Shoch-ingly Candid

From the mouth's of babes...

2010-11-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Here are a few funny things my kids have said recently:

A cute story from Flag Football:

Colby was playing flag football the other day. Curtis was coaching him from the sideline. At a critical point in the game (as critical as flag football for 3 yr olds gets), Curtis called Colby over, pointed to the other kid's flag (which was mostly hidden by his t-shirt) and told Colby what to do to be able to grab it. He said "Colby, you need to run straight towards him as fast as you can and as you're approaching him, just dive for it, okay? Dive for it!"

Colby thought for a moment, and with a sad, and very somber face, he said to Curtis, "But I don't want to go to Heaven yet, Daddy."

Paisley explaining to Colby in the backseat of the car how a lollipop got it's name:

Paisley: Oh, I know! I know! It's called a "lolli" because it smells like "lolli, lolli, lolli" which means "Good" in an old-fashioned kind of way. Ya know?

Colby: Yes.

Paisley: And it's called pop because it makes this noise when you eat it (she makes it pop very softly on the inside of her cheek).

Colby: Wow. How did you do that?

Paisley: You'll learn when you get older. It's something you grow into when you're 5.

Colby: Oh.

Another conversation from the backseat of the car:

Colby: I quit.

Paisley: No, you can't quit. Shoch's can't quit.

Colby: Yes I can.

Paisley: No! The Shoch's aren't quitters.

Colby: Well, I am now.

Paisley: You can never, ever quit. Not if you are a Shoch. That's not something we do.

Colby: Uh-huh. I am going to be the first one.

Paisley: That is impossible. Not if you are a Shoch. You just can't do it. It's not ever something you can do. Okay? Just forget about it.

Colby: Watch me.

What my daughter teaches me

2010-09-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

So... Paisley is five years old now and we are starting to encounter "mean girls" already. Seriously??? How does that happen? How does a child learn to be mean at such a young age - and what is the motivation? There is a little girl in Paisley's Kindergarten grade that she sees occasionally on the playground. We'll call this little girl "Cici" (obviously not her real name) so that I can fully explain the story.

A few weeks ago, Paisley told me about Cici for the first time. She said that Cici was mean to her on the playground and told her she didn't want to be her friend. She even pushed Paisley down and hit her. I asked Paisley if the teachers punished Cici and she said that the teachers did not see, and she didn't tell them either. I asked if she was okay and Paisley said that she was. I admit she seemed relatively un-phased. A week or so later, she told me again that Cici was being ugly to her on the playground - and that she once again said she didn't want to be P's friend. I was disheartened. Paisley seemed to be taking it alright, so I didn't make a big deal over it. I just told Paisley that saying things like that wasn't very nice and she didn't want to behave like Cici. I told Paisley to be kind to everyone no matter how they treated her in return.

Skip ahead to the present, when Paisley told me that Cici now says she is her friend. Cici apparently came over to Paisley on the playground on Monday and gave her a gift (something small that she either found or brought from home) as a token of her friendship. Then yesterday she gave her something else. She is all about Paisley right now.

Paisley seemed pleased to tell me this - clearly, she thinks Cici is sincere.
I, of course, am skeptical.

I ask her if this is the same Cici that pushed her and was ugly to her a few weeks ago. She confirms that it is indeed the same girl. As a mama bear who knows all too well how hurtful girls can be to each other , I proceed to gently warn her to be careful. I advise her that she should be kind to everyone no matter how they treat her - but that there is a chance that Cici might return to her old ways and say something ugly again, and I don't want Paisley to get hurt by that. I even reminded her of a book we read a lot about Frances (the raccoon) and her friend, Thelma. In the book, Frances' mother tells her to be careful because every time she plays with Thelma, she seems to get the worst of it. And I told her that Frances is still nice to Thelma but she keeps her eyes open to make sure that Thelma doesn't trick her or hurt her again.

And that's when it happened. That's when my 5 year old little girl taught me a lesson instead. She said that she already knew that. She said that when Cici pushed her down on the playground and said ugly things to her that she just walked away. She didn't say anything ugly back to her, she didn't push back... she just walked away. In fact, she didn't even tell the teachers what happened. I could tell from the way she spoke about it that the incidence with Cici only mildly bothered her and she really wasn't phased by it.

Ever since I had Paisley and we noticed how strong-willed she was, people have been telling me that will "serve her well in life". I think I am now learning just what they mean by that. She doesn't get caught up in whether people like her or not. At least not yet! She just rolls with the punches and let's it keep on rolling right off her back.

I am proud of her. She didn't cry about it. She didn't tattle on Cici. She didn't even respond.
She just walked away.
I'm just guessing here, but I bet that's why Cici wants to be her friend now. It's often the ones who don't care that everyone likes the best. When the world sees weakness, they pounce. When they see strength, they often show respect.

Good for you, Paisley. I hope you have learned something by age five that some women take all of their lives to master. It's not how others see you - it's how you see yourself that matters.

Funny Paisley moment

2010-09-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

Paisley was getting her hair cut the other day and her stylist asked her what her daddy was up to these days. (Curtis took her once to get her hair cut a long time ago and hasn't gone back since.)

Paisley said "He's gone. He's on vacation this week."
(Ha - not true. He is working in Philadelphia but so funny that even though she knows he goes away every other week for work, that she still thought he was on vacation.)

From the mouths of babes.

Proud moments

2010-09-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

I hate to be one of "those parents" - annoyingly bragging about my kids, but there have been a few fun achievements in our household recently and I wanted to share:

Paisley passed her 60 kindergarten sight words and landed on the rainbow within the first 14 days of school. She had to recognize them quickly, without hesitation and say them aloud to her teacher correctly in random sequence in order to pass. And she did it!!! There are several kids in the class who are just rocking through these words - keep in mind they have the entire school year to accomplish this and they have already passed. Now we are on to writing them in sentences. Way to go, Paisley Rae!
Colby went to a BMX park with his daddy the other day and road the entire course (some of the hills were 12 feet tall) on his little bike. The video Curtis has is so funny to watch. He is not fast but he can do it. Go little man, go!!
Whitley recently started putting her arms up over her head when I say "How big is Whitley?". She also went and got a diaper for me, and brought it to me, when I asked her to the other day. 10 months old and they understand so much more than we realize! She is saying "dada" now which is great since Mama was her first word and her only word until now - makes Curtis feel loved. And she is learning to clap and blow kisses. She is crawling and cruisin' the furniture like crazy and is really interested in the stairs if the gate is not closed. Yikes. She's a great eater and a really happy, laid-back baby. I can't believe it's time to start planning her 1 year birthday party soon.
Both kids have upgraded to bigger bikes. Paisley now has a bike with more than one speed on it, hand brakes and a kick stand. Colby inherited her old orange bike (thank goodness!) so he has more leg room when riding.
Yesterday at Lacrosse, Colby scored two goals and Paisley scored one. Curtis asked if anyone wanted to say a prayer afterward and Paisley volunteered. He said it brought tears to his eyes because she was so thoughtful and sincere with what she prayed for concerning the team.

Life is really good!

Paisley lost her 1st tooth

2010-08-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Paisley lost her first tooth this morning. She actually pulled it out herself. It was SO loose that she was afraid to eat anything and it was making her very nervous (not to mention mama's fear that she'd lose it at school or swallow it, and then we wouldn't have it for the Tooth Fairy! So thankfully, Paisley (very bravely) pulled it out herself before she went to school.

It was a BIG deal! There was a lot of excitement in our household.
We immediately pulled out a book we have about the tooth fairy and read it so we'd know what to expect. (Her tooth was so loose that I had gone out and purchased a book for the big moment.) In the book, the little girl, Holly, is very inquisitive to the tooth fairy and writes her letters, so Paisley wanted to write a letter and ask her a couple of questions too. You can see her letter to the TF below. She asked if she could keep her tooth for her baby book and what color was her hair?That night, we put her tooth in her tooth fairy pillow and set the note out next to it for the TF to find. We also set out a glass of clear water because we'd heard that the TF will dip her wings in it and you can see what color they are. Our TF had pink wings as you can see. Some of her pixie dust got in the water as well. But we were most excited that the TF left us a certificate for losing her first tooth, a letter for our keepsake album, five gold dollar coins and a silver dollar with pink glitter all over it. The silver dollar was the biggest hit!! It was such an exciting morning to wake up and see what had arrived in the night. There was even pixie dust sprinkled all over her nightstand and windowsill (not sure if you can tell that from the pictures).

And yes, she left Paisley's first tooth tooth for her baby book! Thank you Tooth Fairy!!

Funny moments with Paisley

2010-08-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

The other day I asked her to do something for me. She asked "Why do I always have to do what you ask of me?" and I replied, "Because I'm the boss!" (It had been one of those days!) She thought and thought about it and came back into the room 10 minutes later to tell me "Actually, Mama, you're not the boss - GOD is the boss of everything!!" Can't argue with that. I just told her I work for God and He tells me it's my job to teach her to obey her parents.
I had choir practice for church one morning before the service began and I had to take Paisley with me because Curtis was not there. I asked her to sit quietly at the side of the room and wait while we rehearsed. In the middle of our first song, she broke into passionate applause for about 3 minutes straight (I mean clapping as hard as she could). The choir director said "You ain't seen nothing yet, kid!" It was precious!

Paisley's first day of Kindergarten

2010-08-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Paisley started Kindergarten yesterday. She was SO excited to finally be in the "big school". The reality of the situation was brought home to me a few days prior when we had her teacher meet-n-greet and she was given her first homework assignment, due upon her arrival to school. Wow! Are we seriously hitting homework already? Life is a-changing, as they say!!

I thought really hard about what to post about Paisley's first day of Kindergarten. Of course, I have posted a few pictures so you can see what her new uniform looks like. She has several choices from which to pick - jumpers versus skorts, solids versus plaids, different color polo shirts, etc. She informed me this morning that she needed more than one choice of shoe to wear so I guess I'll go get those navy Mary Janes that I've been contemplating. They will look really cute with her uniform as well. The navy and white saddleback tennis shoes were my favorite, but I am learning that as she gets older she deserves to have a say in what she wears... and considering the required uniform has reduced her choices quite a bit, I think the least I can do is give her more shoe options.

She was excited when I picked her up at the end of the day. And she was happily anticipating going back today. That seems to be a good sign. She couldn't remember 90% of her classmates names... even when I prompted her... in fact, she wasn't even sure of the name of the girl and boy who sit on either side of her at her table. Not sure if that is a lack in social skills or memory - but hopefully she'll pay more attention to her new friends today. She told me she was "perfect purple" (they follow the colored card system for discipline there and purple means you had a perfect day). Whew! That one was a relief for me. Not that she normally has behavior issues (because she doesn't) but I was slightly concerned when she was tempted to throw a fit over the fact that her doll, Allison, was not allowed to attend school with her. Apparently, she pulled it together and had a fine first day anyway!We didn't walk the entire way to school. We actually drove the golf cart part of the way in the neighborhood and then Colby, Whitley and I all walked her over from there - waving to Officer Rick along the way - and joining several of our friends from the neighborhood. It was a fun way to start the new year. We will reduce the golf cart portion a little each day so that the walking portion is longer than the driving... until finally we are walking from the house to the school (about a 15 minute walk). I didn't want to wear her out too much the first week since she is already getting up earlier than usual - her brain and body are so tired from all of the learning and new activities she is adjusting to, not to mention the longer hours she is now attending. It will just be easier once her body has adjusted.

After contemplating what to write for her first day, I decided to write Paisley a letter - something that she can hold onto and reflect on when she is older - maybe it will give her a window into what my feelings were on this momentous day. So, here goes. I hope I can get through it without crying.

My sweet miss Paisley Rae,
Yesterday you started Kindergarten. Wow! Is that really possible? It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms amazed that I was finally a mom. The possibilities seemed endless for you then - just as they do now - your whole life is ahead of you still. What an amazing reality!

I remember when you were first born and some of my friends with older children would say "Enjoy it. It goes by so fast. You'll blink your eyes and she'll be graduating from high school." I laughed at them then thinking that was ridiculous... but I must say that I now have a greater understanding for how they could feel that way. These five years have truly flown by. As I sat on the floor playing with your baby sister this morning, it amazes me that you were once that small. That you were learning how to talk and how to walk - and laughing with delight as you dropped things from your high chair. The fact that God created our brains to go from nothing to SO much in such a short amount of time is absolutely miraculous!

I wanted the best for you when you were born. I still do!! I tried to do everything the experts say will make a wholesome and complete child. I signed you up for music and creative play classes. I put you to sleep on your back and side. I breastfed you for over a year. I read tons and tons of books to you every day. In fact, books were your favorite thing - above any toy - for the first 2 years of your life. I limited your TV time so much so that you didn't even watch 5 minutes of TV until you were 20 months old. To this day, you still don't care much for TV... you'd much rather prefer to be drawing or playing with dolls. I love that about you! I try to keep you on a schedule, make sure you get lots of sleep, limit your juice and junk food and ensure that you eat a fairly healthy diet. I have only wanted the best for you!

But I'm far from perfect and I worry so much that I haven't done enough right. That I haven't given you enough one-on-one time with me. That I didn't teach you enough things when your brain was growing at its fastest. That my discipline methods weren't the best and that I have somehow broken your spirit from time-to-time. These are the things that scare me to death because I am afraid that the mistakes I have made cannot be undone. When you have your own child one day, you will understand this. How it feels to love someone so much and want the world for them, but to know that you are not perfect and you inevitably will make mistakes. There is nothing so important as raising a child, and that is the one place in life where making mistakes can be terrifying!! Did I choose the right school, the right educational methods, am I teaching my child the right things about how to handle rejection and loss and how to interact with other people? Have I set a good example for how to handle arguments and anger and frustration? These are just a small number of the questions that go through my head every day and I can only believe that with God's help and wonderful people around to guide me, that I can raise you with as little collateral damage as possible. God has entrusted this precious gift to me - you! He chose me to be your mom and ultimate teacher in this life. I just hope I can live up to His faith in me.

As I watched you walk down the sidewalk to the school entrance, I was overcome with emotion. I think the hardest part for me was realizing that for a large amount of time each day, you will be in someone else's care. Literally, 1/3 of the your day will be spent with other people... and under their influence. That is scary to me! The lack of control I will have about what you are seeing and hearing and learning... it's the most difficult to swallow. With all that I have tried to teach you over the years, there are also things I wish you never had to learn. If I could protect you from those things, I would, but unfortunately you must learn them the hard way. I can tell you about each one but it won't truly sink in until you experience it for yourself.

I wish you never had to experience rejection - that you'd never have to know loss.
There will be days you will be chosen last... and even worse, there will be days you may not be chosen at all.
There are people who at times will find pleasure in your pain. I wish I could teach you how not to care what others think - but no matter how old you get, that one is hard to master.
At times, you will experience loneliness, jealousy, heartbreak, and insecurity.
Sadly, it's only a matter of time before you realize that the world is not fair - and nothing you do will ever change that.
If I could, I would protect you from mean girls, being excluded, bullies and profanity.
From now on, grades will become a measure of who you are to some people, but I want you to feel secure with the fact that no test or piece of paper can ever give you self-worth. It's you who determine your value in this world. I really hope you give yourself an A+.
There will be days you won't want to go to school because someone has been mean to you, your best friend has decided she wants to be best friends with someone else, and your teacher isn't that great. These things will happen but life must go on and you must learn to deal with the bad, right along with the good. Life, after all, is chalked up with a lot of both!

But you will also have teachers that will inspire you, friends who will be a part of your life forever, and a knowledge bank that will place a world of opportunity at your feet. So, as you enter the "big school" each day - with all of that possibility laying before you - my greatest wish is that you'll stay a newborn at heart for as long as possible. What I mean by that is hold onto that naivety and innocence. You can always grow and learn, but you can never go back to that sweet ignorance that only a young child possesses.

Really, all I can do is pray for you (and I do!) and put my trust in God to guide you. I can tell you this one thing for sure - He is always there for you. No matter how much I let you down or your teachers and friends prove they are only human... God is the rock that you can always count on. If you hold onto that, I know you'll be just fine. I love you, my sweet girl. Now go... the world is waiting for you.

Love, Mama

Colby's First Day of School - PK3

2010-08-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Colby had his first day of preschool today. He is officially a student! I cannot believe it - where have the last 3 years gone? I did so well dropping him off but I am getting teary eyed tonight. Considering Paisley started Kindergarten the same day (I will talk more about that in a seperate post) and he is starting school for the first time - I could have been an emotional wreck today and it would have been totally justified. I guess having little miss sweetcheeks in my arms helped me get through it. At least she won't be going to school for a few years!!

The good news is that I adore his teacher and her parapro already. They both seem to be truly kind and wonderful people. I know they will take good care of him, nurture him and love him for me while I'm away. I hope they get to experience the big heart this little guy has and see his sweet spirit - and that his little personality will shine in the classroom the same way it shines here at home. Man, do I adore him!!

Ironically, as I sit down to type this hours later, it now seems too much to bear and the tears are beginning to flow. I saw this letter posted in the newspaper and it made me cry (get your kleenex out everyone). I didn't write it (obviously) but the author and I are clearly kindred spirits because he couldn't have captured my feelings today more accurately if he tried. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did.

Colby Reese - I love you, my sweet little man! I hope you LOVE school and think learning is fun! Your little brain has so much growing and developing yet to do - the world is just beginning for you! And to your wonderful teachers - Mrs. H and Mrs. S - thank you for your gift of teaching and for loving our little ones when they are out of our care - I hope you have a good year together and please... "teach him gently, if you can".

TEACH HIM GENTLY by Dan Valentine

My young son starts to school tomorrow. It's all going to be strange and new to him for a while, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

You see, up to now, he's been our little boy. He's been boss of the back yard. His mother has always been around to repair his wounds, and I've always been handy to soothe his feelings. But now things are going to be different. This morning he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand, and start out on a great adventure. It's an adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life, in the world he will live in, requires faith and love and courage. So, world, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him, but gently, if you can.

He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, that all men are not true. Teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero, and that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.

It will take time, world, I know, but teach him if you can, that a nickel earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Teach him to learn to lose, and to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can, and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn quickly that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.

Teach him if you can, the wonder of books, but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.
In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen on truth and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him, it you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure, and despair in success. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidders, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob, and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.

Teach him gently, world, but don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient. Let him have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind. This is a big order world, but see what you can do. He's such a fine little fellow, my son!

Beach Trip

2010-08-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a nice vacation to Destin , Florida with my sister-in-law, Tracy and her kids and my friend, Kristin, and her kids. It was a lovely time!! The weather was a little hot and muggy but overall a wonderful vacation! See some of our pictures below:

Little man loved the ocean

This is Paisley and her best cousin, Omie! They love each other so much!

My 3 beautiful beach babies!

Fun in the pool.

Paisley and her best bud, Kiira.

Little Miss Dainty

Footprints in the sand...

All of the kids - this is the best we could do to capture them all.

Priceless...

Michael Phelps - you better watch out!

2010-08-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

At just 3 years old, Colby has become quite the swimmer. Most people who know him are aware of this and it doesn't phase them to see a little guy so small out there doing things without a life-vest on or an adult around to watch over him. However, I can't help but chuckle at the faces of people that we don't know whenever he jumps into the deep end of the pool without an adult next to him. I can see the fear in their eyes as they search around to see if the lifeguards or his parents are nearby to rescue him. What they don't know is that the kid can swim better than me - and I might be the one who needs his help someday in the pool. Of course, the lifeguards know Colby very, very well (we go to the pool every day) and do not worry about him one bit, but again it probably seems crazy to those who are not aware of how much this little guy can do in the pool

Once Colby mastered swimming, his daddy (Mr. Daredevil himself) decided it was time to teach him a few fun (and I'd say a little nerve-racking) pool tricks. Keep in mind that I had NOTHING to do with this... but once Colby gets a taste of something, there is little you can do to discourage him. So, being the supportive mama that I am, I videotaped them to remember that he was able to do them when he was just 3 years old. I thought I'd post them so everyone can see what he has learned.

Doing a back dive:

Doing a front flip just like his Daddy:

Diving and hitting a small target (in this case the small hole inside of a tube):

Michael Phelps - you better watch out!

A Princess Spa Party!!

2010-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Paisley turned 5 years old this week. For her party, she chose a princess spa theme. She invited 12 lovely little princesses to be pampered, primped and spoiled at the OohLaLa Day Spa (our house). After all of the royal spa treatments, it was time for the girls to dress in their princess attire and enjoy an elegant princess luncheon. It was truly a fun party for everyone - even the moms!
Here is how it went down:

First they were given manicures and pedicures

Then, it was time for the facials. We exfoliated their skin with a watermelon scrub and put cold cucumbers on their eyes to reduce puffiness.

followed by a little relaxation time...

Next, it was time to get dressed.

We mustn't forget our princess make-up...

and hair accessories...

While they waited on everyone to finish getting ready, they played at the princess craft station.

Once the girls were all pampered, refreshed and fancied up, it was time for a mini photo session.

We ended with princess luncheon. It was such a fun party!!

Of course, they grabbed their spa bags as favors on the way out.

Happy 5th Birthday, Paisley!

2010-07-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Paisley,
Today you turned 5 years old. I can't believe it. Where have the past 1,825 days gone? It is amazing to see the changes in you this past year specifically - both physical and emotional.

Physically, you have thinned out - your face has lost some of it's chubbiness and your body has become more toned and fit. In my opinion, you become more beautiful (on the outside AND the inside) everyday)!
Emotionally, you are more helpful, more willing, more obedient, more respectful and more mature.
You are very inquisitive - you ask a lot of questions and want to understand how the world works and why things happen.
You can be dramatic and overemotional at times but I'm sure that is mostly due to your age.
You are sweet and thoughtful - making cards for your friends and family almost every day! In fact, one of your favorite things to do is to deliver mail to your friends in the neighborhood.
You love art. If I'd let you, you would draw and paint, cut and create all day long. I wonder if you'll be an artist one day.
You sing all of the time - you sing while you're drawing, you sing while your playing with your dolls, you sing in the bathtub, you sing while you're playing dress-up. Sometimes you sing the right words and sometimes you make up your own. Either way, it always sounds beautiful to me.
Your favorite doll is still Allison - your American Girl Itty Bitty Twin. She goes everywhere with you and you love to wearing matching clothes with her. You call her your "dolly", which I think is really cute. You also love "My Little Pony", "Barbie" and "Play Mobile". Those sets will keep you occupied for hours!!
You swim, play soccer and do gymnastics - all of which you really enjoy! And this past winter, Daddy signed you up for Ice Skating and you have already moved up to the 3rd level. You have great balance!!
You are a good eater - love fruits and vegetables - and will try most anything.
You hate to be hot. You hate not having choices. And you definitely hate to make mistakes (you are a perfectionist). You hate being told what to do.
You adore your baby sister more than anything in the world - you really want to be a mama and sometimes wish Whitley was your baby, not mine!
Your favorite colors are pink and purple. Your favorite food is probably ice cream (you love Rainbow Sherbert). Your favorite princess is Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" which is one of your favorite movies. When you watch TV, you like "Max and Ruby" or "Ni Hao Kai-Lan".

These are just a few things about you this year so you'll have an idea of who you were entering Kindergarten. I believe you are a smart little girl with lots of possibilities ahead of you. You love to learn and I hope you'll always feel that way. Your dad and I are so proud of you.

Happy 5th Birthday, sweet girl.
We love you so much!

Love,
Mama

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

We had a delightful fourth of July...(we actually celebrated it on the 3rd as it would turn out because that is when our city decided to celebrate everything). Erma Bombeck says, "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independency every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." And we certainly fed our faces and celebrated with much fun! First, we went to the parade downtown (Paisley loved the southern belles the best (the pink and yellow dresses were her favorites),
and Colby loved the police motorcycles and the firemen. Next, we enjoyed time at the pool together - it was hot but the water felt refreshing. Then, we came home, took naps to get refreshed for the evening's festivities and went to a friend's house to watch the fireworks (they have a great view of them!). The kids at the party played with glow sticks, sparklers, pop rocks and downed quite a few cookies and popsicles.

Around 7:15 pm, our really good friends went to the hospital in labor and we were able to find someone to stay with our kids once we got home at 10 pm so that we could be there when sweet little Eliza Maria arrived. The sex was a surprise (however, I did call it all along)... and it was such fun to share such a special time with our dear friends. Welcome to the world, sweet girl!

While there is so much fun surrounding the Fourth - fireworks, parades, watermelon and ice cream - let's not forget the true meaning of this holiday. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness!"

I thank God every day that I live in a country where I have these rights. May God Bless America!

The sweet sounds of miss Whitley

2010-06-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Look at Whitley's cute crawl and listen to all of the sweet coos and other sounds she make. It's such fun having a little one in the house. She follows me around like a little puppy and is ALWAYS so happy. She plays quietly and doesn't really get into anything she shouldn't. What a sweet little blessing!

Colby's Bike Party

2010-05-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Colby had a bike party for his birthday this year. It was such a great party - not expensive, fun for all involved and easy!!! Basically, everyone brought their bike, trike or big wheel to the school parking lot (which was free and a great location to have the party)... and the kids could ride over Colby's bike ramp or through a few obstacle courses I set up with cones and other items. There was a playground nearby where they could play and also sit down to eat. And we had cake, pizza and shaved ice. What more could a bunch of 3-5 year olds want?? For favors, we gave away plastic bike license plates with their name on it.

Here are the pics:

Happy 3rd Birthday, Colby!

2010-05-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Colby, it's your 3rd birthday. One year later, and you are still the most adorable little guy I know. You still have such a great personality - you're fun, adventurous, mischievous (in a good way), inquisitive, and ALL boy. You love life and get excited about almost everything (except certain things... like eating vegetables).

Here are some of your favorites:

Riding your bike - you can do all kinds of tricks like stand up on the middle bar of the bike, go over your bike ramp, go over the curb, put both feet on the side of the bike while riding and run and jump onto your bike to get started. It is very impressive.
Swimming - you are still a little fish in the water. I know you are going to be all over the pool this summer probably learning new strokes and dives.
Building things - you love to build train tracks, legos, towers, you name it!
Sports, sports and more sports - pick one and you'll be happy to play it. Soccer - yes! Lacross - yes! Basketball - yes! Baseball - yes! Football - yes! If it involves a ball and you can play it, you're in anytime someone asks.
Games and puzzles - you love to play games and work on puzzles. You are pretty decent at it too.
You are really happy 90% of the time. You love to do most anything and are willing to try new things. (Especially if you're Daddy encourages you to!)
You are cuddly and loving. You still like your pacifier and blankie to comfort you. And you love to be held. I particularly love to read books and sing to you while you are in my arms.
You know your shapes, colors and how to spell your name. I think you'll do well in school.
You prefer to play with older kids... I think they can do more and that challenges and excites you.
And you don't like to be alone - you definitely like to be around people.
You are the pickiest eater I know!! Very difficult to get you to try new things.
You have a big heart and an even bigger smile!

You are just a cool kid. And I'm so glad you're mine!!

I love you! Happy 3rd birthday, Colby.

Love, Mama

Missing my blog

2010-03-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm seriously missing my blog. It's not that I don't have time (although that can be a challenge with 3 kids) - it's that I never seem to find the inspiration or right topic to get me started. I am hoping it's just a case of writer's block and I'll be through it soon. My problem is that I'm a perfectionist and every time I sit down to write, I want to write really well... you know, from my heart... the kind of writing that is meaningful and inspiring. That is my goal (how lofty and egotistical of me!!). However, it is hard to think those kinds of thoughts and string together words so that the story or message I'm relaying is meaningful when there are kids screaming at each other, pounding on the door, making the baby cry (accidentally of course), whining about something, breaking things, asking for my help, or telling on each other, etc. You get the picture, right? Talk about some serious writer's block!! I will start a post and then set it aside for that moment when inspiration will hit me to finish it... and alas, it never happens. So... I have about 20 half-finished (half you-know-what) blogs. My goal is to finish them and get back on track. I will focus on this over the next week or so.

I hope you can hold me accountable for this. (IF I even have any blog readers anymore... stay on my case).
Thanks!

What is my calling?

2010-02-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

Okay - where to start. First of all, in the wake of this 2nd earthquake in 2010... I feel so helpless! Helpless that at times of pain and suffering in our world, there is nothing I can do. I feel like God is tugging on my heart and preparing me for SOMEthing, but I am confused as to what that "something" might be. I clearly cannot go to Haiti or Chile right now to help those inflicted by these terrible earthquakes. I have a 4 month old baby that I am nursing 100% of the time so I cannot leave her for even 1 day. That prevents me from physically going there... so what else can I do.
Sure, I can give money (and we have).
I can pray (and we do).
I can trust that with God's love ALL things are possible (and I truly do believe in Him).
But I just feel in my heart that God has a bigger plan for me and I just for the life of me cannot figure out what it is. I have prayed for him to reveal it to me... but I know that God's time is not always the same as "my" time.

I just feel SO helpless (from my very comfortable home where food and water are readily available) as I watch (on one of my multiple TVs) the absolute loss and suffering they are experiencing. It seems so cruel that we have so much and something so tragic can happen to people that have so little. I don't understand it.
I can only pray.
Pray for for healing for the traumatized, sheltor for the homeless and love for the orphaned.
Pray for water (to drink and bathe), food and medicine (for those who need it).
Pray for diapers and milk for the babies (can you imagine not being able to change your baby's diaper or feed her when she's hungry?) I think of this every time I hold Whitley.
Pray for those sweet, sweet children who lost one or both of their parents. They must be so scared! So sad! So lost. How their little lives have been forever changed.
I wish I could just... do... SOMEthing. Please God - reveal to me your plan.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Paisley's 1st Slumber Party

2010-01-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is growing up. She had her first slumber party with a friend (Channing) tonight. They ate popcorn, drank apple juice (watered down of course) and watched some TV before hitting bed. When it was time to go to sleep, Channing became concerned and wanted to sleep in her own bed (this was her 1st time sleeping away from home as well) SO Paisley (Miss Independant) decided to sleep over there instead.

Now that's a happening slumber party - start out at one house and end up at another. Let's hope they don't do that when they're teens!

Snowman Poop

2010-01-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

Last week when the kids had the day off from school due to the wintry mix the south received, we decided to make the best of it. So... we made "Snowman Poop" for all of our neighborhood friends.
You might be asking what "Snowman Poop" is... it is marshmallows, white tictacs (or other white candies), and white chocolate chips. The fun part was that Daddy arrived home just in time to deliver it with us so we did this as a family. And Daddy was trying to teach Paisley and Colby to "ring and run"... that was pretty funny.

They didn't quite get back to the car before most people saw them... but it was fun trying to teach them to be quick and sneaky (all in the name of good, harmless winter fun).
Here's to Snowman Poop - YUM!

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I should (hopefully) be back for good this time. I have missed blogging terribly but I had so much going on with the kids and the holidays that it had to fall by the wayside. However, I'm excited to be back.

I'll start off with "Happy New Year!" and list my wishes for 2010. I saw that one of my blogger friends called them wishes instead of resolutions and I like that so I'm stealing it (thanks Stephanie!).

My wishes for 2010 are:
To stay active in my bible study/ devotion every day
To be a more present mom
To spend one-on-one time with Paisley and Colby every week
To do 1 educational field trip with them every other week (museums, aquarium, etc)
To blog regularly
To get rid of the residual baby weight by exercising at least 3 times a week and eating healthier
To stay off of the computer and keep the TV off between 5 pm and 7 pm every night - that will be just family time
To help Colby conquer potty-training
To say no to other people and yes to my kids more
To read at least 3 books this year (me personally)
To have family game night/ movie night once a week
To do at least one adventure race this year
To go through my closet and get rid of A LOT of my clothes (starting with my maternity clothes)
To learn to sell on eBay and rid myself of some things (simplify life)
To be a better mom and wife (always)
To have our family dinners mapped out for 2 weeks at a time instead of just 1
To limit computer/ TV time in the house
To read to the kids for (at least) 30 minutes a day
To enjoy every second (because it all goes by too fast)

Feel free to share some of your wishes for 2010 too.
Thanks.
Lisa

Hands

2009-11-12T14:34:00.001-08:00

"We clasp the hands of those that go before us... as well as the hands of those who come after. In this moment, we enter the circle of those joined together in the dance of life."

(Curtis's hand is on bottom, then clockwise Whitley, Colby, Paisley and me.)

Welcome Whitley McKaye

2009-11-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Finally she has arrived!! We were blessed to welcome Whitley McKaye into our lives on October 27th. She is beautiful and perfect in every way and we are head over heels in love with her. We praise you God for your love and blessings in our life.

Colby and his bike

2009-10-08T05:24:00.001-07:00

Well, I cannot imagine a more proud dad than Curtis. He is completely biased, of course, and always thinks his kids are super stars, but Colby's latest accomplishment really put him over the moon. As a true sportsman who loves biking and has talked incessantly (since the day they were born) about taking the kids mountain biking with him as soon as they are old enough, I don't think even he could have predicted what Colby would be able to do at 2 years and 5 months old. Paisley has been riding her bicycle without training wheels since August (she is 4 years old, mind you)... and Colby watches her and watches her and you can tell that he wanted to do it too. However, he would patiently ride her old bike with training wheels hoping for the day he was tall enough to ride her "big girl" bike. He'd ask everyday, but Curtis would simply respond "One day, Colby, one day you can do it too!"

Well, Curtis saw this look in Colby's eyes the other day as he was watching Paisley ride. He seemed to be dissecting inside his head how she was doing it all so Curtis decided to remove his training wheels and see what happened. Sure enough, Colby got on the bike, took off, found his balance pretty quickly and never looked back. Oh, sure... his stopping isn't very pretty, but he can ride in circles or straight and even change directions with no problem. He doesn't even want Curtis to run beside him (which gives me slight heart failure). Even I have to admit, it is impressive to see such a little guy riding his bike all by himself.

I'm sure it won't be long before he's jumping curbs and doing other tricks that I'd prefer he never learned.
Check out the video and see for yourself.

Praying for Sterling!

2009-10-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Please keep my good friend, Roger, along with his wife and little boy, Sterling, in your prayers. Sterling is 5 years old and I can still remember holding him for the first time when he was just a newborn. He was the sweetest little baby and holding him brought home for me the miracle of my own little blessing growing inside my belly (I was pregnant at the time and anxiously awaiting Paisley's arrival a few months later). Sweet little Sterling - whom God graciously placed in Roger and Becca's care to raise and to love - has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. They will know more about his condition as they continue to do tests on him over the next few weeks. Right now, it is a waiting game - and I know they need all of our prayers. As a parent with a child of nearly the same age, I cannot imagine the fear and helplessness they must be feeling right now. I pray that they will get strength from all those who love and are fervently praying for them. Their faith is amazing!

God, I ask that you comfort Roger and Becca and lift them up during this time. Carry them when they cannot move... love them when they feel anxious and unsure... reassure them when they are afraid. Place your loving, healing arms around Sterling. Give his young body the strength and ability to fight and to overcome. In your precious son's name we pray. Amen!

2 weeks and counting...

2009-10-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been the best blogger as of late. I have to blame it on nesting. I have been busy cleaning and sorting and planning for when my sweet baby girl arrives. We are at 2 weeks and counting (but remember, I'm always late so it could be 3-4 that we're looking at). I would be lying if I said there were not moments when I thought "what have I done?" - simply because life is going to be somewhat chaotic for a while and I know that. However, I am really excited to hold her and see her sweet little face and get to know her personality. Paisley cannot wait for her to arrive as well and asks me every day when she will get here. I wish I had an answer for her - we'll all just have to wait and see.

Come on out, baby girl - we cannot wait to meet you!

I will blog again (soon!)

2009-09-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

So, I apologize for my absence in blogging. It's been a tough couple of weeks. Between my husband being gone for 8 days to Italy and being sick for the last week and a half with Bronchitus... all while 8+ months pregnant... blogging has been a low priority lately. I'll try to get a new post up sometime soon.

Maternity Photos

2009-09-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

My friend, Jette, (who happens to be an AMAZING photographer) took some maternity photos of me. They turned out great, but I have a feeling Jette could make anyone look good. We had so much fun at the shoot - even the kids cooperated.

Check them out if you have a sec.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030219&id=1556383201&l=584ca4e657

Advice anyone?

2009-08-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, after I mentioned it in my last blog post... it actually happened. I must have had intuition that this conversation was coming my way. I was walking Paisley to school this morning when out of the blue she asked me how the baby was going to get out of my belly. I was semi-panicked (because I hadn't thought through what I would tell her)... but I responded that I would go to the hospital and the doctor would help me get her out.

She seemed satisfied at first... but after thinking about it for a moment, she said "Just like a chick hatches from an egg?"

"Very similar," was my reply.

Again, she was silent for a few minutes. Then she repeated, "So, how does the baby come out again?"

At this moment I saw her teacher and quickly changed the subject. And that is how we left it.

Now I've managed to put her off for a little while, but knowing Paisley this question will eventually re-surface. This is where all of you come into the picture. I'm asking for your advice. Even if you are a "Blurker" (a blog lurker who doesn't like to comment), I would appreciate if you'd click on the comment link just below this post (it's in blue) and offer your advice for how I should handle telling my 4 year old how babies are born. Any advice you can offer will be great!

Thanks in advance!

The Bump

2009-08-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have to wonder what Colby thinks as he sees my belly growing bigger and bigger. Paisley is old enough to understand what's going on (to the extent that a 4 year old can understand that a human being is living inside my belly and one day will come out to live among us)... but Colby doesn't really acknowledge "the bump" at all. People ask him if he knows where mama's baby is and he points to himself. I ask him if he knows he is about to have a baby sister and he looks at Paisley - probably because she is his big sister and he cannot yet differentiate.

Out of shear laziness and exhaustion last night - not to mention my husband's absence due to a meeting - I threw both kids and myself into our whirlpool tub for a group bath before bedtime. We were all needing to wash off after being at the pool and this seemed easier than leaning over the tub to wash them one-by-one... seeing as my belly is beginning to make even simple tasks such as these much more complicated. So, as we're sitting there splashing in the tub, singing "Splish, splash I was taking a bath" and making bubble beards on each other's faces... Colby curiously points at my belly with a smile. I look into his big, blue eyes and try to imagine what he could be thinking.
Does he think I drank too much pool water?
Does he think I am bloated from eating too much dinner (and dessert) the night before?
Does he think I've just put on a few pounds? (okay more than a few)
Or does he think I've always been this way and he's just now noticing it for the first time?

I think the reality is there is nothing but curiosity behind those adorable eyes. I think he just likes how massive my belly appears as it floats between me and him in the tub... or how the bubbles settle on top like whipped cream on a pie. Maybe it makes a nice pillow when we cuddle. I know it makes a good ledge for him to sit on when I'm holding him. (We'll both miss that!)

I truly believe he has NO idea there is a baby inside there.
And what about when I'm cuddling with him at night and the baby gives him a swift kick in the stomach... I mean, this baby can throw a punch or two when she wants to and I know firsthand how strong it feels on the outside. She has even been known to knock the remote control off my belly with her kicks. So what does Colby think when he's quietly snuggling with me and all of the sudden gets a sharp jolt to his gut? Does he think it was me? And doesn't he wonder why all of the sudden my belly is packing punches his way?

Paisley, on the other hand, likes to rub "the bump". She is fascinated with the fact that the baby can hear her voice - she will talk to her many times a day and tell her all of the things she will do for her once she is born. It's really precious. Still, I wonder if she ever thinks about how the baby will get out of my belly. You think she would wonder about that - but luckily she hasn't asked me yet. (That will be some conversation, I'm sure!) Recently, she was concerned about the 3D ultrasound pictures I got because the baby looked so dark in there. She wanted me to turn the light on so the baby could see. Too cute. As a (very young) woman who will hopefully one day experience carrying and delivering a baby herself, I think it's wonderful that she is taking such an interest in all of the details. I want her to embrace her womanhood - especially the miracle of what her body can create and sustain - and to be proud that she has been gifted the right to fully experience it.

I think "the bump" is a beautiful thing. I can't say I love the feeling of my breasts touching my belly per se... but I think there is nothing more beautiful than the miracle of life. A glowing, pregnant woman is proof positive that no matter what happens in the world, life truly does go on. I am sad when I realize I only have 7 (or so) weeks left pregnant. This is my last pregnancy and I can honestly say I will miss "the bump". In the same way, I am honored that God gave me the chance to experience it firsthand. Women may have to deal with periods, cramps, the pains of labor and menopause... but, in my opinion, we definitely get the best end of the deal. We experience the joy of feeling a miracle grow and move within us... we get to love someone before anyone else on this earth can touch, feel or see them... and we are blessed with a bond that is unbreakable.

Now, that is a "bumpy" ride worth taking!

Colby's first day of 2 year old preschool

2009-08-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Colby went off to his first day of 2 year old preschool today. It's more a combo of Mothers-Day-Out and preschool but he will be learning, reading, singing and playing so it's all good. I love his teacher - Paisley had her two years ago as well. She is an amazing, loving woman that God has blessed with the gift of teaching and the ability to love toddlers!! Anyway, as sad as I am to see him growing up before my very eyes, I am happy to see how much he loved going to school today. And no matter what - I can rest easy knowing he is in such good hands!

Here's a poem for Colby's first day:
"Whose Child Is This?" by Anonymous

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should"

"Whose child is this?" I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school"

"Whose child is this?" I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever."

Preparing for Labor & Delivery

2009-08-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

I have been preparing these past few weeks for Labor & Delivery. Granted, I'm still 8 weeks away (more if you consider Paisley and Colby both went WAY past their due dates), but I have decided to devote as much time as I can to preparing for this L & D. This devotion comes mostly from the desire to have an easier birth experience than my last one.

Paisley, my first child, was 10 days overdue when the doctor told me I had to be induced because my water was getting low which was a danger to the baby. I went to the hospital that night, was given a dose of cervadil and woke up early the next morning in active labor. Total labor time was 13 hours which is pretty good for a first baby. She was a small baby, and while it was painful it was definitely manageable pain and I would welcome another L & D experience like this one if given the choice.

Colby, on the other hand, was not so easy to birth. He was 7 days late and perhaps it didn't help that everyone told me time and time again how EASY my second child would be in L & D and that he would just pop right out. I should never have believed them!! I'm sure it's true for most people that each consecutive labor gets easier... but Colby was quite the opposite. Once again, the doctor sent me to the hospital one night to be induced (again low water issues) and they gave me the cervadil which kicked me into labor - this time waking me from sleep in the middle of the night. He was a big baby and descended down while pressing on a bone or nerve that caused me great, great pain with every contraction. This labor lasted 13 hours as well (so much for the quicker 2nd L & D) and I can honestly say I've never felt such excruciating pain as I did that day. I honestly lay there thinking I would adopt my next child - or at least consider an epidural.

So... with this knowledge I am praying for a different outcome, but expecting our 3rd child to arrive late as well and for the doctor to tell me I once again have to be induced. (Sigh!) However, I have been walking an hour each day as well as swimming 25 laps in the pool daily in the attempt to help my body do what it's supposed to these last few weeks to prepare for L & D. I am doing pelvic tilts and squats on a regular basis and I am mentally telling myself that this labor will be easier (isn't there some saying about "mind over matter"?) I am hoping to continue the walking right up to my due date - and come October, if I have to walk 4 hours a day (or even hoe my entire backyard) to get this baby to come on her own... I am prepared to do so. Of course, my first prayer is that she is healthy. My 2nd prayer is that she comes on her own (i.e. no induction). My 3rd prayer is that she is a small baby like Paisley (looking that way so far) and that she comes descends and births easier than Colby did. And my final prayer is that Dr. D (my favorite ObGyn) is on duty to deliver.

I keep telling God that I know this is a tall order, and I should just focus on the healthy baby/ healthy mama angle... but I figure it never hurts to ask. He does care about our every desire!!

Well... I'm off to swim my 25 laps for the day. I sure hope I don't end up with chlorine hair!

Itty Bitty Perceptions (in the eyes of our children)

2009-08-18T09:22:00.001-07:00

So... apparently, our children think that Curtis and I do not work. It's actually mostly true for me - I am a stay-at-home mom so I do not go to a conventional job everyday. Curtis, on the other hand, has a great job but his company is between products to sell so he has been blessed with a flexible schedule that has allowed him to spend more time playing than working this summer. The 2 conversations below show Paisley and Colby's perceptions of "work", most likely based on observations over the past few months.

Curtis: "Paisley, would you like to go to work with me one day?"
Paisley: "That's silly, Daddy. Don't you know that girls don't work??"

--------

Colby: "Mama, where's my Daddy?"
Lisa: "He's working."
Colby: ""Is Daddy golfing while working?"
Lisa: "No, Colby. Daddy doesn't play golf for a living... he works at a computer and talks to people on the telephone all day long."

Sorry to disappoint them both. And believe it or not, I never told Paisley that women don't work. I actually have no idea what gave her that idea!

Hope you have a wonderful day today!

Paisley's "Fancy Nancy" birthday party

2009-08-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Better late than never - here is a recap of Paisley's 4th birthday party:

This year for her birthday Paisley decided to do a "Fancy Nancy" themed party. She loves to dress-up and get her nails painted so this seemed very appropriate. I decided to do the invitations myself, and they really turned out cute. Thank goodness she cooperated for a picture.
Each little girl was invited to "dress fancy" and then they were treated to manicures and fun hairdos so they would feel really special. They ended the party with a runway show for all of the parents - it was so adorable. I printed out a Fancy Nancy autograph sheet and they all signed their names to it. I think I'll put it in a scrapbook or frame it for Paisley so she can remember who came to her party.

They had cupcakes and parfait with sprinkles on top for their treats... and drank pink lemonade out of teapots and tea cups.

Party favors consisted of these little tin purses with each little girls name on it - stuffed with a pink and purple boa, a posh pampering set (i.e. nail polish, lip gloss, a file and some purple Q-tips), and some fancy candy.

Here is a picture of all the little girls after the runway show - dressed all fancy. The next picture is of Paisley and her best friend, Kiira (a very fancy girl indeed).

Next is a picture of Paisley with her good friend, Riley; and finally, it was time to hug goodbye.
What a fun party!!

3D Ultrasound - the miracle of technology!

2009-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

I had a 3D ultrasound of our sweet babygirl today. She reminds me of Colby because she loves to lay her head on my placenta like a pillow - and Colby did that for his 3D ultrasound too. She was sucking on her feet and hands so I think she'll be into paci's too. And these pictures remind me of Paisley and Colby's 3D ultrasound pictures - so maybe she'll look like her older brother and sister. Paisley asked me "Why is she so dark?"... hard to explain ultrasound technology to a 4 year old. I just told her it was dark inside mama's belly. She said we should get some light in there so she isn't afraid of the dark. Cute!

Check out the pics and decide for yourself. The first one below is a close-up of her little foot.

And in this last picture below - one of her hands is beside her face (on the left of the picture) and you can see her little fingers spread out. The other arm is going across her mouth like she's trying to clasp her hands together. So cute!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Paisley!

2009-08-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late in writing this (37 days to be exact) but better late than never, right? I try to write a letter to each of my children on their birthday as part of my gift to them. It's my way of sharing who they are and how I feel as I watch them grow each year. So, this letter is in honor of Paisley's fourth birthday.

Dear Paisley,
Happy 4th birthday, sweet pea. I am amazed every day when I think about the fact that I have a 4 year old now. Has it really been that long? It seems so recent that I was holding you for the first time and I can still remember vividly how in love I was with you the first time I laid eyes on you. I can tell you one thing: my love for you has only grown stronger over the years.

I'd like to tell you a little about yourself at age 4:
First of all, you are such a bright light to so many that know you. Your teacher last year told me that if you ever went missing, I could find you at her house. She loved your sweet spirit so much - and so do your Daddy and I. All of the kids in your class were given an award at the end of the year - and your award was "Miss Generous". She said that you are always willing to help others and give a generous word. The other teachers in your preschool hut all know you well because you always had a compliment for them as you'd wait in the carpool line (i.e. "I love your hair today." "Blue looks really pretty on you."). You have made me smile so many times by hugging me and telling me what a pretty smile I have or that you love the way I wear my hair. I hope you never lose that sweetness of spirit.

You are also strong-willed. You march to the beat of your own drum and no one tells you otherwise. No one is going to convince you of something if you don't want to believe it. You are a perfectionist and will throw something away or destroy it in frustration if it is not exactly right or how you pictured it. You love to draw and paint - and Nana and I think you are quite the artist. We may be biased but you really are pretty artistic for your age. You sing all of the time. You love to sing in the car (in fact, we play the same VBS CD every day and you never get tired of it), on the potty, at dinner, while you are playing or drawing, etc. You even make up your own words sometimes.

You are so close to reading - and can actually sound out quite a few words already. It's very cool to watch. I know it's just a matter of time before you are reading books to me (instead of me reading to you). Your favorite books lately are "The Giving Tree", "Once I ate a Pie", "Fancy Nancy" (any of them), and a Usborne collection of children's bible stories we have. You still love to learn and pick up on things so quickly. I hope that is one quality that you do not outgrow.

You take gymnastics, swimming and soccer. I am sure you get your athletic capabilities from your dad! Our hope is not that you are the best but that you love being active because it will keep you healthy and strong all of your life. I'd love for you to take dance lessons one day but we'll wait a little while for that. I don't think you're ready for something so structured. (In fact, when you played soccer last year - it was all I could do to get you to participate... you'd rather do your own thing).

You love to cook with me, Nana and Grandma. And you love to play dress-up: both with your friends and with your dolls. If you are not dressed up like Cinderella or Ariel, then you are in your flannel pajamas (no matter how hot it is outside) with your fuzzy socks on. You crack me up!

Some of the things I love best about you are how you love to hold my hand and cuddle. You ask me to sleep with you every night, and even though I don't... I secretly wish that I could. I love that you watch how I do things and you try to do them exactly the same way. You are very excited to be a big sister again - you knew I was carrying a baby girl from the very beginning and you love to share it with everyone. You rub my belly and talk to her all of the time. You tell everyone that your baby sister will be here in "Octember" (we're working on not merging October and November together). You are already so helpful with Colby. You really love him and play with him well (it wasn't always this way but you have blossomed into a wonderful, loving, protective big sister), I can't wait to see you with your baby sister!!

Paisley, I just love you so much. I want you to know that you make me happy every day when your sweet voice wakes me up. I love our time together when we make your bed, put together a puzzle, or sing and dance. You are a special young lady and I'm so proud that you are mine. I love you with all of my heart, babygirl!
Happy 4th birthday!

From the mouths of babes!

2009-07-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

Just a few fun things Paisley has said recently:

1) When you ask her how old she is now, she'll hold up 4 fingers and say "four". After a short pause, she'll hold up all 5 fingers and say "And next year, I'll be a whole hand."

2) My mom (Nana) was telling her a story the other day and Paisley said she wanted the plot to be about them swimming together. Nana said "Paisley we haven't been swimming together very much - I don't have any stories about that" to which Paisley replied "Silly Nana, stories don't have to be real. Don't you know that?"

3) Some friends of ours were visiting us the other day and she was holding her doll, Allison, while talking to them. My friend, Bethany, inquired about Allison.
Is she Paisley's best friend? "Yes, she is." Paisley replied.
Would she be eating lunch with us? "Yes" again.
Would she be going swimming with us after lunch? Another "yes".
And lastly, does she wear sunscreen too? To which Paisley very plainly stated, "No, she doesn't wear sunscreen - she's not real, she's just a doll."
(Duh, Mrs. Bethany - couldn't you tell? haha)

4) Paisley has a skirt that she got for her birthday and she likes to wear it as a strapless dress (see picture below). I keep telling her it's a skirt, but she doesn't seem to care. Today, she put it on and I informed her again that it was a skirt - not a strapless dress. (Might I also add here that it falls down all of the time because she doesn't have the "chest" to hold it up.) Anyway, as I was pointing out to her that it was really a skirt and she shouldn't wear it the way she was wearing it because it didn't fit her - she said, but Mrs. Megan wears it this way. My friend Megan lives near us, but I was racking my brain to remember when she has seen her wear a strapless dress. I feel like it's been weeks and weeks ago. I asked her if she was sure and she said yes... she wears one that goes to her toes and it has a bow on the front just like mine. Suddenly, I remembered that Megan does have a strapless dress that is floor-length that she occasionally wears. I was musing over how good Paisley's memory was when she asked me... "How does Mrs. Megan keep her skirt up? How does she keep it from falling down like mine does?" Hmmm... perhaps that's another discussion for another day.

Update on the baby

2009-07-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we had our follow-up ultrasound this morning and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support along the past 8 weeks. We are praising God right now because all 4 of her cysts have disappeared and she was measuring the correct weight and size for her due date. Also, there did NOT appear to be any abnormalities at all - so as far as we know she is perfectly healthy!! SUCH wonderful news!! We cannot thank you enough for all of your prayers over both our anxiety and her health. We are so excited to know that she has finally been given a clean bill of health (of course, the Dr. reminded me that there are no guarantees but we feel secure with it now). I no longer need to see the high risk Doctor assuming all continues to go well. Yeah! I feel such a huge relief off my shoulders now. And every kick inside of me feels so much better than even yesterday's did.

On a side note, while we were there we did ask them to confirm that she is indeed a girl and they said that they are 99.99% sure she is - so it looks like Paisley and Colby will definitely have a baby sister.

Guess that's all I have to update today.
Have a blessed day!

Freedom is bittersweet

2009-07-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today, the kids went to visit my parents for 5 days. As liberating as it is to have some time to myself, I still found myself overcome with sadness as I watched them drive away. I'm so used to having them around every day that I don't really know what to do with myself... at least when it comes to days of unlimited free time.

At 28 weeks pregnant, I am feeling the "nesting" urge a little bit so I imagine I'll be knocking out some projects I've been dying to do and hopefully get some exercise in as well. But, as I write this, it still feels like the house is too quiet and peaceful right now, almost eerie in a way. I guess the chaos really does grow on you after a while.

No sense procrastinating... as much as I love blogging, I should go get started on some of my home projects. No time like the present, and besides... before I know it, they will be back here destroying the (currently clean) playroom, wanting me to hold them both as I try to make dinner, demanding my attention while I'm on the phone or computer, and fighting over who gets the blue popsicle.

Ah, life is good!

Lance Armstrong - watch out!

2009-07-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

This morning, Curtis took Paisley to get a new bike. She has outgrown her "beginner's bike" and Colby is now riding it (yes, complete with pink and purple paint, a girly basket, a princess bell and some pom-pom fringe on the handlebars!). Don't worry, he'll get a more masculine bike one of these days!

As much as I had hoped she pick another girly one - I could not have been more wrong. Curtis, on the other hand, hoped for a cute red bike... which would have been better than the one she chose, but no, Paisley had her own ideas (surprise, surprise). She decided that she wanted an orange bike that looks like it's meant for mountain trails and dirt biking - not taking your Itty Bitty Twin dolls for a leisurely afternoon ride up and down the street. As much of a TN Vols fan as I am - even the orange paint bothered me. It just looks like a little boys bike - there is nothing feminine about it. But hey, it is her bike and that's the one she chose. What's important is that she's happy and willing to move to a bike with no training wheels - this is a big day in our family.

The most exciting thing is that she actually came home and rode it without training wheels all by herself - several times. It was truly a momentous occasion in our household. Even some of the neighbors came out to cheer her on! Sure, she was tipsy at times and Curtis ran beside her like a good dad to catch her if she fell... but she did it. She balanced on two wheels all by herself. I was so proud of her - she did really great. With a little practice, I imagine she won't even need Curtis along side for backup much longer.

Great job, Paisley!

Gratitude Wednesday

2009-07-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight, as I prepare to lay my head down to sleep, I am so grateful to God for the following 5 things:

1. Cousins - my brother and I were the oldest of all of my cousins by quite a few years, and we lived a good distance away from them as well... so I never knew the luxury of growing up with cousins to play with all of the time and share adventures, stories and friends, etc. like many children get to experience. Well, earlier tonight I sat back at the pool and smiled as I watched my children play with their cousins who live only a few miles away and are literally 1 year apart in age. I feel sure that they will grow up loving each other, going to concerts, having sleepovers, sharing friends, going on family vacations together, learning from one another, and yes, probably even getting into trouble. I thank God that they will get to have those experiences. What a blessing to be so close in age and only a few miles away.

2. Baby kicks - this baby girl inside of me kicks up a storm. I can't say for sure if she is my most active (Colby was quite a kicker in the womb too) but she is definitely in the running. Maybe it's because she's running out of room, but I feel like she does somersaults in my belly all day long! Whew - she may not be tired, but it exhausts me just thinking about it. She actually kicked me so hard last night that the remote control sitting on my belly popped up in the air and fell to the ground. Still, it is reassuring to feel her so much and be reminded that she's always with me!

3. Beautiful morning walks - I get an hour each morning to myself to take a walk and it's been so beautiful outside. It hasn't been too hot and I've really enjoyed my unusually pleasant July morning walks (normally, July in Atlanta is sweltering even by 8 am).

4. Peaches & Cherries - It's that time of year (and it only comes for a few months) where peaches and cherries are at their best. I'm sure my grocery bag boy thinks I'm nuts when he sees the amount of each that I buy each week... but I have to enjoy them while I can! I think I ate 8 peaches and a whole bag of cherries for snack today - that might be a little overkill, but it's healthier than chips, right?

5. My kids & bedtime - I should knock on some wood as I type this, but I feel so blessed that my kids go to bed every night with no fuss. I hear stories of kids who come out of their rooms a million times asking for water, stuffed animals, whatever they can think of, etc. and tonight after I put them both down and it was quiet almost immediately, I thought how lucky I am that they don't do that. They truly go to bed almost immediately and with no problem every night. I don't know if we did something right or if we are just blessed... but for now, I will just enjoy it and hope it stays this way.

Sleep tight everyone and be sure to thank God for at least 5 of your many blessings before you do!

Happy Birthday to Us!

2009-07-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Our family got a new toy in honor of my birthday! Lots of people in our neighborhood have golf carts for going to the pool, tennis courts, dinner at a neighbor's house, etc. It's so fun! Anyway, above is a picture of ours - the kids and I loaded up for the pool as soon as it arrived.

Also this week, we had a low-key family celebration for Paisley's birthday with the ceremonial cupcake in blue icing (her favorite color). Her party is this upcoming weekend so we'll do it bigger then. Besides, she thinks the golf cart is her gift too! :-)

Happy Birthday to us!

Good lab results!

2009-07-07T06:51:00.001-07:00

I went to the doctor yesterday (just my regular prenatal check-up). It was time for my glucose screening test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. The nurse just called and all of my results were normal - no diabetes and no anemia. That's good news. I can't imagine having to be on a sugar-free diet while pregnant - that seems so cruel!

My next appointment is July 24th. I will see both of my doctors that day - the perinatologist will do a follow-up ultrasound to monitor the cysts that the baby has on her brain (and hopefully they will have disappeared or reduced in number), and afterwards my regular OB will do my normal prenatal check-up and discuss my results.

Then I will start going every 2 weeks for a check-up until 36 weeks when I'll go once a week. Not sure how often I'll continue to see the perinatologist, but I'll know more after the 24th. Between the kids dental/ doctor/ etc. appointments and mine, it feels like I might be living in the doctor's office for the next few months. (sigh)

Third trimester - here I come!

Fun on the Fourth

2009-07-07T06:41:00.001-07:00

We had a great Fourth of July! Paisley was in her first parade - they were the Mighty Martians. Daddy went along for moral support.

Colby was too young to be in the clubs so he wasn't able to participate but he loved watching everything from Nana's lap.

Hope your fourth was delightful too!

All Things American

2009-06-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

With the 4th of July approaching, I can't help but be excited! I love all things related to this patriotic holiday! As a child, I welcomed the fourth of July most summers at my granddad's cabin in the mountains in NC. This small community has celebrated this day in good ol' homespun fun for years. The morning begins at 7 am with a community 5k. This is followed by a rinky dink parade that is loads of fun for the kids (most of the parade participants are retired senior citizen residents and their families, children and counselors that are there for the summer camp program, the local veterans association, the Presbyterian bagpipe association, random walkers and, of course, the fire department). Everyone in the parade is dressed in their all-american attire, waving their US flags and throwing handfuls of candy to the delight of all the children watching this lovable spectacle. The parade is followed by a BBQ picnic for the whole town, a greased pole climbing contest, 3-legged races, paddle boats and canoe rentals on the lake, family reunions, and much, much more! The evening is topped by a square dance held under the moonlight on the tennis courts - the whole town comes out and either dances or socializes - and it's undoubtedly my favorite event of the day! Lastly, if your kids are old enough, you can head 10 minutes to the next town over to watch a fireworks display over the water.

It really is dinky but I wouldn't miss it for the world! I have such fond memories of coming up for this each year during my childhood... that I have dreamt about the day my kids would get to form their own happy memories surrounding this holiday in NC, too. This won't be their first year doing this but at 4 years old, I expect Paisley to take great delight and enjoyment in it all more than before.

Anyway, to celebrate this patriotic holiday, I've decided to make a list of all things american. Feel free to add other great american things I may have missed in the comment section:

The Grand Canyon

The Great Smokies

Baseball

College Football

Tailgating

An old chevy truck

Cowboy boots

Stars & stripes

Marilyn Monroe

Hollywood

Apple Pie

Elvis Presley

Rock & Roll

Faded Jeans

State fairs

Big Red chewing gum

Hot dogs

Michael Jackson

Roller Coasters

Fried Chicken

Independence

Happy Fourth of July all!

More about Trisomy 18

2009-06-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and prayers for our baby girl (we will name her eventually, I promise!). It has meant so much to me to know that her health is being lifted up to the Lord by so many friends. I know that God hears every one of your prayers on her behalf and He above all can protect her and love her better than any of us can here on earth.

Several of you have asked for more information about Trisomy 18 so I'm including a few websites for you to check out if you'd like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwards_syndrome

http://www.trisomy18.org/site/PageServer?pagename=whatisT18_whatis

I want to emphasize that our baby has not yet been diagnosed with Trisomy 18... the cysts that she has (and specifically the number of them) on her brain are just a red flag for this chromosomal defect. However, we are hanging onto the hope that since so far everything else looks okay, these are just what they call "isolated CPC's" (CPC being Choroid Plexus Cysts). This basically means they are there in the 2nd trimester but have no other purpose or significance. What we know for sure is that the cysts themselves will not harm the baby (no matter what) - they just may be an indicator of the Trisomy 18 defect.

Thank you also for praying for me and my anxiety. I am trying so hard to think positive and to not worry - because I know there is nothing I can do now anyway and God asks us to trust in Him and set our anxiety aside. My husband is much better at not worrying than I am - but I think that it is much harder to ask that of a mother (worrying is our thing, right?). In the meantime, I will try to focus on the following verse that a wonderful friend sent to me:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Will you pray for her?

2009-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

I have been procrastinating this blog post for a while now. It seems I don't know where to start? I've tried to sit down and type this for a few weeks now... but my heart and my head have never seemed up for the task.
However, I'm feeling the need to put it out there now - to record my feelings so I'm not holding them inside anymore. This leaves me with only one option then - I guess I'll just start typing and see where my thoughts take me.

Let me start at the beginning: I am pregnant again. This will be our third child and I was thrilled to find out I was expecting. I always dreamed of a large family - my mom is one of four children and even though I know her childhood wasn't perfect by any means, somewhere along the way I developed this fantasy that having three brothers and sisters to share your life with would be perfect! I imagined my kids heading up the neighborhood game of flashlight tag, inviting their friends to spend the day at the lake with us, and playing board games together over holiday breaks from college. I can picture the laughter, the competitive spirit, the non-stop conversation and activity that having a large family brings - and it makes me smile. I thought that no matter what they disagreed on, they would always have someone else in their corner and that there would at least be one person they could turn to when the others were ticking them off.

That was my fantasy.
However, I married a man who was happy with only two kids - assuming God blessed us with one of each. Our first child was a girl and our second was a boy, and in Curtis' mind our lives were complete. I didn't feel complete. I felt this calling to be a mother to another child and was praying regularly for God's guidance on the topic. Of course, I wanted Curtis to be happy with having another. I had already given up on my dream of having four and was only hoping that I could convince him to have one more child - should that be God's will for us as parents.

We prayed about it for a month and Curtis, realizing how important it was to me, agreed to place it in God's hands and see what happened. We asked God that if it was His will for us to be parents again that He would bless us with another child, but if it was not His will, that He would prevent it. Well... without going into specifics - we found out we were pregnant and both felt completely secure that this was indeed God's will for our lives. And we were really excited!! We still are...

I am 35 and honestly didn't think much about that number or worry about what it meant. I mean women my age have healthy babies all of the time and I have been blessed with two already. I felt like it was just a number. That is until my 20 week ultrasound when I could tell the Doctor was concerned about something. I have to say that has to be one of the worst feelings in the world: when the Doctor is looking at the ultrasound, but not saying a word... and you sense that something isn't right but you are too afraid to ask. I have been blessed with two previous pregnancies that were both uneventful so I was expecting another clean bill of health.

When the Dr. finally turned to me to tell me what the results of my ultrasound, my heart felt like it was pounding inside my chest. He told me that what he was about to tell me would cause great anxiety inside of me, but could turn out to be nothing at all. He had my attention for sure now. He told me our baby girl has 4 cysts on her brain. They will not harm her in the womb, but they can be a sign of Trisomy 18 - a chromosomal disorder in which the baby has an extra 18th chromosome. You may have heard of Trisomy 21 - better known as Down's Syndrome. Down's Syndrome is actually the best of the Trisomy disorders... at least the baby can survive. With Trisomy 18, the baby will either be stillborn, or be born and only live 1-2 months (1 year at best). The prospects are bleak.

Now, keep in mind, my baby does not necessary have Trisomy 18 - the cysts are just a red flag that causes my doctors to take notice and puts me at high risk. I will go in for another ultrasound at week 28 (I'm 23 weeks now) and they'll look to see if any of the cysts have disappeared... my doctors are hopeful they will. The good news is that they have not found any major birth defects on the baby (as they can tell via ultrasound) yet, so it is possible she just has these cysts and that they are harmless. Of course, that is our prayer right now. Cysts are actually common in 3-4 % of all pregnancies and many turn out to be nothing, but the more cysts the baby has... the bigger a red flag. Four is NOT the number you want in this situation!

The scary part is that I won't truly know if she's healthy until she's born. The cysts going away in themselves (if they even do) doesn't ensure that she's healthy and the other signs they look for may or may not be obvious enough before she arrives for anyone to tell me 100% that she's fine. I could have an amniocentesis to know for sure but the risk of miscarriage concerns me and is too great for my comfort level so I'm not willing to take that chance. Therefore, I wait.

I ask that you all pray for my little girl. Pray that she is healthy. I do not have a name for her yet, as we just found out the sex a few weeks ago (at the same appointment that we found out about the cysts), and I've not been up to thinking about names. As I stated above, I truly believe she was a gift from God and that it was His will that placed her in our lives to begin with so I am trying so hard to trust in that and put all of the fears away. I know that fear comes from Satan and since there is absolutely nothing I can do to change things now... I need to stay positive and focus on my trust in God's will for my life. It just isn't always that easy to do.

I promise to keep you all informed as I continue along this journey over the next 4 months.

Redneck Pool Party

2009-05-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

It's summertime! And with that, of course, returns a favorite Georgia pastime - the redneck pool party. Just because we live in a neighborhood that is blessed with a wonderful pool for the kids doesn't mean we moms don't occasionally get lazy and opt for the easier solution to our little one's desires for water. Thankfully, a plastic baby pool from Walmart can certainly fill a need when you're in a pinch.

So, here are some pictures of this momentous event: our first redneck pool party of 2009. Some of our fun neighbors - Carter, Kelsey, and Eva - even joined us (afterall, who could pass this up??). Colby and Carter decided to go all out in true redneck fashion by wearing just a diaper and underroos for the occasion. And Kelsey opted for going topless. Everyone really got into the theme. Thanks for making it so special, guys!

Bike, Daddy, Bike

2009-05-22T14:42:00.001-07:00

Colby has a new phrase - and it's almost the only thing he says these days. It's "Bike, Daddy, bike!".
It began when he would watch Paisley ride her bike. He can't reach the pedals yet so Curtis decided to let him ride on his handlebars while Curtis rode SLOWLY along side Paisley. This progressed into Colby's obsession with bikes and riding along with Daddy.

He wakes up in the morning... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He sees Curtis pull into the driveway after work... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He sees the bike loaded on the back of Curtis's car... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He sees a bike on ANYONE else's car... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He sees the kids in the neighborhood riding their bikes... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He sees a biker riding past us as we walk up Kennesaw Mountain Road together... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He hears Curtis's voice on the phone... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"
He sees a red car that looks like Curtis's... "Bike, Daddy, bike!"

You get the picture, right?
It's ALL he thinks about. Well, that and his scooter (which he loves) and balls of any size, shape or kind. Occasionally, he'll get excited about his other toys too - but really he's obsessed with the bike.
Curtis loves it.
One day, the 2 of them will be biking fools together.
But for now... I'm hanging onto his sweet enthusiasm and delight in just riding along with Curtis.
"Bike, Daddy, bike!"

Happy 2nd Birthday, Colby!

2009-05-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hard to believe that this time 2 years ago I was STILL in labor and delivery - probably between 9 to 10 centimeters for what seemed like several, long hours (yes, during both of my labors my body decided to take a "pause" between 9 and 9.5 cm for hours - inevitably delaying my arrival at the euphoric 10 cm when I finally got to push the baby out). Despite the immense pain Colby put me through during labor and delivery, the wonderful thing about giving birth is that you are still willing to do it all over again no matter how bad the pain gets. Either that or I'm just crazy - because I'm obviously willing to go through this again (baby #3 is due in October). It would be really nice if I thought my next baby would be kind to me and come easily and on time... but chances are not in my favor for that, considering the last two.

Anyway, onto more important things: Happy Birthday, Colby! The past 2 years have filled me with so much joy and happiness. I love your spirit of adventure and your cautious curiosity towards trying anything that interests you. You are always happy! You love life! Very few things make you fuss or cry. You make everyone who knows you smile - and people actually beg me to babysit you or keep you in the church nursery. Now that is every mother's dream!

At 2 years old, here is what excites you:
You love balls - any size, color or type. You love sports of any kind: basketball, baseball, lacrosse, football, soccer, tennis, golf, biking, etc. If it involves hitting or throwing a ball, then it will be a big hit with you too. You also love your scooter and ride it every day - several times if I'll let you. I can see that there is a little "rule follower" in you though - you always remember to wear your helmet and remind others to wear theirs as well. You are a champ at gymnastics and your coach cannot believe how strong you are in your upper body and core strength. You also have great balance too. Swimming is not your best sport - you love the water but don't like to be on your own in it. (Daddy will work on that with you this summer.) Speaking of Daddy, you love riding on the handlebars of his bike and ask to do it all the time. Just the sight of a bike makes you ask for him. And I can tell how much it saddens you that your legs are not long enough to reach the pedals of Paisley's bike... one day you will reach, little man, and it will be that day, I'm afraid, that will sadden me. You are growing up too quick!

You are a people pleaser. You want to make others happy. Of course, you're only 2... but I see in you a little bit of my uncle Jim. Everyone loves Jim and always has - he always had many friends and was fun to be around. I think you may take after him in that. We'll see... you certainly are an easy child to love and discipline (unless the terrible two's proves me wrong on this point). So far you have been, at least! And you are a quick learner too - you know most of your colors and I can tell you listen to me and Daddy as we teach Paisley so you probably know a lot more than we even realize at this point. You love books - and never hesitate to ask for "more, more" each night before you go to bed. It's hard for me to say no because I know how good they are for you and how much you love them so.

Lastly, you are a big fan of trucks, airplanes, and trains. It helps that we have a train track behind our house and two airports nearby so you get your fill regularly. You love animals too - but for some reason you are afraid of dogs (not our chocolate lab, Ranger, but every other dog seems to fill you with fear). I hope you grow out of that - because your mama loves animals too.

I tell you all of this because I want you to be able to look back one day and know what was important to you at this age. I wish there were enough words to express the joy that having you has given me. I never knew how much I could love my second child, but there really IS enough love in the world for more than one. You are a special little boy - and I'm so glad you're mine. God has richly blessed me with my beautiful children and you, my son, are a true gift from heaven. If this baby I'm carrying is another boy I'll be so happy for you that you have a brother. I know you'll be so good to him and show him the ropes. But if this baby is a girl, I'll be happy too... because that means you'll be my only little boy and you will always be special to me for that reason (and many more!).

I love you, Colby Reese!

I wish I had learned this young...

2009-05-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

The sport of skiing. It's fun. It's fast. It's exhilarating.

And, yes it can (at times) be dangerous.

Often a day of skiing leaves you sore, bruised and broke. Yep, that's right - let's not forget what an pricey sport this is as well. (I mean seriously people - have you checked into the cost of lift tickets recently? It's outrageous!) Yet, many people love this sport and insist upon at least one ski vacation a year.

My husband is one of them.

He grew up in the North (y'all will have to forgive this poor southern girl for marrying a "damn yankee") and his parents first placed him on skis when he was only 3 years old. Considering I am an average skier at best - I grew up in Tennessee learning to ski at Ober Gatlinburg (to say this little resort needs snow machines to even exist is an understatement) - I can tell you that my husband is an extraordinary skier. He flies down the mountain with all of the skill and ease that you might see watching a cheetah cross the savannah. He heads off double black diamond slopes with no fear. And he masters any course of his choosing as if he were simply taking a leisurely stroll. It's impressive to watch!

Not me. I am a more conservative skier. Having only learned when I was 12 and being blessed with a considerably more cautious personality - I have never embraced the sport with the same passion he has. Oh, I like it a lot. It's great fun! And I am constantly challenging myself to improve. I love seeing the mountains draped in a veil of snow one moment and then relaxing by a toasty fire the next. So, it wasn't hard for Curtis to convince me to take a ski vacation every year - and seeing as I always wished I was as comfortable on skis as he is, I am absolutely in favor of our kids growing up on skis.

Which brings me to the point of this blog post. Paisley was first on skis when she was 1.5 years old. She didn't do much but go down the bunny slope between her daddy's legs, but hey we got some great photos and video and she can tell everyone she was on skis when she was still a toddler. We put her on skis a year later and she was more confident but still not ready for ski school. But this year... at 3.5 years old she went to ski school every day for a week. It is amazing how quickly they pick this sport up when they are little and unafraid. I can see that she will grow up loving to ski just like her daddy - and she is absolutely the cutest skier that I have ever seen.

I am posting a video of her skiing down the mountain below. Curtis had a harness on her with a leash so he could catch her if she went astray and guide her around sharp turns, etc. The slope we are traversing in the video was a green (which for those of you who don't ski is the easiest slope they have besides the bunny slope), but it did require taking the gondola up to reach it (which means it was pretty high up) and going down it lasted about 45 minutes. Paisley did it with us several times over the course of the week. She sang songs as she went down the mountain and even carried her stuffed puppy dog with her. She skied with more confidence and less fear than many adults we passed on the way down.

Before we had kids, it was always a dream of mine when I saw the little kids skiing down the mountain (usually better than me) that one day I would watch with pride as my kids ski down the slopes too - looking adorable and having great fun. So, this video is literally a dream come true for me (as corny as that sounds). It gave me and Curtis the biggest smile to see her doing so well and having so much fun. Curtis has skied all over the US and Canada, on all level of hills and with tons of friends and family over the course of 34 years... and he said skiing that green level slope with Paisley was the best ski run he's ever had in his whole life.

Note: just so Colby doesn't get left out of this story - he got on skis for the first time at 1.5 years old this year and did great. There is video of him here too. I guess it's inevitable, before too long my kids will be skiing better than I do!

Easter to a 4 year old

2009-04-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, friends. He is risen! I'm so blessed and grateful for my King! Isn't this just a wonderful day! It has always been one of my favorites.

I asked Paisley this afternoon if she remembered what was special about today - of course, we went to church this morning then opened the basket of goodies left by the Easter Bunny (and Nana) afterwards, and she has been learning about it in school for weeks, so there has been plenty of mention of what today is... but I wanted to see how she'd answer me.

She guessed correctly that today was Easter. I asked her what was special about Easter. And this is how she answered.
"Jesus gives us spring bunnies... (pause) and He gave us life too."
Simplistic. Yes.
True. Yes.
Were there some major omissions in her definition? Yes... but in light of what today is really about, I know He understands.

In loving memory...

2009-04-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sadness lingers in my heart today. My first baby - or at least it felt that way until I actually gave birth to a real baby almost 4 years ago - died this morning. His name was O'Malley and I was blessed to find him just 13 short years ago. I met him at an adoption center at Petsmart and he literally chose me - but it was mutual love at first sight. He was just a teeny thing then - only 6 weeks old. White and grey and the cutest thing I had ever seen. The entire litter was abandoned by their mother and the foster parents had given them musical names. His was Fugue... which we quickly changed to O'Malley (after the Disney flick - the Aristocats) once he was officially mine.

I know many of you reading this probably hate cats. A large number of people I know do - but let me tell you this cat was loving and kind from day one. He was my best bud in many ways - sleeping at the foot of my bed with me (sometimes on the top of my pillow), letting me cry into his fur during sad times and greeting me with happiness after I had been gone. And nothing made him happier than curling up on my lap on the couch late at night while I watched TV.

I feel guilt in many ways... because my marriage interfered with my relationship with O'Malley quite a bit. He and Curtis immediately took a disliking to each other and Curtis forbid him to sleep in bed with us or to get on the couch with me. Looking back, I wish I had fought for his rights a little more but I wanted to keep peace in the house so I assumed it didn't matter that much. Looking back, I am filled with regret about that. Then when my kids came along it became even more difficult for me. There is only so much love a person can give and my husband and kids came first - what was left was for O'Malley... but that wasn't always very much. He stayed in the basement a lot - his choice - but if I had seen him more, I think I would have remembered to love him more. Regrets, regrets... it's hard to look back and see things differently once it's too late.

I know he's just a cat but he was part of my family. He was part of me. I will always cherish the happy memories he brought to my life. I only hope I brought him half as much in return...

Are we strong or just spoiled?

2009-03-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

This is the question Beth Moore posed in her "Esther: It's Tough To Be A Woman" study last night and I cannot get it out of my head. She's referring to our faith in God and how it would hold up under tougher circumstances. I am blessed to live in a country where I have freedom of religion and no one is going to persecute me or look down on my for loving Jesus. Oh sure, there are some that will criticize if I come across TOO religious or TOO bible-loving. But overall being a christian in America is a wonderful thing and most will lovingly accept my faith. My girlfriend, Leigh Ann, just returned from a mission trip in India. She met people there who have been ostracized from their family and friends for their faith in Jesus; people whose only "church" to worship in is the shade of a tree out in a field (in 75+ degree weather) but they cherish their time of worship. I know people who won't drive to church in a heated, well-furnished building because it's raining outside that day. Man, we take things for granted in this country, don't we?

How about the story of Job? Satan challenged God that Job was only devoted to Him because God had blessed him (Job) so much. He questioned God: "if you take away what matters to him most, will he still love and worship you or will he curse you instead?" Well, certainly Job showed Satan that his faith was strong and not just spoiled!! God took away everything that mattered to him - his wife, his children, his property and his health... one by one. Yet, Job's faith did not waver. He was devoted and loving to God throughout. How I wished I knew for sure that I was that strong? Of course no one would ever wish to go through any of the following tragedies personally but how I wish I knew if my faith would withstand them. I wish I could be 100% sure that if a gun was put to my head and I was told to deny my faith in God, that I would refuse and instead sing "The Lord's Prayer" as they pulled the trigger - as some of the children did at Columbine. Wouldn't I love to know without a shadow of a doubt that I would stand by God if I lost my entire family tomorrow? I don't even know how you begin to get up off your knees and go on in that situation, but I believe that God would lift me up and hold me until I am strong enough to support myself. And I pray that I would trust in Him to get me through it... I don't know any other option? I feel extremely heartbroken for someone who loses a child... but even more heartbroken for someone in the same position that doesn't know God. Where do they turn? Who carries them when they cannot walk themselves? Who shows them love when they cannot even find all of the pieces of their heart to begin putting it back together? Who heals them - when medicine and worldly cures only make them feel worse inside?

My friend, Shannon, has a close friend who lost a child in her 39th week of pregnancy. The baby was fine one day and then wasn't moving the next. She went in for tests and everything looked alright so they sent her home. They didn't do an ultrasound which might have shown a problem. The next day, no movement again and she went back. There was no heartbeat. Imagine, after years of infertility and miscarriages, carrying a baby 39 weeks inside of you, opting not to induce because you wanted to let the baby come in it's own time, and doing everything right to protect your child... and one mistake by your Dr. that could absolutely have been prevented, and you end up burying your baby before you even get the chance to know who he was! No one should feel that pain. But the woman this happened to did not turn from God. No, she turned TOWARDS God. She prayed more, she believed more, she trusted more and she loved God more. She even asked her friends, and their friends, and their friends, etc. to pray with her... and for her... and most importantly to praise God for His goodness and grace. In your time of sorrow and loneliness, can you say that you would do the same? I don't know if I could. Well, happily her faith has been rewarded and she is due to have a baby in September. She has been rewarded for her faith and love... just as God rewarded Job.

I personally am going to pray for more strength and more devotion. That no matter what comes my way, my faith will stay strong. I cannot imagine losing my health, my husband, or my children - but I know that without God... I have nothing and I must keep that relationship strong so that when this world lets me down, I can lean on His love and His grace to carry me through.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. "(Deuteronomy 31:6)

God - the most handsomest prince of all!

2009-03-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Paisley just came up to me and asked if she could tell me a story. "Of course" was my reply. I asked her what the story was about?
She said "Heaven."
This got my complete attention. I was curious what she would say about heaven so I listened carefully.
The story began this way, "I went to Heaven this morning. And when I got there, I saw a big beautiful mirror. And God asked me to look into the mirror and tell Him what I saw. So I looked and I saw God in the mirror."
I said "Wow, you saw God? What did He look like?"
Paisley took my face in her hands and looked me dead in the eyes as she said "Mama, He is the most handsomest prince of all!"
This made my heart smile.
"So what happened next?" I asked.
Paisley continued, "Then God looked in the mirror. He looked very carefully and He smiled, and then everything was beautiful just like Him... (pause) (big smile - for both of us) and we ALL lived happily ever after!"

I don't mean to insert too much meaning in my child's sweet story but I sure do like that God is her "most handsomest prince of all" and that she "lived happily ever after" in heaven with Him. Since the day she was born, my greatest two hopes for her would be that she'd love the Lord with all of her heart and that she'd find a wonderful man to grow old with one day. I don't know what qualities she'll look for in a man when she grows up - but if she holds onto this standard, I know she'll be just fine!

Stories (of all kinds)

2009-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Paisley loves stories. We always read 10-20 minutes of books to her before bedtime every night. After that, she'll ask whoever puts her to bed to tell her (at least) one story. She usually dictates who the major characters are and sometimes what they are doing... but she always wants you to create the main plot of the story line. One night as I was listening as Curtis put her to bed, she asked him to tell her a story about how we met. He told her our story and did a really great job in doing so (considering we met in a bar - which is NOT how either of us wanted to meet our soul mate - he smoothed over that part of the story very nicely). I was teary eyed listening to him. It's one of those "Hallmark commercial" moments... and I loved it.

The other day her babysitter, Raz, was putting her to bed. She read her several different books and told her several stories, and after some time she finally told Paisley it was time to go to sleep. Paisley said to Raz "Please Ms. Raz - just one more." Raz thought for a moment and replied "Alright, just one more." She picked up a book and began to read to her.

Paisley quickly interrupted her.
"No, Ms. Raz... not like that.... I want you to read me a book from your mouth."
:-)

The many costumes of Colby (remember he DOES have an older sister!!)

2009-02-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Colby loves to dress up like Paisley and Mama. He spends 75% of his time with women so keep that in mind as you look over these pictures. At least we know he's in touch with his more feminine side... I'm hoping this will make him a more sensitive husband one day. :-)

It has to end one day... but boy do I cherish it now.

2009-02-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

These are just a few of the things we hear Paisley and Colby tell us and others each day. I love hearing such sweet things from their little mouths but I know one day it will all come to a screeching halt (for a period of time, at least). I try to remember to cherish it now and hold onto these memories through those trying, adolescent years. :-) I wish they could stay sweet like this forever.

Paisley:
"You make my heart sing!"
"I love you always and forever."
"I love you more than all of the moon and stars in the sky."
"I love you most of all."
"You're my favorite, bestest friend in the whole world."
"You make my heart smile when I think of you."
"I love you more and more each day."

Colby:
"I (long pause) LOVE (long pause) YOU!!" (as he points and grins)
"Mam" (he's trying to say 'Yes Mam" but it's so cute the way he just says "mam"
"Yea!!" (his excitement at seeing me when I walk in his room to get him)

Happy 65th Birthday, Pop!!

2009-02-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Pop!
We all love you very much.
Wish we could be there in person to celebrate with you!
But we did do this little video for you - check out mom's facebook page to see the outtakes as well.

The Dentist

2009-02-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Paisley just brought me a whole tray of pretend food - most of which she informed me was ice cream and cupcakes. (We're going to a birthday party in a few hours so I'm sensing that she has sweets on the brain.) Then she quickly informs me that the tray of food is not for me, but rather it's for her dentist. Her dentist? Really?? Since she has only been to Dr. Mike once and it was a year ago, I am astonished that she is thinking about him all of the sudden today. Of course, he's a friend and neighbor but I still am surprised she has brought him up out of the blue.

So I ask her, "This is for Dr. Mike?" To which she quickly replies, "No."
Ok, now I am really curious. My best friend is also married to a dentist and Curtis has been having some work done on his teeth recently so I'm now thinking maybe she's talking about Chuck.

So next I say to her, "Oh, this is for Uncle Chuck then?" Again, she says, "No!" without hesitation, and I might add sounding a little annoyed with me at this point.

I decide that it's best that I stop guessing and just ask her to tell me who will be the recipient of her yummy food. She tells me it's for O'Malley.
I smile.
O'Malley is our cat.

I then ask, "O'Malley is a dentist?" and she says "Yes..."
(pause)
"O'Malley is the dentist of the Lord."

My cat should be so honored.

I CAN imagine - and that is the problem!

2009-02-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

I have been shaken to the core this morning by a story I heard on the news. I cannot stop crying. Sadly, this is just one of many tragic stories in the news each day, but for some reason this one hit me worse than the others. A 4 year old little girl climbed into her family's front-loader washing machine and her toddler brother managed to turn it on with her in there and she died. I am so devastated for this family.

Maybe it's because I have 2 children who are nearly the same ages are the children in the story. Maybe it's because I own a front-loader washing machine on which my toddler son is fascinated with pressing the buttons to see what happens. Maybe it's because I cannot imagine the pain this family must now endure... the guilt the mother will feel for taking her eyes off of her children for even 5 minutes (which is how quickly this happened)... the pain this little boy will grow up with knowing he (albeit accidentally) killed his older sister... the sorrow they all will feel year after year as they live their life without her in it. Nothing will ever be the same for any of them. Their lives, in just 5 short minutes, were forever changed in the worst way!

It's unreasonable I know... but I am now obsessed with teaching Paisley to never climb in a front-loader washing machine or dryer no matter what the circumstance!! The scariest thing is I can potentially see this happening to me one day. Paisley and Colby are playing together happily in the playroom. I go to quickly check my email or change clothes (something all mom's do from time to time without a second thought). The kids begin to chase each other around the main floor - ending up in the laundry room where Paisley thinks it's funny to climb in the front-loader to see if she fits. Colby closes the door on her and begins to press the buttons (thinking this too is funny). The machine starts and he can neither stop it nor open the door (because once it starts, you can't open it unless you have pressed the button, not once but twice, to stop the machine).

This whole scenario has just been added to my list of unbearable nightmares that I forever live with as a mother. The vulnerability of imagining a life without one of my precious children... especially due to a tragedy that could have been prevented. I worry about these nightmares daily. I obsess with how to prevent them all. But I cannot live that way. I cannot live in fear. I cannot let the Devil control my thoughts. I must place these fears and worries in God's hands and trust in Him. It is the only way to live my life. I know that - but it's not always that easy. This is a battle I fight every day. Worrying vs. laying my fears at His feet and trusting that He will never give me more than I can handle. Even though the imperfect part of me wants to remind Him of what I think I can and cannot handle - just in case He doesn't know. The irony, of course, is that He knows all of this better than I do.

I sincerely pray that this family knows the Lord. I hope they can place their devastation, unbearable pain and absolute sorrow at His feet and let Him carry them through this. There is no other way (that I can see) to survive such heartache.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Play on words

2009-02-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

Paisley began to complain the other day that her feet were hurting. I assumed she had outgrown her shoes. The conversation went something like this:

Paisley: "Help, my feet are hurting. My feet are really hurting!!"

Me: "Oh no, sweet girl - let me see. Are your shoes hurting your feet?"

Paisley: (highly annoyed) "No, Mama! My shoes are NOT hurting my feet. My feet are hurting inside of my shoes!"

Which came first - the babygirl or the egg?

2009-01-29T12:13:00.001-08:00

Same old question - just substitute the word "chicken" with the word "babygirl" and not much changes. However, when it comes to humans the answer is a little more miraculous and fascinating. Most people have probably never even thought about this question - certainly most men haven't. I would even guess that among women the number who have considered it is on the smaller side as well. However, in my opinion, this ranks up there as one of the most amazing realities of our female biology. It is so clear that God developed us with a future and a plan in place. And the future actually depends on the present which relies on the past - all in the same moment. If you still are not following me, read on...

As women, we are all born with 2 million eggs in our ovaries. Pretty amazing huh? That number is dwindled down to 300,000 by the time we hit puberty and only 400 eggs will actually be released during a woman's entire reproductive life. What's even more fascinating is that we have the most eggs we'll ever have before we are even born. That's right! Inside our mother's womb, a female baby has 6-7 million eggs in her ovaries. Isn't that incredible? I had the eggs that produced Paisley and Colby when I was inside my mom's belly. And my mom had the eggs that would later produce me and my brother when she was inside of her mom. Paisley has already created her her future offspring (should she decide to have some) and hopefully several of them will be fertilized one day (a long, long, long time from now) and that will be my grandchildren... and even though that seems so far away now, it's incredible to think that the building blocks (so to speak) were created before Paisley even took her first breath.

Imagine that? Paisley was formed by my egg which had been formed while my body was still forming inside my mom's body. And while my body was forming Paisley - she was forming her future children - and all of this depended on my eggs that were formed 32 years prior before I was even born. There really is no disputing God's plan for us or the circle of life. It's very, very cool.

Can anything be organic?

2009-01-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed at the wide range of things that can be classified as "organic". Sure I understand how food items and cleaning supplies are organic. But there are other things that claim to be organic that just do not make much sense to me. Generally, someone who is searching for organic is looking for the healthier option, right? Webster's defines organic as "not using, or grown without, artificial fertilizers or pesticides" Therefore, given that definition... a few oddballs that stand out to me are organic mattresses, organic manure, and, in my opinion, the worst offender of all: organic cigarettes. Seriously?? Are you kidding me here? As if anything about smoking a cigarette is healthy for you in the first place - so why would someone care about organic vs. non in this instance? My friend, Stephanie, found this ad in a magazine and as soon as I heard about it, I was fascinated. The ironic thing is that even if they are hoping to dupe you into thinking that this is a healthier alternative when smoking, they are still required by law to post the following warning on their packaging. I personally would love to talk to the idiot who actually wastes their money on such a hoax. (Newsflash: If it's healthy you seek - quit smoking!!!)

More random things about me...

2009-01-24T06:05:00.001-08:00

I was responding to a request from a friend on Facebook and thought I'd post my answers here too. These are 25 random things about me (that you may not know or care to know):

1. I love photography- especially candid shots of real moments in time. I have about 3 photographers that I use to photograph my children regularly (besides me and my dad) and it drives my husband crazy. I figure I'll never get these moments back so I better capture them while I can.

2. I always dreamed about having a daughter (and am thrilled that I was blessed with one) but never knew how much of a crush I would have on my little boy. He has absolutely stolen my heart!

3. I am proud to say I was the wedding planner for the first wedding ever held at Turner Field (where the Atlanta Braves play baseball) - the couple got married on the actual field.

4. I am fortunate enough to have traveled to 41 of the 50 states in America (plus the District of Columbia). One of my favorite spots in the US is Grafton, Vermont... what a small quaint piece of Americana!

5. When I die, I'd like my epitaph to say that I was a great mom and a loving wife.

6. I hate drugs of any kind and avoid taking them at all cost: I prefer that my dentist drill on me without Novocain and I requested no epidural for my labor and delivery of both my children.

7. I love to read, but was surprised at how much I absolutely love the Harry Potter book series. I even cried like a baby when I finished the last book.

8. I wish my parents lived down the street from me (instead of 3 hours away)... I love to watch them interact with my children.

9. I am married to one of the most fun, giving and true people that ever walked this earth. I love him so much!!

10. I love playing tennis. I only started a few years ago, but have become completely addicted to it.

11. I can't stand judgmental people - no one knows what it's like to be you, but you. I love people who take the time to understand you and accept you for the person you are - flaws and all.

12. I am too trusting of people sometimes and as I grow older, I've (sadly) learned that I really only have a handful of TRUE friends on this earth.

13. I have always wanted to be a mom and have a (big?) family. It's really the only dream I can remember from when I was young. (The big part is debatable now, but I've been blessed with the family part.)

14. I love to travel. Some of my favorite international spots are Puerto Varas, Chile; Santorini, Greece; and Lucerne, Switzerland.

15. One of the happiest memories I have of my granddad (who died last year) is seeing him with my children (his only 2 great-grandchildren). He was crazy in love with them and the pride in his eyes when he looked at them moved me to tears. I feel blessed for the time they had together and that Paisley still remembers him.

16. I love the smell of a wood burning fire, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a newborn baby's skin and the air outside just after it's rained on a summer's day.

17. My greatest fear is the loss of one of my children. I don't know how I'll ever breathe again if anything ever happens to one of them!

18. I've always thought that once my kids were grown, if I could do anything I would write a novel or be a public speaker. I love being an event planner too.

19. I love being pregnant but it bums me out that my body won't go into labor on it's own... my babies just don't want to leave my womb, I guess.

20. My granddad owned a cabin in a small town in NC (now my mom and her siblings own it) and I love going there more than any place on earth. I go there to find peace and feel closer to God.

21. I was on the same ValuJet plane that landed in Miami on May 11, 1996 then turned around to return to Atlanta and crashed in the everglades.

22. I love ice cream. It is one of my favorite things to eat. By popular demand, I'm also adding that I love to put ketchup on my macaroni and cheese (it's better than it sounds) and I can eat a whole carton of french onion dip with my baked Ruffles in one sitting. And lastly, on the food front... I can eat a whole box of Thin Mints in one sitting too. It's sad but true!

23. My greatest hope is that I live until I'm really old... not for myself, but for my children. I cannot imagine the pain in losing a mother when you're young (or ever for that matter).

24. I love the beach - the sound, smell and sight of it. I love watching my children play on the beach... but I do not care so much for getting in the ocean.

25. I often wonder how I became so fortunate. I have a great life.

I feel the hope too!

2009-01-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't vote for him.
No, I didn't think he was the best choice for our country.
No, I wasn't initially excited when he won.
It was a policy thing for me.
And I was disappointed in the early hours of November 4th when it became clear how the election would end.
But I watched the coverage. I watched the celebration. I watched the tears of millions of Americans - of all colors, race and religions. I listened to his acceptance speech - it was eloquent (as he often is). And I found myself wanting to believe.

I still want to believe!

I want to believe that he stands for bi-partisanship. That he stands for peace. That he stands for hope and possibility. That he doesn't care what party you are in as long as you have a solution that might help with some of our nation's challenges. I want to believe that he cares about bringing us together as a country. I want to believe that he will do what is necessary to protect us from terrorists and other evils in the world. I want to believe that he will stand behind our troops. I want to believe that he really is the family guy that he seems to be. That he loves God and will place all important decisions in His hands. I want to believe all that.

It's inauguration day and I feel it.
I feel the history being made.
I feel the excitement.
I feel the hope and optimism.
I almost wish I was there - watching all of those people celebrate this historic day for our country. I was there in 2004 and it was awesome then. I can only imagine the energy that is there today. I get teary eyed thinking of Dr. King and all that he fought for that has now been achieved. I am proud to live in a country where we can elect an african-american president.

The truth is that no matter what party I belong to, I have always been patriotic above all else. My love for America is stronger than any party or any politician. And I will stand behind any leader we have (even Clinton) because we are nothing if we do not stand together. If we cannot put aside our differences and work together to strengthen our country, then we will destroy ourselves eventually. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies in this country... sometimes.

So today I find myself hoping. I hope that he is all that he portrays himself to be. I hope that he can do a lot of good for our country. I hope that he trusts in God for everything and keeps Him at the center of our nation.
I hope. Don't you hope too?

May God bless America!
And may God watch over and guide our new President - Barack Obama!

Shameless bragging!

2009-01-17T09:34:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post this because I love this picture and it really captures Colby's essence for me. I know it's somewhat shameless to brag on your own child, but I'm going to do it anyway. I cannot tell you how much fun my sweet little man is: he is happy and full of laughter; he truly loves life; he listens and obeys (most of the time); he finds joy in even the smallest of things; he is easy to please; and he is friendly and affectionate with everyone he meets. I could be wrong, but I think he will always be the kind of person that everyone likes and wants to be around. Of course, I know I'm biased so all of this could be just a mother's perspective, but there seems to just be something about him that everyone loves!!

So now to the real question... how do I stop him from growing up so I can keep him this way forever?

Why I LOVE Paisley's teacher!

2009-01-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

I just learned an amazing lesson from someone I didn't even know six months ago. She has given me such an amazing gift... just by sharing her wonderful perspective with me. Before I explain what I'm talking about, allow me to backup a few years and share with you a bit of history on this...

Paisley started going to a "Mother's Day Out" program when she was 14 months old at a wonderful church around the corner. We absolutely loved it so naturally when she turned 2, we signed her up for the 2 year old class there. She was originally placed (by the Director of the school - and I now feel by God as well) in the upper 2's class. However, I wanted her to be with some children she knew from the year before, so I asked that she be switched to the lower 2's class. BIG, BIG mistake. I now know to never mess with God's plan!! The problem was I didn't see this as God's plan back then... but I certainly do now. Paisley was miserable in the lower 2's class... and was crying every morning when I dropped her off and every afternoon when I picked her up. Something was definitely off and I knew it. She never cried like this the year before. I went to check on her one day in class and found it to be more like a nursery than a "class"... they had an assistant teacher who was great, but no head teacher yet and it always seemed like complete chaos in there. She never had any art or activities in her folder and I began to wonder what teaching was going on in there. I had a friend who's child was in the upper 2's class and he was constantly coming home with projects in his folder and he LOVED going to school. And the teachers in his class seemed really great with the kids. I began the conversation with the Director to move her to that class. It wasn't easy... the Director wanted me to be patient and give the other class a chance (even after Paisley had been there for 5 weeks and was still crying all the time). I knew in my gut that she belonged in the upper 2's and fought hard to get her moved there. And it was immediately evident that I was right! She instantly became happier and smiled every day. And she absolutely loved her teachers!! In fact, I loved her teachers too!!! They are amazing women and I thank God regularly that Paisley was able to transfer over and have them in her life. It ended up being the best thing I could have done to transfer her back where she originally belonged.

Well, knowing what happened last year, I made a promise to myself not to interfere with God's plan this year and to let Him place Paisley in the class where she belonged. She was changing schools and I had no idea what to expect... except that I knew that this was also a christian school and she would be loved and taught by godly women (and men). As the beginning of the school year approached several of my neighbors (whose children also attend this school) told me that they hoped Paisley got Mrs. X (I'm not using names for obvious reasons) because she was wonderful and everyone loved her! I heard this from 5 or 6 people and began to feel anxious about who she would get - knowing nothing about the other teachers in her grade. When we arrived at the orientation and I saw that she got Mrs. Y, I was practically in tears. Here I had trusted God to place her in the best class and she had not been placed with the "coveted" Mrs. X. Not only that, but one of my friend's children was in the other class and would not be with Paisley - and I had hoped they'd be together. I was so sad. My friend, Amy, saw me at orientation and saw my concern in my eyes. Her son had been in Mrs. Y's class last year and loved her. She helped me feel secure that Mrs. Y was a terrific teacher and it would be okay. I took a deep breath and told myself to trust that God knew best what Paisley needed. (Side note: for all of you who think I sound crazy... no one warns you before becoming a parent how STRESSFUL decisions such as which school, which district, and which teacher can be on you!! I mean - where did that come from? I never worried about these things before!!)

So... moving along. It turned out that Paisley seemed to be where she needed to be. I could see that on many different levels even before yesterday. And then there came the gift... this wonderful, wonderful gift that Mrs. Y gave to me. I was talking to her after school and we were discussing how Paisley is a July birthday and so she's one of the youngest in the class, which means that she is more immature than the kids who turned 4 in the fall or winter (basically she's almost a full year younger than some kids in her class). She also has a lot of energy (for this, I blame her father) so she doesn't sit still very well. While we were discussing it, Mrs. Y wasn't complaining at all - in fact, I can tell she truly adores Paisley - but we were debating which class she should be in next year considering her immaturity. And I asked Mrs. Y if there was something I could do as a parent to calm Paisley down and help her to sit still more. And this is what she said to me, "You know, Lisa, God made her that way! We don't want to change the beautiful person that God created her to be, we just want to help her harness that energy so she can use it in the best way possible."

And there it is - two simple sentences - yet one of the most precious gifts I've ever received. She is there to teach my daughter, but instead she taught me. Sometimes I get frustrated at how energetic Paisley can be when she won't follow my directions. And I admit there are times I've wished she wasn't that way. I hope that I never forget the lesson Mrs. Y gave me yesterday: that God made Paisley this way and I should never try to change that. She is a perfect creation in God's eyes... and I need to embrace that and love that about her (as well as help her to use it wisely). I will forever be grateful to this loving, Godly woman for teaching me something I should have seen all along. I was emotional about it all day yesterday after our conversation. I realize now that God definitely placed Paisley right where she belonged. Mrs. Y is the best teacher for Paisley because she is patient and loving, and able to meet each child right where they are... and not where we think they should be. Thank you Mrs. Y for the way you love my child. And thank you God for giving Paisley Mrs. Y.

New Year's Resolutions - 2009

2009-01-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

I thought that in honor of 2009, I'd choose 9 resolutions this year. So here they are! Feel free to hold me accountable...

1) Spend more time with God.
2) Floss (I used to be really good about this but I've gotten slack since I had babies... sorry Dr. Barber).
3) Be FULLY present when I'm interacting with my kids.
4) Lose some weight, get back in the gym and stay healthy (sadly, this is a recurring one).
5) Wash my face every night (again, this is one that I've been slack with since having kids).
6) Love my husband the way HE needs to be loved and NOT the way I want to love him.
7) Read at LEAST 1 book a month.
8) Keep my blog updated regularly!
9) Get rid of a lot of stuff that I don't need... "Less is more!", they say. (That, and my husband is sick of looking at boxes in our basement).

Paisley-isms

2009-01-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of the funny things Paisley has said and done recently:
1) "Hear-phones" - this is what she calls the earphones that she wears in the car to hear what's on her DVD player. It's not only
funny but also makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

2) "I had a great day skate-icing" - the first time we took her ice skating a few weeks ago this was what she called it: skate-icing. It was really cute, but I told Curtis we had to correct her because it would only be cute for so long.

3) "I really like your scratches, Mr. Phill." Our neighbor and friend, Phill, is on crutches and she was complimenting him on them.

4) "Do you need one, Daddy?" (offering him a UNUSED, packaged tampon while he was sitting on the toilet one day). Upon his response of "No", she responded... "I will get one when I get older but not just yet."

5) Don't forget Cinderella in the manger. We have a little manger scene that Paisley loves to play with every day. I wish I had taken a picture of this, but one day she had Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the angel, the shepherd and Cinderella all setup appropriately. Yes, Paisley, let's not forget Cinderella's role in the birth of Jesus!!

6) "I have ketchup in my nose!" She went to blow her nose this morning after eating something with ketchup on it. The ketchup that was around her lips got on the kleenex when she blew her nose, and as she was handing it to me, she noticed it and thought it came from inside her nose.

7) "You are not allowed in my office, Colby!" - This is what she told Colby the other day when he tried to enter the playroom. The ironic thing is that it may be my fault. She's not allowed to play in my office at home so I tell her the same thing... only mine really IS an office.

8) And, of course, the picture at the top of this entry of Paisley with the bandaid covering her nostrils. She has a little cold and her nose is sore. I've been putting "feel good cream" (i.e. vaseline) on it daily to help with the soreness, but today she also wanted a bandaid. I put it on over the top of her nose, but she immediatley took it off and re-applied it the way she wanted it. She informed me that I didn't apply it where it hurt most. It was too funny not to capture the moment on film.

Enjoy your children. They really do have a unique outlook on life!

Skate-Icing

2009-01-06T01:40:00.000-08:00

As you read above, Paisley has been learning to ice-skate... which she refers to as skate-icing. She is learning quickly (has her daddy's genes) and really enjoying it. Here are a few pictures of her first time on ice.

Colby and Ellis - friends?

2009-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

The day Paisley went ice-skating for the first time we actually met up with our great friends, the Ratliffs, since they were taking their children ice-skating in downtown Atlanta. Ellis is slightly older than Colby and wasn't too sure about him at our annual beach trip this past April. But she was much more smitten this time. Potential boyfriend and girlfriend?? Who knows... we sure think they're cute together though! Here are some pictures of the fun.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We wish you health, happiness and great prosperity in 2009.
And may God be the focus as our nation and the world face many challenges.
In Him all things are possible!

We miss you, Ms. Raz!

2009-01-01T06:58:00.001-08:00

Our family is blessed to have a wonderful person in our life. Her name is Ms. Raz and we love her so dearly. Technically, she's our babysitter, but in reality she is so much more!!
She is family.
She is a friend.
She loves my children as if they were her own and they adore her in return.
She is one of a very small number of people I would want my husband to call for help if anything happened to me.
She is a gem and we are blessed that God placed her in our life. Ms. Raz is from India and currently went home for a month to visit her family and share her heritage with her husband... Paisley and Colby are missing her terribly (of course, Curtis and I are too). Anyway, in case she's reading this ALL the way across the world... I just wanted her to know the following: We miss you and can't wait for you to come home, Raz. Be safe and Happy New Year! We love you so!

Try walking in these shoes...

2008-12-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

To Curtis' dismay, our 19 month old son, Colby, loves to mimic everything his sister and I do. Therefore, he plays with dolls, carries a purse on his shoulder, pushes the babydoll strollers, wants to play with my jewelry and make-up... and likes to wear women's shoes. Above are some pictures of him - proud as punch - walking around the house in my shoes. I couldn't resist capturing the moment.

10 Things I Know Now (That I Didn't Know When I Was Childless)

2008-12-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

I admit that before I became a mom, there were quite a few things I didn’t really understand about my friends who had kids. I didn't get why my friends never seemed to be able to talk to me on the phone for long, or why whenever we did talk, their kids were always screaming in the background; I didn't understand how people could let their kids dress in mis-matching outfits at church or around town (and truthfully, I still don't get that one); and I definitely was perplexed at how people could let their children walk around with dried snot under their noses for hours. The biggest misperception I had was why my friends had such difficulty coming to our house for dinner or wouldn't push back their child's bedtime by even 30 minutes so we could see each other. (I'd think to myself "Does one night really make that big of a difference? How much can it hurt to be 30 minutes late putting him/her to bed?"). Well, I have certainly learned a lot since those days of parent-less ignorance. I am now much more enlightened and have a lot more understanding and grace for other parents. I'd like to share a few things I have learned since I had my little ones:

1. Traveling with children is not easy.

It takes many hours of packing and planning and food preparation just to get out of the house. Then there is the juggling of sippy cups, refills, snacks, drive-through lines and other treats just to keep the kids happy on the trip. Let's not forget the movies, toys, music, games and tricks that you must continually provide to ensure an enjoyable trip for all. And that is just to get to your destination! If you are traveling by car: once you have arrived, you will find it now takes three times as long to unpack the car as it used to before kids. (Remember the days of unpacking just your bag, your husband's bag and maybe 1 small cosmetic case? Now you will be lugging with you a pack-n-play, booster chair, diapers, wipes, sound machine, music box, special blanket and pillow for one child/ special pacifier and stuffed animal for another, toys, books, travel DVD player, baby spoons, sippy cups, jars of baby food, formula, bath toys, snacks, stroller, etc.). If traveling by plane: my greatest advice is to use a stroller or backpack for all children preschool age and lower. It will make your life so much easier!! We travel quite a bit and trust me; airports are no picnic with young children. Lastly, you must deal with how your children adjust to new environments, new beds, time changes, etc. Vacations are never the same once you have children!

2. How vulnerable you become.

No one can ever tell you exactly what it feels like to hold your newborn baby for the very first time. Oh sure, friends will describe it, many books, songs and poems have been written about it, and your mom may try to ready you as well. But there is nothing that can prepare you for how truly vulnerable you feel when you hold that sweet baby and realize that you will never breathe again if you lost him/her. It is both terrifying and wonderful in the same breath. You feel the most happiness and the most sadness you could ever imagine in one blissful moment. I know that for me, it has lessened some but it never completely goes away. I live with the fear that I will never function as a normal human being, much less mom, again if I ever lost one of my children. I know people do... I just don't know how they do it?

3. Relaxing by the pool is an oxymoron.

Anyone who has children knows that taking them to the pool is not relaxing in any way, shape or form. And at least for the first 3 years of your youngest child's life, it will be the absolute opposite of relaxing for you. So if you are the kind of person who loves to get a suntan, read a book or take a nap by the pool... I suggest you do it as much as possible before you have kids, or plan an beach vacation with your hubby on occasion where you can truly relax (sans kids).

4. Schedules are important for children and sticking to them is necessary to maintain family happiness.

Naps and bedtimes are much more important than I ever realized; and keeping your children on a schedule makes for a happier home. So... the next time your friend says she can't do something because it interferes with her child's nap or bedtime, be generous with your grace and understanding. She knows her child best and is only trying ensure an enjoyable time for everyone (including you!!).

5. Snot, poop, spit-up and vomit are not as gross as you think.

Being that I'm not one to eat or drink after anyone, including my husband, unless I am desperate... you can only imagine that touching someone's snot, poop, spit-up or vomit immediately called for a hand-scrubbing followed by instant hand sanitizer. But once I had a baby - everything changed. I have wiped a stream of snot from my child's nose using my hands without thinking twice. I have worn spit-up on my outfit for hours before finally changing clothes (the smell fades after a few hours). I have had a child vomit all over me while I was kissing his cheek (and considering I am usually the "sympathetic vomiter" type... it was surprising I didn't vomit as well). And I'm pretty sure I've had poop on my hands, clothes and even hair at times. Moral is... I survived and I can certainly say the things I classify as "disgusting" these days have changed. Babies have a way of shifting your perspective...

6. It takes A LOT of time to get even 1 child out the door - much less 2.

Boy, did I underestimate this one in my planning. I thought if I had 1 diaper bag in the car always loaded and ready to go, I would be set. Let's just say it's a bit more complicated than that. Add breast feeding, a blow-out diaper, temper tantrums and lost pacifiers... and you're really behind schedule. The important thing with kids is to allow plenty of extra time - and then add 15 minutes on top of that.

7. How tired I would be - even after a good night's rest.

Oh sure, I read how all new parents experience sleep deprivation so I expected it with a newborn. But now, with a 19 month old and a 3.5 year old, I thought those days were behind me. Think again! Chasing after a toddler and a preschooler, picking up all of their toys 10 times a day, playing referee to petty arguments, keeping the house clean, bathing 2 kids and putting them both to bed, and doing everything else it takes to run a household can be exhausting at times. I believed that after the kids went to bed I would have quality time to read my books, hang with my hubby and exercise. The truth is all I want to do after the kids go to bed... is go to bed myself! I know, I know... it's sad but true. Maybe I'll feel rested once they hit high school...

8. Just having an adult conversation without interruption or chaos is golden.

I now understand why my friend's with kids weren't able talk on the phone when I called... there is literally something about holding a phone in your hand that causes your children to become as demanding and loud as possible. Nothing short of locking them out of your bedroom will solve the problem... oh, except getting off the phone (which is the last thing you want to do since you are probably craving adult interaction). So, learn to plan all of your phone calls around naptime once you have kids. You'll be too tired once they go down for the night...

9. Take lots of pictures and video... it all goes by too fast.

When I first had Paisley, I didn't realize how quickly the time would pass. I thought I'd have plenty of time to capture that cute little sigh or the sweet coo's that she made in the morning, and I was sure I'd get her 1 year hand print done. You always think there will be time. But one day I woke up and she didn't do her cute little sigh anymore and I was just devastated I hadn't captured it on video. I learned a great lesson with that. Now I video or photograph anything I love that my kids do right away when he or she is doing it. There is no guarantee that they will do it again if I put it off... so I don't take any chances anymore.

10. My husband doesn't have to parent EXACTLY the same way I do.

This is a hard one for me. Being the semi-"control freak" that I am sometimes... it's difficult to let go and let him parent our kids his own way. However, I have learned (and am still learning) that my husband can be a different kind of parent to our children than I am... and that's okay. As long as he and I agree on the important things (like discipline), he can teach them and play with them in his own style and they are only more well-rounded for it. And who knows - his way may at times be better than mine (but don't tell him I said that)!

Jingle the Elf

2008-12-20T06:31:00.001-08:00

Meet Jingle. He is our "Elf On The Shelf".
If you don't know what an "Elf On The Shelf" is, let me explain. it is a Christmas tradition that many families celebrate and it includes a book and a stuffed elf that "flies" in from the North Pole around Thanksgiving and keeps an eye on your kids for Santa until Christmas Eve. He is magic, you see: Santa's little helper. The elf reports back to Santa if the kids have been good or bad... and he's always watching them (no matter where they go). Each night he flies to the North Pole to give his report to Santa and the next morning, he always appears in a different place in the house (with some parental help).

Paisley loves the adventure of finding Jingle Jolly Red, as she named him ("Jingle" for short). She has been very diligent in following the rules in the book, which include not touching the elf lest you ruin his "magic." But, boy is she tempted. She always ask us to lift her up so she can get a really close look at him. Neither Paisley nor Colby have gotten close enough to touch him yet. It helps a little that Jingle seems to pick high places to hang out each day so he's not in easy reach of little hands. Colby would definitely break Jingle's rules - given direct access.

Anyway, it is a really fun tradition that brings great joy to the whole family. If you don't have this tradition in your house and you have little children, I highly recommend getting one for next year. Go to www.elfontheshelf.com to order one or find out more information.

I sincerely hope your elf brings your family as much joy as our little Jingle continually brings us!

My Favorite Things (Christmas Version)

2008-12-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

Just a few of my favorite things at Christmas-time:
1) "Silent Night" sung acapella
2) A beautiful display of (tasteful) Christmas lights
3) The excitement in Colby and Paisley's eyes when they see Jingle (our Elf on the Shelf) each morning
4) Taking Paisley to pick out stuff for Operation Christmas Child and the Angel Tree
5) My house with all the lights out but our trees and garland lights - and a fire in the fireplace
6) Singing "Away In a Manger" to my kids each night
7) Shopping for my kid's gifts
8) Christmas carolers
9) Singing "Joy To The World" at the top of my lungs when I'm alone in the car
10) Tree lightings
11) Watching my girlfriends fight over silly prizes at my ornament party
12) Our annual Christmas dinner
13) Reading the Christmas Story on Christmas morning
14) Watching the joy in my children's eyes over little things like our snowman snowglobe and lighted ginger bread house
15) Looking forward to my children's excitement on Christmas morning
16) The smell of a live Christmas tree in the house

Reneging on the baby Jesus

2008-12-19T11:06:00.001-08:00

As Christmas gets closer, I have found a new love and appreciation for one piece of the holiday decor. Every time I enter my family room, I find myself skipping over the lights and the adorable ornaments that have caught my attention so many times in the past, and instead being drawn to the nativity scene on my hearth. I admit that in the past I have taken this sweet piece of symbolism for granted. I would put it under my tree or on a shelf merely for decoration - never taking even 5 seconds to consider what it really means and why we put it out for Christmas. Oh, of course, I know the nativity represents the story of Jesus' birth and the true meaning of Christmas: I haven't forgotten that. Just singing the words of "Away In A Manger" and "Silent Night" can make me teary-eyed in a instant. Every bell I hear from the Salvation Army bucket or every child's request I pick off the angel tree at church reminds me that there is so much more to Christmas than Santa or gifts. God gave us his Son so we could be saved and know a better life... isn't that what we should be doing for others at this time of year: giving to those less fortunate; offering a hand to someone in need; showing love to those who love you and even those who don't. These are the things that God did for us so many years ago when He gave us the greatest gift and these are the things He would want us to do in celebration of Jesus' birth. At least that's what I think, and when I look at my nativity scene I am reminded of that and so much more.

Our neighbors and good friends down the street were "given" an inflatable nativity scene for their front yard. It is definitely one of those situations where they are trying to embrace the spirit for which this gift was given... and put aside their lack of desire for displaying it. (They subscribe to the belief that inflatables in the yard are on the tacky side, but all of the children on the street (including their own) love it so much that they didn't have the heart to take it down.) Well, as you can imagine, Paisley just adores their "gift" and wants to go see Mary, the baby Jesus and the 3 wise men(s) (as she calls them) everyday. Last week, I mentioned the word "gold" in relation to the color of my nail polish, and she said (pointing to my toes) "yes, this one is gold, this one is myrrh, and this one is frankincense." Then she added, "Let's take the 3 wise men(s) in Carter's yard some gifts too". I asked her what she had in mind and she replied "Lollipops."

So we did.

We took Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus and the 3 wise men(s) some Dum Dums. And she gave them to each one of them with such care and love... only she reneged about 10 minutes into it. I guess we really are all plagued by greed and desire. What can I say! My daughter is an indian giver to the baby Jesus. I guess of all people, He will understand. Thank goodness for forgiveness!

I was afraid of this...

2008-12-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

It was bound to happen - I knew it was too good to be true. Ever since Paisley was born she has loved people in costume. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Elmo, or Disney characters - it really doesn't matter how big or who - she absolutely adores them. She even loved the inflatable "Shrek the Vampire" (as many of you may remember from our christmas card last year) that comes to our neighbors front yard each October. There is not much in this world that frightens Paisley.

For the past 3 years, I have watched so many children scream and cry as they approached Santa or were placed on his lap... and I'd feel bad for their parents because I couldn't imagine having that situation. My biggest concern has always been how to get Paisley away from Santa Claus once her turn is finished. She just loves him so much that she never wants it to end.

I had a feeling Colby might be different. His personality is clingier for one thing (I just love the way he holds onto me when we're out and about but it doesn't bode well for exploring new things). My next clue was that he gets frightened by things a little easier than Paisley does and is a little more cautious. And then there were those adorable characters at Disneyworld. He loved looking at them, but the moment they got too close or tried to hold him, he wanted none of it. So... I was dreading our visit to Santa Claus. It started out as I expected it would but he actually warmed up a bit. Here is some video for you to share in the experience:

Mama, my belly is getting bigger!

2008-12-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

Paisley told me tonight that her belly is getting bigger. I look at it and it seems the same as always.

I said "What do you mean? Did you eat too much dinner?"

"No," she says " my belly is getting bigger. It's going to grow bigger and bigger and bigger... because I have a baby inside it. Tonight I'm going to have a baby."

"Oh." I say. Stunned. Where did she pick this up? Sure, I've had several pregnant friends over the past year and even her aunt had a baby in August but no one in our lives has been pregnant lately. I can't help but wonder why she is focused on this all of the sudden.

"Yes, and I'm going to have the baby tonight," she continues, "and I will name her Katie. I love her so much - my baby Katie."

And with that she walked away.

Interesting.

From the mouths of babes...

Happy Birthday, Kenny!

2008-12-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

In honor of your birthday, here's a treat from the kids.

Enjoy!

In Memory of My Granddad

2008-12-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today would have been my granddad's 91st birthday. He died earlier this year just after celebrating the big 9-0 with his 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was a Presbyterian minister and many of you met him when officiated at our wedding, or when he baptized my children. He was always there for me when it was most important - and, actually, even when it wasn't so important. He was just there - plain and simple! I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have shared such precious moments in my life with him and to have introduced him to his only 2 great-grandchildren... whom he absolutely cherished. The look of pride in his eyes when he spoke of Paisley or Colby, or when he showed them off to his friends at the retirement home, was something I'll cherish forever. I will do my best over the years to adequately convey to my children how much their great-grandfather adored them. I know I'll never do it justice, but I hope they will feel his love in my words. Paisley still remembers him and speaks of him occasionally. I hope she never forgets... although I'm afraid she will. He was a loving father, a proud grandfather and a doting great-grandfather. Above all, he loved the Lord and served him as much as anyone on this earth could. I feel confident that when he arrived in heaven, God embraced him and said "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21) I know my grandmother was waiting with loving arms - probably saying "what took you so long!" It gives me great comfort to think of them up there together - there is no where else my granddad wanted to be. But I still miss him! Selfishly, I wasn't ready for him to go - I wanted more time.

I would encourage you to take a moment to give someone you love a call today: a grandparent, a parent, an aunt. You just never know what tomorrow may bring.

In loving memory of William H. Boyd:

how I miss him so!

The Passing of the Paci

2008-12-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

Paisley has decided (on her own) that she doesn't need her paci anymore. It wasn't really a decision so much as she just stopped asking for it one day and we stopped giving it. This has been more of a bittersweet event for me than I could have predicted. Let me explain why...

When I was pregnant with Paisley, I was adamant I would never give her a pacifier. I made this decision based on countless articles I read in my MANY pregnancy books, magazines, blogs, etc. (I obviously had way too much time on my hands with my 1st pregnancy for the amount of reading I was able to do). The articles that swayed me claimed that giving a baby a pacifier might cause "nipple confusion" in a breastfed baby... and since I wanted desperately to breastfeed for a year, I did not want any of the above confusion for my little one. Skip ahead to the night after she was born in the hospital. I was having trouble sleeping with her in my room because I was so fearful of SIDS so I asked the nurse to take her to the nursery for a few hours allowing me some rest. The older, seemingly wiser, and extremely blunt nurse asked me if she was allowed to have a paci when she cried and I said (drowsily) "No, I don't want her to have nipple confusion" to which the nurse harshly replied, "Oh, that's bunk! You don't need to worry about that, she'll be fine". And in my exhausted and slightly startled state (the nurse was a little harsh about it), I caved and said it was fine to give her a pacifier.

Thus began a long love affair between Paisley and her paci.

She absolutely adored that darn thing and it quieted her within seconds. I must admit, I grew to love it too. Paisley was a great baby and didn't cry often, but on the off-moment when she did get upset about something, that paci was always a sure and steady friend until I could feed her, change her or put her to bed. However, when she turned one... paci was TOO good of a friend and we had trouble weaning her off. She had that thing in her mouth for more pictures than not. And it only got worse... soon we couldn't go anywhere without it.

When she turned 2 years old, I decided it was fine that she had one because she'd be seeing her baby brother with a pacifier in his mouth and inevitably she'd want one too. Colby, on the other hand, was fine with one on occasion but really didn't prefer it for most of his infant life. In fact, it wasn't until I had pushed it on him so long that he finally began asking for it at 10 months (just before I was going to make his paci "disappear"). Yes, he too, decided it was his best friend. (Sigh). Now he's completely addicted and asks for it all the time. Here we go again...

The good news is that I had heard horror stories of kids in Kindergarten still wanting their paci and I feared Paisley might fall into that category. But we made some rules where paci was only allowed at bedtime, and we stopped giving it to her unless she asked for it... and all of the sudden she didn't ask one night... or the next... or the next. It was almost too easy... (almost)!

Here's the bittersweet part. I am thrilled on one hand - it was easier than I thought and pretty much a "non-event" - and I'm mourning on the other - does this mean she's not my baby anymore? The passing of the paci seems to have saddened me more than it's saddened her. I know I should just focus on the positive... her dentist will be thrilled; there wasn't any begging, pleading or tantrums; no heart-wrenching nights; and let's not forget that I don't have to search for that darn thing all over the house on a daily basis anymore and the world won't have to stop when we can't find it. Yet I have a 3.5 year old daughter who is growing up too fast and I can't stop the runaway train no matter how hard I try. The passing of the paci is symbolic to me of what is to come. In my eyes, she now seems so much older than her true age... and so much less of my little baby. I can see her with her first prom date. There she is leaving the house for college. I can envision her walking down the aisle to start her life with someone new. Here I am still clinging to her "babyness" with everything I have; and, for me, her pacifier played an important role in helping me do that. I will celebrate this exciting transition...soon. But for now I am going to mourn a bit.

Today, it's goodbye paci. Tomorrow, it's goodbye baby.

Thanksgiving with "The Mouse"

2008-12-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving this year at Disneyworld in Florida. It was Paisley's and Colby's 1st visit to Disney and, for me and Curtis - it was our 1st WITH kids. The best news is that we survived and even left with smiles on our faces. Paisley-rella, as we called her, had breakfast with the princesses Saturday morning. She was over the top with excitement! Cinderella, Snow White, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty and Belle all in one room! What more could a little girl want?!

We packed our 4 days with character breakfasts, the Spectromagic parade, fireworks, a safari at the Animal Kingdom, a very cool production of "Finding Nemo: The Musical" which was done with amazing puppets (and one of my favorite things we did), a visit to the Lego Store in downtown Disney, as well as rides, junk food, swimming at the pool, Blizzard Beach and loads of fun! The kids were exhausted every day - not to mention their parents!
Thank you, Mickey and Minnie, for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Our 5th Anniversary

2008-12-01T20:37:00.001-08:00

Curtis and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary just before Thanksgiving. We were able to get a night away without the kids thanks to my mom and dad. It was a win-win situation... we got to celebrate adult-style (in other words - we didn't have to attempt an adult conversation over refereeing fights between Thing 1 and Thing 2... and we got to sleep in past 6:30 am). It was really, really nice! And mom and dad got to take the grandbabies to the OR Children's Museum and the Light Festival. Needless to say, the kids had a blast too!

In honor of our fifth anniversary, Curtis indulged me just a bit with something I've always wanted to do (at least since I was in college and watched that famous "Friend's" episode where Monica tries on a wedding gown and cries when she has to take it off...) - we had a wedding dress party (where everyone dresses in their wedding attire) with some of our closest friends. And yes, in case you are wondering... everyone invited either wore their original wedding attire, a white dress or a bridesmaids dress (suits or tuxes for the guys). It was great fun!

Time to decorate for Christmas

2008-12-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

People like to decorate their houses for Christmas.

Some go overboard, there is no denying it. There have been rumors of people investing $500,000 or more on outdoor decorations (see pictures above and below). That seems just crazy to me. While I will confess to being a bit of a decorating addict, I wouldn't say I go overboard (but who actually admits that about themselves anyway)? I just love to decorate my house for holidays - not just Christmas, but for all of them (to my husband's chagrin). I have boxes and boxes of holiday decor for everything from Valentine's Day to 4th of July to Christmas. My favorite holidays (which coincidentally are also the ones for which I have the most decorations) are fall and Christmas. It just so happens that those are also the most time consuming (as I have WAY too much stuff, according to Curtis).

I prefer to celebrate the "season of fall", instead of celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving individually, for several reasons. First of all, I don't care so much for the choices in Halloween decor (they are rather creepy and there is something strange about hanging dead bones and evil spirits across my house as decoration). Second, it makes it last longer if I can put everything up in September and leave it up until after Thanksgiving. With a 3 year old and an 18 month old, I can barely get my decorations changed out on a timely basis, so it's nice to be able to spread out each changing of the "fluff". Plus, don't you think we all rush a bit too much through the holidays these days? I feel like Christmas decorations are on the shelves in Walmart in September now... wasn't there a time when we used to wait to decorate until after the previous holiday had passed? Several of my neighbors decorated their houses for Christmas before November 1st this year and I know that when we were in Disney last week - they were already playing Christmas music and decked out in wreaths and holiday evergreen. It was beautiful but where is Thanksgiving? It seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle.

So, this year I am grateful for time. Time to reflect and appreciate the moment rather than always rushing through. I promise to appreciate each Christmas wreath, and the twinkle of all of the lights. I promise to enjoy the music and sing at the top of my lungs in my car to my favorite Christmas carols. And I promise to not forget the TRUE meaning of the season - the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

Ah... but for now, I am wading through box after box of Christmas decorations and wondering when the house will finally be back in order. Falalalala...lala...la...la.

Note: the pictures included in this article are not my house, nor do I know the owners of this holiday spectacle. Rumor has it the owner is a nice man with too much money who loves to decorate his house in $500,000 worth of lights and sounds for the rest of us to enjoy.

Brian and Lu's Wedding

2008-11-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I'm EXTREMELY tardy in getting this done (sorry, Brian and Lu)... but life always seems soooo busy with a 3 year old and a 1 year old around - some days I'm not sure I get anything productive done! Anyway, back in July we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the last Dogpound member (i.e. Darkman) tie the knot. It was wonderful to visit with good friends and be part of such a blessed and happy occasion. There is no doubt that Brian and Lu were meant to find each other in this world. They are such a beautiful couple.

I have put together a little video of some shots I took at the wedding. I hope you enjoy it. (press the play button below the screen to start)

Ready for Winter?

2008-11-18T05:31:00.000-08:00

Paisley may not mind the cold weather as much as I do (I prefer to never be cold if I can help it)... but at least it seems she inherited my desire to be fashionable no matter what the circumstances. The following are a few pics of her as we took a walk in the cold the other day. Perfectly accessorized and matching from head to toe! I love it! (And she picked everything out herself!)

Colby's 1st girlfriend??

2008-11-16T10:42:00.001-08:00

Colby and Katie were so cute cheering us on for the 3-day walk. I keep saying miss Katie could do worse than my sweet lil' southern gentleman. I snapped these photos of them together - they were just too cute. In the first picture, Katie makes the first move by putting her hand on his knee. Colby catches on in the 2nd photo and finally takes her hand. At that point, she's just in awe and Colby is looking to Randy for approval! See! I told you he's a little gentleman!

Lil' Miss Fashionable!

2008-11-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I saw this really cute outfit months ago and bought it for Miss P. I knew it was cute, but I never realized how adorable (and in style) it really was until I dressed Paisley in it for school the other day. Curtis said she looked like "Lil' Miss Fashionable" (which was kinda true) so I just HAD to take a picture of her in it! Enjoy!

Yes, we did it! We are City Champs!!

2008-11-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

The awesome Overlook "foxy" Foxes (one of the finalists for our new team name... since we really didn't have one before) won their first City Championship (the first of many, we hope... oh, is that greedy??) last weekend. It was very exciting to say the least!! I'm so proud of these ladies - we fought for many matches and pulled out a win! It feels good to have that gorgeous silver plate on my shelf too! Below are pictures of our team right after winning the championship and also of me and my partner, Beth... who is just awesome to have as a partner and a great friend too. You rock, miss Beth!! There are not many as quick as you at the net! Go Overlook Ladies - awesome job! Now, go home and eat some yummy cake off your new plates!

Prayer for our Nation

2008-11-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Beth Moore posted the following on her blog... and it's very powerful. Regardless of who you voted for in this election, we need to stand united behind our new President. We are, afterall, the UNITED States of America!! And is there any of us who cannot appreciate the history that has been made this year now that we have elected our first African-American president! I am proud that I live in a country where someone can be President regardless of the color of his/her skin or ethnic background. May God bless America!
Lisa
-------------------------
A United House by Beth Moore
To my beloved Sisters who I esteem so highly and consistently find to be part of the solution to our problems in the Church rather than the cause,

Please join me in praying for our President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and his precious daughters, Sasha and Malia. Go with me before the Throne of our sovereign God and ask Him to grant wisdom from above to President-elect Obama and the indwelling presence and power of Jesus Christ. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..."

Please also join me in the active and deliberate pursuit of unity and purity in the Body of Christ at this historical time in our country. I implore you in Jesus' Name to have zero tolerance for prejudice whether it is regarding party-affiliation, color (whether you are Black, White, or Brown), economics or the like. Disagreement is not sin. Prejudice is. Satan has plotted events and planted attitudes that, should he be successful, will result in havoc. We must not stand for his schemes or cooperate in a single way. We would severely displease God and invite untold chastisement upon Christ's Church in our nation. Speak clearly to your children and graciously but emphatically draw a line in your work places and social circles regarding your stand against prejudice of any kind.

"Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'" (Matthew 12:25) A united house stands. A divided house falls. The devil has much to gain. But he also has much to lose.

We are the Body of Jesus Christ and we have an opportunity to show His character. This is our watch. We stand for what is right not from our feet but from our knees. I humble myself before you and make these pleas under such bold direction of God that I could not resist it nor disobey it. He made it a fire in my bones. I love and esteem you so much. Shoulder to shoulder, Dear Siestas. Let's leave not one inch for the enemy to come between us.

"Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder." Zephaniah 3:9

How to best serve Princess Paisley

2008-11-02T01:57:00.000-07:00

Carter and Paisley were playing outside the other day (I should mention that Paisley decided to wear her Halloween costume of The Little Mermaid on this particular day - heels, tiara and all). Well, needless to say it's a little difficult to run and play when you're in complete princess garb... and as a result, Paisley kept losing her tiara!

The conversation below is what I overheard at one point when Carter offered to help fix her tiara. He started to put it on upside down, but Paisley quickly corrected him.

Paisley: "No Carter, that's not right."
Carter: "Oh, okay."
Paisley: "Let me show you how to put my tiara on me... and then you will know how to do it, okay?"
Carter: "Okay."
Paisley: "And then I'll show Kelsey (Carter's 9 month old baby sister) how to put it on me too... so everybody will know how to put my tiara on for me... ok?"
Carter: "Sure."

My, my! I wasn't aware that we had royalty living in our house.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween! We did!

The Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk - Oct. 24-26th

2008-10-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well... I did it! Friday the 24th we walked in 40 degree temperatures with cold wind and rain (it was miserable to tell you the truth), but I walked every mile of the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, I feel like I have a greater awareness of what really matters on this earth and I hope I am a better person because of it. Our team raised over $40,000 (not bad for 12 of us) and as a whole, Susan G. Koman raised $8.3 million from the Atlanta event. There were 3700 walkers, and countless crew and volunteers... all of whom made this weekend special beyond compare. I feel blessed to have shared it with some wonderful girlfriends!! Even saw a few faces from my past and made some new friends along the way! A BIG shout-out to my team - "Team Pink-A-Licious" - Kelli Barber, Joli Burt, Hope Cushen, Candace Crosby, Kristin Santa Maria, Stacy Benz, Yvette Wolfrom, Dena Colburn, Stephanie Woell and Charmaine Lindstrom. (Judith - we missed you!!). You girls rock!! And as always, my walk was dedicated to my grandmother (a victim of breast cancer), my mom (with the hope that she never has to battle it), my daughter (so that she will one day read about breast cancer in the history books), and my 2 friends - Lea Ann Barnes and Teresa Howard (both survivors of breast cancer). These ladies were my inspiration over those long, cold miles!! Thank you to everyone who loved and supported me on this journey. Words cannot express my gratitude!

I put together a little video of my pictures from the weekend in an attempt to give you a taste of what it was like for us. It is a little over 6 minutes long, but I think it goes pretty quick. Enjoy it when you have the time! (Just click on the play button below the screen to see it.)

My daughter, the weatherman (er... woman)!

2008-10-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

The other day, my mom was in town visiting. First thing in the morning, she was playing with Paisley in our playroom. Paisley opened the shutters, looked outside and declared "Nana, it's going to be wet today!" My mom looked outside and asked Paisley why she thought that. (All the while noticing that there were black clouds in the sky and it did appear that it might rain). Paisley said, "See those black clouds - that means it's going to be wet."

Crazy thing is... it really did rain!
Who knew my daughter could predict the weather?
Al Roker, watch out!!

Random things you may not know about me... and may not care!

2008-10-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

1. Fall is my favorite season
2. I am a HUGE college football fan - and before kids, I used to watch it from 10 am to midnight on Saturdays in the fall
3. I read my magazines from the back to the front
4. I brush my teeth with warm water
5. I microwave my ice cream for a few seconds before I eat it
6. I can't stand to get my socks wet
7. I get teary eyed sometimes at the hymns in church
8. I have a ritual to how I eat my banana
9. I love photography
10. I have a celebrity crush on Harry Connick, Jr. and Lance Armstrong
11. I hate sales people bothering me while I shop
12. I have been known more than once to finish off a whole box of Girl Scout "Thin Mint" cookies in one setting
13. Crooked pictures on the wall drive me crazy
14. I have to read for at least a few seconds every night before I go to bed
15. Flip-flops are my shoe of choice
16. I hate to finish a good novel
17. I love the Olympics
18. I can't stand for any dirt to get on my sheets (so I'll wash my feet or put socks on before I go to bed)
19. I am double jointed in my shoulders
20. I love to sleep with the fan on

Ok... so I wasn't really back!

2008-10-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

In my last post on Oct. 2nd, I said I was back. And the scary part is that I actually meant it... I just couldn't sustain it. Life is crazy sometimes and this fall has definitely been crammed full of stuff for all of us. Anyway, please forgive my time away from blogging. I really do love it and plan to do it as regularly as I can. It just seems to be at the bottom of my priority list most days. And sometimes my brain just doesn't work at 1 am. :-) But thanks for checking in occasionally and I hope to get an entry of interest here and there for you to read.

I'm back!

2008-10-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since my last blog. I have such good intentions, but somehow life always gets in the way. After being gone to Las Vegas for a week in September (to debut the bizzyBee), then off to the beach in FL with the kids for the following week, plus spending a long Labor Day weekend on the Chesapeake Bay as a family... and having a few crazy moments (i.e. our dog in the emergency room for 10 long, scary days)... I hope most of my distractions are in the past for a while and I will be more focused at blogging from now on.

I want to say first and foremost... I LOVE SARAH PALIN!! She speaks to me on so many levels - she is a mom, she is willing to stand up and make this world better for her kids (and for all of our kids), she is REAL (and not some seasoned politician that can't take a stand on anything for fear of losing his job in an election year), and she is fun to watch (especially when she is in her natural element). I just love her and I think she has electrified the republican party in such a strong way!

Go Sarah Go!