A Happy Halloween

We could not get our Halloween plans finalized. We were going to go to a shopping center and go trick-or-treating, then we thought we would just go to Jon's parents house and go around their neighborhood. Well, at the last minute we decided to just trick-or-treat around our neighborhood. We live in a great neighborhood, so I don't even know why we felt the need to go somewhere else. Alec dressed up as "Proteus, The Roman Guard" (something he made up). Hanna Boo was Ariel and Ash was Gabriella. Although the weather was so warm here during the day and Jon was wearing shorts, the nighttime was quite cold. By the end of the night our fingertips were numb.

Proteus, Ariel, Gabriella

Jon digging into the candy bowl before we headed out

The loves of my life from behind with "Proteus" leading the pack

Jon is a very funny guy. He grabbed some Pop Rocks before we left the house and kept coming up to me opening his mouth so I could hear them "pop." I got so tickled at him. I told him he was like a big kid. Then he reminded me that he had on a Mickey Mouse shirt. Big kid he definitely is!!!

I went dressed up as a "stay-at-home mom." It was great. No makeup, no uncomfortable clothes or shoes. Just comfy!!!

Tiffani and her crew met up with us and trick or treated. Here are JuJu and Hanna checking out their candy. It reminded me of "It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" when the children would all look and see what candy they got after each house. I am happy to say none of the children got rocks:)

Everyone knows the best part of trick-or-treating is coming home, emptying your bucket, and checking out all your candy. Ash was actually picking out all of the candy she could not eat because of her braces. Alec was so sweet he started giving her his candy that she could eat. Talk about a bloggable moment!!!Here again is everyone going through their yummy candy. Help!!! I have to get this stuff out of my house or the next time I blog I will be 10 pounds heavier.

My Ashley is one of the sweetest people I have ever known in my life. Talk aoubt a giver!!! She teaches me all the time about selfless giving. I always joke around and say Ash is the type of girl who would give you her coat in freezing cold weather. Well the weather was really cold. Ash's costume was sleeveless and she did have her coat on. However, Hanna got very cold and was not feeling well. Ashley told her she could have her coat - Sweet thing!!!

Better Late than Never

I typically wait until the last minute for most things. I try as hard as I can to squeeze as much as I can into one day. I am trying to do better though and relaxing a little more. Well, last week we were supposed to go to a pumpkin patch with our homeschool group. It rained cats and dogs, so it was canceled. My plan was to let the kids pick out a pumpkin there to decorate. Hanna has been sick all week, so other than going to the orthodontist yesterday, we have been pretty house-bound. Today, I loaded the kids up in "Noah's Ark" and told them we could get a big pumpkin to carve together or we could each get a little one to decorate like ourselves. They chose the latter. We each made our own pumpkins, all but Jon. Bless his heart, he has been working in mid-town Atlanta all week (which he HATES) and isn't getting home until 9:00 every night. I took the liberty to decorate his pumpkin for him.

Alec and his "Alec pumpkin"

Ash and her "Ash pumpkin" (bless her heart, she is still trying to get use to the braces. She is slurping like crazy around here and can hardly eat a thing)

Hanna and her "Hanna pumpkin" She told me it says I love Mom.

Me and my "Jon and Michele pumpkins" - Jon's is on the left. See the G for GA Bulldogs on his cheek and his tongue sticking out 'cause he is really silly. I am on the right. See my long eyelashes, lips, long hair, and funky earrings?

One of My Favorite Things All Year

It is Fall Festival time all around, and our church's Fall Festival happens to have my very favorite. It is truly one of my very favorite things we do all year. The kids get dressed up in their costumes. We have games, bouncy things, food, and, most important, our church family. You see, last year at this time the crowd was prrrreeeettttyyy slim. Our church was on the verge of a split with the pastor leaving and about half the church. Things were tense in the air, and those of us who had no clue what was going on (my family) didn't know what was going on. Needless to say weeks later, the pastor gave his resignation, along with many, many church members from positions they held, and they left. Our church family was heartbroken and some of us were shocked!!!! Well a year later we have a wonderful new pastors, many of the members who left have returned, and we have new people who are now part of our family, plus new faces every Sunday. God is so good, and I am so glad we stayed when the "going got tough."

Hanna went as Ariel and Ash went as Gabriella from High School Musical. Alec went as himself. The girls both got their faces painted.

Hanna Boo looking very "Under the Sea."

Ash with HSM and a music note

The funnest event for this mama in high heels was something called the Bungee Run. You and a partner put on a vest which has a bungee cord attached to the back. You start at the same time and run as far as you can. You place your marker on the farthest spot you can. You determine a winner by whoever gets the highest number. The best part though is when you have gone as far as you can, the bungee cords pulls you back and you fall ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!!

I raced Ash, Alec and Connor (Tiffani's son). I taught a pre-teen boy's Sunday School class last year. Several of them wanted to race me. I sure was talking smack to them. However, it was towards the end and the people the church rented the equipment from came to take it down - Awww man! Next year though I am going to take them all on!!!

Me and Ash. I love the look on her face looking over at me

Here I am talking smack while Alec is getting into his vest.

Mother versus Son - don't think for a minute I let ANYONE win!!! It is every man for himself.

Alec is doing his best to beat me

This is when I was racing Connor. I love how the bungee cord is pulling him back in this picture.

I am no cook and I certainly do not enjoy it. However, I am competitive and L-O-V-E a good competition. I have entered the Chili Cookoff we have for the last 7 years. Trying a new recipe my hubby found on-line, I placed 2nd last year. Boy was I excited!!!! This year I was somewhat nervous, as there were lots more people to compete with. Guess what? Second place 2 years in a row!!! The best part is that I beat the 2-time winner. He placed 3rd last year and this year. You guessed it - I rubbed it in yesterday and today. I even had Ash give him a hard time! I got this cute basket filled with this stuff- FUN!!!
Here I am with the 1st place winner. She was shocked she won. She just brought extra chili in case they ran out. She even had on her chili - not to be judged. I told her, "Yeah, Yeah, you are just trying to play the humble card." She is a sweet lady and I love messin' around with her.

Here is Ash, her best friend, and Hanna Boo. This was while we were on the hay ride.

I just had to snap this picture. Unfortunately I got it a little too late. This sweet, sweet lady was a dear blessing to me when Hanna was about a month old. First of all I had postpartum like crazy!! But, I really didn't know what it was because with my first 2 children I was great after pregnancy. I just knew I had tons of anxiety and was very, very overwhelmed and I cried ALOT, I mean ALOT!!! Jon really does not attend the fall festival because it always falls on GA-FL football weekend. So, here I am with a 6-year-old, 3-year-old, and 1-month-old. I couldn't let them walk around by themselves because they were too small. They wanted to be in 2 different places at once. I was nursing every hour, so I had to bring Hanna with me. This was also back in the day before I went down the "Humbling Hanna Highway." The days when it was very important for me to appear that I always had everything under control, was the perfect, most positive, most upbeat mom there was. You know, that type. No worries. I am to the opposite end of that spectrum now especially after having Hanna. I often tell people when I had just Alec I thought I knew EVERYTHING there was about being a parent. Then I had Ash and realized I didn't know as much as I thought I knew, but I was still PRETTY GOOD in the knowledge about parenting department. Since having Hanna I admit I know A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y nothing about parenting. That is what the "Humbling Hanna Highway" taught me - a long road, but so worth the trip. Back to my story. . . . it was probably pretty obvious how overwhelmed I was even though I was trying really, really hard not to show it. This sweet lady told me she would hold Hanna for me. She sat down at a table and held Hanna the WHOLE time!!! I would only get her to nurse her, then this lady would take back over. That is a memory I will carry with me to my grave. She does not know how much she helped me!!! I think I remind her of that time every year during the fall festival. On a much funnier note, that same night, when I got into my car, got all of the kids strapped into their car seats, I busted into tears - hard, hard tears. I looked over at the passenger's side and sitting there was a lemon cake Ash won in the cake walk. I tore the saran wrap off the cake, grabbed it by the handful, and started stuffing it in my mouth, all the while tears poured down my face. Sad and pitiful then - very funny now!!

Jon did make it this year to the Fall Festival - for a short while anyway. He did show up to help set it up and then he pried himself away from the GA vs LSU game to work at the "Noah's Ark Toss" booth with me - only for a 30-minute time slot though. The man loves his football. My friend, Candis, and I declare ourselves "football widows" during this time of year.

Jon and Hanna doing "Noah's Ark Toss"

Ash and Jon doing "Noah's Ark Toss"

Jon and Alec doing "Noah's Ark Toss"

Alec working "Jacobs Ladder" booth

Ariel and Gabriella

Ash transforming into Gabriella. Anyone who knows my Ash knows she is a tomboy to the core. I actually talked her into rolling her hair. I had to snap this picture because I don't know if there will ever be another one - Man I love that girl!!!

Letting Go

Tonight, my little man is attending his first "group sleepover." He has spent the night off before with 2 other families that we are close with. However, we are pretty protective parents and we only let our kids spend the night with those we are completely comfortable with. Call it possessive. Call it protective. Whatever, it is what we are. However, Alec has been going through a lot lately. Last night my hubby came back home from being out of town for a few days. What a better way to celebrate than to go to our favorite pizza hangout!!! After swim practice Alec and I met Jon and the girls at our very favorite pizza spot here in town. Alec decided to ride home with me. He and I were listening to this radio program and it was talking about parents putting stress on their kids. The radio host then went into post traumatic stress, etc. At that point I turned the radio down, and half jokingly asked Alec if he felt that we put stress on him. He busted into tears!!! He started talking and really spewing forth like a fountain about to burst. I listened and prayed God would give me the words he needed to hear. We had a long heart-to-heart talk about different issues he is going through. I'm telling you, if I had a wish list, at the top of it would be a 1-hour consultation with Dr. James Dobson. This whole prepuberty thing is throwing me for a loop, especially with a boy. You see I come from a family of girls and the only boy I was ever really around growing up was my cousin, whom I only saw on holidays.

We got home and he went upstairs and I went downstairs to put some laundry in the washing machine. He came down and gave me this big hug. I know I held him for at least 15 minutes. This really meant so much to me because he is just not an affectionate person. His demeanor and his attitude were so pleasant the rest of the night. It was almost like him saying what he needed to say and getting some issues off his chest in an environment where there was no one to condemn him (i.e., sisters) freed him. We all sat down to watch television and he cuddled up next to me. We had a wonderful night!

Well, that night after everyone was in bed, I told Jon the details of mine and Alec's conversation. He mainly just took in what I said. One thing about my wonderful husband is he is way wise beyond his years. Sometimes he takes things in that I say and doesn't say anything, but I know he prays about them, and then later will come to me and we will talk more in-depthly about things. You learn these things after 12 years of marriage. So I knew to just be patient and wait.

Today, after Alec finished school , Jon told him to get dressed that they were going to work. Alec resisted and did not want to go. Jon said that was that and he was going - all in a fun-loving, friendly manner. Alec accepted and off they went. Later in the day Jon gave me a call and we talked about a sleepover birthday party Alec had been invited to. Jon really thought we should let him go. He told me to pray about it, and he would call me back in 1/2 hour. I really had a peace about him going. Jon talked with Alec about peer pressure and even shared with Alec about times when he was in school that all of his friends did drugs and they were all determined to get Jon to do them. However, he always resisted and never gave into that pressure. But, he did let Alec know there were times when he did give into peer pressure concerning other issues (I believe he was pretty vague on these) and that it was hard. He assured Alec that if he ever does give into peer pressure that he is always safe to come to us, and we will not get angry with him. Precious moments between a father and a son. It truly makes my heart flutter and skip an extra beat.

Okay, about this sleepover. There are at least 10-15 boys. They are sleeping in a barn. Not a barn for animals, but a barn this family uses for entertaining. It has concrete floors, 4 walls, a roof, a wood-burning stove, etc. I have to admit I am nervous about the wood-burning stove in the barn especially after everyone falls asleep. I even encouraged Alec to stay up all night!! We have known this wonderful, Godly family for about 5 years now. We know several of the boys that were going to be there. In fact, most of the boys go Alec's "homeschool school", some are homeschooled and some go there full time. The mother did tell me some of the video games and movies they were going to watch. Okay now, anyone who knows me, knows I am pretty picky about what I let my children see. They really watch very little TV, and pretty much the only TV they are allowed to watch is PBS (that is probably why they watch so little). I am also pretty strict about video games. I felt kind-of bad that every movie or video game the mother said I was like, "ewww." But, Alec is a good kid. We told him that he knew what we approved of and what we didn't, and we trusted he would make the right decision - Letting go -YEP- a little bit at a time. The LORD brought to my memory something James Dobson says in "Bringing up Boys." He said to help curb rebellion there is a fine line. You can't let them have too much freedom too soon or it can be disastrous. But, you also can not let them have too little freedom or it can be disastrous. So, here is this clingy, controlling, mama in high heels, trusting God and letting go of her little man one string at a time. Now, certainly not my heart strings, but my controlling strings.

He was so excited and it delighted me so! Bless his heart. He had a Winnie-the-Pooh sleeping bag that he got for Christmas I think when he was 3. He was totally fine with taking it. My sister, Melissa, has always said that one of the things she loves most about him is he is comfortable with who he is. He didn't care if he was taking a Winnie-the-Pooh sleeping bag. But, Jon did take him to buy him a real sleeping bag before he took him to the party.

I called my mom and said, "Guess what? I am turning into you!!" I made him take my cell phone with him. That is so my mama!!! Just like my mama, I really want to call him about 10 times to check on him. Jon told Alec in front of me that I would not be calling him; that he is to use the phone if he wants to come home or if he needs us. Darn!!! I guess I am going to have to practice some submission - hard as it is!!!! Maybe I can give mom a call and get her to call and check on him? Just kidding!!!

Conversation on the way to "Homeschool School"

We were all talking about getting braces and wearing glasses.

Ash: I have got the best eyesight in our family.

Me: Yeah, girl, I think you have taken over mom's eagle eyes.

Ash: Yeah, mom, that is because you're old. You're older than Mr. Kelvin (her 51-year-old Sunday School teacher).

Me: W-H-A-T?!?!?!?!

Car erupts with laughter!!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy Weekend with Lots of Fun, Fun, Fun

Our lives are pretty hectic with 3 children, each being involved in different sports. There really isn't a full day we EVER have at home. I am so grateful though. I am grateful my children are healthy enough to participate. I am grateful enough that I am healthy enough to keep up with it, and, I am grateful for my coffee which keeps me going through the day.

Friday was an extremely busy day. We were having Hanna Boo's birthday party (although her birthday was in September - this was the first free day we had to do it). I usually have it at a pavilion in our subdivision. That way my house isn't a mess after the party is over. However, there was a monsoon that day, so we moved it into the house. It was a very simple party with her best buds! Her party was very indicative of her personality and yet Ashley and Alec's parties were very indicative of their personalities also. She and Alec are very much introverts, have few close friendships, but treasure those that are dearest to them. They both had small parties. Ash, on the other hand, is extrovert x2, and her party was full of lots of people. I love how they all come from the same home with the same set of parents, yet are so very different. I loved Hanna's party too because some of my best buds were there also. Since we moved the party inside I decided we needed something to do since the children didn't have the park to play at. They made bracelets, and they loved it! Later that night I asked Hanna Boo how much fun she had at her party on a scale of 1 to 10 and she said a 100!!! Yay!

Earlier that day I had to go buy all the stuff for her party. I had to work on real estate, which consisted of faxing out flyers to all of the realty companies surrounding the homes he has for sale. This literally took me 2 hours of faxing. Hopefully we will get buyers out of it though. We also had another birthday party to go to earlier that day. My hubby had been out of town all week, so we were preparing for him to come home. I had to meet him at the bank at 4:00 regarding real estate. Anyway, it was a pretty hectic day - so hectic, I ate candy corn for lunch!!!

The girls making their bracelets
The finished product - G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!!!!! (I love how Hanna Boo is hugging her best friend, JuJu, so tight in this picture)

Hanna Boo blowing out her candles (I still can't believe she is 5!!!)

Saturday I got to sleep it. I did not roll out of bed until 7:52. Monday through Friday I am up bright and early at 4:00 a.m. so to get to sleep anytime past this is pure luxury. We ran some errands then came home. Jon watched the GA game, but I really, really needed to get a run in. I put Hanna down for her nap and Alec played video games and Ashley listened to her MP3 player. I set off for a 5.75 mile run. I really wanted to get in 6-7 miles, but we were meeting some friends for dinner, so I had to cut it short. About 3:30 my parents came to keep our kids and plan for a sleep over. They grilled burgers with the kids and took them on a walk. Jon and I went with our friends, Justin and Lori, to Pappadeaux's. This was actually supposed to be a quad date. However, because of unforeseen circumstances our other friends couldn't make it. I was so sad about this and missed them dearly. However, we did have a great time! Lori had been raving about 2 things from this restaurant - a drink called "Swamp Thing" and this appetizer. It was a fondue made with spinach, craw fish, crab, mushrooms, and shrimp. You put it over toasted bread. It was some of the B-E-S-T food I have ever put in my mouth. "Swamp Thing" didn't disappoint either. It was very good!! I ordered tilapia coated with a New Orleans sauce and Jon had the Mahi-Mahi topped with a wonderful, rich sauce. His was better than mine, but I was extremely pleased. In fact, other than Le Cellier in Disney World, this is my new favorite place to eat.

Wonderful appetizer

Lori and Justin

Jon and I (I love the look on his face in this picture) The four of us - (Tiffani & Adam, Candis & Clint we sure did miss you guys!!!)

As far as the Biggest event of our weekend - my son had his very first swim meet at Auburn University. He has been swimming for about 6 weeks now has progressed quickly and received praise from his coaches. I was a little hesitant about him going to a meet so early, but they assured me he would be fine. We (my fam plus my parents) all piled in "Noah's Ark" and left our home at 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning to head over to Auburn. We were all pretty nervous for him.

Outside Auburn Aquatic Center waiting for it to open - Yes, please mark it down we were EARLY to something and NOT late!!! Do you notice in this picture my sweet boy is wearing his GA Bulldog sweatshirt!! We had to let Auburn know where our loyalties lie.

Alec before his first event - 50 M butterfly - wonder what he is thinking?

Alec during the 100 M backstroke - He goggles were falling off his head - Bless his heart!

Alec talking to one of his coaches

Swimming 100 M freestyle.

He also swam in the 50 M freestyle. He had to be by the pool on the pool deck. Parents were not allowed - UGGHHH! This was good for him though because he had to assert himself to find out what he was supposed to do, rather than getting me or Ash to ask for him. I have to admit during the event I was wondering if he was going to want to quit. He came in last in all of his heats and got disqualified in two events (I don't think he knows this yet. I have decided to be the encouraging mom and let the coaches coach. They will tell him and let him know what he needs to work on). The head coach had actually pulled me aside at one of his practices before this swim meet and told me to BEWARE and to chalk this event up to an education. He warned me that he probably would get disqualified and we may be discouraged after the meet. However, he told me again (he has said this numerous times) to be patient with Alec and he will be a forced to be reckoned with. He has all the qualities of a great swimmer. Coach told me he wanted me to video the race and 6 months from now to video the race at that time and I would be able to tell a tremendous difference. I told Alec what his coach had said beforehand to prepare him. While the events were going on Jon and I were wondering how he was feeling. He is a Perfectionist with a capital P, and normally if he can't be the best at something he throws in the towel. We had made up our minds we were going to tell him how much fun we had and how proud we were of him, but that would be it. We also had made up our minds that if he came back and said he didn't want to do it again, we were going to make him continue. Guess what? He came back and he LOVED it!!! He said the coaches told him he did a great job for his first event - shows you what Jon and I know -NOTHING!!! He was so psyched. I was so happy for him. It was a great day. We then headed to Olive Garden for lunch and then headed home. All of the kids and I sacked out in the car. I was the only adult who slept. We got home and my parents got their things together and headed back to their home. I have GREAT parents. They truly love my children like no one else does. They are so supportive and encouraging and are truly the best Nanna and Papa a kid could ask for. My mom was determined she was not going to miss his first swim meet!!

I do have to say my high heels were mentioned at the swim meet. When I saw some of my swim mom friends one of them said, "Does she have her heels on?" I then said, "Yes, you know I can't disappoint!!!" It was a great day!

Heart of Productivity Award

About three weeks ago Tiffani and I decided to have a competition over who could be the most productive. Me, being the competitive kind of gal that I am, was all about this. I even joked around with her and asked her if there was a medal? The competition was relatively simple. Keep a list of everything you do that is productive. When we got to church we would compare our lists and the two of us would decide who won. It was a great motivator and kept me busy, busy, busy all day and really forced me to do some things that I would have otherwise put off. We got to church and compared our lists. Hands down she beat me. We were both very productive, but to top off my productivity she made dinner for her family (my family ate at church) and cleaned her kitchen, and made us a medal (wasn't that sweet?). So she won. Week Two of the competition I won, as I had taken all 3 of my children out in a monsoon of rain to the dentist, to buy fall clothes, and to get Halloween costumes. So I got the medal. Tiff then threw in a little extra - we are to find something around our house that we think the other one would like and give it to them along with the medal. She gave me a coffee cup that reflected a real estate agent. So last night we came to week number 3 of our competition. She told me her list, as she didn't write it down, or otherwise I would have posted hers too. So, here goes my Heart of Productivity list:

1. Woke up at 3:00 a.m. to work.
2. Took 2 kids (had the 3rd one with me too) to orthondonist at 7:45 a.m. (ask any homeschooler, this is early to be out)
3. Comforted Ashley, as she was crying and scared about getting her impressions and spacers for her braces.
4. Went to McDonald's and got kids milkshake and chicken biscuit. Orthodontist told me to fill them up because their mouth would be sore later in the day.
5. Got haircut.
6. Got home and heard this sound like my tire was going flat. Apparently I hit something in the road that punctured my tire. Went to Maxi Lube for them to plug my tire.
7. Went back to orthodontist to get Alec's spacers out (hubby told me we couldn't afford to put 2 kids in braces at the same time. I jumped the gun a little bit on this one).
8. Had emotional breakdown and fight with hubby.
9. Fixed lunch.
10. Cleaned kitchen.
11. Homeschooled.
12. Folded laundry.
13. Put up laundry.
14. Made my bed.
15. Ordered Hanna's birthday cake.
16. Called secretary of our home owner's association to reserve Pavilion for Hanna's birthday party.

17. Made this list.

Guess what? I won! Tiff did a great job being productive too. I am really afraid for next week. I think she is going to "bring it on." My prize this week was this awesome green necklace. I can't wait to wear it! Stayed tuned and I'll let you know how next week pans out.

National Day of Remembrance For Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Six years ago this December I lost what would have been my third child. We were so excited when we found out we were pregnant with our little one. I told everyone immediately. I am a pretty healthy gal; some would say a health nut. I had always had great pregnancies, so why not go ahead and share our joy?

Eight weeks into my pregnancy I started spotting. No big deal I thought. After all, I had spotted with my 2nd child and she was fine. At the urging of my mother I went to the doctor and found out my placenta was starting to detach from my uterus. I was instructed to be on bed rest all weekend and come back on Monday. The weekend would determine whether or not my placenta would reattach itself to my uterus or go ahead and continue detaching. I followed doctor's orders, although it was hard to sit still so long. I cried and I prayed and cried and prayed and cried; begging God to take care of this baby. My hubby had rented several movies for me to watch during my sedentary state. He took off Sunday morning and took the kids to church. My tummy had been cramping off and on all weekend. I remember being so fearful every time I would go to the bathroom. This Sunday morning, when I was all alone, my worst fear would come true. I went to the bathroom and there on the toilet tissue lay my baby. The moment I saw him/her I knew exactly what it was. Oh what a memory I wish I did not have! I screamed in agony. I cried so, so hard!!! I don't' even have words to describe how hard I cried. It was a time with just the LORD and I. I questioned over and over and over again, "Why?" I battled feelings of being an inadequate mother to my other children. My thoughts were, "after all, why would God take a baby from me if he didn't think I was doing a good job with my other children?"


One memory I distinctly remember is the Sunday after I had lost my baby I went to church. We have a time of intercessory prayer during our service and during this time I went and bowed face down at the altar. So many dear, sweet ladies surrounded me and cried (I mean hard tears with me). As I type this post, tears are falling from my eyes remembering that day.

It was a long, hard journey after my miscarriage. My husband was sad, but certainly not to the depth I was. He really tried to understand, but really just couldn't. Others would try to offer comfort and tell me to be thankful for my other children. Some would say I needed to get it together for my other children. TOUGH, TOUGH TIMES!!! I remember the morning time was always the worst - that feeling of loneliness in the pit of your stomach. This was a journey that only the LORD and I could take; none could go with me. For the longest time I always felt like I had a dark cloud following me around. I would try to laugh and "act" like I was okay with everything, but I was only pretending. The LORD used this time in my life to humble me and to show me things about myself that I was blinded to. He drew me into such an intimacy with Him and comforted me as only He could. I kept a prayer journal during this time, and just communicating my feelings to the LORD on paper brought so much healing.


I know when I get to heaven there is a sweet baby in heaven, my baby. I will hold that baby and rock him/her over and over and over again.


I have to say though God is so good and He is so faithful. He did bless me with another child - my little Hanna Boo, who is now 5. I wouldn't trade her for ANYTHING!!! So, if it meant I had to go through a storm in my life to get her, I would do it all over again. God is sovereign and He knows what He is doing!

Please stop and say a prayer for anyone who has lost a child or is possibly in the midst of losing a child. Thank you.

TRICKED on TUESDAY

Tuesday is the day my oldest 2 children have what we call "Homeschool School." It is a Christian school where we live that has full time students and they offer classes to homeschoolers. So on Tuesday my kiddos are there all day. It is really cool because they get to experience the school atmosphere and have accountability with someone other than me. My daughter takes History, Science, Art, and Music, and my son takes History, Science, Art, and Hands-on Experiments. They love it, and as long as we can afford it I LOVE them going there!!!! They get to participate in picture day, yearbook, Thanksgiving Re-enactment, field, day, etc.; so, to this homeschooling mother it is truly the best of both worlds. It also gives me a day to spend with my baby (my 5-year-old baby that is).

This morning I was leaving to take Alec and Ash to "Homeschool School," and Hanna Boo decided to stay home with Jon. When I get home and walk in the door all is quiet and the lights are all off (a rarity in this house). Jon's truck was outside so I knew they were home. I started calling for them - no answer. I then looked around and saw Jon's keys, wallet, and cell phone were still there, so I knew that his parents didn't come by and take them out for breakfast or something. "W-E-I-R-D," I thought. Then the thought occurred to me that they must be hiding - especially knowing my goofy husband. "Okay, I thought. I am going to find you guys and scare you." I looked E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E - in the closets, under the beds, under the tables, behind the shower curtains - EVERYWHERE!!!!

My next thought was that they must have taken a walk to the park or have gone to feed the ducks. The pond with the ducks is across the street, so I looked out my window, and didn't see them there. Being the control freak that I am when it comes to my kiddos, a little worry started to creep in. I decided to get in the car and ride around the subdivision and by the park to see if I saw them walking. By this time I was pretty worried!! I starting saying prayers of safety over them. After all, I learned from the chief of all worriers how to worry - from my mother that is!!!

After my worry ride around the subdivision I STILL did not find them. "Where could they be?" I come into the house pretty frantic at this point and I start to call for them loudly at this point, over and over and over again. I go to open the door to go back outside and here they come - those STINKERS!!!! They had been hiding, but where? The Stinkin' Rose Pedal Cottage. I didn't even know my hubby could fit in there!!! Uggghhhh - they got me good!

YIPPPEEEE SKIPPPPEEEE

Tonight after swim practice me and one of my swim mom friends took our kids to a local pizza place around here. With my belly full of pizza all the way home I kept thinking I can't wait to get the kids in the bed and watch The Office (my very favorite TV show). I get in the door and go to check my e-mails while the kids are brushing their teeth. I get this email from WDW sports saying race results are in and they have a recap race video on their website. I decided to click over and check it out. Jon and I were competing against other co-ed couples. He had already checked the results out; however, I had not. We came in 37 out of 460 co-ed couples. I was excited about that. I then decided to watch the video. Guess what? We are on it! I started SCREAMING!!!!! You can go to www.disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/endurance/events/detail?name=EnduranceEverestResultsDetailPage
if you want to check it out (sorry I don't know how to download it to my blog). I got my cell phone and I called Jon screaming, "GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT?" I told him about the video and us being on it! He was excited but not nearly excited as I was. He thought I was so excited because he thought I was calling him to tell him we had sold a house - no dice, we're just on a WDW Sports video. Anyway I thought it was pretty cool!!!!

Do You Ever?

Do you ever have one of those days or many of those days when you just do not feel cut out for this way, way hard job called motherhood? Today has been one of those days for me. My son and I pretty much had it out today. He is 11 and oh so moody at times. Sometimes I really do not know what to do with him!!! He started out the day on a bad foot because he took something I said, twisted it all around, and then yelled at me - which that in itself is a huge no-no in our house. He then had a dentist appointment to put sealants on his teeth. Last week he was so ugly to me because his blue jeans from last year were short and he had the nerve to demand me to go and get him some that very day. Now mind you, he is homeschooled and only the mornings have been slightly cool so it is not like we are living in Montana and it is snowing right now (if it is even snowing there - I don't know, but you get the point). Most days it is close to 80 degrees here. Well to be honest I let him have it and reminded him that I was sorry I had not had time because whenever I am not teaching them I am either at ballet, soccer, or swim practice. UGGGHHHH!! So, today I decided to go and get them fall clothes after his dentist appointment. Then I took them to Party City and let them get a Halloween costume. Other than his morning outburst it was a relatively good day. On the ride home he snapped at both of his sisters for no reason whatsoever. He was so ugly!!! The kid has got a temper. By this point I was furious with him!!! We then get home and he and I go round and round with one another. I don't know if it is hormones or something deeper than that. He did express to me after all was calm that he feels like he is always getting in trouble and he hates to disappoint his dad and I. I really appreciate that quality in him but I had a heart-to-heart talk with him from one perfectionist to another perfectionist that he has to realize he is going to mess up and that is why we need Jesus. I explained to him that he just needed to have a humble heart and pray that the LORD will help him with his struggles and when he does goof to sincerely apologize and try to do better. I'm telling you the kid has a TOUGH TIME saying he is sorry. I talked to him about pride and reminded him of what God's word says about it. One minute I am furious with the kid and the next minute my heart truly hurts for him. He and my middle daughter have BIG TIME sibling rivalry. He did also tell me his frustration with her. But, what he fails to see or even realize, is that she gets in trouble too. He also is the kind of kid that I feel that I can't win with - I feel like no matter what tone I use, soft and gentle or harsh and furious, he always is offended by it. Since I am being totally honest here I am not casting total blame on him. I said some things and nagged him enough that probably provoked some of what he said. However, I guess I feel that if I don't he just bottles it up inside and WILL NOT talk about it. During our heart-to-heart I did tell him this and I apologized to him. I, of course, reminded him over and over again how much his dad and I love him. He really is a great kid. He obeys really well. He makes good decisions. It is just his temper gets him in so much trouble. We tell him often how proud we are of him and when he does something praiseworth, we, of course, praise him for it. However, there is a fine line there with him. If you praise him too much he gets so puffed up that all he does is go around boasting and bragging to his sisters. Somebody, anybody got any advice out there for this mama in high heels who feels like an utter and total failure today?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside My Window... It is sunny and my neighbor across the street is decorated for Halloween and my other neighbor across the street has put out a McCain-Palin sign -Yippeee Skippeee!
I am thinking...that I need to motivate and go to the grocery store.
From the kitchen...praise the Lord, it is clean. For dinner tonight it will be tilapia, baked potato, and salad.
I am wearing...my workout clothes.
I am creating...a scrapbook for my dad from our Texas trip for his birthday which has already passed, but I hope to get on the ball and get it out in the mail to him by next week. Shhh! He doesn't know.
I am going...to go and do my Denise Austin's Yoga Burn, then go to the grocery store, come home and cook dinner, and then attempt to run somewhere between 6 and 8 miles. We'll see about the last one though.
I am reading...Little Pilgrim's Progress (which I LOVE IT), my Bible, of course. I am reading the first book in the Mitford series. It has taken me awhile to get into it.
I am hoping... that my hubby will get everything done he needs to do. When you are self employed the work load is either feast or famine and he has LOTS to do right now.
I am hearing... Ashley read me her story that she had to write for English today.
Around the house...thanks to my sweet mama who kept my kids this weekend it is oh so clean. YAY!!!
One of my favorite things...a cold morning with a hot cup of coffee.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: The usual soccer and swim practice. This weekend my sister-in-law is coming up so we will have lots of fun spending time with them.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is me and my sweet mama. She actually kept the children while we all ran in Expedition Everest. We all took a swim one night and my hubby snapped this picture of us.

Expedition Everest Challenge

About 5 months ago my hubby was looking on the Disney Sports website and he came across a really cool race - Expedition Everest Challenge. It was quite different from the other races we have run. First of all it was a partner race and you had to have a team name. Unlike our other races we run it was more than a 5K. After the 5K you were not finished - in this race you would have to complete an obstacle course and then a scavenger hunt, all through Animal Kingdom in Disney World. Needless to say he did not have to ask me twice about running it. I have run in 2 Disney races before and just like everything else with Disney they do it up right!!!! First of all we had to come up with a team name. I threw out a couple, to all of which he said no. Then he said how about Goof Troop? I loved, loved, loved it!!! Goofy is our favorite Disney character and me and my hubby are a pretty "goofy" couple, so it fit. We then invited some of our family to head down to Florida with us to run also. Jon's brother and his wife decided to take on the challenge, as did my little sister and dad (I have to stop right here and say that I have been so blessed in so many ways by God and one of those ways is that God decided to give me 2 Dads in life, so this one is my stepdad, but all the same - my Dad). We have been looking forward to this trip for MONTHS!!!

Once you have been in a Disney race you quickly realize that just plain running shorts and shirt will not do, so I had to find something that would make us stand out. I thought I would have to do lots of coercing my hubby, but I didn't. He agreed to wear these Goofy hats with me. After all if you bear the name Goof Troop you MUST show your goofiness.

Purchasing our race attire

Our 2nd day in Orlando we needed to go and pick up our race packets. It was really cool because they had this DJ there literally dressed like he was about to hike Mount Everest in the 95-degree weather. I felt sorry for him, but he was jammin' all the same. They also had this little Mount Everest setup at the packet pickup so we decided to throw on our race T-shirts and get a picture.

The race started at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. It had been H-O-T that day and I do not like to run when it is over 85 degrees, but my running juices were flowing. God was so good! Our heat (racing against other co-ed couples) did not start until 7:35. The sun was setting and it was cooling off.

Me, my little sis, and dad

Beautiful sky before the race

Sometimes Jon and I can get pretty competitive with one another. My goal is to always try and beat him; however, I have only done this once. Since we were a team we decided to run together and take it easy. You were not allowed to start the obstacle course until your other team mate arrived, so what a great time to just enjoy running together. Guess what? It didn't happen. First of all in races like these it is such a headache to have to maneuver yourself around people to pass them, but we put ourselves on the grass and headed out. I was really feeling good so I went way ahead of Jon, then I started feeling a little convicted. I can't believe I was even thinking homeboy was tired and couldn't hang with me, but I was *smile*. My mercy kicked in and I decided to slow down and wait on him. He catches us up and we run about 1/2 a mile together. My little sister was in front of us, so he starts to pick up the pace. I try and hang with him, but I just could not do it!! He blew me away and my little sister. Okay, so here I am lovin' all of these people shouting "Go Goofy" and of course I am hammin' it up like I am some sort of celebrity, but I can't, if at all possible, let my little sister beat me. Okay time to get serious!!! I pick up the pace and it is probably the last 1/4 mile of the race. I then go beside her and say, "That fan (they had a fan blowing) feels good," and I just keep going. Yes, I passed her, I thought to myself. Normally during a race I always look straight ahead. We were on a road that ran behind Animal Kingdom like where their service cars go. So, I just happen to look to the other side of the race and there is my little sister! W-H-A-T?!? I have got to pick it up so I push the pedal to the medal. I did finish before her but not by much. My hubby was there at the finish line shouting, "Come on Goofy, Come on!!!" I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear him cheer me on!!!

Here comes my favorite part of the whole race - the obstacle course. The first event was these sawhorses that you had to hoist yourself over. They came up to my shoulders. I just knew Jon was going to have to push me up and over them. Guess what? He DIDN'T!!! I handled it all on my own. I was surprised and Jon was TOTALLY SHOCKED!!! Next event was a rope wall we had to climb up and then over. The next event was a balance beam. The final event was a net and you had to crawl under it on your hands and knees. The obstacle course was GREAT!

We finished the obstacle course and it was time to get our passport for the scavenger hunt. It would tell us where to go in Animal Kingdom and then give us a clue. Y'all I was so clueless on this. The only thing I would say is, "Yeah, yeah, that is the right answer. Let's go." or "We need to run faster." Jon was "Johnny on the Spot" with these clues and he did an excellent job getting them. If it would have been left up to me I would still be there staring curiously at the clues. I am just not a brain-teaser kind-of-girl. We crossed the finish line and made it in under an hour. It was the BEST race ever!!! Almost two years ago I ran the WDW Marathon, and while it is a great achievement it was grueling on my body. I love that race for the accomplishment it entails, but this was the most fun I have ever had in a race. I would like to think it had more to do with it being Disney and different and other things than just running, but I think it has more to do with that I was running it with my very best friend!!

Goof Troop after the race with our medals

Team Milo and Otis showing off their Expedition Everest Challenge Medals

The Whole Expedition Everest Challenge Running Crew - Team Booboloomboshooba, Team Goof Troop, Team Milo and Otis

After the race they had several rides open and the park was all lit up with lights since it was dark. I love running the races they have at night! We stayed for just a bit and then it was off to watch the GA/AL game. The funny thing is is that during the race I had my brother-in-law text me the scores every time someone would score. My phone was vibrating like crazy. Not only was my BIL texting me, but my son was calling and leaving me voice mails about the score. AL kicked our booties!!! While my hubby was figuring out the scavenger hunt clues, since I was so clueless, I would get my phone out and check and see - bummer GA lost, but the race was G-R-E-A-T!!!!!