Pictures of Success

A good time was had by all. It was very, very loud most of the time but other than the shrill volume, the girls were great. We didn't get much sleep but we had a lot of fun.

Rob showed the girls how to make balloon animals. They made some very interesting species!

The pictures below are from our glow in the dark dance session that was followed by glow in the dark hide and go seek.

We also had three crafts and played musical pillows and cell phone. It was a great group of girls! We had a blast!

Will write more later as I am off to bed!

Something "wicked" this way comes

Tonight is the slumber party. Kolby is so excited. The house is almost clean and decorated appropriately. The pizza, cake, movies, crafts and games are all lined up. (Thanks to all of you for the great ideas! ) Just 1000 or so things to do before the girls arrive tonight! Last night we hung the disco ball in the living room (worth every cent of the $20 dollars I paid for it 5 years ago) and started streamers in the kitchen. Even Ella Kate seemed to be excited.

Just before bedtime I overheard Kolby telling her brother about the party. She was telling him about the crafts (Rhett does NOT dig crafts) the games, karaoke and all the food. (which he does dig) Sweet Rhett said he hoped Kolby would save him a piece of cake since he has other sleep-over plans. As Kolby walked off, Rhett flashed her a thumbs up and with a I'm-too-cool-for-school grin said "Have a wicked party K-dog."They both burst out laughing. I had to bite my tongue not to laugh and blow my I'm-not-listening-I'm-just-in-here-hanging-clothes cover. That Rhett is a hoot!

So think of me and my "wicked" self hanging out with 10 nine years olds tonight! Yes 10. Who ever heard of having 100% invitee attendance? But "K-dog" invited some very sweet girls and there isn't a trouble maker in the bunch. Just giggly, cool, sweet sugar fed girls. I don't think any of them will raise a ruckus... I however really have the urge to go wrap a house! Do you think the neighbors would mind? :)

I am excited! It's a joy to watch these girls interact. These are fun, special times. My little girl's first slumber party! AND while I'm taking care of those 1000 things to do today as a treat to me, (and so I don't embarrass my daughter) I'm going to get myself a spiffy new pair of PJs ! It's all good...or is it wicked? :)

Happy Friday!

Bow Heaven

A few weeks ago we were in the Stonebriar Mall in Frisco and found the mother-of-all-bow stores. Well today, I was throwing out my receipt and saw that they have a web site. And they do!!!!! I've already placed an order.

Here is my favorite bow so far for Ella Kate.... (This is the baby model not Ella Kate ... But as soon as I can I will put a picture of her on here in her cute hot pink bow!)

The bows are about the same price as they are at Dillards, but seem better made and ready to go the distance. This head band bow comes in 13 (YES! 13!!!!!) colors and sales for $9.The cloth headbands are great as they are very stretchy and appropriate for ages 6 months to 5 years... So no mashed in elastic "headache inducing" indentations on the sweet lil' babies head! Yeah!

This place also has tons of differnt sizes, sorts and colors of bows. If there is a little cutie putie in need of a bow in your life you can find them here. Or if that does not work go to warmingtheheart.com. They also have super sweet diaper bags!

Anyone have any favorite baby/kid web sites they want to share?

Feeling old?

OK Not to take away from my deeper more meaningful post below, but I just looked at my blogger profile. When I switched to the new blogger some things were added to my profile that were not there before. Things like an astronomical sign and something about a rat? ( I absolutely detest rats!) But what really got me was the age the new blogger assigned me....250??? No wonder I have been feeling tired! I'm doing D*** well to be 250! OK. Now that I got that off my chest, go read the more serious post below. :)

The fog is lifting

Before I write anything, I want to state that I am OK. Nothing awful is happening in my life. Nothing awful has happened. Nothing horrible looms on the horizon. There is no drama here.

Having said that, I feel like I have been living in a fog for a long time. Three or four years maybe. A fog that silently rolled in unnoticed circling my ankles and building until it covered my world. It was a fog that at times allowed a few feet of visibility, and at times distorted and engulfed everything beyond my reach. A fog that put a hazy distance between me and the rest of the world. A fog that distorted the obstacles I stumbled into, but didn't lessen the pain of the collision. A fog that penetrated. When that fog started to lift, my senses became overwhelmed with the brilliant colors and sharp details of my world. Until I saw clearly, I didn't realize how distorted my view had been. That's where I am. Waking up to the brilliance of life as the fog dissipates and slowly rolls away.

I'm not trying to speak so metaphorically, but my words just can't seem to capture the essence of "the fog" I am talking about. Was it depression, baby blues, social anxiety, despair, morning, insecurity, regret, doubt, loosing faith??? It was not really any of these, but maybe just a tad of all of these.

Mostly I think it was fear. Subconscious fear. Fear that I was not being what I needed to be for God, my family, and my friends. Fear that I couldn't be strong enough, good enough or smart enough to do what I needed to do in life. Fear that Rob was working way too hard, for way too long, with no relief in sight. Fear that Kolby's reading disorder was going to haunt her for the rest of her life. Fear that Rhett's temper and grumpiness were going to someday get the better of him. Fear that I am too old and too tired to be the mother baby Ella Kate needs now and will need. Financial fears. Physical fears. Emotional fears. Spiritual fears. They were all there. Living large beneath the surface. In my head. Influencing my every thought. And I didn't even realize it. I didn't want to realize it. I wanted to be happy and positive and not let anyone, including myself, know how much fear I held in my heart.

But God wouldn't let it go. He wouldn't let me stay in denial. He didn't want me to live in a fog of fear. He made it painfully clear that I was making a choice to stay in the fog while he was giving me every opportunity to rise above it. A comment from Rob, a question from a friend, a concern voiced by a family member, a blog post, a sermon, a song on the radio, an episode of Oprah, a book, a scripture, an opportunity here, an invitation there... God used all these things to show me the fog that surrounded me and to show me the way out of it. He is still showing me that way, and I am slowly learning. The fog is lifting.

There are some lessons that have really helped me in this process. These lessons/ truths either hit like lightening or came as a whisper and grew to a roar. Lessons that can't be summed up in a sentence or paragraph on paper, but are true and real when lived out. I am going to try my best to describe these lessons/truths, knowing my words just don't do them justice.

Gratitude is the opposite of fear. Real, true gratitude. Gratitude that does more than say thank you and go on. This gratitude seeks and finds the blessing. It focuses so intently on the blessings that the fears and negatives fade off to the side. Gratitude heals. Gratitude believes that with God all things really are possible. Gratitude, true, deep, deliberate gratitude, is the best way to counter fear and defeat it.

I can't let guilt or regret set up housekeeping in my heart. When guilt knocks on the door of my heart, I should greet it with my hand on the door. I should listen to what it is telling me once. I should acknowledge it, thank it for coming and giving me insight, and close the door. I should NEVER invite guilt in. Guilt never stops talking and never leaves unless I throw it out. Guilt and regret can be positive forces when I use them to catapult myself beyond a bad choice or situation. Other than that, I have to stay away from them for I give them too much influence if they linger in my life.

Every thought/choice counts. If I want to be all that God intends me to be, I do not have the luxury of letting my self dwell on my mistakes, the things I have lost, or the injustices I have suffered. The things I dwell on and the thoughts I choose to think determine more of what I become than things that happen to me that are out of my control. Bad things will happen to everyone. More bad things happen to some than others. Life is not fair. Dwelling on that injustice will not make life better for anyone. Keeping score will not make my score higher. Anytime I let my focus stray from what is good, noble and right or anytime I loose focus of God's blessings and love for me, I hurt myself. I also hurt those around me. CONVERSELY, anytime I dwell and focus on God, I am improving my life and being a positive force in the lives of those around me. I choose my focus. I select which thoughts I let go of and which thoughts I claim and act on. Every choice counts.

God's love has no expiration date. It's never too late. I'm never too far gone. God's love never goes stale or looses it strength. It can be called upon at anytime of the day or night, in any season of life. No matter what my hearts temperature, stone cold or battling the fires of loss and pain, God's love soothes and regulates. He is the balm. His grace nourishes the malnourished and replenishes the depleted. His strength enables the weak. His love covers the unlovable. It is never too late.

There are more. But these are the ones I can give words to now. I am writing this post for purely selfish reasons. I needed to write it down. I needed to have a record of what He is teaching me so that I can read it when I start to forget or doubt. I needed give physical form to the spiritual emotions and thoughts God has used to instruct and bless me. If something he has given me helps you in your journey, the blessings are multiplied.

Please don't worry about me or feel badly for my struggle. That is not the point of this post. If you feel compelled by anything I have written here, just thank God for the lessons. Thank God that for me the fog is lifting!

New blogger

I had to switch to the new blogger. So I did. I don't see much difference and that's OK. Several have been saying they can not comment on my blog for some reason. Maybe this will help. And what is up with the labels? I don't want labels. Stubborn, aren't I?

Lots going on around here but nothing too exciting. Again that's not a bad thing. I think I am in a rut. What is scary is I sorta like my rut. But I am getting that Spring cleaning fever so maybe I can at least make the rut a little more organized and clean to live in.

Ella Bella is rolling all over the house. It scares me to think her brother was walking at nine months because that is only a month and a half away. Kolby was closer to 12 or 13 months. I can handle that. Even with a sinus infection and three teeth threatening to break through on her top gum, EK is such a happy good little baby. I am SOOOOOO grateful for that.

T-Minus 8 days to the big slumber party...and the invitations just went out today. Is it crazy that I want to have my carpets cleaned before I have 6-8 girls (we cut back:) spend the night? Yeah. I thought so. I am counting on these girls to entertain themselves a bit. It should be fun. Really. Do I sound convinced?

Rhett starts Spring soccer today with his first practice. Last Fall's team was so fun. It was all friends and church people. This Spring Rhett and Justin are the only boys we know.Rob and Robby are coaching again. This is a bit more serious league that is all boys. We are really looking forward to seeing how the boys do in a more competitive atmosphere. Rhett is too excited. He has had his soccer practice clothes on since 7:50am. The boy is nothing if not enthusiastic about his sports.

So yesterday in the Target parking lot the van temperature thingy read 90 degrees. 90 degrees!!! A week ago it was 18 degrees. Welcome to Spring in Texas!

Grey's Anatomy is killing me. So the title of tonight's episode has the word miracle in it, which suggest Meredith is not dead. (as if) Seems like the word miracle is way over used and way under appreciated these days. Have you noticed? But anyway, if Grey's keeps this up I will have Thursday nights from 8-9 free again. However as mad as it made me, I have to last week's show was great . I mean "made me get misty and then laugh out loud two seconds later" great. But you must consider that the only other thing I watch regularly is whatever is on Nick Junior , Cartoon Network or Disney in the mornings. After hours of Tom and Jerry or Wow Wow Woobsy, any show would look great. Thoughts?

Is anyone else really sad about the whole Anna Nicole Smith thing? Do you find yourself hoping that of all the possibilities that someone better will surface to raise that sweet baby girl? Do you find yourself wondering how someone who had so much at one time could leave such a mess behind? I know she was known as a crazy slutty druggy nut, but I still feel for her. And that sweet baby! So sad. I think this whole deal has encouraged Rob and I to update our will(s). We have had two kids since the last one(s) . If all the parties involved in this Anna Nicole mess had left clear updated wills there wouldn't be nearly so much drama. Except for the paternity issues. But maybe if it was clear where the $$$ was going,there would not be so many ready to get their hands on the baby. I find myself praying for that baby.

I also find myself praying for this baby. AND it looks like he is getting a little better every week. Talk about your miracles. WOW! And he is so cute! Thank God for these precious babies. He must really love us all to trust us with such precious little ones! All babies are miracles. All babies.

Guess that's about it. So even on the new blogger you still get the same random Thursday blog post from me! Not even new blogger can change my blogging! :) Happy Thursday!!!

TAKS Tuesday

My little girl skipped off to school today to take her first TAKS test. Her teacher has been tutoring, practicing, prodding and inspiring the kids to do their best for months. The school had "Rock the TAKS" yesterday letting all the kids dress up in fifties attire and had a sock hop and motivational speaker. The vice principal even dressed up like Elvis! We did our part by reading with her every night for months and making sure she had a good nights rest last night, wore comfortable clothing, had a good breakfast and got to school on time. Now it is up to her.

I think she will do fine. She has done great on all the practice test. I do not like that there is so much riding on this one test. This test determines the school's rating, some funding, and is even tied to the teacher's professional rankings. That's a lot to put on the shoulders of a nine year old. I tried to play it down to Kolby last week when she started saying she was worried about it.
"Honey it is just a test and you will do fine. You have done great on all the practice test so don't worry about it. It's not that big of a deal"
"If it isn't a big deal why have we been talking about it all year and practicing for it every day since Christmas?"
Hard to argue with that.

I don't like the TAKS test. But, in my attempt to have a good attitude towards it and not let Kolby think negatively about it, I have made myself think of good things that come from the test. There actually are good reasons to have such tests. The test were designed to make sure that children through out the state were being taught and learning the basics required by their grade. Lawmakers, frustrated by stories of people graduating from high school unable to read and economic disparity between schools and school systems, set out to develop a tool by which all students and school systems could be measured. Thus the test.

In theory it seems like a good idea. There has to be some way to measure and insure that all children are getting the education the state pays to give them. In practice it has led to teaching to the test, making the test harder to counter the teaching to the test, having a ratings scale and funding tied to the results of the test, a huge increase in teacher turn over rates in all tested grade levels, and unclear (and at times unfair) requirements for student's with learning disabilities or language barriers. Sometimes things that look great on paper or sound good in theory, look and sound very different when they are put into practice in real life. I think that is what happened with these standardized test.

But still, as much as I hate the stress it adds to the teachers lives and the kids, maybe it does better prepare students for stressful deadlines and exams that will be in their future. Maybe it is good to teach children at a young age the right way to handle such things. I'm really trying to find the good this morning. Please join me in saying a prayer for that the school children of Texas do their best today and that their best is good enough to pass the silly old TAKS test!

Birthday Cake and Girl Scout Cookies

Kolby turned nine last Sunday...Even though we post-poned the party, even though I was not in proper "Birthday" mode, and even though I didn't blog about it... She still turned nine! The thing about birthdays is they come whether you are ready for them or not. I think I've been putting this one off in my head. Nine just sounds so big kid like. It's her last single digit birthday! It brings me great joy and a bit of sadness to see my little girl turn another year older.

Joy because it marks another year that God has blessed us with this sweet little spirit we call Kolby Sue. Joy because I not only love her, I just plain like being around her. Joy because she is growing and healthy and doing just what she should be doing at age nine. (That is a tremendous blessing in and of it's self!!!) My little girl brings me great joy!

And the sadness... The sentimental "Mommy" part of me wonders how that little baby girl grew into the young lady before me. It happened so fast. It's a little sad to realize that with every birthday we are closer to the day when Kolby will leave our nest and fly out on her own. Not that I don't want her to fly, for that is the ultimate goal. It's just that I like having her here, in my little nest. I wouldn't want her to be a baby her whole life, but these "kid" years seem to be fleeting fast!
Ready or not, I have a nine year old!

Since we haven't had her party yet, Rob and I surprised Kolby with a day trip to the metroplex to go Ice Skating. We didn't tell her what we were doing until the morning of her birthday. She was so excited! We met Rob's mom and sister and her family at the Stonebriar mall in Frisco for brunch at The Cheesecake Factory and an afternoon of Ice Skating. Kolby, Rhett and Rob had a blast skating with cousin Drake and Uncle Buck while the girls and Ella Kate and I watched and did a little shopping. We had a great time and enjoyed seeing Rob's family.

We let Kolby pick where to eat on the way home. Out of all of the places in Dallas, she picked BOSTON MARKET! :) With tummy's full of sweet cornbread, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes (can you say STARCH!)we headed home, arriving just in time to get bathes and jump in bed. It was a very fun day. Rhett of course wants to do the same thing on his next birthday. What have we started? :)I wish I had pictures to post but our digital camera battery died and the new one (that had to be ordered because no store in Waco carries it)hasn't come in yet.

Yesterday I baked and took birthday cupcakes to Kolby's school. Last night we had birthday dinner & cake with my parents. Kolby requested a three layer heart shaped butter cake with pink icing. I haven't baked a lot since EK was born and yesterday I realized why. But, the cake turned out well, too well in fact. I ate it for breakfast and lunch today!

And in other fattening news, my dining room is chalk full of cases of Girl Scout cookies! By the time we get them all delivered or turned over to booth sales, over two hundred boxes of cookies will have gone through our dining room. Many boxes will never make back out the front door! Have you ever looked at the fat/carbo grams count on Samoas??? Don't!!!

Off to gather Valentine's Day treats for the kid's school parties. WOW!!! We are going to be in SUGAR SHOCK by the end of this week! Hope you have a Sweet week!

Two Lives

My former life ...

My life now ...


Do I miss my former life? Not really, but maybe just a little bit this week. Sari is at the Chicago Auto Show this week/month. They now have live web cams so you can see the auto show live. Rhett and I have had fun finding Aunt Sari with the web cam.

Sari this morning from the show floor.

Seeing it live that way...well, I do sorta miss the excitement, the travel, the hotels, the press days, dressing in suits that cost more than my house payment, talking about adult things all day, going out to dinner... In many ways it was a fun life. But I can't imagine doing it again! I can't miss weeks at a time with my family for a silly old auto show! I would cry all the time. Still, as the baby spits up all over me and Iam surrounded by laundry, messes and a million things to do...sometimes the auto show looks nice.

Funny how life can change so drstically in ten years. Wonder what I will be doing ten years from now??? I have a feeling I will be looking back at the kids pictures and wondering how my baby, five year old, and 8 year old turned into a 10 year old, 15 year old, and 18 year old!!!! I'm pretty sure I will have no regrets about staying home these years, despite the lack of glamor and the surplus of laundry and spit-up. Though I can't say this "stay-home Mom life" is easy, I know in my heart that when I'm 80 I will look back and these will be the sweetest days of all! That makes me want to savor each day more.

Have a great week in whatever stage of life you are living!

Dodging the weekend away

This weekend our church sponsored a dodgeball tournament that raised over $6000 for Mission Waco. Rob refereed during the Jr High and High School tournament during the day, then Saturday night he played in Adult section.
Rob with his game face.
I left the baby with my Mom (babies and balls flying through the air just don't mix) while Kolby, Rhett and I went to watch Rob's team, The Tuscan Raiders play. It was so fun! AND the guys actually won the adult division.
Hoisting up the newest Tuscan Raider, Lee, because he caught the game winning ball.
And yes, after winning a dodge ball tournament at Baylor last year, The Tuscan Raiders are now two time Champions. Don't think it hasn't gone to their heads a bit... Much to the amusement (and slight embarrassment) of their families, the guys actually wore their medals to church yesterday!!!! The Champions!
I love that they had so much fun with it! These guys always have so much fun together. We all had a great time actually, and helped a good cause at the same time! So the pressure is on for next year! Can they three-peat???

In other news, it was Baby Sunday at church yesterday. Ella Kate did pretty well during the part where we stood in front of the church during the prayer. She smiled, flirted, ate my hair and pulled at her sisters, but no screaming or crying, so it all went well. I always love baby Sunday. It was neat to get to be a part of this one. The preacher kept refering to "these young familes." It is nice to still be called young, but it doesn't fit as well as it did when Kolby was a baby. Sadly, I left the camera in my purse Saturday night and the batteries were completely dead for Sunday morning, so I didn't get any Baby Sunday pictures! I plan on faking some as soon as I get the old batteries charged, or get new batteries.

And then there was some football game on TV last night... We went over to some friends to watch for a hour or so but left before it was over. We had a great time but I can't tell you much about the game. I'm happy for the Colts and sad for the Bears. Both teams are winners just for making it that far.

Yesterday it was over 60 degrees outside. It felt so nice! I have missed the sun these last gray, cold weeks. My sister, Sari is in Chicago for the Chicago Auto Show and said this morning it is negative 7 with a wind chill of negative 21 there! BBBBRRRRR! How do you guys up North live in that????

Speaking of Sari... We miss her! She has only been home for about three days since Christmas and won't be home much more than that until April. She loves her job and I am very happy she has the opportunity to travel to so many fun cities, but we do miss her. :)

Girls Scout cookies come in on Wednesday... If you didn't get to order any, Kolby is still selling! Just give us a call!

Happy Monday!

Stomach Bug and Birthday Reprieve

Kolby has a stomach bug. Honestly, it doesn't seem all that severe, but she puked a few times last night and to me that is worth an instant "Do not go to school for 24 hours" card. So she's home. It's hard to keep her separated from her brother,(Who is thrilled to have his sister home) so we may all have the bug before it's over. I'm making my favorite chicken noodle soup to help ward off the bug!

In other news, I have granted myself a birthday party reprieve of sorts. I was a bit overwhelmed trying to pull it all together by next Friday, so I'm not. We are going to re-schedule. I'm aiming for some Friday after TAKS(Feb 20th) but before Spring Break.

Sometimes I forget that I am the Mom and I can, to some extent, choose the pace of life around here. While I have no control over how many hours are in our day, I do have some control/choice when it comes to what we/I do during those hours. Do you ever forget that? Do you ever over schedule yourself with too many things to do or places to go while acting as if these things/places are not optional, when really, they are? Do you ever forget that life is not college and we don't have to cram in a certain amount of core and elective hours by some preset date? Do you ever stop and wonder why you make life harder than it has to be trying to keep up with an image/ideal that no one, not even God, notices, let alone requires?

I hope someone out there answers yes to at least one of these questions because, I would hate to be all alone in this! :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Wanted: Cheap, Easy, Fantastic, Party Ideas

I used to be the queen of birthday parties. I mean seriously. I once turned my garage into an under the sea spectacular that would have included a sand floor if Rob would have let me.
Sadly we did not capture this party in pictures too well but these two give you an idea. And yes I made that cake... Still don't know how/why I did all this!

But now... five years, two more kids, and the discovery of my financial conscience later, I just can't do it anymore.

SO Kolby wants a s-l-u-m-b-e-r party and I guess I'm game...after all I don't have to rent my own living room. BUT what to do with 12 8-9 year olds for fourteen hours with out spending a ton of time, or a ton of money (which I don't have)???

I feel I need help with this one. I have the basics, pizza, movie, popcorn, PJs, sleeping bags, and donuts the next morning... But I just wanted something a little more. Something not so "typical s-l-u-m-b-e-r party". Something that is lots of fun and preferably not so messy. We are working with a minimal of outside adult help and a confined space.... And did I mention I haven't even invited anyone yet and it is supposed to be a week from Friday???

You guys are all so creative! Help me think.... Or if you are in the area, bring your PJs and sleeping bag and come help me with the party! :) Comments are REQUIRED TODAY!:)

REVISED: And yes I realize I do seem to have this quandry every year for the past two years before my kids birthday parties. What is it in me that stresses over these things? OH and I had to take the word s-l-u-m-b-e-r out of the title to keep from being googled by p-e-r-v-s... (Feel like I'm spelling things out loud so the kids won't know what I'm saying Tee-hee!)

Weekend highlights

~ Three words... Cinnamon Dolce Latte So I had all my carbs for the weekend in one cup...It was so worth it!

~ Daddy/Daughter and Mommy/Son date night Friday. Kolby picked On the Border with her Daddy. Rhett picked Mr Gatti's with me. Our Mr Gattis was closed. On a Friday night. At 6:30 PM. With no sign/explanation/ warning! VERY DISAPPOINTING! So Rhett opted for Jason's Deli. I think it was Baylor sorority night at Jason's but Rhett insisted we stand in the 30 minute line and fight the dozens of salad eating Baylor Princesses for a table. Talk about feeling old. Midway through our meal Rhett asked if all girls eat salad and talk loud. :)

~ Things I heard myself say that I never thought I would...
"Your sister's head is not a bongo drum."
"But honey, it was all an additional 30%off of 75% off!" (So did they pay me 5% to buy it?)
"We are not renting a stage and spotlight for your birthday party."
"Do not build sand castles in the living room!"
"We do not crawl under the pews during the prayer" As if there is a good time to crawl under the pew?
"Please do not use my rose bowl as a basketball goal."
"No dessert until you eat that pizza." ???????????
"Please take that head off and help me wipe up this poop."

Just a typical weekend in our house. :)

Eye-yi-yiii

I bet you're thinking, didn't she just post a black eyed picture of Rhett a week or so ago? Yep. I did. This is the other eye. Tuesday night Rhett accidentally fell off a chair in my parents kitchen and landed eye-brow bone first on the tile floor. He immediately had an egg just over his left eye. I just knew he had a concussion.
Luckily he just had a huge purple lump that eventually spread to the eye below. I kept him home from school the next day but he really is fine...just looks pathetic. Didn't I tell you he is rough and tumble! Pure B-O-Y with the bruises and black eyes to prove it.

On a completely different and unrelated note... I think thumb-sucking is the greatest thing since sliced bread! Seriously. I have never had a "thumb sucker" before now. I love that Ella Kate can quickly and easily sooth herself just by sucking her thumb. She puts herself to sleep effortlessly in minutes! And the greatest thing about her thumb is she always has it handy (tee-hee) and can find it on her own. We never worry about loosing it and it can not fall out of the diaper bag in the church parking lot. There is the "teeth straightening" issue but, knowing her genes as I do , there isn't a chance she will avoid the orthodontist anyway. Thumb sucking can't make it too much worse. I know I may be singing a different tune in a few years, but for now it is so nice... and it's really cute to boot!
Now don't you wish your thumb gave you that much comfort? :) Happy Weekend!

New Skin

As much as I love pink, I thought I would experiment with a new skin. Not sure I like this one. I am having problems with some basic blog things like editing and such ...but all in all it's OK. I needed a change! Anyone have any good, EASY TO INSTALL free blogger template sites they would like to share???

Smile!

I can not look at these pictures without smiling! Just wanted to send a smile or two your way! :)

Rhetter-roo

My baby boy is growing up so fast. How is it that he is five (almost five and a half he will tell you ) and acting like such a little man? Here are a few stories and Rhett-isms written to help me remember my five year old boy for prosperity...

~ Last Friday was Snowman day at Rhett's school, which was so appropriate considering it was his first day of school last week due to icy weather! Anyway, knowing Rhett is way too cool to wear a sappy old snowman sweater or anything "cute" like that, I decided to go for the cool snowman look and take a minimalist approach. I cut black "coal" shaped buttons out of peel and stick fun foam and then cut a little tiny white Snowman out of white for his black skull cap. Thinking I was the coolest Mom around, I assembled Rhett's monochromatic snowman ensemble and called him in to see. The clothes were cool enough but upon seeing the buttons and the snowman, Rhett announced he would not wear those because he would "look like a jerk." WHERE DID HE LEARN THE WORD JERK AND HOW DOES HE KNOW WHAT ONE WOULD LOOK LIKE?

I didn't push the issue but the next morning I insisted that he put the buttons on ...just for a picture. He got dressed adding sunglasses to his attire and posed for the picture, then started to rip the extras off. I convinced him to wear them to school just to show his teacher, then he could take them off and do whatever he wanted. He agreed, sighing " The things I do for you..." I had to bite my tongue not to laugh but again ...WHERE DID HE GET THAT? I really love that little man!

~ Last Sunday a friend of ours subbed in Rhett's Sunday School class. He asked all the kids at the beginning "Are you excited to be here and learn about God today?" Rhett flatly replied "No, I already know all about God." That is just so Rhett.

~ For about two years, one of Rhett's favorite things to say is "That's disgusting!" He knows what it means and uses it in context, however when he says it it sounds more like "that's' igggssscusting!" I know I should correct him and I'm sure his sister will soon if I don't, but I am kind of attached to that word igggsscusting and will be a bit sad when he gets it right.


~ Rhett loves his Daddy! Now that they are out numbered, the guys have really bonded and stick together. Rhett wants to do eveything his dad does, even dress like him. Every other Friday is a flex-day for Rob at work which means he could have every other Friday off. Every week Rhett asks if Daddy is going to have a "stay home day." He loves the days when he can hang out with his Dad no matter what they end up doing. His Dad is one of his "dudes" and we all think that is pretty neat.

~ Rhett would be a video game junkie if we let him! He has an Nintendo DS (thanks to aunt Sari) and could literally play all day long if I didn't insist on limiting his play with the kitchen timer. His favorite game , bar none, is Star Wars Legos. He shares this passion with his cousin Justin (aka J-dog) who has Star Wars Legos I for Playstation...Which means they can both play at the same time. Justin's Mom and Dad have even videoed them playing because they get so excited. It is a sight to see! When they are doing really well or have conquered a level, Rhett will jump up and say "SWWeet! Justin we rock!" High fives and body slams ensue. The other day while eating out with Justin's family anticipating the games they would play when they went home, in the middle of lunch Rhett asked "Justin are you ready to kick some Star Wars Lego Boodie?" Those boys! The thing is they really can kick boodie! Their Dads are amazed and proud that their son's have inherited their video game prowess!

~Rhett loves numbers. He has been able to count to 100 for over a year now and can also count to twenty by 2s, to fifty by 5s. and two hundred+ by 10s. He is very aware of the time and the temperature display in the van. Though I try not to worry, since Kolby has had a time dealing with and overcoming some dyslexia, it has come to my attention that Rhett often reverses the order of numbers. For example he sees the temperature is 43 and saying "It's thirty four degrees outside." To some extent I know this is normal for this age..but still.

~ Rhett knows all our phone numbers, my Mom's home and cell phone number, our address and all our family's full names. He gets a bit confused on why my parents don't have the same last name we do, but he knows all his cousins have different last names. He gets that we are all one big family with lots of different last names. He is just beginning to understand all the states, cities and their relation to our country. He will ask me what all the states of Russia or Africa are...and I have a hard time explaining that. Rhett knows that Disney World is in Florida, Disney Land is in California. He knows that Uncle Eddy lives in New York the state, while the planes crashed in New York City where mommy loves to go to see plays. Sari traveling the country and sending postcards from all over has peaked his interest in geography and I am scrambling to keep up. He also knows his daddy was born in Japan, and grew up in Spain...but he doesn't get how far away those places are.

~ Rhett can write his first name and is working on his last name. He hasn't learned to spell Thomas yet, but recognizes it by sight. Rhett knows some sight words and likes to tell what letter words start with, but he hasn't wanted to read. I think much of that comes from watching his sister struggle with reading. I'm not going to push it, but hope to work with him more and more before Kindergarten next fall. Rhett likes letters and likes identifying them, but he hasn't shown much interest in writing, drawing or coloring. He does not like to do crafts but he does like to paint. He also does not like stickers and will tell anyone who tries to give him some so...we are working on that.

~ Rhett loves his sisters. Kolby is his best friend and play mate and he will do about anything she suggests. He gets very upset if Kolby gets in trouble and will try to talk me out of punishing her. He also loves his baby sister and wants to hold and play with her...for a minute or two anyway. He is really sweet to Ella Kate and will get on to me if the he thinks I am letting her cry or struggle. If she ever learns to crawl it will be amazing as Rhett will pick her up if she even squirms!

~ All in all Rhett is a great little boy. When I think of that baby in the neo-natal ICU who just couldn't seem to breathe right, I can't believe that he grew into my rough and tumble, always sliding, always falling, always wrestling Rhett! And I thank God for him everyday! We love our Rhetter-roo!

It's Melting!

I love winter. I love snow. I love snow days. I love school starting at 10:00am. I love staying home. I love cooking warm comfort foods and soups. HOWEVER, after being basically at home since last Thursday with sickness and/or icy weather... Today I loved watching the sun come out and the ice start to melt away!


Even our "ice injuries" are starting to melt away. Kolby can sit down with out wincing and the Rhett's eye is more of a rainbow color than black.





It was fun. We had lots of together time. Lots of PJ time. Lots of fires in the fire place. Lots of good food and hot chocolate. Lots of board games, card games and video games. And did I mention I have cooked. Lots of cooking!

I cooked more in the last week than I have in a very,very long time. Breakfast, lunch, and supper.. cause we all know that you just can't eat cold cereal, poptarts or sandwiches when it is that cold outside! Eggs, bacon, pancakes, soup, Mexican food and hearty home-made meals are all that sound good when sleet is hitting the window and a warm fire crackles in the fireplace! :)

But after 7 days...The dish washer is in shock. The pantry is in dire need of replenishment, and there are so many left overs in the frig you can barely get the milk in and out with major re-organizing.

Not to mention being cooped up in the house with three kids for several days in a row. I love them dearly and my kids are pretty great, but I think we all could use a little exercise, a little space, and a little"me" time! My ears are soar from of hearing "MMMoooommmm!" over and over and over....

I would not make it up North. After one week of winter weather, I am happy to see the sun. AND I am thrilled that it is going to get into the 40s today! I'm ready for the kids to go to school, Rob to go to work, me to go to Target! :)

Yes. The ice is melting. It is time.

PS Two prayer request for those who feel so inclined.

~Our beloved pediatrician, Dr.Kemper lost her mother to cancer Monday. The funeral was delayed because of the weather and will be tomorrow. It's been a very hard couple of months. I pray for peace and comfort for her as I know how close she was to her mother.

~A family at church has a new baby in Cooks children's hospital in Fort Worth. He has been there all but 24 hours of his two weeks of life. Please pray that God will comfort and heal this baby and family. Here is a link to their MSN updates for those of you who want to keep up with their progress.
THANK YOU!

Winter is here... time to spring clean!

Today Kolby's school started at 10am and Rhett's was canceled. At first I was bummed about Rhett's school because I had an extra long list of to-dos after being cooped up in the house more or less since last Friday. But as I drove Kolby to school it started sleeting and I (being a total weenie when it comes to driving in ice, sleet or snow etc ) was only too happy to pull back into the safe confines of our little garage.

I don't see myself leaving until I go get Kolby at 3. Pondering the importance of Dance at 4:30? AND then I noticed we are supposed to turn in the Girl Scout Cookie Sales totals today....Oops! Were we selling cookies? I think we all kinda forgot that. No door to door sales today, so I'm afraid Kolby is going to be far short of her goal of 240 boxes... like 190 boxes short at best! Anyone want to order Girl Scout Cookies????

In other news I am on the verge of a clutter/disorganization breakdown! My house just doesn't look or feel like my house with all this stuff around. The next few weeks are going to be dedicated to re-organizing a cleaning out. Pre- kids this would have taken me two days tops. Now, I am hoping to be at least half way there by March! And in the process of this I want to re-paint the living room, dining room , kitchen, laundry room, the halls and totally re-do my bathroom. I would also like to build a desk and filing cabinet area in the nook attached to our bedroom and clean out my closet...which has not been cleaned out since we moved in almost five years ago. In addition to all this I have six years of scrapbooking to catch up on and the PTA scrapbook for this year to put together.

Seriously, does anyone know if that clean sweep show comes to Texas??? Seriously!

So why am I sitting here blogging during precious nap time???? If you don't see me around blog world you know where I am...If you do see me around, you'll know what I am avoiding! :) Everyone bundle up and keep warm because it is cold out there! :)

BRRRR Chilly!

We are all snug as a bug in a rug today! Rob planned weeks ago to take a vacation day today to be home with the kids. With ice all over the trees, sidewalks and maybe the occasional bridge, we are not going to leave our snug little home. It's been a weekend for snuggling up and staying inside.

This morning the kids were just giddy about the ice and insisted on bundling up to venture out and investigate. I thought it might be a cute photo op and after I got them bundled up and out I started getting Ella Kate ready for her winter ice debut. I almost had her ready and Rob ran to the nursery for a blanket. Suddenly there was a crashing sound immediately followed by wailing. Before I could figure out what was going on, Rob ran from the hall and sprinted out the back door. The crying was really loud. I was trying to figure out who it was coming from when Rhett emerged from the back door saying he didn't do anything...He had a big purple spot welling up under his eye. Then Rob raced in carrying Kolby who was sobbing but a little more quietly...

Seems the kids decided to try to get some ice-cycles off the roof by climbing some garden chairs onto a little shingled lean-to on the side of the house (that was used for firewood before the gas logs). Since the roof was covered in ice, Kolby of course fell off the lean-to roof hitting her brother and the chairs before landing on her bottom on the hard cold concrete! OUCH! Rhett's eye was hit by a flying chair but his face was so cold he didn't feel it right away. Needless to say we decided to come in and not venture out again.

I spent the next half hour making sure nothing was broken and warming up my frozen wounded kids. Ella Kate's ice debut will have to wait. Our pictures from the morning are not at al what I envisioned! Take a look.

Black eyed boy!

Yes those are frozen peas on her bum! We were trying to ice it.

Our frozen yard!

Anyway we are just hanging out inside with a fire. I have enjoyed cooking some of our favorite winter foods... Chicken-n-dumplings, Santa Fe Soup, Frito pie, `Beaner weaners and plenty of snowman soup aka hot chocolate! Hope you all stay warm, safe and cozy today!

My two front teeth...

Guess who has two front teeth!!!

On January 5th EK turned 6 months old. For two weeks she had been quite the little slobber monster. Then two days later on January 7th I thought I felt something one her gums.....Low and behold...She had two little teeth poking through!

I tried to get a good picture of the teeth but between the slobber and her tongue...This is as good as it gets.
Look carefully and on her bottom gum you can see two tiny little teeth tops sticking through! WOW! I think she is the earliest one to actually have little white nubs, though Kolby and Rhett also got their bottom two front teeth two at a time during month six...Just not two days into month six!

My baby is growing, growing, growing! At her six month check yesterday she weighed 17 pounds and 3 ounces. She is 26 3/4 inches long and her head circumference was...Well I don't remember that one but, in all three categories she is in the 75th percentile making her my smallest 6 month old thus far. (Kolby was in the 85th percentile and Rhett was off the charts.)

Since I am not dong great at scrapbooking or journaling these days, I'll use this blog to write about what our little Miss is up to. Feel free to skip the sappy mommy details if you wish! :)

At six months Ella Kate can roll over both ways at will and has excellent control of her head and neck. She can sit with help for long periods and without help for a minute or so. She is trying to pull her self up from laying on her back, but has not figured that out so it looks like she is trying to do crunches or sit ups!

She has a very strong grasp and can grab anything within her growing reach. She loves to pull hair as Kolby and I have learned the hard way! She loves to play with her toys that rattle and crinkle. SHE LOVES HER TAGGY BLANKET! She will sit and play with the tags in her fingers and mouth for long periods of time. She is also most recently fascinated with remotes and cell phones...Though for now she just wants to eat them!

Speaking of eating... I started weaning Ella Kate at 5 months by adding one bottle to her day every week for five weeks. At six months we are down to a night feeding, but that seems to be fading fast. She has only acted like she wanted to nurse twice over the bottle and of course it both warmed and broke my heart. I need to wean this baby for many reasons, but I am a little sad to see this stage end. I'm pretty sure it is harder on me than the baby, as most transitions are so far! Ella Kate loves her rice cereal and the few foods she has tried...Though she is a pretty impatient and messy little eater! Now that she is on formula and getting teeth, I'm sure we will work more foods into her routine.

Ella Kate loves people and gives big smiles freely to all she meets. She looks for her brother and sister and squeals with glee at the sight of her Mommy and Daddy! She also has a big soft spot for her Mama K and cried when she left the other night...Which was sweet and heart breaking all at the same time! She also has a great time talking to her Papa and will just rattle on and on We don't know where she gets that! :)

EKG has always been vocal, though she rarely cries. In the last few weeks she has found her squeal!!!! Like her brother Rhett, we are pretty sure she can communicate with marine animals with this high pitched squeal. Unlike Rhett, Ella Kate's squeal is reserved for happy times and conversation.... though she has used it in anger/boredom/frustration once or twice. She has fussed a bit more since teething began but still is quite content.

Ella Kate is such a happy baby! When it is time for a nap or bedtime we just lay her down in her bed and turn on her birds and she coos herself to sleep. She never cries when she wakes up, but will talk loudly if she wants up before we get her. She laughs and laughs when we play pee-pie or make funny noises. She is ultra ticklish on her feet, sides and under her chin! Few sounds are as precious as her sweet little laugh and baby cackles! She is such a joy and we are all just crazy our sweet Ella Bella Katie Baby! I wish I could freeze dry these moments and remember them forever! We thank God constantly for this precious happy, healthy girl!

Happy New Year!

So I am a bit tardy in my New Years greetings! 2007 WOW! Can you believe it? 2007!

I wanted to post a picture of my cute little New Year Baby...it's the last time I will have a baby baby at New Years, but blogger just won't cooperate. Speaking of the baby...she turned six months old this week! SIX MONTHS OLD!!! What a blessing she has been and continues to be.

Not much to blog about these days, but I wanted to check in. Will try to upload that picture soon. Hope the first week of 2007 was good to youand will continue to be good! :)

REVISED OK if you just want the sterile "happy" blog stop reading here.

At few days ago I got this youtube video in an e-mail.

Besides making me totally crazy over what type car seat my children are in, it was just so hauntingly sad. These kids look so familiar. So I followed the link mentioned in the video to find out a little more and spent the next hour reading through this little boy's mom's account of his life and death...and the many many comments that people have left them...all the while tears were streaming down my face.

What touched me more than anything was reading what happened in the words of this little boys mommy. But it was these words that brought me to my knees in tears and prayer...

We truly made the most out of the short time we had with Kyle and I will forever be grateful for that. If I had known in advance that we would only have 3 years with our son, I would change absolutely nothing about the way we lived them. I am eternally grateful for that.

If something happened to Rhett today, I'm not sure I could say that. I feel like Rhett gets the short end of the stick sometimes.

For the last year and a half, with the pregnancy and the new baby, I just haven't been the Mom I want to be for Rhett. Kolby sort of demands attention just because of her age, birth order, and all the school and dyslexia related special time we spend together. Ella Kate is a baby which also demands and gets my full attention most of the time. But then there is Rhett. Rhett is happy, independent and often so content and capable that I have accidentally taken advantage of his good nature and missed out on a lot of time with him. Rhett goes to Kindergarten next fall. I just haven't done all the things I wanted to do with him before he starts school... So for the next eight months until Rhett starts school I am going to really work at being a better Rhett mommy. I guess that is one of my New Years resolutions, though I'm not big on resolutions.

I share this with you because so often it is the words of you, my fellow bloggers, that make me want to be a better person, a stronger Christian, a more loving wife and mommy. You (and I think you know who you are) generously share your life in the words of your blog and by doing so, you inspire me. I don't blog very deeply...and I'm not sure I will ever be the blogger some of you are... But know that I am so blessed by you guys. When inspiration hits or God gets through to me...I want to share it with you.

So again happy New Years... I hope we all accomplish what God reveals for each of us to do in 2007!

PS I'm not at liberty to give any details beyond these, but there is a newborn baby boy named David in Cooks Hospital in Fort Worth who needs prayers for his liver to function properly. Please take a minute to pray for him and his sweet family. Thank you!

Happy New Year!

  

Merry Christmas...

From Our family to yours!

In front of our tree before church this morning

At church with all the cousins

Another year older...

Today I add another year to my age. I'm in good company as Brad Pitt, Steven Speilberg and the later half of Tom-Kat, Katie Holmes also add a year to their number today.

Since having kids, I always think of my parents on my birthday. I almost feel as if I should get them a cake and a present to commenmorate this day. Let's face it, thirty seven years ago today I was just going with the flow. My Mom was doing all the work, and my Dad was the one walking the halls. Really they should get presents and praise today... But they get to take the glory from their parents on their birthdays, so I guess it all evens out. :)

It's funny how I don't feel any older than I did yesterday, but the rest of the world considers me a whole year older. On the other hand, when I look back ten years ago to 27, I do feel older. Yesterdays have a way of adding up before you know it! Ten years ago I was still a newly wed. Rob and I were about to find out that we were moving from Midland to Hurst, Texas and kids...well we had our dog Berkley. That seems like a life time ago. Five moves, 6 jobs, and three kids later, almost everything about my life is different. However, I am still am very much in love with my husband, and I am still a child of God. It's nice to have at least two constants.

The biggest change in tha last ten years.... I am a Mom! Everyday I am amazed by the little people God has entrusted to Rob and me. Since my kids are my full time occupation right now, it seems that being a mommy has predominantly colored every thread of my being. I can barely remember what I did, who I was, or what life was like before becoming a Mom...and that is not all bad! I can't help wonder what the next ten years will bring! One thing is for sure, no more babies AND, that is not all bad either! :)

I look forward to this next year, and all the coming years. I am proud to be my age. Yes, I wish I had my 27 year old pre-mommy body and energy back ...but I wouldn't trade it for my 37 year old life with family, experience, and "rugged hope" the years have given. Sometimes I dream about the past or try to imagine the furture, but the here and now is good.... not without it's challenges, for it is after all life! But it is a good life and I feel very loved and blessed.

Well enough reflection! Birthday or not, I have a long to-do list, and the days a waisting! Hope y'all have a wonderful day and enjoy it for very thing it is!

A little bah hum bug

Even though I wasn't crazy about this picture, I was proud to have had my Christmas cards ready to go last week. Then my Mom noticed something wasn't quite right. You may not be able to tell from this small picture but something is misspelled (SHOCKING, I know!)
So I have been sitting on these cards for days wondering if I will send them out anyway or pay to have all 100 of them re-done. Rob says we are sending them as is, no re-doing allowed. Everyone knows I can't spell....but my own name??? It's given me a little bah hum bug! UUUGGGHHH!!!!

Blessings of the Season

December is going by so fast! Can you believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away? Where does the time go? This weekend we did get our tree up and decorated...The rest of the house will be done by Friday or not at all.

This weekend was also big because Kolby went on her Girl Scout trip to the metro-plex! I was a bit apprehensive about this over-night trip because it's was her first out of town over-night trip with out family. But Kolby worked hard selling Girl Scout nuts to earn this trip and I could not deny her going. They had a blast! They went ice skating, had a Build-a-bear party, spent the night in a hotel and then rode the Amtrak train back Sunday afternoon. Kolby's Scout leader is the most creative, organized, brave women I know. She had those girls pack a certain way in a back pack and had them keep up with all their stuff. I don't think I could have trusted Kolby to anyone better than Ms Gabbie! I'm so grateful to people who love my kids and work hard to show them a great time while teaching them big lessons. THANKS GABBIE!

Ella Kate also had a big first this weekend. She started eating rice cereal! Ella Kate is quite a hands on eater! Not sure if you can tell from this picture but, the only way I can get food to EK's mouth without her grabbing it and smearing it all over is to let her hold one spoon while I feed her with another spoon! Too funny that little EKG!

Rhett didn't have any big first, but he had a big fifth! Friday I took Rhett to the doctor and found out for the fifth time in twelve months, he had strep throat! We may be consulting with an ENT about having Rhett's tonsils removed this summer if he has strep again. But despite the strep, he felt pretty good after just one dose of medicine. I think he enjoyed the extra attention he got while Kolby was gone. However no one was more excited about her coming home! Rhett is such a sweet brother! He loves his sisters. Speaking of little sisters....

Sunday Ella Kate wore her Mrs Santa dress to church. Last year around this time Kolby and I were shopping and saw this dress at Old Navy. I'm not sure if we had even sent out the Christmas cards telling everyone that we were having a baby yet, and we certainly didn't know if we were going to have a boy or a girl... But we bought the dress anyway. Doesn't sound like much, but at the time, it was a real leap of faith for me. I remember not wanting to buy anything until I was a lot further along ( 3 miscarriages will do that to you). But Kolby was so excited and it was so sweet that she wanted to get something for her "maybe sister" that I just made myself believe it was safe to buy something for the baby. A year later, to actually see our sweet baby girl in that little dress is such an incredible blessing! God is good. I have to admit that there have been times in the last year that I have really questioned God and questioned what he was doing or not doing in my life. BUT over and over again he has proven to me that he is faithful, he is good, and he does love me! God gives me faith when I can't muster it on my own. He reminds me of who he is and how much he loves me when I least deserve that love. God doesn't have to prove himself, Jesus did that on the cross for all time! But he reminds me of who he is and how he loves through things as simple as a little Santa dress, or as miraculous as the sweet baby girl wearing it!

So even though this Christmas season seems to be going by at light speed, I am grateful for the little reminders and blessings of the season that point me towards the greatest sacrifice and miracle God ever gave us... His precious baby boy who he sent to us and eventually sacrificed for us! May the joy in our hearts over that incredible love and sacrifice light this, and every, season of our lives.

Hope you find many, many blessings in this season!

Talk the talk

So I found myself wondering if I was even capable of writing a blog post that was not centered around K-I-D-S. There are a few big people thoughts swirling around in my head...So here it goes. Read slowly as you know I am rusty at this....

Cosmo Kramer
From 1989 to 1998 I loved to laugh at Kramer. Who didn't? And somehow in syndication he seemed more funny. Then there was that thing in the comedy club a few weeks ago. I heard one comedian say Michael Richards had torched his career and was finished for good. I don't think I bought it though...I mean this is KRAMER! Fictional Cosmo Kramer. Can real life Michael Richards hurt the Kramer we all grew to know and love? Surly after all these years, Michael Richards may go down in history as a tatrum throwing racist, but Kramer will always be Kramer. But then I actually watched the full video clip. Disgusting. It was the kind of un-called for bad that isn't funny. But still, this is Kramer! So days later I'm flipping through the channels and I stop on the Seinfield "BIG DRAWERS" episode. I have rolled in the floor laughing at that particular episode before. But that day, well, not so much. Nine years of laughs deminished forever by three minutes of hate and stupidity. It can happen.

Global Warming
Thoughts to ponder. It does seem like the world is warmer than it was when I was a little girl. I remember having to wear a big coat to go trick-or-treating and having ice on the river IN WEST TEXAS at least once a year. Is Al Gore right? In the last 30 years have we damaged the ozone and created an irreversible green house affect? OR is the Earth just going through cycles and we are in a warm one right now? Aren't the Global Warming people the same ones who therorize that at one point most of the Earth was covered in glaciers and ice? So at some point wouldn't it have had to have gotten awfully warm to melt that ice? I wonder in another 300 or so years will people be talking about Global Cooling ?

Paris Hilton
Really what is it that she does? When did "the Paris Hilton" become a blond heiress and not a hotel in France? Seriously. Does she have a job? Has she ever? Why do so many care about what she wears, who she hangs with and who she is currently "caught on tape" with... I don't get the whole Paris Hilton thing.

A Cappella Music
Why do I like it in church and the shower, but not the car? (Zoe excluded) Why does it bug me that this is such an issue? It has never been an issue for me. I don't feel either style is more or less "right" in the eyes of God. Why do I feel so ambivalent about it? I love instuments in Chrristian music. I love the sound of Acappella singing with voices blending and harmonizing. I wish there was a way to have both in church, but neither exclusively. Seems like that just never happens. It's always all or nothing. How do you feel?

Supply vs Demand
According to the laws of supply and demand, if the the demand is greater than the supply, the cost of a product goes up. If the supply is greater than the demand, the price goes down. So how is it that SUV's and trucks are piled up on car lots across the nation, our major US auto houses are hurting and forced to lay-off thousands and close plants, and sales are basically stagnate yet SUV and trucks have the highest sticker prices in decades! A nicely equipped Suburban cost more than what my parents paid for the house I grew up in.... What's the deal???

Other adult buzzings in my brain...

Will the text messaging generation "B NE"worse at spelling than I am?

Why doesn't the salvation Army have bell ringers at Easter? The weather would be so much better.

Why does the term "cooperate worship" seem like an oximoron to me?

Does the world really need Diet Coke and Coke Zero?

Why are Soap Operas devoid of music and singers?

AND LASTLY if the infamous "Virginia" were to write a letter questioning the existence of Santa today, would she get the same answer. I just have to wonder. I am suddenly finding it hard to tell, or even suggest, to my kids that they should Believe. (Despite what some of my favorite Mary Englbright Christmas Decorations say!) I guess I worry that when they find out that the bell from the Polar Express is a myth and Santa is more a feeling than a person...They will think the world (and more importantly their parents) have lied to them. Will they feel betrayed and start to doubt other things presented to them as real? Will they think that Jesus is just cultural focus pocus too? This has never really bothered me before, but now it is. Please share insight.

Well that is all the big people talk I can muster for one sitting. I'll be back to snapshots, sweet babies and other mommy-isms next time you check in!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
( P.S. I heard it's once again PC for Christians to say that phrase with out the rest of the world thinking you want to take the Christ out of Christmas... What a relief! ; )

Guess who is 5 months old today????

Our happy baby!
I can't believe she is 5 months old and yet I can't imagine life without this sweet girl! Our family has been so blessed by our baby EKG.

So I guess you may have noticed that in the last five months this has become a purely kid/baby picture blog. What is that saying about a picture being worth 1000 words??? Truly, I can't help it. I am just so enamored with the little people living here! God has blessed Rob and I far beyond what we ever dreamed.

Happy Tuesday!

Visit with Santa

Here are some more pictures from last weekend. I was very grateful to have these pictures taken and in hand when I saw the long line to see Santa at our mall! Tis the season!

Our little angel meets the Santa for the first time! Kolby & Rhett are old pros when it comes to "the Santa Picture."
They have all been pretty good this year!