Life is full of blessings! If we look for them, we will find them all around. I'd like to share the blessings around here (it will provide contrast to the last blog about me being overwhelmed!)
* Steve is getting a chance to be rejuvinated this week with a fly-fishing trip in Michigan. He works very hard ALL the time, and this is a great chance for him to relax and enjoy something that he loves to do!
* Sarah Gayle is taking the boys to VBS this week. This was an unexpected blessing, and I'm thankful that they will have something to keep them busy while dad is away. Evenings are our hardest time, and this allows me some relief as well. Thanks Lil Sis for being so AWESOME!
* My dad's plant is staying open until December 31st now!!! If you'll remember from some of my prayer requests, it had originally slated to close on July 31st. God is good, and faithful! Praise him for 5 more months of work, and pray that there are more to come!!!
* Our family has had a very fun and healthy summer. We have been blessed with a smooth beginning to life as a family of 6!
* It is the beginning of August and we have GREEN grass! We have had a lot of unseasonable rain, and instead of burnt brown dry grass we still have green grass. The rain has been crazy, but I feel blessed that we can enjoy playing in the lawn!
* We have wonderful family and friends with whom we can share these blessings. Thank you for being a part of our lives!!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Overwhelmed...
Steve took Avery and Silas camping tonight. They were very excited to get in one more camping trip before school starts. I cannot believe how this summer has flown past! Baby girl is almost 3 months old and in just 3 days, Nolan will officially be 18 months old! Wow!
We have had a great weekend, and were actually home from Thursday night until tonight when the boys left to go camping and I headed out to the grocery. It was nice to spend time at home, and not HAVE to do anything in particular. That doesn't happen often for us!
I need to admit tonight though, that I have had some rough emotions the last few days. I think it has to do with Steve's fishing trip coming up, although these emotions are in no way his fault! I have just felt "overwhelmed" with the task as the mother of four. There is always so much to be done. And I have had a couple of times recently when I went to leave the house and realized as I started out the door that I had everyone ready to leave but myself!!! I was still in my pajamas and hadn't even brushed my teeth!
I'm sure some other mothers can relate. We become so accustomed to putting our childrens' needs first that we can even forget our own! I know that this is just a phase, and I can see with Avery and Silas that they will all some day be able to do more for themselves and even to help me out!
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to "rush" them growing up AT ALL! I just need to remember how fleeting these days are! I also need to take some time for myself when I start to feel this way. I'm horrible at communicating that need, just ask Steve...
I would never want to change the fact that I have four children in any way. And I wouldn't be anywhere but here with them! There are just times where I get in a rut of doing the same thing day in and day out. And there are four little people who "need" me every day. And that is both a wonderful thing and an overwhelming one at the same time. But you know, God has trusted us with and BLESSED us with HIS CHILDREN!!! I guess when I put it that way, it really makes it all seem easier!
I really believe that, most of the time, our attitude affects EVERYTHING! When I remind myself of the fact that Steve and I don't have these children because of anything other than the fact that God Himself gave them to us, I suddenly rest easier. So, thank you, dear blog, for changing my mind tonight. And thank you, dear friends, for not thinking less of me for "thinking out loud" here!
I guess the only thing I can really be "OVERWHELMED" about is God's love for me! He will see me through, even when the battle is mostly deep within myself!
We have had a great weekend, and were actually home from Thursday night until tonight when the boys left to go camping and I headed out to the grocery. It was nice to spend time at home, and not HAVE to do anything in particular. That doesn't happen often for us!
I need to admit tonight though, that I have had some rough emotions the last few days. I think it has to do with Steve's fishing trip coming up, although these emotions are in no way his fault! I have just felt "overwhelmed" with the task as the mother of four. There is always so much to be done. And I have had a couple of times recently when I went to leave the house and realized as I started out the door that I had everyone ready to leave but myself!!! I was still in my pajamas and hadn't even brushed my teeth!
I'm sure some other mothers can relate. We become so accustomed to putting our childrens' needs first that we can even forget our own! I know that this is just a phase, and I can see with Avery and Silas that they will all some day be able to do more for themselves and even to help me out!
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to "rush" them growing up AT ALL! I just need to remember how fleeting these days are! I also need to take some time for myself when I start to feel this way. I'm horrible at communicating that need, just ask Steve...
I would never want to change the fact that I have four children in any way. And I wouldn't be anywhere but here with them! There are just times where I get in a rut of doing the same thing day in and day out. And there are four little people who "need" me every day. And that is both a wonderful thing and an overwhelming one at the same time. But you know, God has trusted us with and BLESSED us with HIS CHILDREN!!! I guess when I put it that way, it really makes it all seem easier!
I really believe that, most of the time, our attitude affects EVERYTHING! When I remind myself of the fact that Steve and I don't have these children because of anything other than the fact that God Himself gave them to us, I suddenly rest easier. So, thank you, dear blog, for changing my mind tonight. And thank you, dear friends, for not thinking less of me for "thinking out loud" here!
I guess the only thing I can really be "OVERWHELMED" about is God's love for me! He will see me through, even when the battle is mostly deep within myself!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Happy 4th Birthday Silas!!!
The bowling man himself. Silas chose to go bowling for his 4th Birthday party. He had a lot of fun, and enjoyed having several friends there to celebrate with him. Here are some pictures from his special day:
Daddy and Nolan. Nolan wanted so badly to play "ball!"
This is Lily holding Shay. Chaille was tired, but Lily wanted to hold her SO badly!
Kisses from Papaw Randy.
Uncle Ryan helping the birthday boy! Ryan helped ALL the kids bowl.
Grandma Darlene taking care of Nolan while visiting with Oriana.
The picture his "girlfriend" Raegan drew for him!!!
Speaking of girlfriends, here's Avery's girlfriend Rylee! :o) He blushes when we talk about her!
His Army Birthday cake. What a sweet boy, and a wonderful party!
I had to add this one. This was Shay before the party. I've wanted so badly an event for her to wear this cute dress now that it fits! So cute!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Excerpt
Wow, these incidents seem to be more frequent recently... Maybe it is because I have been watching for them so that I can record them. (And I record them mostly because I'm not sure if I will remember much of what happens if I don't write it somewhere!)
So tonight was a night that Steve had to work late for a special event. We managed quite well for most of the evening, aided by the fact that Chaille slept from 2:30 until 7! Well after she woke up and finished nursing, I took her and Nolan out to the front porch. The big boys headed on their bikes over to the school parking lot. I realized at that time that Nolan was stinky, but decided to wait, as I was enjoying the time.
Then I heard it... Silas was crying and Avery came flying home on his bike. Silas rode slowly behind. Avery informed me that Si had ridden through a puddle and wrecked his bike. I could see he was covered in muddy water and that his knee was bleeding. He was sort of "stuck" on the sidewalk across the street from the house because the cars just kept coming! Finally he catches enough of a break to cross home and we head inside to clean up.
I need to add here that the neighbor next door to the west was sitting on his front porch, probably trying to have a quiet evening! :o) Ha ha... Not any more...
Anyway, Silas was crying and limping and really making a scene. Chaille was upset because I was not doing the best job of consoling Silas and holding her comfortably at the same time! So, she started crying too. Then, I tell Nolan he needs to come in so that I can clean Silas up. He's clearly too young to be left alone outside! So HE starts crying. Four children, three are crying!!!
Avery headed back over to ride his bike, I sat Chaille in the crook of the couch, propped up. I had Silas head to the bathroom (although he just stood in the doorway to my bedroom), and headed out to get Nolan who was throwing a fit on the stairs. I turn and smile over at the neighbor as I pry his stinky bottom off of the stairs and bring him inside to the crying room, I mean living room.
I went ahead and let Nolan and Shay cry for a minute while I gave Si some TLC (a washcloth and a bandaid!) At that point I was trying to decide which cry to try to attend to next. I couldn't find a pacifier anywhere nearby, but Avery walked back in and I sent him in search for one. I start to work on the stinch, hoping that changing Nolan will make it better in some way. If nothing else, it would eliminate one overwhelming stimulus! And suddenly Silas starts crying that the bandaid isn't covering ALL of his boo-boo. Wah. I wasn't the least bit sympathetic at this point.
I know I'm getting the Worst Mother of the Year award for this line of thinking, but I had checked it out, and it really wasn't too bad. And I was dealing with additional stimulus because as I go fetch a diaper I find that the neighbor boy, "hello Matthew!", was at the back door. I smile at him and kinda laugh, because I honestly thought it couldn't get any better!!! So I tell Avery, go play with Matthew, I will take care of the pacifier. I find a pacifier and then quickly find that the pacifier isn't going to calm the baby. She was ready for bed.
I could drag this story out, but I'll spare the rest by letting you have a brief ending:
So tonight was a night that Steve had to work late for a special event. We managed quite well for most of the evening, aided by the fact that Chaille slept from 2:30 until 7! Well after she woke up and finished nursing, I took her and Nolan out to the front porch. The big boys headed on their bikes over to the school parking lot. I realized at that time that Nolan was stinky, but decided to wait, as I was enjoying the time.
Then I heard it... Silas was crying and Avery came flying home on his bike. Silas rode slowly behind. Avery informed me that Si had ridden through a puddle and wrecked his bike. I could see he was covered in muddy water and that his knee was bleeding. He was sort of "stuck" on the sidewalk across the street from the house because the cars just kept coming! Finally he catches enough of a break to cross home and we head inside to clean up.
I need to add here that the neighbor next door to the west was sitting on his front porch, probably trying to have a quiet evening! :o) Ha ha... Not any more...
Anyway, Silas was crying and limping and really making a scene. Chaille was upset because I was not doing the best job of consoling Silas and holding her comfortably at the same time! So, she started crying too. Then, I tell Nolan he needs to come in so that I can clean Silas up. He's clearly too young to be left alone outside! So HE starts crying. Four children, three are crying!!!
Avery headed back over to ride his bike, I sat Chaille in the crook of the couch, propped up. I had Silas head to the bathroom (although he just stood in the doorway to my bedroom), and headed out to get Nolan who was throwing a fit on the stairs. I turn and smile over at the neighbor as I pry his stinky bottom off of the stairs and bring him inside to the crying room, I mean living room.
I went ahead and let Nolan and Shay cry for a minute while I gave Si some TLC (a washcloth and a bandaid!) At that point I was trying to decide which cry to try to attend to next. I couldn't find a pacifier anywhere nearby, but Avery walked back in and I sent him in search for one. I start to work on the stinch, hoping that changing Nolan will make it better in some way. If nothing else, it would eliminate one overwhelming stimulus! And suddenly Silas starts crying that the bandaid isn't covering ALL of his boo-boo. Wah. I wasn't the least bit sympathetic at this point.
I know I'm getting the Worst Mother of the Year award for this line of thinking, but I had checked it out, and it really wasn't too bad. And I was dealing with additional stimulus because as I go fetch a diaper I find that the neighbor boy, "hello Matthew!", was at the back door. I smile at him and kinda laugh, because I honestly thought it couldn't get any better!!! So I tell Avery, go play with Matthew, I will take care of the pacifier. I find a pacifier and then quickly find that the pacifier isn't going to calm the baby. She was ready for bed.
I could drag this story out, but I'll spare the rest by letting you have a brief ending:
- Nolan got his diaper changed
- Chaille got her pajamas on and into bed
- The boys started "The Parent Trap"
- Daddy got home shortly after the crying ceased
Isn't that the way? I'm convinced that, if it weren't for the fact that he heard it on the phone, he would never believe that these moments TRULY exist!
And I'll finish by saying that my angels are now softly, sweetly sleeping and I still love them more than yesterday and less than tomorrow! And we can all laugh together about these crazy, wonderful times!
More Summer Fun!
Last Friday was a really FUN day. First, Silas and I took Chaille to her 2 month check-up. Baby Girl weighed 13 lb 6 oz and was 24 1/4 inches long. She is very healthy and in the 97th percentile for both height and weight. No problems this visit, although it did require immunizations...OUCH!
Then I took Silas to pick out his birthday cake. He picked camoflauge stuff for an Army themed birthday, so he picked out a cake with a tank on it. He was so excited but bummed that we couldn't take it home right away... Anyway... while I'm on the subject of Silas I want to share something he said yesterday! He asked in the morning if it was just one more day until his birthday. I told him that no, his birthday was 2 days away. He responded by saying "aww... man! So I'm still three and a half? I'm NEVER gonna turn 4!" So cute!
Anyway after that we came home and grabbed Avery, Nolan, and Sarah too. We went down to Ceraland where Grandma Darlene and Papaw Bobby were camping. We all went swimming and then Avery and Silas got to stay and camp with them! (Steve and I took the babies to Enochsburg for supper!) Here are some pictures from our swimming:
Nolan loves the water! What a great smile, huh?
The three best brothers in the world (in my opinion!)
Cheese... The water was a bit cold at first!
Why are you making me stare into the sun???
Shay sitting out with Grandma. She did sit on the edge and let her feet dangle in the water! It was just a bit too chilly!
I took this one yesterday at home. She's growing SO fast!
I didn't realize it, but I caught her blowing bubbles!
The rest of these pictures are from today. We met some friends at a park and had a picnic lunch and lots of playtime! Here Avery is playing with his two buddies from church (and Zion) Chloe and Emma.
King of the Playground!
On his way to the top!
Wait for me guys!
Climbing the big hill at the park!
Coming back up from a quick run down.
Avery really likes his pal Emma!
Mom, I don't want my picture taken! When he shrugs, he means NO!
One last picture on the way up this hill.
Then I took Silas to pick out his birthday cake. He picked camoflauge stuff for an Army themed birthday, so he picked out a cake with a tank on it. He was so excited but bummed that we couldn't take it home right away... Anyway... while I'm on the subject of Silas I want to share something he said yesterday! He asked in the morning if it was just one more day until his birthday. I told him that no, his birthday was 2 days away. He responded by saying "aww... man! So I'm still three and a half? I'm NEVER gonna turn 4!" So cute!
Anyway after that we came home and grabbed Avery, Nolan, and Sarah too. We went down to Ceraland where Grandma Darlene and Papaw Bobby were camping. We all went swimming and then Avery and Silas got to stay and camp with them! (Steve and I took the babies to Enochsburg for supper!) Here are some pictures from our swimming:
Nolan loves the water! What a great smile, huh?
The three best brothers in the world (in my opinion!)
Cheese... The water was a bit cold at first!
Why are you making me stare into the sun???
Shay sitting out with Grandma. She did sit on the edge and let her feet dangle in the water! It was just a bit too chilly!
I took this one yesterday at home. She's growing SO fast!
I didn't realize it, but I caught her blowing bubbles!
The rest of these pictures are from today. We met some friends at a park and had a picnic lunch and lots of playtime! Here Avery is playing with his two buddies from church (and Zion) Chloe and Emma.
King of the Playground!
On his way to the top!
Wait for me guys!
Climbing the big hill at the park!
Coming back up from a quick run down.
Avery really likes his pal Emma!
Mom, I don't want my picture taken! When he shrugs, he means NO!
One last picture on the way up this hill.Thursday, July 23, 2009
Pictures from our week
Chaille trying to talk to my friend Sandy. She's really starting to coo at us!
We went to the playland yesterday, amid all the rain showers. Shay thought it was a great day for catching up on her sleep :o)
The kiddos all cuddling on the couch. Silas was upset that he couldn't reach Chaille!
Cheese!
Avery, watching Silas learn to ride without training wheels. He's posed like such a grown man!
Getting ready to take off!
Watching baseball! Nolan says "I love baseball!" And "swing batter batter!"
He is SO proud of his big boy bed. He runs to it telling us "big bed!"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Milestones
What a fun week we are having! On Sunday, Silas started riding his bike without training wheels, and Avery greatly improved on his skills! Now they are riding EVERYWHERE that we will let them. It is so fun to watch. I'll add video after I get some taken!
And... on Sunday night, Nolan began sleeping in a big boy bed with a rail. He has done amazing! He stays in bed until I come and get him when he wakes up. I think this is something that is aided by the fact that we move our kids to bed at such young ages! They transition well and don't get up out of bed once we lay them down.
Well, it is naptime here, but I wanted to update on these milestones before I completely forget about noting them. Pictures/video to come...
And... on Sunday night, Nolan began sleeping in a big boy bed with a rail. He has done amazing! He stays in bed until I come and get him when he wakes up. I think this is something that is aided by the fact that we move our kids to bed at such young ages! They transition well and don't get up out of bed once we lay them down.
Well, it is naptime here, but I wanted to update on these milestones before I completely forget about noting them. Pictures/video to come...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
In My Daughter's Eyes
In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see
how happy she made me
For I'll be there...
In my daughter's eyes
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see
how happy she made me
For I'll be there...
In my daughter's eyes
These are the lyrics to a Martina McBride song, and until now I've never paid really close attention to them. You see, I never thought I cared if I got a baby girl or not. I was completely content with my three boys. But God has blessed me with a beautiful daughter and I have realized that it is different having a girl. It brings a different perspective when you are the mother of a little lady. I have a very special relationship with my mother, and now I will have the opportunity to someday have that same relationship with my daughter!
With the boys, I get to be a mother to them, but daddy gets to teach them how to be young men. It will be my job to teach Chaille to be a young lady. I can't tell you how blessed I feel that God has given me this opportunity (or responsibility.) I fully comprehend that she was not a surprise to Him like she was to us. And I cannot imagine what life would have ever been like without her! I feel a sense that our family is complete in a way that I never felt before.
I'm so excited to experience the growth in our children's lives. They all make me happy and give me purpose in life. They help me see the world through innocent eyes again. They make me realize just how much God loves me! They are blessings for sure, and I'm so thankful to be given the opportunity to be a part of their lives!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
This and That
This has been a really great week! We have had some beautiful weather, along with a little rain (which watered my flowers nicely), and have had some productive time at home. Our new deck is completed and I've added a picture to show you Steve's handiwork! He made very light work of this big job:
I wanted to share this picture that Steve sent me this morning. He took it of Chaille and me asleep in our bed. When Steve gets up to leave for work in the morning, I feed her and then put her in bed next to me. What he found so sweet is that he said we were sleeping in the same position and looked like sisters! Aww...
Speaking of the baby girl... Her 2 month birthday came and went and I failed to update on her. She is doing great and really starting to get personality! She loves when you make faces at her, and she loves to smile back. It is really cute because often before she smiles, she sort of frowns. It is as if she has to think about how to make a smile! She is sleeping AWESOME! Some nights she gets up once and other nights she pretty much sleeps all night. She is still spitting up some, but doesn't seem too uncomfortable at all. She fusses when she is sleepy, but if you put her in her bed, she goes right to sleep on her own! Yay for such a great baby! Here are some pictures of her smile:
Oh, and one of her sleeping... I just love her complexion and her little features. So sweet!
Avery and Silas have had a great time at Vacation Bible School this week. It has been fun walking them there and home each evening. They tell fun stories about their evening, and I love listening to it in their own words! They are in different groups so each one has his own stuff to share. On Tuesday evening, I walked in just as they were finishing up. They were making an example of how God protects us. Avery was the demonstrator! He was wearing rain gear and holding an umbrella and those were representing God's protection over us. Then the teacher poured water over his head. The water represented all of the bad things in the world. The funny thing is that the little pool under him was meant to catch the water. But, clearly the umbrella reached over the pool, so all of the water poured over the carpet in the sanctuary!! Still, I was so glad to get to see Avery up front as a volunteer!
I wanted to share this picture that Steve sent me this morning. He took it of Chaille and me asleep in our bed. When Steve gets up to leave for work in the morning, I feed her and then put her in bed next to me. What he found so sweet is that he said we were sleeping in the same position and looked like sisters! Aww...
Speaking of the baby girl... Her 2 month birthday came and went and I failed to update on her. She is doing great and really starting to get personality! She loves when you make faces at her, and she loves to smile back. It is really cute because often before she smiles, she sort of frowns. It is as if she has to think about how to make a smile! She is sleeping AWESOME! Some nights she gets up once and other nights she pretty much sleeps all night. She is still spitting up some, but doesn't seem too uncomfortable at all. She fusses when she is sleepy, but if you put her in her bed, she goes right to sleep on her own! Yay for such a great baby! Here are some pictures of her smile:
Oh, and one of her sleeping... I just love her complexion and her little features. So sweet!
Avery and Silas have had a great time at Vacation Bible School this week. It has been fun walking them there and home each evening. They tell fun stories about their evening, and I love listening to it in their own words! They are in different groups so each one has his own stuff to share. On Tuesday evening, I walked in just as they were finishing up. They were making an example of how God protects us. Avery was the demonstrator! He was wearing rain gear and holding an umbrella and those were representing God's protection over us. Then the teacher poured water over his head. The water represented all of the bad things in the world. The funny thing is that the little pool under him was meant to catch the water. But, clearly the umbrella reached over the pool, so all of the water poured over the carpet in the sanctuary!! Still, I was so glad to get to see Avery up front as a volunteer!
Well, once again it is naptime as I type and I must get going to get some stuff done before the children wake! Thanks for checking in on us once again!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
No News
No news is good news, right? Well, I honestly have very little news to share right now. This week Avery and Silas are attending Vacation Bible School in the evenings and that's about it for us. Oh, and Steve is in the middle of building a back patio off of the kitchen! We often talk about how nice it will be when we can use that door again, and Steve is making it happen. I'm hoping about 2 evenings of work and it will be completed. Last night he went and bought the materials!
We did venture out to Southeastway Park yesterday. The boys had fun and spent the majority of the time playing with sticks and trying to catch butterflies. The playground equipment got very little of their attention. That's ok by me! I love it that they are entertained by and enjoy nature!!!
Today has been one of those days where we enjoy just being at home and catching up with what needs done here. And, right now all of the children are laying down, so I need to fold the laundry before I get behind there too.
Have a great week!!!
We did venture out to Southeastway Park yesterday. The boys had fun and spent the majority of the time playing with sticks and trying to catch butterflies. The playground equipment got very little of their attention. That's ok by me! I love it that they are entertained by and enjoy nature!!!
Today has been one of those days where we enjoy just being at home and catching up with what needs done here. And, right now all of the children are laying down, so I need to fold the laundry before I get behind there too.
Have a great week!!!
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