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why does everything happen at once? My computer is shot, Matt's computer's screen is broken, our washing machine is on it's last leg, it is time to re-join (and pay) the gym membership, and neighborhood pool dues are due. So.....I will not be back on my computer until I can purchase a new one. I am having a garage sale this Saturday and I will be taking the money straight to Best Buy to see what kind of laptop I can get. Wish me luck.

Too Fast

Today, as I nursed G before putting him down for a nap, I became all to aware that my precious little baby boy is 9 months old and growing so fast. My baby! I wish I could just stop time right now. Each of my kids is at such a wonderful age and I don't want it to change. I have never been a big fan of change and the fact that my little girl is about to turn 3, my oldest will be off to Kindergarten in the Fall, with his brother right behind him the following year, and now my baby is pulling up and cruising around the house, not only makes me sad, but also anxious. Each day my children become a little more independent and I have to let go a little every day. I so want to protect them forever from this world. I can feel Satan attacking me in this area daily. I feel fear rising as I think about how much hurt my kids will go through during their lifetime and I wish that I could shield them from it. I am reading books on how to raise sons, how to raise a daughter, how to discipline, how to shepherd, and so on. Is any of this going to help them not experience things on their own? I am learning that as a mother, as a parent, I don't have to release my children to the world. I can trust God, who knit each child in the womb and gave me the privilege to be their mother, to guide and protect them, to love in a way that even I cannot.
What I can do is pray for my kids daily, hourly, continuously! I can believe God that He is their provider, their strength, their shield, their protector, their hope. I want to become a prayer warrior for my kids because I believe with all my heart that the generations to come will face things more difficult than the generations before. Hear my cry O Lord, a cry for this generation. A plea for protection on my children, a love for you and a heart to serve you at an early age. Continue to work in me as I set the example of putting you first in every area of my life. I do not have to fear change. I can cast my cares and anxieties on you Lord, for your love endures FOREVER!

Chicken Cheeks

Kate and her matching baby doll outfit!

Last Friday, Kate and I visited our local library to check out a few books (19 actually!). I found the absolute perfect book for my boys. It is called Chicken Cheeks and it is a story about animal's rear ends. I knew when I picked it up that this would go over great because my 4 and 5 year old are all about bathroom humor, so I thought....why not! I know my mom would say that they come by that honest. Well was I ever right!!! My kids think this book is hilarious and I must admit, it is pretty darn cute and clever. If you are looking for a funny children's book that will surely have your boys, and even your little girl laughing, check this one out at your library. I have read it to my kids about 20 times and they laugh each time as if it is the first.

Check out the video of the story--this is about the 10th time they had heard it.

Above is a picture of Kate in an outfit that I found at T.J. Maxx, that came with a matching baby doll dress. I am going back to buy more this week because they are so cute and only $16! I am not a big T.J. Maxx shopper because I feel like it is hit or miss and I usually seem to miss, but this time I found a great dress for a great deal. It even came with a puffy slip that made the dress "puff out". So cute. Go get one!

Jump Zone

Today I went to the back porch to "supervise" my children on our new trampoline and this is a picture of what I saw! 7, yes 7, boys jumping all at the same time. The oldest boy jumping was 10 and the youngest 4.

When we were putting it together, one of the rules stated on the warning sheet was "jump one at a time". I did not want to make a trip to the emergency room, so I made a quick rule that there are only 3 allowed on the trampoline at the same time---jumping one at a time is really not very fun! Needless to say, the fun ended pretty quickly, but I am happy to report that no Dr. visit was made.

Free the Butterflies

On Saturday we finally set our butterflies free! This was such a fun activity for the family. We got our caterpillars in the mail about 3 weeks ago and watched as they went from caterpillar to chrysalis, to butterfly. I am still amazed that we were able to keep them all alive. W even took his to school for show and tell on Friday. The kids set them free and played with them outside for at least an hour. We are going to do this every year! I think I might have enjoyed it more than the kids. I was a little obsessed with checking on them about 50 times a day...it is the mother in me, I guess!

Easter at Meme and Pops

Easter morning

We had a wonderful Easter weekend! On Saturday morning we set up our new trampoline for the kids. We have been wanting to get one since we moved into our new house, but have not got around to it until now. It is great and I know the kids are going to love it because they jump oour neighbors every day! Now we have our own.

We drove to Atlanta Saturday afternoon and got to spend Easter with my family. The kids had so much fun with all their cousins. We went to Cedarcrest church and heard a great Easter message and then had brunch with Mike, Mckenzie, and Elliot. All of the cousins came to Meme and Pops and we did an egg hunt. The kids had a blast. It is so fun for us to get to spend time with all the cousins. I wish we got to see them more.

The Fruit!

As you can see, this cost me nothing to make. I used what I had around the house. You can buy eggs at the Christian book store, but it was actually kinda fun to put together!

Last night, after dinner, I got out the Resurrection eggs that I made (see a few posts ago) and spent time with the family sharing about the Crucifixion of Jesus. It turned out great. All my kids were very interested and engaged. It was amazing. I could really feel the Holy Spirit working in our children! They were understanding that Jesus died on the cross for us! It was a really neat way to share the story and they loved opening up each egg and looking at the item inside that represented an important part in the story of Jesus' life leading up to his death.

I am continuously amazed at how awesome child-like faith really is. How I pray, I too, could have faith like a child--where the world has yet to get in the way!

This morning I asked O what happened today a very long time ago. What was so special about today and he said "Jesus died on the cross". I said "Yes, that was a very long long time ago" and he responded very matter of fact that "Jesus died on the cross when we were living in our old house, right?"

I love to hear my children ask questions like this! This very morning on the way to school, we said our prayer and then W asks "Mom, is God bigger than the World?"

Today is a good day. The Lord has blessed me with 4 amazing kids. He has given me the privilege to be their mommy. When I see fruit such as this from my children, I can honestly say that every whine, fit, scream, disobedient act, etc... is worth the joy in knowing that, my children, are understanding the Lord more every day and falling more in love with him and what He has done for us.

Here is a Story you can share with your kids. All you need is a bag of jelly beans!

Black is for the evil planned that night.

Yellow is for God's Son Who is the light.

Red is for the precious blood that Jesus gave.

Green is for the grass that grew beside the grave.

Orange is for the setting sun as soldiers slept.

Pink is for the rising sun as Mary wept.

Purple is for the rulers who could not win.

White is for the cloth He left within.

Blue is for the water in the sea.

On the shore, The risen Lord, Oh could it be?

Many people witnessed this great event

Disciples watched as heavenward He went.

The angel said HE would return

Exactly when we do not learn.

A bag of jelly beans helps us to tell

A story of love, we know so well.

Share the candy share the joy

JESUS died for girls and boys.

Kate "nursing" her baby doll

Today as I was feeding G, I looked over at K, who always joins me in her rocking chair with her baby, and she was nursing her little baby doll. It was so sweet. I have seen her do this before, but seeing her do it today made me want to remember it forever. It is the sweetest thing. She is so gentle with her baby, patting her baby's diaper and singing songs to her. It is amazing how nurturing she is compared to her brothers. I love to see how girlie she can be at times and how tough she can be at other times.

I am also proud to announce that G took his first bottle today. Oh, I am so happy... I feel a little bit of freedom in knowing that I can leave him for an extended period of time now. The ladies at the gym actually gave him his first bottle. Oh how I love the nursery workers at the gym!

We all Scream for Ice-Cream!

Tonight after dinner, we were sitting out on our screened porch and we heard the faint, but oh so familiar sound, of the ice cream truck off in the distance. Immediately we ask each other if we have cash. Yes! $6 between us. Just enough! Off they go, running down the driveway, bathed and in pajamas to wait for the ice-cream "girl" to head down our street. SHE CAME!!!!

W got a mutant ninja turtle ice cream treat and O and K got rainbow snow cones. What a fun night.

My Glamorous Life!

K has her baby in her make-shift baby bjorn!
O is my little comedian

G is so happy to be standing

W will no doubt find the most eggs at the hunt. He is on a mission

I realized, as I was getting ready today to go up to the kid's school for an Easter party, that I could not remember the last time I actually got "dressed" to go somewhere on a day other than Sunday! I truly cannot recall the last time I put on something besides yoga pants, sports bra, tank and running shoes. This is so sad! I usually just have errands to run, go to the gym or go to the park or other mommy places with the kids, that I don't dress up. Normally I would just go up to the school in my mommy attire, but today I had a few minutes while G was sleeping to hop in the shower and get glammed up---not really, I am still wearing jeans, but my hair is not in a pony tail! At least, not yet!

Easter crafts

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

We dyed Easter eggs tonight after dinner. I boiled 18 eggs earlier this afternoon, so each child got 6 eggs to dye. Gray did not participate this year! I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but I work so hard to do fun activites and crafts and when we actually sit down to do it, we finish in about 5 minutes! I barely got out my camera before thy were done. We have 18 very pastel colored eggs! The blue eggs turned out good, but now we all have blue hands. That stuff will not come off. Happy Easter to everyone!

Here is an activity you can do to teach your kids, in a visual hands on way about the ressurection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. My kids are so excited about egg hunts, Easter Bunnies, and candy, that I do not want them to miss the true reason we celebrate Easter!

First, purchase 12 plastic Easter eggs, the kind that you can open and fill. I recommend the size that can fit in a Styrofoam or cardboard egg carton.

Into each egg place the item and scripture reference written on a small piece of paper.

Egg #1: Message -- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people waved palm branches. Passage -- Matthew 21:1-11 Item -- Piece of palm branch. Another option for those of you with extra leggo parts or plastic novelty beads would be to place a small plastic leaf in the egg

Egg #2: Message -- Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.Passage -- John 12:2-8Item -- Small perfume sample or cloth with perfume or a piece of cotton with cologne on it

Egg #3: Message -- Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. Passage -- Matthew 26:17-19 Item – a piece of Chex cereal; or take clay and make a small bread-like shape

Egg #4: Message -- Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Passage -- Matthew 27:3 Item -- 3 dimes or plastic “silver” money

Egg #5: Message -- Jesus carried His own cross. Passage -- John 19:17 Item – toothpicks or Popsicle stick cut and glued in a cross form; or, a small plastic cross from a Christmas ornament or necklace.

Egg #6: Message -- Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head. Passage -- John 19:2 Item -- Small thorny branch, or a large thorn all by itself.

Egg #7: Message -- Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat. Passage -- John 19:23 Item -- Swatch of burlap and a nail. I’ve also seen miniature dice used for this one.

Egg #8: Message -- Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side. Passage -- John 19:18,37 & John 20:25-29 Item -- A nail

Egg #9: Message -- They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink. Passage -- Matthew 27:34 Item -- A small sponge

Egg #10: Message -- Spices to prepare Jesus for burial. Passage -- John 19:40 Item -- 7 or 8 whole cloves, or other whole spices

Egg #11: Message -- The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away. Passage -- John 20:1 Item -- A small rock

Egg #12: Message -- The napkin around Jesus' head was lying separately from His linen clothers. He was not there. He has risen! Passage -- John 20:6-7 Item -- A scrap of linen-type fabric

G pulling up

The other day G pulled up for the first time and he was so excited. Now that he knows he can do it, he is pulling up on everything. He just turned 8 months on March 21 and is already crawling and on the go. He is getting bigger and cuter everyday. This is such a fun age...I do not want it to pass me by too fast.

My Sweet Little KK!

Here are a few pictures of KK over the last few days. She happened to dress herself in an Auburn dress 2 days in a row...she loves her Auburn dresses. I get to spend some quality time with my sweet daughter while the older boys are at school and G is napping. She loves to paint and just recently has been introduced to the computer. I let her watch a few books on You Tube.

Here is a link to an Easter story she loved. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J8_CSkiUa8

I used to buy books on CD for my kids to listen to, but now that I have discovered this, I am just going to let them watch them on the computer. I think she would have sat there all day.

No Cavities...well, just a small one!

G along for the ride
W opening wide

Kate is such a good patient

O with Sunglasses on b/c the light was bothering him. Typical!

We ventured to the Dentist today for our 6 month cleaning. This week has been Dental week for us. I had an appt on Monday and the kids today. We go to Dr. Jonathan Curtis at Cahaba Valley Pediatric Dentistry and they are awesome. We love Dr. Curtis and his staff. Here are few pix of the kids getting their teeth cleaned. We got a good report! O just has a small cavity that we are watching until next time, W looks great--his tooth might finally be coming through, and K needs to stop sucking her thumb, which might be challenge. Next time we visit, G will be sitting in that chair too!

His Love Endures Forever

You need to watch this video of the life of our Christ Jesus played to my favorite song, Revelation Song. It is about 6 minutes long. It portrays the life of our LIVING Savior Jesus Christ. It will bring you to tears as we remember His life and His ultimate sacrifice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZUTt8XINPY&feature=related

Quality TIme

G at 8 months

We got to spend some quality time with G on Friday night and Saturday morning. The kids were spending the night with Nana and Grandad. We enjoyed this one on one time so much and are amazed at how easy he is. We went out and had a great dinner with him and spent the morning playing with him in bed. It is so great to spend time with each individual child . I wish I had the chance to do it more.

Last night I meet some of my dearest friends for dinner and I am reminded, as I always am when I am with them, how thankful I am for these awesome women who are always there to pray for each other, support one another and lift each other up. I am so blessed that the Lord brought them into my life and that they inspire me in my walk with the Lord. On top of that, they are just plain fun too.
Now to my shoe story...after dinner I went to Target to look around. I have been trying to stay as far away as possible from Target because I cannot seem to escape there without spending over $80! I had one hour until the store closed! Perfect, not too much time to linger and throw random things I don't need in my cart. I was doing great. I had some lunch meat, bananas, a skirt for Kate, a tank top for me, and a new door mat. And then I hit the shoes. Now, I am not a shoe person. I pretty much live in flip flops and running shoes. I would much rather buy an outfit than a pair of shoes any day, but because of this, I tend to never have anything "cute" to go with my outfits. Well, let me tell you, Target has some great shoes. I picked up 3 pairs last night. Probably more dress shoes than I have bought over the past 5 years. I am so proud of my purchases and brought them home to show Matt. He wasn't as thrilled as me until I pointed out that his work shoes that we bought last month were $195. I realize he will wear these shoes everyday for the next 4 years, but still...come on. I got 3 pairs for $70! And yes, I went over my usual $80 budget at Target.

I love Spring! This is our first Spring in our new house, so everything that is blooming is a new suprise. We have a gigantic Bradford Pear in the backyard, a beautiful, full bloomed cherry tree in the front, some dogwoods that are beginning to bloom, and 20 crepe myrtles that I am anxiously awaiting. We have already filled our bird feeders twice and have seen finch, cardinals, robins and bluebirds (and squirrels-lol). I cannot wait to get out in the yard and plant some flowers over the next few weeks.

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow,
nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not worth much more than they?
"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
"And why are you worried about clothing?
Observe how the lilies of the field grow;
they do not toil nor do they spin,
yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of
these.
Matt 6:26-29 (NASB)

Help Me!

Today I kept sweet, little, ever energetic, even when deathly sick, O home from school today. His cough still sounds horrendous and I didn't feel right about sending him to school, even though I think he is fine and I really had to dig deep to find the strength and patience to keep him home!

I must say, he was so excited to be sending off his brother and sister to school and getting to stay home with mommy and G. On the way home, he asked "Mommy, what are we going to do at home", and I said "whatever you want to do" and He said "Can we go to the jumpy place and then the Toy Store?" "Can I have a friend over?"

I really almost pulled a U turn in the middle of 280 to head back to drop him off at school and tell him not to cough on anybody, but I didn't. I brought him home to spend some quality time with his mommy. As I am watching him jump all over my furniture, I am re-thinking my decision to bring him on home.

Sick X 4

Our adventure took us to the Doctor this morning to check out what exactly is wrong with G and to take a look at O's cough, which has not gotten better over the last 2 weeks. I was pretty sure we all had the same thing, so I thought after she diagnosed 2, we could figure out what to do about W and K. Well, Lo and Behold, everyone has Walking Pneumonia. G has it the worst and I am continuing his breathing treatments. He also has a nasty ear infection. O is on an inhaler because he, too, is wheezing and everyone got a prescription for an antibiotic. We spent 2 hours at the Doctor, 40 minutes at the pharmacy and about 15 minutes in the Zaxby's drive thru today. After a grand total of $120 (Dr co pay/$30 per child) + $200 (generic antibiotic x 4) + $20 (a very unhealthy lunch)= I dropped a whopping $340 in a little less than 3 hours!