The end of a great holiday

As our vacation winds to an end, I find myself feeling two things: sadness that our visit is over, and anticipation for returning to our own home/beds/routine. I think the hardest part is not knowing when we'll be back.

We've had a great time and have really enjoyed ourselves. Enjoy these last few pictures from our trip to the local indoor playground, another stay at Gma and Gpa Grey's, scenes from Idaho, and also a quick visit with our cute friends the Joyces. (Thanks for driving so far to see us for a quick visit!)

Goodbye, Idaho. South Cackalacky, here we come...

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Enjoy some photos of our busy couple of days. The kids have been great, visiting with and meeting new family and friends. We spent Christmas Eve and morning with B's dad and step mom and then spent Christmas Day and night with my mom and step dad. We had a lot of fun, and the kids were just showered with lots of fun things from Santa and family.

Love to you all and enjoy!

Scenes from Boise

I haven't been back to Boise in almost 5 years. Each time I return, I am shocked at how much the area has changed. No longer a small town, but a big city...

B~~ Enjoy the scenes from Idaho. The only thing missing is YOU! I love you! H2H

Let it snow...

Each day we've woken up to more snow. The kids are thrilled!

Here's a few more photos from our fun in the snow, as well as our trip to Build A Bear, and to the Garden Aglow -- 250,000 lights...

Enjoying Idaho

We've been in Idaho for about 6 days now, and are having a ball. We've visited with both sets of grandparents, visited Build a Bear Workshop and, of course, are LOVING the snow...

Enjoy the pictures and come back for more updates soon!

Christmas Corinthians

I heard this yesterday at my Bible study. I'd never heard it before, but was really touched by it. I pray it helps you focus on the reason for the season!


1 CORINTHIANS 13, CHRISTMAS VERSION

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry CHRISTmas!


-- Author Unknown



1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

A giggle for the day

Out of the mouths of babes...

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister.
After a while he asked: 'Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and
one for cold milk?'

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was
so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, 'If you don't
remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to
six.'

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. 'I love you so
much! That when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom
window.'

BRITTANY (age 4) had an ear ache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in
vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom
explained it was a child-proof cap and she'd have to open it for her.
Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: 'how does it know it's
me?'

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. 'Please don't
give me this juice again,' she said, 'It makes my teeth cough.'

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: 'How much do I
cost?'

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried when his Mom asked
what was troubling him, he replied, 'I don't know what'll happen with
this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in it?'

JAMES (age 4)! Was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man
named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his
wife looked back and was turned to salt.'
Concerned, James asked: 'What happened to the flea?'

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather
wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then
asked, 'Why doesn't your skin fit your face?'

The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday
sermon...'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward
heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are
but dust...' He would have continued but at that moment my very
obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite
audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is
butt dust?'

A visit to the Christmas Tree Farm

Today the kids and I went with Matthew's school to the local Christmas tree farm. We had a great time reading stories about baby Jesus' birth, coloring, eating a fun Christmas tree snack, and, of course, helping to pick the perfect tree for the school.

While the kids were having fun, I was attempting to snap the perfect picture for our Christmas cards... SIGH!! Did I get one? Watch your mailbox...

So Long, November!!

In looking back through our photos from the month of November, I can see we've been really busy. From Disney on Ice to playing around the house, to checking out the tractors who've worked on our road, to a visit to FL to see relatives and meet our newest little cousin, Jordan. We've had a great month and hope you enjoy the pictures. There's lots of them, so sit back, relax and enjoy!

Invisible Mother...

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously, not….. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible, the invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more. Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated sum a cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going; she's going; she is gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ….
Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe ... I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

'To My Dear Friend, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it. ' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.

It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're going to love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Big changes afoot...

Many of you know that Bryan and I have been considering our academic options for Cadey for her Kindergarten year for several months now.

It first began when I realized Cadey would be moving up from the great school the kids were attending for preschool. A friend and I hatched the idea that I could teach Kindergarten at the preschool (she would be my assistant.) I was aware that the preschool had plans to grow, however wasn't sure where they were in that plan. Let me digress for a minute and tell you more about the preschool. It's AWESOME: loving but firm teachers, great academics, small class size, half days, bible stories, chapel time, etc. etc. etc. So, I proposed opening a K class for the 2008-2009 school year with me being the teacher, and following the same type of curriculum already offered. They considered it. They met and voted on it. All looked good. Except one thing: space. It all came down to space. There wasn't any. Therefore, no Kindergarten there this year.

So then we started thinking homeschool. I looked into curriculum. I talked to a few people. I didn't do a whole lot of research, but before I could research more, I began to doubt my ability to teach my own child. What if I screwed her up? What if I did more damage than good? What if she turned out to be a HUGE geek who couldn't relate to her peers? What if we hated spending that much time together? What if, what if, what if...

So, I moved on. I called all private schools, both religious private schools and just plain private schools. None thrilled me. I even considered driving Cadey to a school on Hilton Head Island, which would have made our car time about 4 hours per day. The more I researched, the more disenchanted I became about all private school options. None of them seemed to have exactly what I wanted for Cadey. One local school wanted close to $13,000 a year for her to go to half day Kindergarten!! I subbed at the school when we first moved here and there wasn't anything I saw there that made me think spending that kind of money on a 5 year old's education was a smart thing to do. (Pun intended!)

So, with August fast approaching, we sent her to the public school where we're districted. I've heard lots of good things from other parents. It's supposedly the best public elementary school in town. However, our experiences have been less than stellar. (Go back to August and Septembers blogs to see how hard the beginning of school was for all of us.) My experience (and Cadey's) at the school has left me more concerned each day. Disrespectful adults yelling and condescending to students while parents are looking on, loooooooong day (over 8 hours), poor academics for average and above average students, many behavior issues, teachers with bad attitudes, and on and on and on.

Let me just say one thing. I think my daughter is smart. Not Albert Einstein smart, but smart. I don't think she should be penalized for that, nor should she have to be bored all day because the teacher is too busy with behavior problems or with working with the kids who can't even hold a pencil yet.

Yes, I've spoken to the teacher -- at length. I'm THAT mom. I used to dread moms like me when I was a teacher. But now the student is MY child -- and I will do anything to make sure she receives an above-average education and that she continues to be challenged to do her best. The teacher has stopped responding to me. When I asked for a more challeging reading group for Cadey, she said she'd talked to the first grade teacher and since they didn't do reading at the same time that it just wouldn't work. That's it. No more looking for ways to keep Cadey challenged. I even offered to come in and work with some of the kids (high, low, average, I don't care) so that all children can be challenged. No response. And now the teacher has ignored some issues I have with the way the assistant talks to the children, and not responded to any academic issues I have.

So, I'm back to homeschooling. Bryan and I have talked about this a lot. Those of you that know us, know that we don't make this decision lightly. It's not because I want to keep my child in a bubble. We've decided that the best teacher for our child right now is me. That may change over time and depending on our locale. However, for now, it's me.

I'm assembling materials, checking the law, dotting my i's and crossing my t's. And praying. For guidance, wisdom, and patience. For a lack of selfishness that I know will pervade my spirit when all I want is some Mom-ME time. Please pray with me.

She is my child. I am her advocate, her teacher. I will fight for what is best for her. She is my child. I am her teacher...

'Nuff said...

From hubby shirt

You do, honey! You do!!
Heart to heart...

Disney on Ice

Cadey, Matthew and I joined two of our very good friends for a trip to Savannah to watch Disney on Ice. The kids and I had a great time. They had fun watching all the action on the ice: Cadey was thrilled with the princesses and all the costumes, Matthew was thrilled by the lights, music, and smoke. I was thrilled watching their faces come alive with joy.

I was a bit shocked at how much souvenirs at the show were. Cotton Candy with a cheap plastic hat: $10. Snow cone in a small reusable cup: $10. Almost makes DisneyWorld seem like a deal!!

Once we made it past the souvenir booths, there was a booth for some sort of children's preventative medicine that was giving away FREE stuff. GASP! So, we headed to that booth and the kids got their very first tattoos!

Anyway, enjoy the few photos I took.

This one's for you Daddy!

Matthew was eating a push up outside and heard all the jets fly over. He suddenly got very pensive and told me "I miss my Daddy." When I asked him if he'd like to sing a song to his daddy, he perked right up.

Here's a song especially for you, Daddy!

Bike ridin' fools...

Cadey has finally decided that she's going to ride the big girl bike she received last Christmas. (I think it was the 3 year old who came over to play last week who rode it around that made Cadey think maybe she could do it too!!)

Enjoy a few videos of the pros and cons of learning to ride your bike on a dirt road. (And having a little brother who never wants to be left behind...)

Without further ado...

So, finally, here are the REAL costumes the kids wore this year. You'll have to excuse my REALLY crappy pictures. It was cold, the kids wanted candy, and so I didn't get to take really good pictures. Maybe I'll get them to put the costumes on again at home for a photo op!!

Halloween photos...not yet!

I know, I know, I know. Some of you have come to our blog repeatedly to see photos of the kids in their Halloween costumes. Well, the wait continues. I loaned my camera (with the photos from the kids trick or treating) to a friend who went to Orlando. I should be receiving my camera back in a few days and will then post the few pictures I have of my dinosaur and Ariel.

In the mean time, enjoy some of the other pictures I took throughout the month of October.

The Sound of Freedom

That's what it's called around here. The Sound of Freedom. And most days, I agree. I get much pride in seeing and hearing the F/A-18's roaring by overhead. Knowing they're training for some important mission. Knowing what B does makes a difference in the world.
But today, it's just annoying.
For many months, the air station has been repairing the runways. Apparently the one (I won't pretend to know the runway number) that points directly over our house is now repaired. Apparently EVERY jet at the air station has used it today REPEATEDLY to take off over our house.
And while I'm proud most days, today I'm just annoyed. Maybe it's because it makes me miss B more. Maybe it's because I'm feeling under the weather and just want to rest quietly. Maybe it's because IT'S JUST REALLY ANNOYING...

Halloween Preview

We haven't completely decided on what we're going to be yet, but here's a preview of two of our choices... Thanks Nana for sending these costumes!!

From October 08

From October 08

Pumpkin Patch

Today I accompanied Cadey and her class to a local farm for a field trip. We enjoyed a hay ride, a corn maze, a picnic, and seeing veggies on the vine. We even got to pick our pumpkin and cut it from the vine. Other than being exhausted from spending a WHOLE day with 25 kindergartners (WHEW!) I had a great time!!

Strong Guy

After his bath one night when Matthew was getting ready for bed, he came in to show me his muscles saying, "I'm getting to be as big and strong as Daddy!"

What a little man...

Flashback

Through several people, I found a website called Yearbook Yourself. It was a lot of fun. Here's my favorite --



It's from the 90's so maybe that's why I look so good --- I remember those times well, though I think my hair was MUCH higher than this!

Here's another good one. Momma -- we could have been best of friends in high school too!!

Do you know this guy?

These were too funny not to share. Look closely and you just might recognize this guy...

Doing well...

B is doing well. He sent this photo today and I thought it was a GREAT picture of him. Thought I'd share...

So tired...

... his pants fell off? Not sure about this one... When I went to get Matthew up from his nap, this is how I found him. He never really explained what he was doing, or how his pants were falling off while he was asleep....

I love this man...

I was looking through some photos, and I stopped on this one. I love this man. There's no way around it, through it, over it. It just is. I love him. With all my being. I am blessed to have found him, he means more to me than he'll ever know.

Your Daily Dose

"They know me in a way no one else ever has.
They open me to things I never new existed.
They drive me to insanity and push me to my depths.
They are the beat of my heart,
the pulse in my veins,
and the energy in my soul --
They are my kids."

My new toy

When we went camping last summer, we rented some bikes and a bike "trailer" to haul the kids in. We all had a great time and have talked about getting all the stuff we'd need to bike on a regular basis.
Well, a friend of mine gave me a nearly new bike trailer. All I was missing was the bike. Oh, and a rack for the back of the car since the trailer is in the back of the car. (You should have seen me at WalMart trying to figure out how to get the bike in the back since I didn't plan for the "minimal assembly required" in order to actually use the bike rack home from the store.)

Anyway, Taaaa-Daaaa.....

Crafty Cadey

Cadey has always loved to do "projects" but has just recently really gotten creative. She will take WHATEVER she can find and make something great out of it.

For instance, yellow construction paper, scissors, staples, and a marker? Wa-La: Princess Aurora/Sleeping Beauty Wig




How about construction paper scraps, scissors, markers, and staples? Duh, a paper doll!



And now for the finishing acts:

Your Daily Dose

'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.

If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.

If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.

If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.

She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So - if you give her any crap, you will receive a ton of shit.'

Rainy Day

We had a rainy day yesterday. After picking Cadey up from school, we came home and walked the neighbor's dog, Olive.

Enjoy the photos of the walk and the splashin' in the mud puddles!

Your Daily Dose

"By the time a woman realizes her mother was right,
she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong."

So true, so true. Sorry, Momma. You should have gotten more credit for correct answers!!

We're fine

My neighbor called yesterday and said, "Thanks, Annie. By renting that generator, you've effectively guaranteed we won't have anything to worry about."

He was right. What we actually received from Hanna pales in comparison to our regular, end of the day thunderstorms. I think all said, we had A wind gust -- maybe up to about 15 MPH, and about 1.5 inches of rain. SHEESH!!

I'm really trying to take the "glass half full" approach on this one and tell myself that now I know what I'll need to do in case we do need to prepare for a hurricane.

But, for now, we're enjoying the grass which was watered for free, and the beautiful sunrise.

A great article...

Mommy Lessons
By Elizabeth Davies

Chatting with an elderly woman in the supermarket check-out, I joked that I just might drive around for an hour on the way home in order to keep my snoozing newborn asleep.

She laughed, adding, “Not with the price of gas, you won’t!”

What that woman didn’t realize was that, to the exhausted mother of a newborn, a sleeping baby is priceless. $4 a gallon for gas? Fill me up. Heck, go ahead and triple the price. It’s worth it to hear that glorious sound of snoring in the back seat.

Three months into this roller-coaster ride of motherhood, I’ve learned more than I ever did in four years at college. I feel as if I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in parenting, and yet something tells me that, years from now, there still will be more to learn.

I’ve read entire books, scoured magazine articles and searched the web for answers. Some weeks, it’s about feeding. Other weeks, it’s sleep training. And yet, with all that information, there were some things I simply had to learn on my own.

Here are some of the lessons parenthood has to offer:

* The human bladder can hold out much longer than you ever imagined.
* Daily showers are overrated.
* Playing endless rounds of Pat-A-Cake can be more fun than a raging party on a Saturday night, so long as you have the right little person to play it with.
* A jumbo pack of Pampers has 88 diapers. That only sounds like a lot.
* People say dumb things.
* They ask when the baby is due, long after you’ve given birth. They say, “What a sweet little girl” to a child decked out in navy blue race cars and footballs.
* You can survive without steady amounts of food and sleep for lengthy periods of time. You aren’t pleasant to be around, but it’s do-able.
* A seven-pound person without the ability to speak, walk or form complete thoughts is somehow able to undo even the best-laid plans.
* A numb arm and cramped neck are a small price to pay for a baby who isn’t crying.
* Your spouse is a far more extraordinary person than you realized on your wedding day.
* If ever you said, “I would never do that,” you will be forced to eat your words.
* Thought you wouldn’t let your child cry in the grocery store? Once you’ve spent 30 minutes changing, dressing and loading your child into the car, then driving 15 minutes to the store and simultaneously spending 40 minutes shaking a rattle with one hand while picking out produce with the other, you’re not about to go home empty-handed.
* Time speeds up once you have a child. Somehow, 24 hours passes in a flash – even if you’ve spent most of it awake.
* The external stuff just doesn’t matter, so long as you’re making memories with the people you love.

It’s entirely likely that, long after I’m gone, my son will remember me as a woman who had spit-up on her shoulder, wrinkles in her clothes and a layer of dust on her furniture.

I’m okay with that.

Hunkering Down

Apparently Hanna is moving closer to us than predicted. Originally we were told just some rain and 10-20 mile an hour wind gusts overnight and into tomorrow morning. Now we're being told 40-50 mph winds, with 2-5 inches of rain, and that the storm should hit between 5 and 6 p.m. EST.

I did some planning and preparation earlier in the week, such as renting a generator and buying water, but have just now spent the last 45 minutes "tying down" our property. I'm not really expecting this one to be a doozy, but I am expecting to be without power. However, Ike is on Hanna's heels and that one has me worried!

So, for now, pray for us. We'll be in contact after the storm.

Your Daily Dose

I just received a really cool catalog in the mail that has a lot of really cool prints in it with great sayings, verses, poems and it made me start thinking. "Hmmm... I know a lot of people who would enjoy this." So, hence, the development of "Your Daily Dose."

I am going to post some of my favorites. I hope to do it frequently, but with tropical storms and hurricanes knocking on my door my time on the computer might be cut short. So, I'll do what I can.

Here's the first one... ENJOY!!

May the light always find you on a dreary day.
When you need to be home, may you find a way.
May you always have courage to take a chance.
And never find frogs in your underpants.

--an anonymous Scandinavian

No accidents...

In God's great world, there are no accidents. Everything that happens is part of His plan. As my recent Bible study stated, "God orchestrates the circumstances in my life to reveal His plan."

It's amazing to me how He reveals that. It's also amazing to me how it can take me so long before I actually get what God is telling me. (How many blessings have I missed out on because I didn't hear His word??)

I have been going to other churches in our area to give MOPS presentations. I have been to several different denominational churches. All of which I might have chosen when looking for a church for our family.

Let me digress for a second and explain how we came to be at our church. It's very close to our house. It meets in a non-threatening environment, a school. I saw the signs for the church every weekend. Their signs read, "Meeting you where you are." There was another sign that read, "Church clothes," and had a picture of blue jeans. I tried it. I liked it. Bryan came home. We went together. He liked it. And over time that 'like' became love.

But, I'd always believed we'd just lucked out in finding a church for us on our first try. However, after going to present at other churches and being a part of the services, God pointed out to me that He sent us to TCF for a reason. It was His plan!

Don't get me wrong. The other services were fine. I'm sure they were pleasing to God's ears. However, they just weren't our style. It took me about three services to realize that God was speaking to me. Telling me I was right where He wanted me. Telling me I'd found home.

Doing better...

The week for my kindergartner went well. A few things played into things going more smoothly this week:

1. We used the drive-through drop off line.
2. Cadey met a WONDERFUL teacher at drop off who has become her buddy. The teacher greets Cadey with a HUGE smile, a warm hello, and lots of hugs. PRAISE!
3. Cadey's become more comfortable and now walks into class with some of her classmates.

And the biggest reason it's going better??? God is there with her. Cadey got into the car after school on Monday and was very chatty. It then got quiet and I hear from her, "Momma? You know how we prayed that God would rise up some friends for me at school? Well, he did!!" She then went on to talk about how she played with several little girls from her class, and was even a "great friend" to one little girl by holding her hand and playing with her. (Big smile by Momma!)

And, that's all I have to say about that.

Yay, God!

Flying close to the nest

Cadey has finished her first week of Kindergarten. Being a shy girl, she was a bit nervous to start at a new school where she didn't really know anyone in her class. All four of us went on the first day, and she seemed to do pretty well. Didn't really want us to leave, but we were ushered out anyway. I shed a few tears, but after talking to Mom and B, was a bit soothed. When I picked her up at the end of the day, she told me all about her day, seemed happy, and said she had a good day. BIG PRAISE!

Day two did not go as well. Matthew and I walked her in, and she began to cry when I told her goodbye. The teacher helped her to get busy putting her backpack away and checking in. I made it to the car before tearing up.

Day three was about the same as day two. Not bad. Not great.

Day four ripped my heart out. Cadey started fussing about not wanting to go to school at about 7:30. Then, she became rude, mean, loud, and disobedient. I tried to be patient. I tried to be understanding. I tried explaining. Then I just told her we were going and began to count her each time she was disobedient, rude, or mean. That girl is stubborn!!!!!! By the time we left for school at about 8:10, she was in full-on tizzy mode. I basically had to drag her to class, crying all the way (her, not me.) Cadey was crying so hard that she could barely breathe. The teacher helped me try to distract her, but she wouldn't be soothed. I gave her extra hugs and kisses. And we said another prayer. Finally, the teacher took her to her desk and talked to her. Her red, tear streaked face, and the look on her face as she looked at me leaving will forever be burned into my heart. I was crying when I left. I didn't even make it to the car that day before losing it. I just couldn't console her or myself. Was I throwing her to the wolves? Would she be forever scarred? Would she come out of her shell and make friends? So many questions I had. I still do.

Day five, Friday, went better at drop off for one reason: Daddy was going to the school to have lunch with Cadey. She was excited. So, getting into the room and getting settled was easy. However, Daddy reported that leaving from lunch was much like the previous day's drop off. Cadey crying, trying to pull the teacher (who was holding her hand) down the hall after Daddy. SIGH!!!

Let me explain one thing here: I am not shy. Never have been, don't ever plan to be. It's just the "Dakins" in me. So, Cadey's shyness is hard for me. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I know that once she gets comfortable, she will come out of her shell. But, the coming out has NEVER been so painful or so traumatic before. I think about my little precious girl in that BIG school with ALL those kids and ALL the new experiences and I just want to wrap my loving arms around her and hold her forever. I know I can't do that. I know that I must open my wings so that she'll learn to do the same and soar.

So, for now, both Momma bird and baby bird are staying close to the nest. I'm coaxing for more flight time, but also comforting my wee one upon her return. I see her potential to soar. She just needs to flex her wings for a while to learn the air currents. One day, she'll be so happy riding those currents she'll forget all about being out of the nest. And then, she'll truly soar!

Taaa-Daaaa

For a couple of weeks, Matthew kept asking for spoons. He'd go to the drawer and get spoons. I thought he might like them to pretend to eat, play plah-doh with, make music. Alas, no. He would just walk around with them.

One day he came into the office with his spoon and I noticed him doing this:

Guess I underestimated his abilities with a spoon!


And, while Nana was here, she got Cadey working on a bunch of projects. Check out one of the things Cadey made with a little help from Nana. (She added on extra rooms "for the babies to sleep in" after Nana had left!)


Their abilities, while quite different, ABSOLUTELY show their personalities right now. They are an adventure each and every day!!

It's been a while...

I know it's been a while since I posted, but this week has been crazy. So, with the end of August coming up, I'll just post a few things now (as a teaser) and post the rest of our photos at the end of the week...

First, I wanted to post a few photos of Matthew. There have been a few days where he hasn't gotten an afternoon nap, and come about 4, he can't stay awake any longer. Hence, the couch sleeper:

Standing on the edge

My little bird is standing on the edge of the nest trying to decide if she will fly. Looking back at Momma and Daddy and baby brother bird in the only nest she's known is safety, comfort, and a known quantity. Looking out, the world appears huge, scary, and unknown.

Today we took Cadey to her Kindergarten Open House. We met her teacher and the teacher's assistant. VERY nice ladies. Cadey really seemed to like them. Both C and Matthew enjoyed playing in the kitchen/housekeeping centers. Of course, they also enjoyed the welcome table with lots of cookies.

We've had several talks about kindergarten. Cadey keeps telling me she's nervous. Today, in the car, I almost cried telling her I was nervous too and that I would miss her each day. Then we get into the class and she doesn't look back at me. I see her little wings begin to flutter.

Monday she'll start her first day of kindergarten. Mamma bird is trying to accept that this is a first, and necessary step into independence. Baby bird is trying to understand how and why his big sister would want to go to a school that he can't yet attend. Daddy bird is just overwhelmed with the thought his baby will be flying around without him here to watch over her.

We know she'll excel. We know she can do it. It's not her hesitation, it's ours.

For now we watch her perch on the edge of the nest and flutter. Flutter, big girl, flutter.

I am grateful!

On Thursday we had the most severe storm I've ever witnessed in my almost-six years in Beaufort. No warning. Fine one minute, then HUGE winds, lots of rain, and lots of "Boom-boom-booming" as Matthew calls it.

I was grateful for the free water for my yard. Even enjoyed watching God's power out my window. Talked with the kids about the thunder being the angels bowling. (Thank you Momma and Nana VanHandel for that one...) The wind howled, the rain blew sideways, leaves fell.

Then the power went out. No biggie. Not the first time. The kids and I enjoyed a picnic on the floor. (B was still at work.) We used the camping lanterns to "camp." I figured the power would be back on in no time at all. WRONG!!!

I put the kids to bed and within 30 minutes, Cadey was begging for "some sort of air, pleeeease." Her little bangs were soaked and stuck to her face. So, I brought her down to my room. Mind you, it was hotter than hades in there too. So then I think I'd better go check on Matthew, and when I get upstairs, the kids looks like he's just taken a shower. Sweat soaked. Bring him downstairs. Set up a bed on the floor for the kids. Not having any "camping" fun anymore. I mean, heck, even the pop up had A/C!

So, long, hot, sweaty, whiny, cranky story later (30 hours later to be exact) the power comes back on. I thought I would cry with relief. Of course, the power came on 3 hours after we'd gone to the local hardware store and rented a generator to hook up our fridge and some fans to...

So, like I said in the title, I'm grateful. For many, many things. But on two hot, humid South Carolina days and one night, for A/C.

Had to share

I received this today as part of an email, and I just loved it so much I had to share...

'Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!'

I am blessed and highly favored!

Save your moo-lah!!

I was recently checking out at our local Kmart when I came upon the new A & W Float. "A creamy blend of rich A&W and Ice Cream flavor." So I'm envisioning a wonderful root beer float -- all in one bottle. I could barely rein in my anticipation as the bottles chilled in the fridge. I even prepped a nice frosty glass. Hours later, I open the bottle and begin to pour.

Clue number one that it's not what you anticipated: No fizzy bubbles.
Clue number two that it's not what you anticipated: Drink appears a cloudy whitish color.
Clue number three that it's not what you anticipated: It tastes like crap! Seriously, it tastes like a VERY old soda with a plastic vanilla flavored air freshener thrown in.

When I read the label, I assumed that the "Rich A&W" was a yummy root beer flavor. WRONG!! Maybe they meant the taste of the "Rich A&W bathroom floor." Maybe I just read too much into the label...

I mean, seriously, how did this drink EVER get past the taste tests????

So, my expert opinion is to save your money. Your money would be better flushed down the toilet, not drinking this thing that tastes like the toilet (though I've never actually tasted a toilet, this is probably what it tastes like!)

That's all for now...

More art

This one was too funny not to share. Cadey drew a picture of the day we went to the beach with some of our friends. However, she did not draw her friends, she drew mine. The two little kids are Cadey and Matthew and the adults are me and some of my girlfriends -- not necessarily the ones who were at the beach with us, but none the less, my friends. I didn't dare ask if the adult with the HUGE belly and belly button was me -- I don't really want to test my daughter's honest reactions!! hee hee

Please note the use of stickers for swimsuits, sunglasses, and accessories.

Cadey's Art

Cadey has become quite the artist. She's always loved doing projects and coloring, but her ability level and attention to detail have really begun to accelerate.

Below is the picture of David and Goliath that she drew. Notice the sling, the rock David slung, and the trajectory of the rock. Please also note the "scary giant" teeth on Goliath. I was also happy to see that Cadey understood the reason David was able to slay Goliath, as noted in her postscript to the side, "Love, God."

Camping again

We took the kids camping again this weekend. We are all really loving it. Wish we could continue on as it gets cooler, but we'll have to wait until next spring for more camping adventures.

This time, we took the kids about 3 hours upstate, along the Georgia border. We went to a place called Hamilton Branch State Park, which sits on Strom Thurmond Lake. Though the lake was about 15 feet below it's normal level due to the drought, it was beautiful. Hot, hot, hot, but beautiful.

We also rented a canoe for this trip. Once the kids got used to their life vests, all was great.

Here we go again...

We're on the countdown for our next deployment. I say "our" because the each member of the family is deeply impacted due to one member's absence. I can't explain all the things that go on in my head, my heart, and my household as we prepare for another long separation.

First is overwhelm. I now have to tend to three people BY MY SELF, keep the house tidy and ready for possible buyers BY MY SELF, mow the yard, cook all the meals, do the laundry, clean, take care of three people BY MY SELF. This isn't new. I know these feelings are "normal." But they still frustrate me. This ain't my first deployment. But, God willing, it will be our last.

Then comes the anxiety. WHERE is he going???? Will he be coming safely home? Why am I worrying about this since it's out of my hands?

I feel myself pulling away from my husband. I hate that. It's almost as if it's uncontrollable. I begin to hate the very job that brings him joy, and us a paycheck. I am proud of him and the job he does, don't get me wrong. But I want my husband here. All the time.

This time, the kids get it. That makes it that much harder. Explaining why Daddy has to be gone is hard. I can't even console them with the old stand by, "He'll be home soon." No, he won't. It's a long, long time when you're a kid. Heck, it's a long, long time when you're a grown woman.

Oh, I love my family. I realize it is a true blessing that I am so in love with my husband and my family that I hate to be apart. I guess that's what makes it even harder to see him leave. Knowing what I have and that I don't want that to change. I've never been much good at change that I didn't instigate or plan myself.

One thing has been consistent for me in this anxious time: God. I hear his quiet voice reminding me I am not alone. That he has plans for me. That I don't need all the answers and that I don't know all the answers. That's His job. Thank God for God. Knowing He's there to watch over me, my husband, and our children is a blanket of comfort I'll roll up in and keep close for the upcoming months. Thanks, God for cuddling me. Thank you for holding my hand, for listening to my fears, for drying my tears.

I can do this. I can.

Family Photos

A good family friend took some photos of us this weekend. We've never had "formal" photos taken as a family, so I am glad we got some done. And, I'm thrilled with the outcome. Here's a sneak peek...

Fantastic Fourth

We had a fantastic Fourth of July! We joined some friends for a BBQ, followed by swimming at the pool, and finished off by the first time we've watched fireworks as a family. It was an amazing feeling to realize the circle of life: I remember the 4th festivities with my family and was just thrilled to see my kids enjoying fun times with their friends and our family. It was a memory I'll treasure forever!

Happy Birthday, Cadey!

I absolutely cannot believe our girl is FIVE!! Seems like not so long ago we were meeting her for the first time. Had a lot of great times and wonderful memories in the last five years. Can only imagine where we'll go from here.

Today we went to lunch with one of Cadey's little girlfriends who was unable to make it to the party last week. After lunch (and an ice cream sundae) we took the girls to have their nails polished. Cadey ended up with blue toes and orange-ish sparkly fingers!!

If only she knew what a blessing she is to us!

The rest of June

By now you've already seen most of our June in pictures. However, there are a few photos I still wanted to share...

Most of these are from a field trip we took with MOPS to the Hilton Head Sandbox, an interactive children's museum. It was awesome and the kids loved it. In addition to lots of areas to explore and play, they had two craft areas with all the craft supplies you could think of. Cadey was in crafting heaven. Needless to say, Cadey spent most of her time there and pumped out some pretty great art!!

Finding Community

This weekend, B and I took the kids for their first ever camping trip. Now, don't get all misty eyed. Stop thinking about backpacks, bear whistles (not this girl!!), canteens, indistinguishable food in vacuum pouches...

We didn't completely "rough it." We rented a pop-up camper from MCCS and headed to the closest state park-- about 20 minutes from home. C was THRILLED at the little "house" and was even more excited that it had air conditioning. Ah, such a girl!! (And don't you even doubt that she HAD to wear a dress or skirt for camping!) After about 30 minutes outside, she decided she wanted to go inside and play Barbies. SIGH! She spent most of her time in the A/C.
M loved playing outdoors, and once he got over the whole "It's dirty!" thing, he was into this camping thing. He loved digging in the dirt, peeing in the bushes, watching the bugs, the dogs, and the people, and being outside with Daddy. He thought our regular "tick checks" were hilarious.

While camping, we rented bikes with a small trailer for the kids. Though we only stayed on the roads within the park, it was a great time. One evening I went for a ride by myself. It was about dinner time and most people were outside of their tents/campers/RV's, sitting or playing outside. Kids were riding bikes all over, people were walking dogs, and some were riding their "fun buggies" (golf carts) through the park. Each time I'd pass a campsite or another person, greetings were exchanged. Everyone seemed relaxed. And then it struck me-- this is a sense of community. Here we all are without TV (though I did see a few in RV's and we're guilty of bringing the portable DVD player), computer, telephones, talking amongst ourselves, visiting, sharing ketchup and whatever else we forgot, and I felt my sense of community restored. Life felt simpler, easier, more enjoyable. I felt my stress at keeping up with the world vanishing. I felt a swell of well being in myself, my family, and my life. I actually heard God's still, small voice encouraging me on. My spirit needed that.

I guess that's why we parents take our kids camping. Not just for the fond memories we recall from our own childhood, but to show our children that this amazing world offers more than TV, computers, toys, toys, toys. To slow down and reconnect with each other, and God. The chance to feel like we are the only family in the world. The chance to depend on one another, listen to one another, play together, just to BE.

Though I'm tired, and the laundry is trailing down the hallway, I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything. It has reminded me what's important in life: being with my family in a close space for an extended period, living simply, living in the now, listening for God's encouraging and supportive voice, and bug spray!

Kids' Birthday Party

On Thursday, we had the kids' birthday party, complete with huge inflatable water slide. Cadey zipped right down the slide, went under water, and then wanted nothing to do with it the entire time her friends were here. She did play in the pool and outside with them.
Matthew played with his blocks inside the sliding door and only came out for cupcakes and after everyone left! SIGH!!
After everyone left, the kids and I tried out the slide. It was BIG fun. We played out there together for over two hours.
B and I talked about it and we can't believe that our kids are 3 and 5!! Where did the time go???

Daddy's HOME!!

B made it back from Yuma on Friday. We were all so glad to have him home. It seemed like a lot longer than 3 1/2 weeks. When the kids went running to B on the flight line, it was all I could do to hold back my tears. I don't know that there is anything more precious than seeing your children run to their father with pure glee on their faces and in their words, yelling, "Daddy! Daddy!" It was a sight I'll cherish forever.

On his first morning back, B was having a little trouble adjusting to the 3 hour time change and was a little sleepy. Not wanting to miss out on anything Daddy was doing, the kids "helped" Daddy with his nap!

More TN pics

We had a great time in Tennessee. Here's a few more pictures of our trip. As you can see, we spent a good amount of time in the pool, playing dress up, and playing the new guitar!

Thanks, Nana & Papa!

Just returned from a visit to Tennessee to see Nana and Papa. Had a great time, spending most of it in the pool. Here are a few photos. I'll post the rest after I finish unpacking and find my way to the bottom of the laundry!!

Birthday "Moneys"

Matthew was given some birthday "moneys" that he chose to spend today at WalMart on a new guitar. One of his friends has a guitar and Matthew plays with it all the time when they're over at his friend's house. As you can see, Matthew is ecstatic about his new guitar. Major Rock Star!!

And, apparently, wearing pants while being a rock start is strictly optional!!

He's THREE!!

ACK!! Where did the time go? Our baby boy turned three today! SIGH!! He has become such a big boy, using the potty, talking up a storm, starting to write his name, singing, playing Play Doh... He is a true character and a wonderful blessing to our family!

May...

May has been a very, very busy month for us. From recitals, to a trip to Florida, to Field Day at school, to our first trip to the dentist, to a visit with our friends Kara, Connor, and Olivia, to a visit with Great Grandma Grey, Nancy, and Paul, to getting a new BIG BOY car seat for Matthew, to a visit to the local fire station with our MOPS group, to trying out the new indoor entertainment place called Island Playground!!!

We've had a very busy month and hope you enjoy seeing the highlights in our pictures!!

Whassup with that?

Yeah, yeah. It's been a while since I've posted. I think about posting all the time. I just never get the time to sit down and do it. I have tons of pictures to upload to show you all, and tons of things that I think the world should hear me say (or read me say???) just never seem to get around to blogging.
So here are two photos from yesterday. The kids were up in their playroom when they came down saying, "Look, Momma! We've dressed up -- as GIRLS!"


Needless to say, B can't wait to get M out to find frogs, ride bikes, dig in the dirt...


SHEESH!! What big sisters will do when you think they're just having fun with you!! If you look close, there's even shiny lip gloss... 'Nuff said!

First trip to the dentist

Today I took the kids to the dentist for the first time. Now, before you start lecturing me, know that I take VERY good care of my kids' teeth, that Grandpa Duke (who's a dentist) has looked at the kids teeth, and Grandma Jimmy (she's a hygienist, and all around swell person) has given lots of input on the best way to care for the kiddos' teeth.

So, that said, we made our trek. Matthew was all game. He jumped right up in the chair, giggled at almost everything and actually ASKED for the light on in his mouth! He loved the "magic straw" that sucked the water and spit out of his mouth and he played with it even after he had his turn in the chair.

Cadey was a whole different story. Looked at the hygienist very skeptically and just wouldn't take anything she said to heart. Cadey wanted nothing to do with the "tickle toothbrush," the "magic straw," or the special tooth cleaner. The hygienist, being blessed with MUCH more patience than I was, suggested that Cadey sit on my lap. We tried that while the hygienist inspected, flossed, and cleaned -- with a regular toothbrush and paste!

I was a picture taking fool, but you'll notice that there aren't many of Cadey. That's because she was sitting on my lap during her exam and it made taking pictures of her very difficult!!

All in all, it was a good trip. The dentist says they both have beautiful teeth, so I am relieved at that. Cadey would have NEVER gone back had she had to have a shot and cavity filled!! The kids actually asked if they can go back to the dentist tomorrow! Hope they remember that attitude in 6 months!

Another great trip...

Last week, Bryan and I took the kids to Florida for a vacation. We spent 3 days in Orlando visiting Sea World, Downtown Disney, City Walk (Universal's version of Downtown Disney) and plenty of time in the pool at the resort. Then we went over to the beach and spent another 3 days on Anna Maria Island visiting with family and playing at the beach. Enjoy the photos!

Cadey's big performance

I think I've finally figured out how to get a bit larger video downloaded! WHEW!!

Anywho... enjoy the movie. This is the dance that Cadey performed for her first ever recital. HOT, HOT, HOT!

Recital Dress Rehearsal

Okay, I've been struggling for weeks to figure out how to download the short video I took so that I can show it on my blog. However, I cannot get Google Video to recognize my sign in/password. That means that I haven't been able to upload the video of Cadey dancing at her dress rehearsal. But, I was able to upload a little video of Matthew dancing along with Cadey. So, enjoy this one and I'll figure out the other one soon!

Where did it go???

I just cannot believe how quickly this month has gone! Between welcoming Bryan home from a det, to getting prepped for Cadey's recital, it's been a busy month. Cadey's recital is this weekend and then we're heading down to FL for some family time. It's actually B's pre-deployment leave, but we aren't going to discuss that yet!!

Mommy Coffee

Mom Jeans

If any of you want to go to JCPenny with me to get some of these new jeans, we can stop on the way for a new mini van and then head to WalMart for big ol' white briefs that are a must have with these jeans!! SHEESH!

So here's what's been up at our house...

Exciting news! Our boy is using the big boy potty. He's now wearing "undies" and loves the Spiderman and Friends that Grammy and Grampy sent. Though he still needs to be reminded to go on the potty, and we've had a few "showers" while learning (training a boy is SO different than training a girl!) we are all really proud of him. These are a few pictures of Matthew doing his Undie Dance. (We now call him Captain Underpants which makes him giggle.)


Is there anything cuter than a tiny heiny in little briefs? I think not...


On to Cadey... She's been preparing for her first ever recital. Though she's been taking ballet and tap, it seems as if her routine is more jazz. Actually, it's just trying to get 8 little girls to all do the same thing at the same time.

Getting ready for the recital has been really crazy. Seems as if the dance school uses all the same rules/policies for all ages of children, and so my 4 year old is subjected to the same stuff as the 16 year olds who are on the dance team. Here's what I mean:

• Garish Costume $40
• Mandatory ad sales for program $45 (you either bought it yourself or tried to hawk it!)
  
• Pictures $45 for least expensive option
• Dress Rehearsal, on a Sunday, no parents allowed: 1:30-3:00
• Video of Recital $45 (no private video cameras or still cameras with flash allowed)
• Recital Day flowers: $20
• Recital: Arrive 45 minutes early, then sit through 1 hour of earlier performances, perform for 1 minute 30 seconds, then sit for another 30 minutes. No parents allowed backstage, no early leavers, no late arrivals.
• Another frustration: Recital is scheduled on Bryan's first day of pre-deployment leave, the day we are to leave for our trip to Florida!!!

Needless to say, I'm not very happy about it all. SHE'S FOUR!! And there ain't no way she'd be confused with a prima ballerina at this point!!

Cadey has not been too excited about the recital, as she doesn't understand why people are looking at her and smiling and laughing. I've tried to explain it all, but we'll see if she actually dances on the day of the BIG SHOW. Next week, the girls will have a dress rehearsal at the dance school that we can video. If I can get a good video of her next week at the dance school, and she doesn't want to dance at the recital, we'll just bag it and head to Florida!

Okay, enough ranting and on to the photos I quickly snapped last weekend while the girls were waiting for their professional photos .


And about an hour after I took this photo, Cadey's fever soared up to 105.7 and we started battling a horrible virus that took over 5 days to get rid of. Her fevers were the scariest part, with the highest being 106. She's still a little congested, but no more fevers! WHEW!

So, watch for video/photos of the recital/dress rehearsal to see what happens!