Ash Wednesday

Just got back from Ash Wednesday Mass and dinner.  Got lots of fun looks (since my head was "dirty"!)..and we even went out to Tontitown, that is nearly all Catholic, ha!

Our family and the squirmy talkative one made it through the extremely packed service..and Clay stayed for Disciples in Action.  He's a soldier in the skit they are practicing for Easter..well, Good Friday! : )  It's all from Peter's perspective.  I think it'll be awesome.  One of our most creative, musical families wrote it.  : )

Three things on my mind..1.) My amazing huge seashell dish (bowl?) busted today.  A plate fell off the wall in the dining room, hit a hanging bowl, and they both fell down, and busted the massive sea shell dish that was full of white sand and some shells.  It went everywhere, and I vacuumed for an entire hour.  After sweeping it up with a brush and a toothbrush.  Fun times.  I was surprisingly calm.  (I was really focusing on not letting it rob my joy!)  I was sitting giving thanks (Eucharisteo) in advance for it being cleaned up, finding a replacement dish, us making it to church on time after picking up an extra child, and..my sweet friend brought us some Valentine's treats! : )

God was watching over me.

2.) My baby is growing faster than I realize.  Mary Claire played a video she recorded on her iPad a YEAR ago..and he was such a cutie!  I have just watched him grow before my eyes and didn't even see the changes.

His favorite books are I Love Trains by Philemon Sturges, and Chugga Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis.  We go to the library almost every week, get new books, and he still wants to read both of them every naptime and every bedtime.  With or without the new books.  I could recite them to you..does that sound fun?! : )  I think he only lets me read the library books (or other books from home) just for my benefit!

3.) My girlie has decided to tryout for cheer at school this year.  She's excited.  She ordered a gymnastics/cheer mat a couple months ago and practices most days.  And on the trampoline.  She has filled out the forms, paid for a shirt, got a "cheer" bow (can I say they look dorky?  Does that word make me old?  Their ponytail has to be high, and bow facing forward..they're like..old fashioned Nelly Olsen flat bows.  What happened to big loopy cute bows?!), has a clinic this weekend, her doctor is completing her physical form, got new shoes today, and is picking out new shorts.

My biggest concern is whether or not the physical form can play against her.  She has diabetes (strike 1), takes insulin (strike 2..believe it or not, it was two questions!), has broken a bone (strike 3), and had xrays for the broken bone (seriously, double questions again?  How would you know you broke it if you didn't xray it?  If it was sticking out?) (strike 4).  I had to explain all of these.  Most of the questions asked if she'd had to miss practices for health reasons, how many times, been hospitalized (oh yeah, that one time in 2004, so strike 5?), etc.

Oh and there's a bonus!  4.) I returned our last four Redbox movies for which we paid at least double. Redbox is totally on to something.  Sure, I'd love one more movie for 50 cents!  Snow Day, Snow Day, That'll be $17, please!  No worries, we'll just add it to the credit card on file!  Eeeekkk!

Are you giving up something for Lent this year?  Last year at our family meeting, my fam decided I should give up Pinterest.  It was a rough Lent.  And then I was hitting it hard on Sundays.  So this year, no family meeting.  Haha!

Ches and I gave up chocolate.  We loaded up a box last night from all our hiding spots (our kids are sneakers and awesome finders), so we suggested the kids give up chocolate too.  (Since they won't find any!)  Nope.  Mary Claire (said school-ha!! then) gave up soda, Clay said water (ha!), then soda (bigger Ha! since he hardly ever drinks it!) but he's still deciding.  Ethan can't decide either.  Tough stuff to say goodbye to your loves.  We still offer the extra service or prayer options!  No one ever takes us up on it though.

Remember it's Lent.  It's supposed to hurt.  You'll be even more thankful when Easter comes. : )  Hugs, y'all!

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.  Genesis 3:19  

Can I have a time out?

It's so easy to get out of the habit.  Of recording memories, of describing days.  It's just a season. : )

My friend, Heidi, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and I've been sad for her.  She's on my mind daily.  Prayers are going up.  She started her third round of chemo today.  My mom was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and she was very worried, but she's being brave now.  She needs a bone marrow aspiration, but she's putting it off.  My friend, Hawley, has breast cancer, and is starting her second round of chemo tomorrow.  There's a lot going on, and we're in prayer.  Prayer for healing and prayers for understanding.  God is a big God, and we know He's can see through to the other side.  We're all just walking in faith for now.

My sweet little baby is no longer a baby.  He's almost three.  Hard to believe.  He potty trained, and every now and then makes it through a nap dry.  He still doesn't want a big boy bed.  I already have a bed, bedding, and some new decor for his room (he likes stars right now and asks for the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star song often), so I got him all stars.  I know he'll change, but it'll remind me of these days. ; )
 

They both entered a building contest at Legoland when we were there on Ethan's birthday.

Ethan is a big eight.  Tonight I got so angry at him.  He ran a huge tub of water (he's overflowed the tub before, often runs the hot water tank out of hot water-tough when there are other kids needing baths), and then let the water out..and sat and watched tv upstairs the entire time.  He never even got undressed, much less got in the tub.  I have to say I was mean.  I made him get a bath, clean up his room, brush his teeth, and go to bed.  I even sat in his desk chair while he read.  I just couldn't read to/with him.  (I sat and prayed the entire time for my anger to go away.  Boohoo.)  I did kiss him goodnight though.

I bet God gets mad at us like that sometimes too.  When I go through the motions and don't really hear people.  ..I really despise night time.  I hate making lunches and lunch notes, checking blood sugars, making basal changes, doing site changes, and staying on everyone to brush their teeth, take medicine, read, no ipads, do homework, it goes on and on.  I am so tired at the end of the day.  And I still have mommy stuff to do.  My job is never-ending, just like everyone else's.

I've had a good month of being super thankful for the normal, everyday routine.  Just thankful for the health to do it all.  In the midst of all the sickness, we've been healthy.  I can NOT take that for granted.  This is just a reminder for me to keep at it.  Keep plugging away.

She did her own bun and wanted a picture so she could see how it actually looked from behind.  Growing up.

Mary Claire has been taking a semi-private cheer class with three of her friends.  She's decided to try out for cheer at school this year.  She's been in and out of gymnastics and dance since she was eighteen months.  When she decided to quit, I let her.  Now she is so upset that I let her. (ha!)  She regrets the time she missed and how behind she got.  I hope even if she doesn't make the team that she'll stick with it.  It's been awesome for her blood sugars!  Her basals are down, and her numbers are still good/low.  Just that extra hour or so a day has allowed her a little more freedom in eating, and reduced level of insulin.  So healthy.

Clay actually won his age division building contest with his rattlesnake head that opened.  They sent him this huge Lego kit from the Lego Movie and four tickets to Legoland as his prize. : )  He was very excited since he said he'd never won anything in his life.

Clay is better.  He had some bad grades, and he's back up to all A's.  I've had to sit with him daily to make sure things are done, and his grades are posted online.  He admitted he just didn't want to do the homework.  He missed a couple days for high blood sugars and didn't get his make up work.  The teachers in junior high do NOT chase you down to give you homework..it's the student's job.  That's been hard for him. 

His face is better.  He was really plagued with pimples, and was picking his skin.  His pediatrician was rather alarmed at what damage he'd done.  He wanted his nails cut to the quick and filed every three days.  He sees a dermatologist and a psychologist, and we've all been on top of it..but it was a new wake-up call.  It was getting infected.  He's on a twice daily antibiotic now..and it's helped tremendously.

My goal has been to give Ches three tagged gifts a day..even little things like socks (You knock my socks off!) or an army man (I can't fight this feeling anymore!)..in our two weeks of Valentine's.  The kids are helping me..especially with the army men. ; )

I think just trying to keep so many things balanced for everyone else can be really difficult.  Of course I get overwhelmed and stressed.  I learned this great technique..when you are feeling sorry for yourself and your hard life, it helps to go find someone to serve.  A friend, child, neighbor, husband, whoever needs help.  It really takes my eyes off myself, and helps me refocus.  It's saved me a few times. : )  Maybe that's why I'm not so diabetes focused..

..and I just found out we missed Ethan's school conference today.  Another tally mark against the Mom-of-the-Year award.  We covered JDRF Mom's Lunch, play date, band sectionals, boy scouts, cheer and open gym..but missed a conference.  I just can't keep up.  I'm totally calling for a time out.  Can I do that?

In the multitude of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19

Hugs, y'all!  Thinking of you and lifting up prayers daily.  We are in this together! : )

 

and Happy New Year!

She writes twice in a week...NeWsFlaSH!! haha!

We came back into town, had three late, raucous nights playing cards with my uncle (in town from North Carolina), my mom's birthday on New Year's Eve, and then a day to Missouri to see Ches' mom on New Year's Day!  

He got to play on the little Lego car while we waited in line for Driving School!

The kids all at Driving School out on the little city streets!

Octopus!  (We were just all so happy to have warm weather and SuNSHiNe!

And the laundry continues..

Lego Santa and Sleigh..  I loved how they had tons of photo opportunities ALL over the park!

We were in a hurry to get to a ride since we got to the park early..but Clay wanted to have his picture taken with Einstein!  (Carter just wanted to stroke his mustache..)

This was the second thing they participated in.. They got a plate and got to compete for four tickets to come back to the park and a Lego boxed kit! : )

Hard at work.. Clay built a cobra head that opened, and Ethan built a sandy island with palm tree and a pirate ship in the water. : )

Did you make New Year's resolutions?  I think I'll be less l-a-z-y.  I hate going up the stairs, so I save stuff at the bottom so I can make one worthwhile trip, or have the kids take their stuff up.  When I finally go, it's awful.  Awful messy.  The kids don't really clean without being told. : (  And if you've wronged me?  I forgive you!  Let's not carry ick into the new year, ha!  If I've wronged you?  I'm sorry!!  I don't want you carrying ick into the new year either! : )

through the castle entrance to a roller coaster and play area

Cuties!

Up on the big climbing "castle"

I'm also recommitting to loving my husband.  I had him retake the Five Love Languages quiz (since Heaven knows..we could change languages maybe?!) (You should seriously take it, have your partner take it, then your kids, it changes everything!!)  And then I'm rereading my copy of For Women Only, it's a great reminder of the inner workings of a man.  He needs respect more than love.  And they are visual.  (Not just seeing you all beautiful, but the house, messes, children tended to, etc.)  And they'll sacrifice to help you stay visually more attractive (watching the kids so you can work out, get your hair done, etc.)  I forget after a while, and I start to be less respectful, or let myself slide..  But she's right.  Ches also has the For Men Only, and we read them together last time.  I'm reading privately, and she recommends you not share books.  With each other, I mean.

We love that you can rent strollers..saves room in our traveling van!

Be still my heart.

Life is hard for everyone, and we're all fighting battles that people don't see.  Sometimes there isn't anyone to share them.  I will make an extra effort to be patient and kinder to even the meanest people.  Imagine what they've been through to cause them the anger and pain that they are reproducing.

Ok, and I'd like to do some more random gifts and blessings for people, especially people I don't even know.  I know people get a kick out of it and enjoy it, but I seriously get a huge blessing from it.  I find pure *JOY* when I can give and help.  I've learned over the years that when I'm down, I can be uplifted by secretly helping another.  I don't need the thank you's or them to know who I am.  Try it if you haven't already.  Leave quarters on the gumball machines.  Pay an expired meter.  Pay for the car's toll behind you in line.  Pick up trash in the parking lot on your way inside.  Pray for the people on your church's prayer list.  Find another in pain and help.  Listen, send a card, make a call, share, make a meal, CARE.  Imagine if we all just did o-n-e extra thing a day.  I promise I get more joy than the person I'm trying to help.  It makes my heart grow, and I can always use more of that.

What do you plan for 2015?

Here's to going up the stairs a few more times a day!  Haha, hugs!

from Island in the Sky ride-twirling around *slowly* about 200 feet in the air at sunset..perfect timing (total accident!)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.. Hebrews 10:24 

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas!  Hope you’ve had a great holiday break so far!  (No school/work/alarms, ha!)

We have been traveling for Christmas this year.  We had planned on going to Disneyland three years ago, and then I was miraculously pregnant after five losses.  We stayed home to prevent any blood clots or problems, and we have a sweet little two-and-a-half year old to show for our sacrifice, ha!  ..But we never lost that desire to travel at such a magical time of year. : )

Last week, we planned a fun helium-balloon filled scavenger hunt filled with clues for the kids.  (We wanted a little build up for the trip!) (Plus my kids love a good scavenger hunt!)  They figured it out, and we spent two days packing and preparing.

It takes us about two days driving each way, and boy…  are we super glad when we reach our destination!  Let’s just say the first 8 hours either way are the worst.  By the second day, they are all adjusted and settled in to a cramped, van existence. : )  Only difference?  The luggage was sooo full going down..and now we have room!  That extra stuff is all over the van now, ha!  Post-Christmas, love!

We were headed to Disney Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day (I wanted to see Cinderella’s Castle!  Selfish?  Nah.)..but it was so busy, they had signs up that said FULL.  We were diverted. : (  We decided on Hollywood Studios since we love a good Tower of Terror dropping our tummies out from under us, or a Rockin’ Roller Coaster..or even playing in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids H.U.G.E. playground!  Sissy and I had cinnamon pecans (the smell lured us in..) and watched the Jedi training too while the boys climbed and played. : )  Those jedi younglings were so cute!

We also went to Christmas Mass at St. Mary’s of the Universe in Orlando.  It’s such a beautiful church.  We lit candles for a friend and his mom who is battling cancer, new drugs, and lots of confusion.  We are asking Mary to pray for both of them especially right now.

The next day we went to the (Florida Mall and the) American Girl store in Orlando, bought some of the sale Isabella (Girl of the Year 2014) stuff (yay!), and shopped a little there and at the outlets.  The weather for Saturday (Ethan’s birthday!) is HOT again, so we shopped for shorts and short-sleeved clothes!!

Then Ethan’s EIGHTH birthday!  Legoland!!  Ethan was sooo excited!  It really was a great day.  I think because we made the effort to get up early, we were there not long after they opened (this park fills up quickly and shut the gates too!).  We also had the kids check out the map and star the things they each wanted to do the MOST.  We did those FIRST!  They went to Driving School and got their licenses, then to Flight School, the Project X roller coaster, The Dragon roller coaster, played in a huge park, participated in a Build/Design Contest, and went up in the Island in the Sky.  We were sooo high, circling around looking over the park (I have to tell you..I got scared/sick as we reached the top/came down).  I get that “we’re-going-to –fall-and-die!” feeling!

Today we are on our way home.  We are nearing the break-in point..but not quite yet. Still some yelling/struggling/baby peeing in bottles going on, haha!  We must work harder to synchronize our bladders, yo.

Here are some pictures of the excitement thus far:

I’m praying for my family to have a conversion of heart as we celebrate the sixth day of Christmas today.  We all need to continue to bask in Christ’s glow and the joy in His coming..I could definitely use some shining up, and my family needs a little too.  I pray God m.o.v.e.s in my children.  That they remember the reason for the season.  We can teach and talk and show, but sometimes we have to leave it to the Holy Spirit to step in where we fall short.  (which is a lot obviously)  : )

** I might mention we will never go to Disney again for Christmas.  It was crazy busy all over town (not just being blocked from the Disney pinnacle of Christmas craftiness and decor!), traffic was backed up  every day, sometimes for HOURS.  It’s fun, but taxing.  We’ll be celebrating from the cozy comfort of our home next year, for sure! **

Praying you have a season of pure JOY at your house this holiday season!

Hugs, y’all!