A Visit to the Fire Station

After what happened two weeks ago, I felt the boys and I should do something to let our local fire department know how much we appreciate what they do for us. So, we baked cookies and brought them to the fire station.

We know a couple fireman, and Erik knows most of them. So, it was a lot of fun to visit them!! I had a feeling that they might let my boys sit in a truck, so I brought my camera and left it in the car.





They went above and beyond my imagination!! Hands down, they were some of the nicest guys ever!! Not only did they give the boys fireman hats, but they gave them a seriously detailed tour of their firetruck and emergency response truck, too. They showed the boys nozzles and hoses, hammers and axes, ladders and lights. The boys had a blast!





A fireman they call "Frog" did most of the touring! He had an obvious love for children!



The boys learned a lot! They asked soooo many questions!!




The boys couldn't wait to get home and play fireman!!

And, here is a cute little fire chief!

Pre-school Grad

My little pre-school graduate. . .

I'm so proud of you, little man. It has been quite a year, and I have watched you grow up in so many different ways. You began the year fighting us about having to go to pre-school. You missed being at home terribly, and you did not know one single child in your class. Your least favorite part of school was playing in the gym. In fact, you used to sit by the teachers instead of playing with the other kids.

Now your favorite part of school is playing in the gym!! And, you have become friends with so many of your classmates.

Little Gracie's mother told me what a sweet friend you have been to her little girl. She said Gracie used to cry every day at school during the first semester of this year. She would come home each day and say that there was one little boy (you) who would comfort her when she cried. She said you would come over to her, put your arm around her and pat her back. Her mom said that it meant so much to Gracie! I love how you took something that was difficult for you and used it to help someone else. You are a very special and precious little boy, and I am so thankful that God has allowed me the honor of being your mom. I'm so proud, and I love you so much!

These are all the classes at your preschool. You and the rest of your class are in the green t-shirts! You all sang several songs showing off different things you learned this year, such as how to spell the color words.

I love the picture above because I see a glimpse of Uncle Kelly in your eyes. And, you know how I love my big brother!!!

They announced at this point in the ceremony that your class would be the graduating class of 2021!!! I am not ready for that graduation ceremony, but, thankfully, neither are you!!!

Here you are with some of your friends after the big ceremony!! I love to watch you interact with your classmates!!!

Mrs. Jenny, your teacher, gave you a sweet hug good-bye. I think she grew especially fond of you this year. As she hugged you, she told you that she was certain she would hear lots about you in the years to come. Then, your Daddy came over and put his hand on her back and thanked her for all she has done for you this year. Daddy said that when she looked up at him there were tears in her eyes. You are so loved little one. You may have a small body, but you have a huge heart. And, your sweet heart impacts those around you. Never forget that.

Deana B snapped this picture of us walking to the car, and I really like it!!

Our family ~ right now anyway!

And, last but most certainly not least, is a picture of your Daddy holding sweet Afton.

After the ceremony all of the graduates walked out of the gym in a single file line. Afton was standing along the way, and she reached out her hand and gave you five!!! It was a precious moment! If only I had known it was coming, I wish that I could have captured it with my camera!!

If I am this emotional about your preschool graduation, how in the world will I make through your kindergarten and high school graduations, not to mention college. . .

I love you, my Joshua.

Today I...

* Got up at 5:30.
* Did my Beth Moore - Jesus the One and Only Devotional and prayed for my family & friends while sipping Bifferdoodle coffee and eating a Snickers Protein Bar.
* Received good morning cuddles from 3 little boys.
* Showered and got myself ready.
* Got 3 little boys dressed, fed, and ready for the day.
* Kissed my husband and oldest son good-bye.
* Started a load of laundry.
* Made a few phone calls.
* Put 2 baskets of folded, clean laundry away.
* Rocked Elijah to sleep for his morning nap.
* Changed laundry and took JCT outside to play a bit.
* Came inside, made JCT a snack & read the Squire and the Scroll to him. He loves that book!
* Made boys' lunches and packed them in baggies.
* Went in to get Elijah and fed him some yogurt, bananas, and applesauce.
* Took Rain out with boys.
* Let boys play outside for a few minutes.
* Took boys on a walk to see the horses - 6 horses were standing at the front corner! The boys were so happy to see so many all together! And, a beautiful white one came to the fence beckoning us to pet her. And, so I obliged.
* Walked home & loaded boys in the van to go get Joshua from preschool.
* Read an animal book to Elijah while waiting for Joshua in the pick-up line.
* Gave big boys their Pb&js & fruit for lunch to eat in the car on the way home.
* Drove home & let boys play outside for a few minutes.
* Corralled everyone back inside, folded clean clothes, and changed laundry.
* Took a tired JCT upstairs for a nap. 3 songs later, he was sound asleep in my arms.
* Put dinner in the oven - a sirloin roast with potatoes.
* Fed Rain.
* Ate some scraps from the boys sandwiches and some fruit for lunch. Then, I pigged out on chocolate peanut butter cookies.
* Rocked Elijah to sleep for his afternoon nap.
* Biked on the stationary bike for 30 minutes & read "That's My Son" by Rick Johnson while Joshua unbeknownst to me made some sort of "dinner" in the kitchen using a large tupperware bowl, goldfish crackers, a slice of American cheese, soap, and water. Then, he proceeded to pour this "soup" into several other tupperware containers. Needless to say, I had a bit of a surprise to clean up when I got off the bike.
* Payed bills and balanced the checkbook.
* Sat outside in the breezeway and read 2 chapters of Stuart Little to Joshua.
* Cleaned up Joshua's "dinner" mess while he played in breezeway with cars.
* Started Dishwasher.
* Gave JCT a big welcome to our world hug when he woke up from his nap!
* Washed the van with the help of my big boys! They loved it! Joshua asked if we could do it again tomorrow! No doubt, I'll have a clean van this summer!
* Went inside to grab my sweet 'Lijah and welcome him back to our world after his nap!
* Pulled his superyard outside and set it up.
* Looked over my calendar while boys played. Well, I looked over it for a second before about six gazillion requests came my way. "Mommy could you get the. . .", "I hurt my toe. . .", "Can we have juice?", "Let's go to the swingset!", etc.
* Pushed 3 boys on swings.
* Stopped playing to say a prayer for Bubba (Erik's brother) who has been at the hospital all day having tests run to figure out why he is in so much pain. Ended up being his gallbladder and surgery followed.
* Kissed a few boo boos.
* Walked up the street and back, pushing Elijah in the stroller while Joshua and JCT alternated between riding bikes and walking.
* Took Rain out.
* Corralled boys and superyard back inside.
* Fed Elijah some yogurt and cheerios to tide him over until dinner.
* Folded laundry and started last load for the day!
* Put dishes in dishwasher away.
* Put clean clothes and towels away.
* Bathed 3 little dirty boys in one big tub! Fun!
* Got everyone out and dressed in PJs. Got hugs and kisses from clean, happy boys!
* Took roast out of oven. Pulled some potatoes off to cool for Elijah to eat with his leftover green beans.
* Made Salads and put french bread in the oven.
* Freshened myself up a bit for Erik - a splash of perfume on my wrist and a dusting of powder on my face.
* Got a call from Erik - on his way!!!!! Yay!!
* Had boys set table while I prepared everyone's plates.
* Received a sweet kiss from Erik.
* Dinner is served!
* Clean up dinner dishes, wipe down table, stick sugar cookies in oven, and sweep kitchen floor.
* Feed boys their well-deserved dessert of sugar cookies.
* Kiss Erik goodbye, so he can do a little training for his triathlon.
* Lay out clothes for me and boys to wear tomorrow.
* Rock Elijah to sleep. One down, two to go. . .
* Make a few phone calls and wash my face while big boys wind down and play cars in sunroom.
* Take big boys upstairs for bedtime routine - beginning with brushing teeth and going to the bathroom.
* Snuggle on JCT's trundle bed and read the story of Samson. Joshua talks me into reading 3 stories, and I am a sucker. So, we read about Ruth and Naomi and then last but not least about Hannah praying for God to give her a son - Samuel!
* Pray.
* Sing songs and scratch backs.
* Say goodnight and go downstairs.
* Text Jen - to make sure she is hanging in there with her husband having a surprise surgery and all!
* Pulled van into garage and stood outside for a few minutes to listen to the prettiest, clearest whippoorwill sing his song from a tree near our home.
* Get out laptop and sit down on couch with a glass of ice water with lemon. Ahhhh. . .
* Joshua comes down, sits next to me, gives me a hug and a kiss and a really cute smile, and tells me that JCT needs to "poo poo." He asks if he can sit downstairs with me until JCT is done. I tell him of course he can.
* We look at pictures of him on my blog until we hear JCT moving around upstairs. This means one thing and one thing only. He has gotten off the potty with a dirty bottom and is doing heaven only knows what with his pj pants down around his ankles.
* I take off like lightening, pushing Joshua to the side, and run upstairs. JCT is standing by the bathtub looking at his bath toys with his pj pants down around his ankles as I expected. I pull him back over to the toilet and wipe his bottom. He flushes, and we wash our hands.
* I say good night for the last time (I pray) and go back downstairs.
* Sit back down on the couch and write this post. Boys actually quit talking and went to sleep! Enjoy feeling my youngest son wiggle around in my belly!
* Now Erik has called and is on his way home! Yay!

Just another typical day for us, but I thought this might be fun to read in 10 or so years.

Erik and His Big Boys

A Boy and His Big Wheel

Every little boy loves his Big Wheel.

Joshua has a bazillion different bike-like toys to ride on, but his favorite overall is without a doubt his Big Wheel.

But, I must admit when Erik told me that he let Joshua ride his Big Wheel down the hill that goes up to the horses, my heart skipped a beat.

And, of course, Joshua couldn't wait to show me his new favorite thing to do.

So, I went, I watched, and I nearly lost my lunch.

I prayed the child all the way down.

But, he loved it, every single second of it.

The Ascent. . .

As I watched Erik and Joshua walk up the hill carrying the Big Wheel, all I could think was how tiny my little boy looked in comparison to that huge hill!!

The descent. . .

The thrill of the ride. . .

The wind in his hair, the joy in his laugh, the roar of those plastic tires. . .

Pure little boy FUN!!

Lovin' his Big Wheel!

Honeysuckle. . .

is without a doubt one of my favorite things about spring! Honeysuckle sprouts up in new places all over our yard every year! It is literally everywhere this time of year, and I love it! As soon as I walk out the door, that sweet, clean aroma hits me! And, the boys love to pick it and taste the delicious nectar on the tip of their tongue! God has such a wild imagination, and it is so evident in nature!

Not According to Plan. . .

Why me? Why today?

This was not the day that I planned. And, I like to plan my days. . . to the most minutest of details.

I woke up ready to conquer the world ~ so to speak, anyway. But, it was quite short lived, I assure you. By 8:30 I had three boys dressed and ready to go run a few errands in the lovely town 30 minutes from our home. We piled in our van and headed that way. . .

The plan for my day was this. . .

8:30 - 9:00 - DRIVE

9:00 - 9:15 - Exchange the cute Keen sandels that Erik got JCT in a size too small at a little outdoors store that supposedly opens at 9:00.

9:15- 9:30 - Run in Lowes to get one quick item.

9:30 - 10: 30 - Do weekly Super Wal-mart trip.

10:30-11:00 - Drive home; Elijah take quick morning nap while we drive.

11:00-11:30 - Unload groceries, put away, change clothes, and get ready to go to baby shower at Erik & Sean's office (for their sweet little x-ray girl, B.).

11:30 - 1:00 - Load boys in van and head to Erik's office for shower.

1:00 - 3:00 - Go home, boys down for good long afternoon naps.

3:00 - 6:00 - Boys play with Daddy, Mommy loves life, and dinner for boys.

6:00 - 9:00 - Parent's Night Out at church; drop boys off and ENJOY AN EVENING ALONE WITH MY DARLING HUSBAND WHO I LOVE!!! Eat a meal and relax ~ no one to take care of but myself - no bottoms to wipe, diapers to change, food to cut up, etc.

Reality Check ~ here goes. . .

9:00 - store not open. I waited a few minutes and no one came, so I opted to return after the Wal-mart trip rather than waste anymore time waiting.

I headed to Lowe's. The Lowe's trip went well complete with doting older people to occupy my sons while I checked out.

Then, we went to hades, I mean, Super Wal-Mart where all that can go wrong ~ will go wrong.

The trip began with a bad cart. Why do I always get the most difficult carts to manuever? It never fails, and I don't realize it until I turn my first corner and by that time I am way too far gone to turn back.

So, I continued with my difficult cart. . . There were the usual inconveniences ~ people moving much too slowly, carts abandoned in the middle of aisles, etc. But, my head was up and my game face was on ~ I was ready and smiling. I was chattering on to JCT, patting Joshua on the head, and kissing Elijah's sweet forehead as we shopped. The day was bright and full of promise. . .

But, somewhere in the dairy section things went awry. JCT coughed. I asked him if he was okay, and when he didn't answer, I went to the back of the cart to put my hands on him. He continued coughing, and coughing, and before I knew it I was looking at everything that he ate for dinner last night and breakfast this morning in a puddle on the floor. All I could think is, "This is not happening. Lord, tell me this is not happening. Not in Wal-Mart. Not today. Not the stomach virus."

Oh, but it was happening. The odor coming from the puddle more than confirmed it. Reality. I don't want to do the stomach virus again. I don't.


And so, I stood there in the dairy section with a dazed and confused look on my face (complete with jaw dropped), not having a clue what to do next. Thankfully, JCT woke me from my stupor by saying, "Will somebody please wipe this stuff off of me!!"

And, I assumed that somebody should probably be me. I'm not sure the Wal-Mart employees would volunteer to go above and beyond and clean up my son, too. So, I got out my lifesavers, a.k.a. baby wipes, and began cleaning him up, along with a box of diapers and a few other groceries that he christened. And, as I was cleaning up my son's emesis with the few baby wipes I possessed, the other happy Wal-Mart shoppers were glancing at me, my son, his puddle, and holding their breath, crinkling their nose, and reaching with long Stretch Armstrong like arms for the items near us that they needed. I swear, they looked at us like we were the filth of the earth. And, honestly, standing in Wal-Mart with vomit on my shoe, groceries, and son, I pretty much felt like the filth of the earth. It was lovely. Truly lovely.

I alerted the Wal-Mart officials, and headed for the nearest and shortest check out line. I wanted OUT and NOW! And, as I pushed my stuborn cart to the front of the store, I was being lectured by my 5 year old son. "This is all because you made him eat all his dinner last night. That is why he threw up. If you wouldn't make us eat all our food this wouldn't happen. I know that is why he threw up. I saw the green beans you made him eat. Remember he didn't want to, but you made him eat them and now look, he threw them up!"

But, I had tunnel vision and half ignored my darling son as he scolded me. We checked out, got in the van, and headed home. It wasn't until I got behind the wheel that I looked down at my shirt and noticed that somehow in the midst of all the craziness two extra buttons had unbuttoned themselves. . . Oh, me. Oh, well.

As I drove home, in between asking JCT every 35.5 seconds if he felt okay, I thought about how suddenly my plan for the day had been turned upside down with the most disheartening part being that I would not get to eat dinner alone with my husband.


And, so my perfectly planned day landed in a puddle, splat, on the floor of Super Wal-Mart.

Why, I ask, why do I even try to make plans?

3 Portraits of Personality

A portrait of 3 year old independence exerting itself in the form of fashion. . .

He refused my help and advice even though it meant he had to constantly pull at his backwards, unbuttoned shorts all afternoon long. . . Oh, well! Perhaps, he will live and learn and eventually trust me!

A Portrait of pure sweetness. . .



How many mothers, when their child comes running to them with a freshly and lovingly picked bouquet of wildflowers says not, "Thank you!" or "Oh, how sweet of you to pick flowers for me," but rather yells, "Hold it right there! I've got to run inside and get my camera! Don't move a muscle! You look soooo cute!" while scurrying her way into the house!

I know one! :-)

And, last but certainly not least, a portrait of a swinging cutie who has stolen my heart in the same sweet way that his two older brothers before him did!

For Love of T-shirt

Erik is in the process of training for a triathlon that will take place in May. He has been running and biking for months now. Somehow he talked Sean into running a race with him. Sean biked a century (100 miles) a few years ago, but running. . . let's just say that it is not his first love. . . or his second. . . or third. But, my husband has these powers. . . I'm not sure how else to explain it, but he has these unique powers that compel others to do what he asks them to do.

I'm not sure if it was truly Erik's powers at work in this case, or maybe it was simply the fact that Sean collects coca cola paraphernalia, and a community near ours has a coca cola festival with a 10K run.

10K that is 6.2 miles.

And, Sean ran it without training. Did I mention that he doesn't enjoy running? Deana B tried to talk him out of running the race a few days before, but he would not have it. Want to know why?

He wanted the t-shirt.

Deana promised him that she would get him a t-shirt. But, Sean being the very honorable man that he is, would have no part of wearing a t-shirt that he did not rightfully deserve. He was determined to run. Erik promised to stay with him, no matter the pace, as long as he would keep running. Erik didn't want to walk.

So, Saturday morning the boys left around 7:15 to run their race. Deana B, the kiddos, and I left around 8:00. It was so fun!! We took two double strollers, strapped our little ones in, passed out juice and snacks, and waited for the Daddy's to run by us toward the finish line!! Here are the kiddos bright and early waiting. . .

Stroller #1:

Stroller #2:

Say, "Yay, for Daddy!!!" Clap, clap, clap!!!!!

Surprisingly, it was kind of emotional for Deana and I as we cheered our husbands to victory!

Erik was talking Sean through to the finish. . . Encouraging him. . . At the time, we didn't know what he was saying. . .

But, later we learned that Erik's encouraging words involved hostess snack foods.

Yes, you read that right. As they walked to the starting line, they happened to notice that the race workers were already putting out food for the racers to eat after they cross the finish line. And, amidst the wide array of snack foods they were laying out was a favorite of Sean's. . .

The Twinkie.

So, as they ran that last half-mile, Erik kept repeating to Sean, "You can do it! Keep it up! Your daughter and a twinkie are waiting for you at the finish line!"

And, this was enough to keep Sean running!

Here he is enjoying his post-race Twinkie!!

I cannot tell you how impressed I am that Sean ran 6.2 miles without training! Talk about athletic prowess!

Here is Erik receiving a BIG post-race kiss!

And, here are our Champions - complete with souvenir medals!

After the race we spent an hour or so walking around enjoying the festivities. It was warm and breezy, a beautiful day to be outside! And, what better way to enjoy a festival than cotton candy and an inflatable slide!

Deana B & Joshua! When Deana is with us, she is the official photographer, so it is rare to get a picture of her!! But, I got one!!

And, we had lunch at one of our favorite little downtown restaurants. It is a one hundred year old pharmacy turned into a diner. It is a burger & shake kind of place. And, they don't play around! Their burgers and shakes are INCREDIBLE!!!!

And, this is how we all felt on the drive home. . .

The kids took 3 hour naps after all the activity of the morning. It feels so good to wear them out like that! Fun!

There were only two cons to the weekend. The first con actually brings this story full circle. The t-shirt which sparked the whole race idea, yeah, that t-shirt, it ended up not fitting Sean. So, now he has his well-deserved Coca-Cola 10 K t-shirt, but he can't actually wear it. But, that is okay. The plan is to frame their race numbers with a picture of them running together (but, not "together-together" as Sean says) and hang it in their office!

The second con is that Sean hurt his foot while running. But, thankfully, he knows a good doctor who specializes in nonsurgical sports injuries! An x-ray was taken promptly Monday morning, and Sean is currently on the mend! All in all, it was a great weekend!!

A Muddy Footprint In the Midst of Flames

Deana B called me this morning fairly early. Immediately, I said, "What's wrong?" Now, Deana B and I talk a lot, but not on Sunday morning before church. She proceeded to tell me that the young couple that lives across the street from them lost their home in a fire last night.

They lost everything. . .

except, for the most important thing, which is their own lives.

They were out of town for the weekend.

Deana B woke up to go to the bathroom at 4:30 this morning, and she saw a flash of orange light outside her bathroom window. She ran to the front of the house, and saw that the house across the street was ablaze. She ran and woke up Sean and called 911. She said when she first looked out at the house, she noticed that the part of the house where the largest amount of flames was coming from was the nursery. The nursery. Now, Deana being the wonderful, wonderful person that she is not only knew that this couple was out of town, she had already spoken to them over the phone several times this weekend. We had a few tornadoes to come through our little town on Friday, and Deana had called the neighbors to give them updates on the weather and the state of their home. So, when she saw the nursery devoured in flames, she knew the baby was not in that nursery. Thank You, Jesus.

Two things that she said during our conversation will stick with me for a good long while. At least, I hope they do. She said that after she had been outside for a while, she walked in her front door. She took several steps, then looked down and noticed that her shoes were covered in mud, and she was tracking it on her foyer floor. Her first reaction was, I've got to take my shoes off, and then it hit her. . .

Her neighbors were in the process of losing everything they have, and she was worried about getting her floors dirty. She said that she picked her foot up and put it down as hard as she could on the hardwood below her and left the biggest muddiest footprint that she could leave. Then, she took a step back and stared at it. She said, "Erin, I think I may never clean it. I want to leave it there as a reminder of what is truly important." Later in the conversation, she said, "I think God is trying to teach me something. I worry so much about clutter on my counter tops and dirt on my floors, and when you are watching a house go up in flames, it kinda puts things in perspective. Makes you realize what really matters."

Conviction.

The other thing she did while we were on the phone was to draw a verbal picture for me of our local fire department working selflessly to put this fire out. No lives were in danger (except for those of the brave young firemen), the house was pretty much completely gone - there was nothing left to save, but still these courageous men continued to put themselves in harms way and fight this fire. She said that the entire 2nd story was ablaze and the firemen were on the first floor fighting a fire above them. At any moment any or all of them could have lost their lives, but they continued with their work. She watched the front porch collapse on one fireman. And, at one particular almost surreal moment, she watched as the sun was rising in the sky behind them - the reds and oranges of the sunrise, blending with the flames from the house and the brave men working with all diligence to do the job that is their own.

Thank You, God, for firemen.

I told Deana, "It takes 9-11 or something like this to make us realize the incredible sacrifice these men make everyday." True heroes. And, so, I leave for church this morning with a heavy heart that hurts for this sweet family, but, also, with a fresh perspective and a few good reminders tucked away deep in my soul.

The Long Awaited Box. . .

Joshua & JCT have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of JCT's new carseat! We promised JCT that when his new carseat came in we would put it in the back of the van next to Joshua. They have both been on pins and needles waiting. . .


Tuesday evening Erik took Joshua with him to walk Rain for a minute. Erik noticed a large box on the front porch that the Ups man left earlier in the evening. He kept his mouth shut about it wanting Joshua to find it on his own. As they walked along the road, Joshua caught sight of a fluffy, fuzzy dandelion in the grass. He went immediately to it and pulled it. He closed his little eyes and said, "I wish that JCT's carseat would come!" Within a few seconds of making his wish and blowing the fuzzy dandelion seeds into the air, he turned and saw the large box on the front porch!!!

Erik said Joshua was so excited exclaiming, "My wish came true! Daddy, my wish, it came TRUE!!!" And, with almost as much anticipation and excitement as we had about turning Elijah around in his carseat, we loaded the new carseat into the back of the van and took the boys for a before bedtime spin around the neighborhood! I think the look on JCT's face says it all!!!!

My Control Journal

It was a few years ago that it hit me. I was doing a Beth Moore Bible study (forgive me, I don't remember which one). As I finished that particular day's lesson, I was overwhelmed by something new God had opened my blind eyes to about myself, a sin that needed to be reckoned with, a sin I had not recognized as sin until that very day. So, I did what I always do when I have a revelation from God. I called Mommy. And, our conversation went something like this. . .

"Mom, it just hit me this morning that I have issues with control in my life."

My mom responded with slight sarcasm in her voice, "Reeaallllly. . . And, you are just now realizing this. . ."

I was completely taken aback. My husband had a similar response when I shared my new found struggle with him. How had I missed what was obviously so clear to those around me?

Denial.

And, I still live there because I really like control.

If I could I would micro-manage my life into a shoe box. Yes, yes, I would. Take for instance the way that I grocery shop. . .

I have a grocery list organized according to my favorite grocery store. I start in the back and work my way to the front. I organize my groceries as I put them in the basket. All items are neatly stacked virtually the same way each time we go since our list is basically the same each week. And, God help JCT if he dares mess with the groceries that I so neatly organize all around him in the back of the buggy. Milk is always lined up against the back of the buggy and all other cold items are placed strategically across the back half of the cart. We work our way to the produce. All produce sits on top of the other items along with the bread. Then, I unload my basket putting produce and bread on the back end of the conveyer belt and work my way to the front where all the cold stuff is kept together. In the middle are all my canned goods and boxed things. It is a beautiful thing, really. And, God help the checker who messes with my organized groceries in order to fill my bags the way she believes is best. Then, I place my groceries in the back of the van a certain way - keeping cold things together, etc., and carry them in the house in this same way. This makes unloading the bags easy and convenient.

Control.

It is a sickness.

It is incurable.

And, I like it, very much. :-)

I won't continue and share the gory details of my pantry organization, toy organization, or my obsession with bins, baskets, and all things that keep order. Let's just say if I am having a bad day I do one of three things. Either I reorganize our schedule, clean out a drawer or cabinet, or if that doesn't do the trick, I load everybody up and we go to Wal-Mart to buy more bins. All of these things truly relax me and just plain make me feel better. I think having children has a way of making one feel completely and utterly out of control. So, any little thing that I can do to make myself feel "on top of it" helps!

A while ago some of you asked about my contol journal. I got the inspiration for this journal from flylady. I use plastic page protectors so that I can use dry erase markers to scratch through things I have accomplished, etc. I have a plastic page protector addiction, but that is another story. I like all my pages typed in my favorite font.

And, now here are the basics of my control journal:

Weekly Goals: This is a general list of goals that I only update on occasion. I read through the list every day or so simply to keep my focus. Examples of things on this page are: Focus on Character Issues with the Boys, Keep clutter off counters in kitchen & utility, Exercise, Eat healthier, Check Flylady - room of the week, etc.

Weekly Schedule: This is a list of the days of the week and the chores and activities unique to that day. For example I do laundry on Monday, Plan meals for the following week & make my grocery list on Thursday, clean out my van & diaper bag on Friday, etc.

Spiritual Focus: This is just a place for me to list lessons that God is teaching me and areas that I consistently need to pray over and remind myself to remain focused on.

My Morning Routine: I once read a book that recommended organizing your day in 30 minute increments. I tried this and went completely crazy. I do long stretches. For example between 6:30 and 8:30 I need to make coffee, breakfast, shower, get the boys dressed and teeth brushed, unload dishwasher, feed fish, etc. This works much better for me. So, the day is broken down into big blocks of time. Also, each day of the week is unique as far as activities outside of the home, so a schedule that is too detailed will simply not work for us. We have certain activities that occur at virtually the same time every single day. For example: Reading & Snack is at 9:30. Lunchtime is at 12. Naptime is at 1. Outside play is from 3:30-5:00. Dinner is at 6:15. Bedtime for the boys is at 8. And, though these times move about a little each day, we pretty much stay within 30 min. of the assigned time.

My Afternoon Routine: It is just what is says. . .

My Before Bed Routine: These are the little things that must be done each night before bed. Lights off, doors locked, phones on chargers, juice and milk cups filled for the next morning, vitamins taken, face washed, clothes layed out for the next day, etc.

I also keep about a years worth, literally, of our family's grocery list in a side pocket of this notebook. Other things that I keep in my control journal are unique to our family. I have Erik's list of landscaping plans for our backyard, and our pool maintenance list, etc.

This journal is certainly not necessary for me to be productive, but I simply enjoy it. I love my control journal. I'm not sure why I love it so much, but I do. It is the skeleton of our day to day life, and it keeps me from feeling out of control. Eventually I'd like to include a list of all our family's favorite meals and monthly menu plans in my journal.

Maybe being a nurse for years and working off a flow sheet has something to do with my desire to keep a schedule. I just know that I am happier and more productive with structure in my day. Hope this has helped! For more information on control journals go to flylady!!!

Six Days Without Biff Are Six Days Too Many

Last week around this time I realized that we were almost out of Bifferdoodle Decaf. I searched the pantry for another bag to no avail. We had exhausted our resources. We were out, completely and utterly out of our favorite coffee (aka the nectar of the gods and liquid gold). We have to order Biff's coffee online, so I knew that I would be without Biff for a few days. Get out the sackcloth and ashes.



Finally, last night I heard that sweet sound ~ the roar of a large truck in my driveway, a large brown truck with three lovely letters on it. I ran and put Rain up, glanced at myself in the mirror, primped a bit ~ oh, I jest. Anyway, with great anticipation and excitement I met the UPS man at the door. He came, just as I suspected, carrying a box chock full of Bifferdoodle decaf ~ 8 one pound bags (and, Biff being the doll that he is threw in an extra bag of his house blend!). I had to restrain myself because I am a married woman and all, but everything in me wanted to hug the darling man in brown carrying a box labeled "coffee" with a cute little picture of a steaming cup of joe on it. Instead I simply said, "I have been waiting for this!!!!" And, he had no idea how deeply I meant those words.



And, now I have just made my second pot today! I am a bit of an extremist! It must be some sort of phenomenon, but I can literally taste the cinnamon. When I have the great privilege of drinking Bifferdoodle day in and day out, I don't even notice all the wonderful flavors that make up the coffee that I love. This morning I poured my first cup of Bifferdoodle in nearly one week, and before taking that first sip, I just paused for a moment. I inhaled the glorious aroma, felt the warmth of the mug in my hands, and smiled to myself. Then, I lifted the mug to my mouth, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Seriously. I don't know why, but I love this coffee. Instantly, I wished that Erik and I were alone on vacation, sipping this coffee ~ perhaps in the mountains somewhere with nothing to do but drink coffee and talk or read. Wouldn't that be nice? Oh, one day, maybe one day. . .

Until then, I will just take another sip and enjoy a somewhat quiet morning.

My Midnight Peek

Every night when we leave the boys room after our bedtime ritual, we always say, "Now go to sleep. You can talk quietly for a few minutes, but then please go to sleep." And, every night virtually the same thing happens.


They talk. . . and talk. . . and talk. . . and talk a little more. . . then they sing some. . . then talk a little more. . .

We rarely have to go up and tell them to go to sleep. Usually, eventually, one of them gets tired and falls asleep and the other quits talking and goes to sleep, too. In the beginning, Erik and I would stand by the monitor and listen to their little nightime conversations the same way we do our favorite TV show. But, now a year later, their cheerful chatter is backgroud noise that we are almost completely unaware of ~ unless someone begins to cry or we hear the infamous words, "Mommy, JCT needs to go poo poo!"

* A side note: JCT is what I like to call an "inconvenient pooper." He always has to go at naptime, nightime, or in the middle of Super Wal-Mart. But, that is another story. . .

Anyway, Saturday night we put the boys to bed a little early so that we could have a date-night at home. The boy's chatter went on and on for an extra long time because they were very awake when we layed them in their beds.


Meanwhile, Erik and I watched a sappy chick flick that had this pregnant mama in tears. Before we went to bed, I went upstairs to check on the little men ~ a quick midnight peek. They talked for such a long time that I just wanted to make sure they were both snug in their beds. What I found brought even more tears to my eyes.


JCT and Joshua were snuggled up next to eachother sleeping on one half of JCT's trundle bed. They had opened the blinds in their room, allowing the moonlight to stream down on their sweet angel faces. I watched them breathe and sleep for a few minutes, and then I tip-toed downstairs to share the precious details of my midnight peek with Erik.

The Difference a Year Makes. . .

This is a picture taken of me by my mother one year and one week ago. . .

April 2007

And, this is a picture of me taken by my husband yesterday. . .

April 2008

By the looks of my swollen abdomen, a year hasn't made a whole lot of difference! But, looks can be very, very deceiving!! Note: the cute little man waving in the picture!

The Best Birthday Present of All

I think it is every baby's favorite first birthday present. And, it is given to them not by a loved one, but rather it is given by the governing authorities of the state in which they reside.

It is the ability to turn around and face forward in their car seat!!!

Oh, glorious day!!

After staring at grey leather, a mirror, and the same old toys, Elijah was given a wonderful gift ~ a new perspective, a new view, the ability to see the DVD player & Mom easily, and most importantly the feeling of being part of the gang and not a prisoner confined to a backwards car seat! Yay!

And, here he is in all his big boy glory!

We drove 30 minutes to the mall yesterday afternoon, and Elijah smiled the entire way! Every time I turned around to check on him, He would grin a huge open mouth, gap teethed smile, wave excitedly, and say a breathless, "Hhhhhiiiieeee, Hhhhiiiieeee!"

Oh, happy day! And, to top it all off, after dinner, I split a cookies and cream milkshake from Chick-fil-a with him. And, I say split with hesitation because he virtually ate the whole thing!!! I snuck a sip in here and there while he fussed at me to give! it! back!!!! But, who can blame him! And, after all it was his birthday, so I selflessly obliged.

Could Mommy love you more?

I think not, sweet 'Lijah!!!

Happy First Birthday, My Little Explorer!!

In some ways it seems you have been with us forever. I can hardly remember your not being a part of our family! But, then again, wasn't it just yesterday that we welcomed you into our world? With your slippery, slimy wet body, loud robust cry, and bright red baby soft skin, you came into our world, and instantly we delighted over you! Elijah Kelly entered our life, and we have not been the same since!! I knew from the strength and power of that very first cry when your Daddy delivered you into this world, that you would have a strong spirit. And, you do. You are full of determination, unrelenting joy, and spunk! My goodness, I love you, and I can't imagine life without you, my little man!

And, now one year later, you are my little explorer! You are into anything and everything! I have to watch you every second! Full of energy and life, you are a constant source of joy for us! We cannot wait to get to know you better and better through the years. One thing is for certain ~ you like to have a good time, to laugh loud and smile big! And, in doing that, you cause all around you to smile and laugh with you!

The Sibling Bond

There is a wonderful man who runs the Chick-fil-a at our local mall. Deana B. and I meet at the mall and eat Chick-fil-a with the kiddos every Wednesday at lunchtime. M., the owner of our mall's Chick-fil-a, knows us by name and expects to see us every Wed. When we skip a week, he notices our absence. One Monday M. realized that over the weekend they had run out of the little stick-on placemats for Kid's meals. He ordered them next day air because he knew that we would be counting on them that Wednesday. Didn't I tell you he was wonderful?

Anyway, Erik and I ate at the mall recently, and after dinner I went to Chick-fil-a to get a milkshake. Because, really, is there a better milkshake than a Chick-fil-a milkshake? I am finally starting to show a bit, and for the first time M. noticed my swelling abdomen. He smiled at me with eyes wide and put his hands on his belly! I nodded to let him know that he had assessed correctly - I am with child, again. He quickly pulled one of his employees over to introduce him to me. M. said, "This is Joseph. He is the oldest of five children." Joseph took my order and talked with me about his opinion of growing up in a large family. He smiled as he reminisced about his childhood. The comment that stuck with me almost as much as his contagiously sweet smile was, "I can honestly say that growing up I was never bored. There was always something to do and someone to do it with. Still today, when we are all home, it is very. . . entertaining. . ."

For several hours and days now, I have pondered his statement. And, I was reminded of it, once again, this morning as I changed out the boys winter and summer clothes. I was carefully folding Elijah's winter things and placing them in a big bin when it hit me that I would be pulling these same clothes out again next winter for a little man we have yet to meet! I felt a funny little twinge of excitement that started in my toes and worked its way like electricity through my body. I daydreamed for a second about introducing my big boys to this new little one. The thought made me grin from ear to ear. I love having a baby in the house! I can't imagine the day when I don't have one. I'm not sure that I want to imagine it! I love soft sweet baby cheeks to kiss. And, thankfully, I don't have to worry about that for another year or so. I feel sure that I'll be ready to let go of the baby days when the time is right.

Somedays I contemplate our family. And, somedays I feel that maybe Erik and I got in a little over our heads. 3 children so close in age can be crazy at times especially for a pregnant mama. But, it is exactly what God wants for our family. I have no doubt about that.

Last week I was holding a protesting JCT in my arms on my way to take him upstairs for a nap. Joshua begged me to let him go upstairs with JCT. "Plllleeeeaasssse, Mommy, let me go up and play with him. Don't make him take a nap. I want to play with JCT!!" I smiled and said, "But, Joshua, I will play with you. We can play a game. Do you want to play a game with Mommy?"

His response was, "No, Mommy, I don't want to play with you. I want to play with JCT!"

I must admit, I was taken aback at first. My thoughts went something like this. . .

Excuse me, you don't want to play with me? What do you mean you don't want to play with me. I thought I was the alpha and the omega of playmates! What are you saying? Are you saying JCT is more fun than me? Because I'll show you fun. You just wait, I'll show you fun. I gave birth to you. I've known you longer. I know you better. I'll show you fun.

But, after my selfish moment, I realized that this was truly a wonderful thing, and it wasn't about me. It was about them. They are bonding. My boys are bonding. They are developing their own unique relationship, or rather - their own special friendship. And, that is the way it is supposed to be. Because, one day, it is my prayer, that their frienship will outlast my life. And, when I am no longer here to comfort and take care of them, it is my prayer that they will comfort and take care of eachother.

And, in the meantime, they may not have a perfect childhood, but, at least according to Joseph, they will never be bored. There will always be something to do and someone to do it with, and that is a good thing - even when - especially when - that someone isn't always me.

A Little Reminder

Today at the swingset JCT said the sweetest thing to me. He said. . .

"You are my fravorite Mommy!"

I thanked him and told him that I loved him, too.

Then, he said,

"No one else gets to take you home. Just me. None of the other kids at church get to take you home ~ just me!"

To which I replied, "And, none of the other Mommy's get to take you home ~ just me!! Aren't we blessed!"

Later as I pondered the sweetness of his comment, I felt a bit of pride creep into my heart. And, I was reminded of something I read in a book a few months ago. The goal of raising our children is not for them to grow up and lift us up, but rather that they would grow up and lift Him up. The goal is not for our glorification as parents, for our children to love and adore us and feel we did a good job raising them. The goal is to raise Godly children who glorify God with their lives. And, that is something that I need to be reminded of quite often.