Monday Afternoon

What a great way to spend a blustery winter day.  Jack got both the book and backrest for Christmas.  Lucy loves to sit with him.  I love that she loves it.

Slow Day

Today will be slow day around here.  We've got fevers and coughs.  Not to mention the wind is blowing fiercely this morning.  No need to go out in it.  We did have to drive back Christmas night in the snow.  The interstate was covered the closer we got to home but we made it just fine.
One of my favorite quotes from Christmas morning was from Samuel as he opened his stocking.
"Oh boy!  This is my lucky day!"

If all else fails, put them to work!

"When he came, there was no light.  When he left, there was no darkness."

                          Martin Luther

Merry Christmas

Checking Things Out

I wondered how long it would be until Lucy noticed the presents under the tree.  She actually didn't pay much attention the first day.  Then I found her checking things out.  Love it.

Fun Day

We went to the library this morning in search of Christmas books.  My favorite librarian was working.  She is always so chipper and quickly engages the kids.  She even let me look through a stash of books she had behind the counter.  We found plenty!  The first we read was Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas cookies.  Such a sweet story!  The second was The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Richard Scarry.  Cute book and it reminded us of our friends from the cul-de-sac in Charlotte.  Thanks to Bonnie, I picked up Miss Read's Christmas which is already proving to be a cozy read.
Last night some friends of ours came over and brought gifts for the kids. Sammy's was a Sheriff Woody pillow/stuffed guy.  He has not parted with it all day.  Woody even came to the library with us.  The nice librarian asked Sam if he was planning on reading all these books to Woody when we got home.  Sammy grinned ever so slightly and nodded his head.  Fun day.

p.s.  Do you notice a trend in pictures of Sam with no shirt?  I don't know what it is but that's the way he likes it right now.

Perfect?

I declared today our Christmas cookie and craft day.
We baked cookies and decorated with the sprinkles.
We sprinkled (or dumped) glitter and glued sequins.
We had our music playing in the background.
And it was fun.
But if I'm honest, I'd have to say it was not all Currier and Ives.  Somehow looking back, getting out glitter and cookie dough at the same time might not have been the best idea.  I was a little on edge.  Sometimes impatient.  I can't tell you how I wish I had more patience.  It seems like I get a little less patient the older I get instead of the other way around.  That saddens me.
And I need to add that bit in here with all the pictures and smiles because if you're even a little like me,  you look around and hear about other families enjoying all of these holiday activities and wonder where you went wrong.  I want to create these cozy, perfect memories.  Not that I didn't enjoy our day.  I'm just saying, it wasn't perfect and I think that's ok.  One more reason why I need the Christ of Christmas more than I need a good memory from a perfect day.

Having said that, I did get some cute pictures and I think the kids had a good time.

I've not seen so much glitter poured in one place in a long time.

(He was just getting started!)

Not had so much tempting sugar around in a while either.

Sam said to me, "Mom, I guess you've never seen anything like this before."

HAHA!  There were an awful lot of sprinkles on his cookies!

Sweet Sam

Two things from Samuel:
Kayla and I were getting ready to make Rice Krispie treats today.
He said, "Great!  The girls will do the making and the boys will do the eating!"
Love it.

The other night as I tucked Sam in, I said, "Good night, Sammy.  Mommy loves you."
He said, "Good night, Mommy.  Sammy loves you, too."
So sweet.

A Snowy Day

Well it snowed.  It was so pretty to watch.  The kids had a great time outside.  Lucy and I stayed in- she hasn't been her usual happy self.  I haven't felt quite right all day either- just a little off.  Maybe a good night's sleep will help?
Brian and the kids planned a festive dinner, complete with holiday dishes, candles, even ties for the guys!  Sparkling cherry juice and more homemade bread.  This time Brian made two loaves of whole wheat.  Yum!

For some reason he looks so big in this picture.

The three amigos

One of our first snows in our backyard

Just because I stayed in doesn't mean a good hot drink didn't hit the spot.  I learned how to make lattes this week.  This one is vanilla cinnamon.

Thanks a Lot!

It's been a while since I've had a haircut.  Got one today.  So glad!
Until Jack says to me, "Mom, I thought you were getting your haircut today."
"I did."
"Oh, it doesn't look shorter.  Just, uh, brushed."
Oh well.
Stay warm.  It looks like another winter storm is brewing!
By the way, the cinnamon bread that Brian and Kayla worked on together was quite the involved process.   They got up at 6:30 the next morning to finish it and believe me when I tell you, it was impressive.  The texture was perfect.  Yum!

A Few Things

Number one, it is so cold and windy that I cannot even think about going outside.  So glad we don't have to!  I am perfectly happy to watch the snow flurries from inside and be very thankful for a warm home.  Days like this make me want to bake, although I have not done much of that today.  In the past week I've made four batches of gingerbread.  Yum.  
I have been working on Christmas cards.  I think that's one of my favorite things to do around the holidays.  I love thinking about our family and friends as I write their names.  We are so blessed.
Number two, Lucy enjoyed her birthday cupcake a little more than her pancakes with whipped cream.  Although, after a while she was done with all the sticky icing.  If I'm remembering right, she enjoyed her first birthday cake more than any of the other kids.

Number three, Brian is on vacation this week.  I like the way things are turning out:

I'm not sure what they are making- I think it's coffee cake.  I could get used to this.
Finally, number four, Samuel was up early and ready for breakfast.  I said, "Please can you rest a little longer?"  He said, "No mom.  My belly button is so hungry."  
We got up.

1st Birthday

It's official!  My baby girl is one.  She actually shares a birthday with my dear friend, Beth.  So Happy Birthday Beth!
I have been just a little sentimental about this one.  She's been such a sweet baby.  Saying goodbye to "babyhood" is bittersweet.  But, on to her day.
We had pancakes and I put some whipped cream on Lucy's to make it special.  She was not impressed.

The other kids could not wait to give her birthday presents.  Of course she loved the paper best but I think she enjoyed opening them, too.

Kayla was so happy to give her this little baby doll.

The girl even read her card from Mimi and Papa.

 I have to say, though, that she saved the best for last.  I walked into the room and she looked right at me and said, "Mama.  Mama."  

First time.

I got a little teary.

Happy Birthday, dear Lucy.

Birthday Eve

A year ago tonight, I was 10 days out from my due date.  My dad was good and ready for his 6th grandbaby to be born and called to  harass me a bit (all in fun!) about getting this thing going.  I said I was right there with him and doing all I could to go ahead and have this baby girl.  I'd let him know when I knew.
Brian and the kids and I loaded up in the van to go do a little shopping.  I was hoping a little more walking would get the show on the road.  On our way, Brian's mom called to let me know she wouldn't be home that night but Grandpa was home and she would leave her phone on all night just in case this baby decided to come.  I sure was hoping we'd need to call!
For several nights I had been waking up somewhere around 3 or 4 a.m. I'd be up for an hour or so then fall back asleep.  This night was no different.  It was around 4:30, I was awake, and I was hungry.  So I got a bowl of Rice Krispies and settled in with a book, An Irish Country Christmas.  After a while, I noticed that first contraction although I wasn't sure that's what it was.  I took notice and kept reading.  In just a few minutes came another.
YES!  This is it.  Or at least I was hoping.  I woke Brian.  He called his dad to let him know we might have something going on.  We got ready, just in case.
I called my mom and dad.  Dad, I think you're getting your wish.
Contractions kept coming.
Grandpa came on over- I didn't ask how fast he drove but it didn't take long!
And we headed for the hospital.
Later that morning, our sweet Lucy was born.
How many December 10ths had I lived through? (well, 36)
And now, that day had such a new and special place in my heart.

"Star of Bethlehem"

Does anyone know the song "Star of Bethlehem?"
It has to be the version with a fiddle and guitar.
This song takes me back to Christmas when I was little.  I never heard it anywhere else except in my Grandma Pearl's kitchen and the country church my parents met in.  The choir special always included it.
I can almost smell the wood smoke, feel the cold outside, the warmth inside.
Hear my grandmothers cooking Christmas dinner.
Hear my cousins playing.
I hope I never, ever forget what that was like.
And do you know what I found on the computer tonight?  You got it.  My parents put the song on before they gave us their mac.
Isn't it funny, the things that become special and can take you back?
Who would've thought?

Emmanuel

It's early December and I am excited.  The snow has fallen all day and has been beautiful.  The kids have loved playing outside today.  There is that classic, storybook Christmas feel.
Among all the excitement, though, I am struck by how much need there is in this world.  My prayer list is growing by the minute it seems.
Lots of hurting people.
Depression.
Sickness.
Loneliness.
And as much anticipation as there is with Christmas, I cannot help but think that it is for these that this baby Jesus was born.  He was born into a dark, sinful, weary world.  Here for all those who are weary and heavy-laden.  Not for the healthy, but for the sick.  There could be great cause for despair but instead, I think that it is fitting that we prepare our hearts and even our homes to welcome in a king who came to seek and save the lost.  To bring hope.
Our Emmanuel.

O come, O come Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear,

Rejoice!  Rejoice! 

Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.

Let It Snow!

Who could sleep...

with this going on right outside?

Let it snow!

One More Distraction

Picture this:
Lucy was down for her morning nap.
Jack, Kayla, Samuel, and I were sitting on the couch reading together.
We heard something that sounded like a chirp.  Not a soft one either.
Was it right outside our window?
Jack slowly gets up, looks at me with wide eyes, and silently walks to the hallway.
Kayla and Sam follow.
Loud whisper, "MOM!  There's a bird.  In there!"
Oh boy.
And before I could get off the couch, that bird came flying into the living room, straight at me.
I screamed.  Not a squeak but a full-blown scream.  Then I ducked and ran.
We were scurrying around like crazy.  We are crazy.  It was a bird for crying out loud.  Just a bird.
"Mom???  What do we do?"
Kayla and Samuel had run upstairs at this point.
I was on the phone to Brian.  I knew what I needed to do but I think I needed to hear a rational voice at the moment.
Lucy is screaming in her bed now.  Poor thing.  What a way to wake up, huh?
Well, we opened up all the doors and I'm guessing the bird flew out the back door.  We never actually saw it leave.  So I've been peeking into rooms and around corners all day.
And all that for a little old bird.

S. A. M.

It seems like the more common something is, the less special or prized it is.  But the more I watch my kids grow, the more I think that sometimes, the most ordinary things can be the most precious.  As long as you don't let them slip by.
And as a mother, I get the great privilege of celebrating with my kids.  That's part of my job.
So when Samuel brought me a pice of paper a few weeks ago and showed me that he had written his name for the first time, I got really excited.  Lots of other kids can write their names.  But this was the very first time for Sam.  S.  A.  M.
A few days later, out of the blue, comes a happy face drawn with marker on constuction paper.  More excitement.
Then a stick figure.
Then trying to write "Nana" and "Mimi."
All firsts for my Sam.  All special and exciting.  He's growing up.  He goes back and forth between wanting to be little and big.
Last night he said to me, "Mommy, I am a big boy now but I'm still a little bit little."
Big or little, he's my Sam.

"The Help"

Unbelievably,  The Help is Kathryn Stockett's first novel.  And I loved it!  A great one for book clubs.    The first page had me hooked.  It's another book set in Mississippi in the 60s and though there are tough issues throughout, the characters are so endearing, often funny, that it's a wonderful read.  I think there were one, maybe two, scenes I skimmed over but that was it.
I love it when I'm into a book and realize that I still have many pages to go.
I hate it when I realize I'm almost to the end.
Love it when I have time to sit down to read.
Hate it when I can only catch just a paragraph or two here and there.
This time, I turned back to the first page after I finished the last page.
And I'm reading it again.

Better

Once again, I have so many posts written in my head though I've had a hard time getting them written here!  But I had to put up this picture of Lucy.  My baby girl will be a year old in just a few weeks.  I can't tell you how much I wish I could slow time and keep her a baby a little longer.  This time last year I could not wait for her to get here.  We have all enjoyed this little one so much.
I asked Jack the other day if having her around is what he thought it would be like.
He grinned and said, "Better."
I couldn't agree more.

History

I wanted to wear just the right thing.  Not too dressy.  Not too casual.
I wanted to say the right things.  Laugh at the right times.
I was nervous.
I was excited.  Very excited.
He had caught my eye at home group.
Beth and I chose one particular group because there were a lot of single guys signed up for it.  The group got too big so they split it.  Oh well, I thought.
But he was there.  And Beth knew him and said it would be a perfect match.
He drove a green truck.  He did landscaping at the time.  And he was so nice.  And so ruggedly handsome. I felt comfortable around him.
Finally he asked me out.  Of course I said yes.
We went to Spanky's for dinner on a Tuesday night.
I remember what he looked like sitting across the table from me.
It was easy.
I was hooked.
Twelve years ago today.  Our first date.
Four months later we were engaged.  Four months after that we were married.
And now four kids later and a lot of our own history, I'd do it all over again.

A Christmas CD

I have to put in a pitch for this Christmas cd.  Why?  Because it was done by MY brother.  Well, the trio he plays with.  Jeff is a jazz percussionist, among other things.  He's also a husband, father, and all around good guy.  In his younger days, he loved gummy bears, hot fries, pizza, and pitiful movies like "Howard the Duck" and "Harry and the Hendersons."  I don't know why it always makes me laugh when I remember all that.  BUT, his tastes have been refined as he has aged- like fine wine right?
This cd is called "Little Town" and you can find it here. 
It's good stuff.  Really.
And I have to say, I'm very proud of my brother.

Just a Nice Afternoon

Everyone is quietly busy right now.  Lucy is at my feet playing.  Her little cheeks are chapped from this snotty nose she's had for a few days but she's happy.  I have written many posts in my head but haven't had a good chance to sit down and write them up.  And I won't do it today either but that's ok.  The only reason I am sitting here at all is because my Brian cleaned the whole house while we were out this morning.  And I do mean the whole house.  It looks so good!  When he does something, he does it right.  When I got home, my first thought was, "WOW!  I am very thankful."  The next thought was,  "Now what else can I get done since I don't need to straighten up, do the dishes, etc.,.."  I have a list a mile long.  But, after I put the little ones down for naps, Kayla wanted to make words out of Bananagrams.  So we lined up our words all around the table.  Then Jack wanted to make word-finds out of our Upwards game.  So, we did that, too.  It was so nice to just sit still and enjoy the kids without thinking of what else needed doing.  I am bad for that.  And it was a nice answer to prayer as I'd been feeling like school was a little dry and we needed to do something fun.  So there it was.
Now we'll wait for these snow flurries the kids can't stop talking about.

Pictures

Our history sentence for last week went like this:

"In 1517, Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation by printing the Ninety-five Theses that made Pope Leo X excommunicate him.  Later, John Calvin joined the Reformation."  

So today we remember and celebrate the impact of that brave act.

We also say Happy Birthday to Aunt Catrina!!

And we have pictures to share from our trip downtown last night.  I know I might be just a little biased but really, I don't think we could have done any better than our own

Luke and Leia

Superman

(I could eat him up.)

and a little mouse.  Or maybe a rabbit?

Lucy has to be wondering,

"Where's mine???"

Oh, to be so cute.

Cruise Control

There has been a flurry of activity around here this afternoon.  I'm sure it had nothing to do with the treats Granny and Grandpa dropped off earlier this morning!   Or maybe it does.  At any rate, we're all enjoying a few treats.  I think I'll just put it on cruise control for the weekend then cut these kids off Monday morning from the candy.  We'll see.
We spent a lot of time figuring out costumes.  Kayla was going to be a cowgirl but changed her mind to Princess Leia.  And by golly, she is a cute one!  I think we've about got her put together so pictures will follow sometime this weekend.  Samuel has gone from Superman to a fireman to Batman. Then, tonight in the car, he said, like he was giving in, "O-vay Kayla, I will be a ewok."  That made me laugh.  So maybe we'll try and dress him up as a cute little squishy brown ewok.  Lucy will be a mouse.  Easy.  And Jack, well, we're still in negotiations on that one. Have a good weekend!

Mo' Mocha?

This afternoon I got out my Joy of Cooking cookbook.  Kayla and I made a chocolate cake with mocha icing for home group.  

Apparently, it was too tempting for someone.  Can you see the path the little finger left in the icing?

The laughter and running little feet gave him away...

Brian gets credit for the title...

Weather and Books

It is sooo windy outside right now!  Sounds a little scarey.  This morning felt like spring- the air was heavy but cool.  The breeze was nice.  And it just had that spring smell in the air.  Do you know what I mean?

I've had a hard time getting into a good novel lately.  Mostly, there hasn't been a lot of extra time to read for fun.  And it's not easy to come across good books.  Things seem to be leveling out some now so I'm on the prowl for a few good ones.  I love seeing what other people are reading.  Actually, I picked up a novel yesterday called Family Happiness that I saw on one of your blogs- thanks!

I did just finish a good book called Queen of Palmyra.  I put it on hold back in July and just got it!  I think it can be hard to recommend books- you never know what someone else will think.  I'm always afraid of offending someone.  There is a little language in this one and the subject is not light.  It's set in Mississippi in the 60s.  Racial tension is thick and my heart broke for several of the characters.  But, the author draws you in and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you're done.  To me, that makes a good story.
 

I had to put this up.  Sam always enjoys his desserts and Kayla's birthday cake was NO exception!

Blueberry Cobbler

I love fall-ish desserts like apple pies and cobblers, especially this blueberry cobbler.  Back in Charlotte when we moved to the house in the cul-de-sac (one of our favorite spots) my friend Mary brought us this yummy dish.  Hospitality right to your door!  It's so delicious and easy, too!  Isn't it nice to have a personal connection to the recipes you use?

                                  Mary's Cobbler
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 stick of butter, melted
fruit
Pour the fruit into your pie dish.  Mix the flour and sugar.  Lightly beat the egg and mix it in with the flour/sugar until crumbly.  Cover the fruit with the egg/flour/sugar mixture.  Pour the melted butter on top and bake for about 45 minutes at 350.

A Joint Effort

I have to put in a word about this birthday cake.  First, let me say that my mom decorates cakes.  Not professionally, just for our family.  She always made our birthday cakes growing up.  They were always so pretty.  She made her own wedding cake and even ours.  Truly, beautiful work.
I somehow missed out on that gene.  She just has a knack for things like sewing, decorating, etc...  So, when I go to do something like my children's birthday cakes, I really want them to turn out well.  I have an idea in my head but it just doesn't usually work out quite right.
I got some advice on making this cake, with the doll in the middle, the cake being her skirt.  However, my cake was about three inches too short!  Can you really just have her skirt come up to her thighs??  Of course not!  A little panic.  I was thinking out loud about how to fix this. Jack came up with the idea of putting the cake on top of marshmallows.
"Mom, am I a genius?"  "YES!"
A friend suggested the big campfire marshmallows.  So off we went to the store, then home with the marshmallows.
I couldn't figure out how to get the cake to stay on top without it toppling over.
"Brian, please help me.  Now."
He can almost always make things work.  And he did!  Even thought of tying pretty ribbon around them to keep them more stable.  Add a few sprinkles and a cake and...
Voila!  A beautiful cake for some sweet little girls!

Happy 7th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Kayla!  She's 7!

I think this has been the year of the endless birthday!  

A birthday supper with Granny and Grandpa,

a birthday visit with Mimi and Papa,

a  sleepover with three little friends, 

a birthday lunch with Daddy,

and lots of happy birthday wishes from friends and family.

This has also been the American Girl birthday: both Felicity and Julie from grandparents.

Of course the most special thing about this birthday is our birthday girl.

We are so thankful for our Kayla!

Toodles

 Oh, how we love this girl!  She's getting way too big.  Walking around furniture.  Babbling away.  Waving.  Eating big girl food.  She even has a nickname, which I don't think I've mentioned.  The kids started calling her "Toodles."  And it stuck.  She responds to it.  Not sure where it came from but it makes me laugh.  Even Kayla's friends call Lucy Toodles!