experiencing what I usually go through in the last several days...  10 WEEKS EARLY!  To help myself, I'm trying to keep my nails cut super short so I don't make it worse than necessary... but I do have some giant scabs up and down my arms where I've just lost control.  It kind of looks like I have some kind of iv drug problem. :(  My sheets and pillow cases have blood stains.  Ugh.

So, this is why I'm awake in the middle of the night.  And this is why I am STANDING on the above verse.  I realize that verse is probably meant to be applied to those suffering far greater than I.  I recognize that I have not fought cancer, or tragically lost a child, or had to watch one of my babies fight cancer (something some of our friends are currently doing right now), or any other things that in my mind to seem to be the worst of the worst.  I'm just itching.  And exhausted.  But in my little world right now it's kind of eating my lunch.  So, I am proclaiming "out loud" to myself, to my family, to anyone who may ever stumble across this blog, and most definitely to Satan--  I will NOT lose heart.  Though outwardly I might be "wasting away", inwardly, I am being renewed day by day.  For this light and momentary trouble is achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (a precious, eternal life!).  So, (enemy - you listen good) I WILL NOT LOSE HEART.  I WILL FIX MY EYES NOT ON THE THINGS THAT ARE TEMPORARY, BUT ON THE THINGS THAT ARE ETERNAL. This precious baby girl growing in my womb is an eternal life... the most valuable gift that God can ever bless us with.  And she is worth every single light and momentary itch.  ;) 

So, I'm off to find the coconut oil again... and maybe catch a nap before the little monkeys wake.  I sooo hope this didn't seem like a whine session (I hate whining, mine or anyone else's).  But maybe, just maybe, this "stand" will bring some relief for a bit.  Either way though, I AM BLESSED.

Bittersweet

Yes, I know it's been a while... again!  But for those of you who harass me about not writing, PLEASE!  Sometimes I have to actually LIVE in these blessings I write about.  ;P  And sometimes I'm just a little bit overwhelmed with my life.  Not complaining.  Just dead honest. 

Anyway, back to my chosen title.  Bittersweet.  Here's what the dictionary says,

bit·ter·sweet

   /adj. ˌbɪtərˈswit, ˈbɪtərˌswit; n. ˈbɪtərˌswit/ Show Spelled[adj. bit-er-sweet, bit-er-sweet; n. bit-er-sweet] Show IPA

adjective

1.

both bitter and sweet to the taste: bittersweet chocolate.

2.

both pleasant and painful or regretful: a bittersweet memory

It is the most accurate way to describe my most recent life experiences and those of our family household.  Both BITTER and SWEET.  Both PLEASANT and PAINFUL.

My big boy has grown up and moved on.   We knew it was coming.  We planned for it's coming.  We'd even hoped and prayed for it's coming...  But honey, let me tell you something.  That DOES NOT make it easier. 

I have never felt such mixed emotions in all of my life.  Thrilled, yet shattered.  Wanting to squeal, then sob.  Dance and praise before the Father... and kneel in brokenness at His feet...  Whew!  What a ride.  Yeah.... and throw in some prego hormones and I could probably be admitted into a psych ward. 

Some don't understand...  It's not that I'll miss him (though I will) or that we just won't see each other that often (though we won't).  It's that it will never be the same again!  This season, this chapter, this part of his life... the one where Mama is actually really needed...  will never be the same again.  Now I know that he'll always need me.  But let's be honest, it's different.  He is a grown man now, pursuing his dreams and goals.  And I am the woman who spent almost every single day of his life (minus about 4 years, kinder-2 and an extra senior yr) training, correcting, cheering, discipling, talking (sometimes loudly), reading aloud, memorizing scripture with, disagreeing with, researching with, sometimes crying with, and usually laughing with.  We have climbed the mountains together and we've definitely seen the valley together too.  This is the kid that was born to me as I was still having to grow up...  So bless him, he's been the one that had to deal the most with all my imperfections as a Mama.  I carried him in my womb for almost 42 weeks.  I labored for almost 18 hours to bring him into the world.  I pushed for 4 hours and he broke his collarbone making his entrance.  I have always stayed at home to care for him.  Sometimes with great financial sacrifice, sometimes in the face of others' disapproval.  We began homeschooling him in the 3rd grade.  We have been together most days of the week, most weeks of the years, most years of his life for 19 and 1/2 years.  I have hurt him, wounded him, discouraged him, and made him just a little bit (ha!) angry a few times.  I have repented, and repented, and repented.  And he has forgiven, and forgiven, and forgiven.  I am the Mama.  He is the firstborn son.  We have a bond that is extraordinary.  So... saying goodbye hurts. 

I'll admit though that I began this grieving process months ago.  Here and there a few tears leaked down my face...  So I have not had a torrential downpour, but just moments that I've had to ask the Father for some MORE grace to endure it and keep smiling.  I have not been caught off guard by my own pain.  But I WAS caught off guard by the pain of the precious other ones.  Our very last Family Worship time with all of us around the table, eating, laughing, sharing, taking communion, and yes, crying our words of blessing over Taylor.  I knew my big girls (his little sisters) would feel sad, and I knew his Daddy would have a moment (or 2) that might bring him to his knees, but I did not expect the gut-wrenching moment of Taylor and Joshua saying goodbye... both with hands on each side of the others' face, both with tears spilling over...  UGH.  There's just no getting around that one.

Bitter.  And sweet.  Bitter because it hurts.  Sweet for 2 reasons.  #1,We are over-the-top, thrilled, squealing, jumping up and down, shout for joy, praising God, EXCITED for this big boy!  Wooohooo!  How wonderful that God's plans and dreams for him are moving forward!  And reason #2 is that I would be devastated if we lived in a family that cared any less for each other than ours does.  I mean, if you are bonded with the love and blood of Jesus, and you are a healthy, strong family, AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE SAD TO SAY GOODBYE?!  I left him in a dorm full of college football players last Friday and I wondered...  how many of those young men aren't sad at all to leave their families behind?  And how many family members aren't all that sad to see them go?  So, I say, THANK YOU JESUS for this sob that's welling up my throat as I say goodbye to the end of an era. Our family adores our Big Boy.  We will miss him.  Now.... the fridge and the pantry are actually full... and that's kinda nice.  ;)

My Servant Girl - The Dryer

Wonderful things are happening in my life around here... My husband has found a way to make my dryer ACTUALLY DRY!!! Now, some may think that this is a small thing, but let me tell you - if you have 5 children, 2 of which are hard at play, dirty little boys and one who is a giant, hard at play (well, actually hard at work preparing for college football - and a little hunting in there too ;)) and you have the amount of laundry that we do, then you know just what a thrill this is!

Honestly, I could throw a party it's so wonderful. :))) For the past 3 1/2 years we've had a dryer that didn't really dry very well... You'd have to hang up about 1/2 the load on drying racks or the back porch and even then you'd have to run the dryer 2 or even 3 times just to get 1/2 of the load dry!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Talk about frustrating! It's been almost impossible to keep up. But, like I said, my sweet hubbie has once again arrived in his armor and rescued me! And now that I have this lovely little dryer working... it's like having a servant girl here to help me with my laundry. ;) I AM ZIPPING THROUGH LOADS OF LAUNDRY!!! Woohoo!!! Can I get an Amen?!

A long time ago my precious friend (hi Gwynie Pie) once made the analogy that the Proverbs 31 woman's servant girls (vs. 15) are now our modern day appliances - washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, etc... And I'd have to agree. This working dryer is making me so much more capable of serving my family. I feel empowered! Speaking of that........ gotta go switch the loads! :D Have a great day!

Meat To Chew On.......Part 2

Yesterday I posted a chunk of verses that I've been working through/meditating on lately and I really wanted to share some things that God is showing me, but as usual, Titus was climbing all over me and we were in a rush to prepare for church........... so, I just left it with the verse. Which of course is plenty. God's word is alive and active and really doesn't need my help. ;)

But of course, as it goes with me, these verses are still settling deep into my heart and I can't seem to think of much else. So, while I'd like to take it all apart for you and share - once again my mama duties call - so I will quickly hit the highlights. This is my Reader's Digest version of things that God is showing me.

I love that at the end of vs 3 it says that he called us by his own glory and goodness. All of my relationship with him should be framed with this - his glory and goodness. It would change how I look at everything.

Vs. 4 talks about his "very great and precious promises".......... it'd be amazing to make a list of those... and it says that through those "very great and precious promises" we can participate in the divine nature- this is the SUPER NATURAL!!! How exciting is that?! We can escape the world's corruption and participate the in the super natural things that God is doing... WOOHOO. If that doesn't get you excited, you need to check for a pulse!

In the next few verses is a list of qualities that we need in increasing measure so that we can be effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus. Oh - I so don't want to waste my life. I want every moment of every day to be effective and productive - in my own growth, in my marriage, in my mothering, in my witness to the lost, in my encouragement to the body of Christ....

But the number one highlight is SO SIMPLE. It's at the beginning of verse 3............... HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE... Of course it goes on a bit, but what if we just meditated on that little chunk? God has given us everything we need for life. Everything.

I think of the list that I can sometimes make -
Oh how will I ever have enough ___________?
What if I don't know ____________?
I just can't ___________.
I'm not good enough, mature enough, smart enough, capable enough to _____________.
What if _______________?
and on and on and on....

But he says - HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN ME EVERYTHING I NEED FOR LIFE. HE - (God) - has the power to give EVERYTHING I NEED. EVERYTHING. FOR MY LIFE. My life means - all of it. Not just a portion. Not just spiritual matters. Everything. All my financial concerns, my desperate need for organization, my need to love, forgive, encourage, and cheer on my husband and children. My need to eat healthier. My need home school my children well. My need to know the right priorities of every day. My need to heal from past wounds. And it could go on and on. I need a lot and HE gives me everything I need. Hallelujah.

So here is the challenge for me and for you: If God calls us to do something, do we do the responsible and reasonable thing? Do we make a list of pros and cons and wrestle with it? Do we compare it to the cultural norm and realize how ridiculous it would be? Do we run because of the discomfort it would cause us? (hmmm, that's a good one) OR do we follow hard after Him, full of faith and trust in Him because HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE??? The bottom line is - do we believe God?

Meat To Chew On

1 Peter 1:3-9

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you posses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. (italics mine)

Extravagant Grace

There have been several times in my life when EXTRAVAGANT GRACE has washed over me....

You know those times when you realize what Jesus has done for you... when you realize what you've been saved from... or what you've been saved for? .... That the Creator of the heavens and the earth has reached down from glory to touch you? You... little ole you? Do you understand what I'm saying? At these times God moves me from first jumping up and down in praise and adoration of Him to the floor... my face in the carpet, sobs wracking my body. It's a goodness and a sweetness that's so rich it kind of hurts... Do you know what I mean? It's like there isn't one cell of my body that's unaware of the fullness and the glory of my God. It makes me think of Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah chapter 6. God is amazing and powerful and I am just so small... and yet, he finds me, knows me, loves me, graces me. Wow.

Well, that is what I'm feeling today as I share with you that I have had a visitation from the Holy Spirit... He has come to me... to my body. Making a miracle. He has created LIFE again in my womb. I am so happy that I want to shout it from the roof tops.... and sob on the floor. Who am I? Really............ who am I that He would look on me with such favor?

Do you realize that only 4 1/2 years ago I was a barren woman? And now, to be blessed again.... Wow.... God you are awesome. I am due to have our 6th baby in late October. :))) It has been so fun to share the news, especially with our big kids who are delighted. Thank you Lord for filling our quiver... not only a blessing, but an answered prayer for sooo many years. You are a faithful God.


"He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD" Psalm 113:9

Little Lamb

Joshua has a new name for Titus. Every time he says it, my eyes fill with tears.

Little Lamb.

Isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever heard?

He says, "Titus is my Wittle Wamb".

When Titus was born I made up a little song to sing over him. I know it may seem silly, but I believe that God sings over us (Zeph 3), so we should in turn sing over our babies. The good thing about that is that they have no idea how horribly I sing. Since I'm the Mama, they love my singing. Ha!

Anyway, here's my song for Baby Titus:
(to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

Titus, Titus, Little Lamb
One day you'll be a mighty man.
Big and strong and brave you'll be,
A soldier in the Lord's Army.

Titus Titus, Little Lamb
One day you'll be a mighty man.

No making fun! :) So.............. yeah, it's nothing fancy or very clever or beautiful... but it's my prayer for him. So I declare it over him every day. And obviously, big brother has adopted the sweet new name for him too. :)))

Oh, and by the way - Titus can say JESUS. Tonight we were practicing everyone's name and I said, "Titus, can you say Jesus?" and he just belted it out! No greater name, no sweeter name, the name above all names. The name that every knee will bow to and every tongue confess. The name that heals, protects, restores, and sets free. The name that gives life. The name. The only name. As much as I love to hear your little voice say "Mama".......... it doesn't even compare to how much I love to hear you say Jesus.

Oh Baby Titus, choose Jesus just as soon as you can Baby. That's your mama's prayer.

Bustin Outta Here!

So I think the little boys were happy to see the sun shining after all the rainy cold days in a row... so they decided to make an escape. Right through my window screen!!!

TITUS - "FREEDOM!!! (imagine Braveheart) Let's go brother!"

JOSHUA - "I don't know Titus... it looks fun, but I don't know..."

TITUS - "Let's see, no one's looking... maybe if I just lean out a little."

JOSHUA - "Mmm, this is a good banana. I'm gonna wait to see if Titus gets busted."

Titus - "It's now or never. I'm going for it! I pulled more of the screen back so you can fit too."

Joshua - "You have fun Tunky. I think I'll sit this one out."

Emily Ann's Little Women

Emily Ann is in our local theatre (Emily Ann Theatre - cool huh?!) production Little Women. She hates this picture, but of course I think it's adorable! ;)

She has so enjoyed working with all of these wonderful people. Every practice and every show has ended with her in high spirits and kind things to say about everyone in the show.

Emily is playing the role of the Amy when she's older. This is her posing with younger Amy (whom she adores!)

I'm so stinking proud of my girl! I'm proud that she's so kind, so strong, so beautiful, so talented, so...........precious to our family. I'm proud that she's okay with being a little different than the rest of us. We tease her endlessly about not being athletic like the majority of our family. The truth is, she is athletic (she used to run, swim, dance, etc...), she's just not super competitive (unless we're playing scrabble). My girl's passions and gifts are not wrapped up in sports... She loves books, theatre, music, art, the library, museums, worshipping God, and all things creative. She's................. different. And I LOVE IT!!! I celebrate it! Go Emily!!! You are amazing girl!

The Bigger They Are, The Sicker They Get!

You know that old saying, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall" right? Well, around here, it's - the bigger they are, the sicker they get!

Poor Tay has had a nasty cold/maybe flu for a few days now. I even took him to the Dr. yesterday, but they said no meds necessary. He's got the nasty cough, ear aches, body aches, sore throat, headache, etc.... and his fever hovers around 100, disappears for a bit, and then comes back.

So, the big boy is on the couch or in his bed 24 hours a day. He devoured a whole book yesterday (Hunger Games) and enjoyed that, but feels like... well, doo-doo. ;) He even missed his basketball game last night. :((( (Not sure he's ever missed any game, even if he felt bad)

We had a funny moment a few minutes ago. His ear is really bothering him, so I got out the baby's numbing drops to give to him. The only thing is, he's so darn tall that we practically had to stretch him out on the back of the couch for me to be able to reach and put those drops into his ear canal. Ha! I'm not sure that my words are expressing how silly it was... Guess you had to be there. :P

And while I chuckle, I am mindful again of the fact that no matter how big he is, he'll always be my baby. He'll never outgrow his love for some mama-compassion. And I am grateful and weepy about that. What on earth will he do this time next year?! Oh, I know it's all gonna be fine... HE'S gonna be fine. But of course my mama-heart thinks of these things. And prays...

Signing Day

Today was the big day...Tay signed on the dotted line to play football at McMurry University! Hurray!!!

We went up to the school at 8:15 this morning and gathered with a few coaches, athletes, and family members to make it official and to honor and celebrate these young men for their success and future opportunities. It was a really special time. This is our family.... minus one, plus Coach Nelms. :) The minus one... well, this blog post is dedicated to him, the Daddy. He couldn't be there this morning because he had to work. It crushed him to miss this special moment. But you know what... not one single one of us doubted for a second (least of all Taylor) that he would have given anything to have been there. I wish he could have too. But in all truth, this was only a tiny blip in the whole story.

This story began 19 years ago when I was HUGE with a baby boy named Taylor in my womb. Even then, Troy was praying, dreaming, and hoping for Taylor to know the kind of success that we are now seeing. When we were brand new parents, Troy took 24 hours one semester of school AND worked so that we could make ends meet to provide for this sweet baby... Troy held, rocked, sang to, bathed, changed diapers, woke in the night (ok, that was mostly my gig, but he was willing), drove to the check-ups, bought medicine at the 24 hour pharmacy, took late night drives and walked the floor with Mr. Colic. God only knows how many times he's gotten up before the sun to do "daddy things". He cuddled and happily welcomed Taylor the "night-wanderer" into our bed. Every. Single. Night. For years. He encouraged and pampered the baby's nervous and immature mama, making it much easier for her to make the transition to her dream in life - motherhood. He worked all kinds of crazy odd jobs, took risks, struggled, but kept trying... He finished his master's degree with a 3.8 while working full time and tending to his family. He coached little league, helped with flag football, little dribblers, and soccer, and even 6man football, and played for COUNTLESS hours out in the yard, throwing, kicking, catching, dribbling, and chasing balls. He aired up flat balls, kissed boo-boo's, wiped tears, and cheered, and cheered, and cheered. He has driven all over the state and 1/2 the country to watch his boy. No one knows how many tickets to games he's purchased or how many t-shirts he's bought. He's been at every game, every sport, every season, every year... after year... after year. He has spoken words of life, love, and dreams over Taylor. This part has not ended. It never will.

So are we sad that he couldn't be there when Taylor signed his commitment to play college football? Yes, of course. But those few minutes hardly measure the amount of love, pride, and commitment he has in his heart for Taylor. The world groans and aches to see more daddies love their children the way that Troy has loved Taylor.

This is Tay with his Wimberley High Offensive Line Coach - Coach Saucier.

Here's Tay with his best pals, Niko and Brady. The giggling is because both of them were on their tippy-toes, trying to be taller. :D This is NOT their actual height.

Here's one last shot of us before we hugged him goodbye. We love you Taylor! Soooo proud of you! Go WarHawks!!!

Go War Hawks!

Well, there's a hint of celebration in the air around here tonight...

Taylor made the calls tonight, politely declining the offers from other schools, and then accepting his offer to play football at.................. McMurry Unversity in Abilene, Texas.

GO WAR HAWKS!!!

So, right now, the babies are tucked in bed, I'm getting some laundry done, Emily is at rehearsals for Little Women, Bailey is chilling out on the couch, and then.... there's giggling and snickering from the living room... sounds like 2 little boys... but wait, what's that?! It's not 2 little boys. It's Troy and Taylor playing Wii Olympics. 2 grown men. Teasing and talking smack. Laughing their heads off. I won't lie - I will miss these sounds when Tay leaves, but for tonight - JOY and GRATITUDE is in the air.

Earlier we gathered in the kitchen as a family and listened to Tay go over all of his decision making process with us as he asked for his dad's and my approval... (we have from the beginning said that it's 100% his decision and we will get behind it, but we are glad to guide and help him work through it all...) So, we blessed him with not only our permission, but our proud approval and then circled up to pray. Taylor praised and thanked God for this opportunity and gave it all back to the Lord. It was one of those moments... one that will never be forgotten. A jewel in the treasure box of family memories.

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

Homeschool Myths - FUNNY!

This is really great! Just click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJHt-m3VX6o

Wedding Video...Hilarious!

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/clip-board/201201/grooms-bieber-tribute-bride-surprisingly-great

I have no idea who these people are or anything about them, but I thought this was soooo funny. And cute. And romantic. And memorable...

At first I thought how fun this must've been for the adorable bride. And then I kept imagining the groom and all his buddies putting this together and practicing and the giggles just kept on coming.

It makes me think about that young, fresh, pure, sweet, new love. You know how in the beginning it's so full of laughter and fun things? How is it that so many lose that along the way? We get caught up in the daily things... sometimes stressful, difficult, and painful ... and forget to laugh.

One time in some family gathering... I don't know if it was a holiday, or just dinner around the table.... (doesn't matter - my mom never needs a "reason" to encourage - she just does it!) Anyway, one time in front of all of our family, my mom was affirming and building up Troy (every man should be so blessed to have a mother-in-law who does this) and one thing she said was that Troy knows how to have FUN. And you know what? She's right! He brings such joy, fun, laughter and sometimes silliness to our everyday life that things are NEVER ho-hum.... And I am so grateful. Honestly, I can be a little "serious" and a little "responsible"... To the point that sometimes I lose perspective... So I LOVE when Troy "mixes" things up a bit. :D

Okay, Troy has never done a Bieber song for me.... but he does do a mean Hulk Hogan impersonation... :D Ha! Hope ya have a great day!

Bug is 3!!!

Joshua by his birthday gift from Emily and Bailey - a soccer goal! :) 3 big brothers... At the party we only had 2 other families, both with three year old boys - AND - they both have little brothers just like Joshua. So we had 6 little boys! How fun and adventurous!!!

Bug and Tay shooting hoop.

Here's big sister Bailey helping Joshua and his friends make a birdseed craft. It's a bagel with peanut butter and birdseed. You set it out for the birds and squirrels.

Troy had way more fun than the little guys.

Not sure why they are all so frowny, but thought it was cute anyway. This is Kelley, Tay's girlfriend.

Yay!!! Cupcakes!!! Need I say more?

The man of the hour.... Joshua the Great! Who is unwilling to smile for his sister Emily (the photographer for the party).

Opening presents... he got some great ones!

He got a drum set with all kinds of fun rattles, shakers, and tambourine-like things inside of it. Remember me telling you how he yells out "high school band!" all the time?... now we have our own.

This is Chris (worship leader at church), Will (his son), Troy, Joshua, Bailey and Taylor breaking it down in a little "joyful noise" fun... Woooohoooo! A good time was had by all. Happy Birthday Joshua!!! I love you with all my heart.

State Champion Parade

On Saturday our community celebrated the State Championship all together at a little parade in the town square. I knew it was going to be great, but had no clue how special it would be... or how weepy I would get. :) It was a great way to wrap this all up though... The Championship game was on Friday Dec 16th. Because it was in Cowboys' stadium with a game immediately after ours we never really got to celebrate as a community. Then it was Christmas holidays.... So, this was so nice to all join together one last time (tears) to rejoice and share the amazing gift of this season. Over the siren/speaker, the sheriff's deputy announced: "THE 2011 STATE CHAMPIONS, THE MIGHTY WIMBERLEY TEXANS!!!"

The band remains one of our favorite parts of this whole experience. I already miss them. They were top notch and Joshua still runs around the house yelling, "HIGH SCHOOL BAND!"

Here's Coach Nelms in a convertible corvette. Very cool. And also very funny. He looked a little out of place. I was relieved when he actually made a joke about it later and admitted how funny it was for "this old country boy to be riding in a corvette". By the way - he was the epitome of humility. His wore his heart on his sleeve when he spoke, unashamed to let the tears flow about what this had meant to him. He gave credit for the championship to his coaching staff, the community, and to the hard work of the team.

Here's #79 waving like a maniac to Joshua. That's his buddy and running back Dennis Smith next to him.

Here's our Mayor congratulating the team and introducing others...January the 7th was declared Wimberley Texan Day. We had a couple of county commissioners present, the entire school board, principal, superintendent, and our State Rep Jason Isaac. Mr. Isaac presented Coach Nelms with the flag that flew over the State Capital the day of the game.

Here's the big trophy... notice that the UIL misspelled Wimberley. :D

Here's Tay and good buddy Nico Alana. Arguably one of the best middle linebackers in the state.

Tay and the Lambert boys Brady (qb) and his little brother West that got moved up to varsity for the playoffs and was the leading tackler for special teams (he's only a freshman).

Now... these last 5 pics are my very heart.

I should turn this one into a postcard that says... "Welcome to Wimberley, where the beauty of the Texas hill country abounds, championships are won, and the 5 most beautiful children in the world reside"... It's not a bad idea.

So Blessed - 2011

We are so blessed... Our cup (or basket) runneth over..... :D

Lord, thank you for another year full of life and joy. We celebrate our salvation in you, the joy and peace in knowing you. We celebrate all the good things you give us in this life here on earth... not the least of which is our family. I love my husband. He loves me. We we have 5 strong, healthy, beautiful, joyful children. They are growing deeper and stronger every day in their knowledge and love for you God. You have given them many talents and we as parents have delighted in watching them develop those talents. Oh Lord, we are rich in all of your blessings... thank you!

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10, The Message