Growing Girl

Chloe hit her 7 month birthday on Saturday and has been doing one new thing after another! She says "Ma Ma" constantly, despite all Shawn's efforts to get "Da Da" out first. :) She is sitting up better and better each day and now yesterday got her fist tooth! She has another one coming right behind that one. My angel baby has turned into...well, quite the opposite at bedtime the past couple of days and I am hoping that is the reason. I know, having my own toothache, how miserable it makes me and it is so much worse at night. The other kids teethed much later than this and handled it really well. Teeth would pop through, and I wouldn't even know it, but I guess Chloe can't be perfect at everything! :)

Here she is enjoying her first steak with her new tooth!

A Crafty Day

After two days sick, Connor seems to be doing better today. His social sister has been going crazy at home. She missed her Bible class on Tuesday and her cooking class yesterday and was absolutely distraught at the thought of staying home another day. I really didn't want to take them anywhere with other kids just yet, or where they would be too active as I am hoping to avoid a set back. After brain storming for a bit, I decided that we would run up to Hobby Lobby and let them pick out a project to come home and work on. They had fun searching the aisles for the perfect thing. Connor found a Nemo foam picture frame kit and Summer got an embroidery kit - just like Grandma's! (Both items were at the end of the aisle clearance sections - SCORE!) Since we had saved money :) we drove through the root beer stand on the way home and got root beer floats and cheese curds. (Yes...cheese curds! not as good as WI ones, but as close as we can get in FL!) It was a fun, little outing. Connor has assembled his picture frame already and it looks pretty cute! They are now watching the movie "Cars" and Summer is busy embroidering a "firecracker" between the good parts. So far today, no one has a sign of a fever. Maybe we are in the clear...I will be so thankful!

Sick Boy

Wow, looking at those pictures from yesterday, I can't believe how different Connor looks today. He woke up at 6:00 a.m. with a 102 temp. Luckily, it has only been 102...he tends to run high temps. We have seen him with 105 before. That is his only symptom so far, and hopefully the only one. Yesterday he played so hard and ate so much, but he is like a different kid today. I can only get him to drink apple juice (his favorite thing) and eat a couple crackers. He has barely moved from the couch.
:( He keeps asking me to pray for him...so, I am asking you all too as well, if you wouldn't mind. He wants to feel better so bad so he can play...you know, the important life of a three year old.:) I will try to post some sad pictures of him later, but right now, he wants me rock him...and I just can't refuse!

Memorial Day

We laid low today. We did some cleaning, yard work, and took naps. This evening the kids played hard outside while Shawn grilled us a yummy dinner. It was a nice day off.

But it is more than that to so many. Many families have loved ones serving far away, many have some that have lost their lives. We are thankful. And we remember...

Just a few pics from our day...

Day at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Friday, (yes, I am a bit behind!) I took the kids over to spend the day at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They always stay so busy! They run from one thing to the next faster than anyone can keep up. Golf cart rides, horsey rides, playground, sandbox, driving the play car, swimming...the list goes on and on. We (every singe one of us!) always leave tired.

Both girls received rides at Grandma's and Grandpa's house. Summer has been on a horse before, but this was Chloe's first golf cart ride!

I have pictures of Connor too...but he wouldn't stand still so they are all blurry! Rest assured he wasn't left out!

Blue Shoe, Black Shoe

Yep, that was me for half the day yesterday...completely oblivious that my shoes didn't match. I rushed out the door like I always do when I have to be somewhere at a certain time. I am sure you moms understand (or at least I am hoping you do!) Connor wanted to put his own socks on, so I tried to wait patiently all the while watching the clock. Whew! He gets done, socks on, shoes on. Now, to check on Summer (who also likes to "do it myself")...she has on a cute pink outfit and bright blue socks pulled up to her knees with pink shoes on. Oh, this isn't going to work! So I get her socks changed, as the phone rings. Grab Chloe, put her in the carrier, run to my room and into my dark closet and slip on a pair of my many flip flops (yes, it is an obsession!), hang up the phone and out the door I go. We meet Auntie Debbie for her birthday lunch, back home for a quick poopy diaper change and then to Target. Oh, but we didn't actually get to go in Target because as soon as I get ALL the kids out of the car, I realize when I ran in the house "real quick", I must have taken the diaper bag and now LEFT IT THERE. The diaper bag holds my wallet, money, driver license, everything! I had the car keys, and the phone so I called Shawn as I headed home, nearly in tears. "I didn't want to go to Target by myself with all three kids anyway!" But Chloe was nearly out of food. I wasn't sure if she would make it until Shawn got home (she did!) but I just couldn't go back. By this time it was raining and I was in no mood, especially after arriving home and taking off my flip flops to discover that one was blue and one was black.

Mellow Monday

Today was a restful one after a busy weekend. Even when we have "no plans" our weekends always end up full. We started the day by sleeping in...or the kids at least. Connor was the first one up, he came meandering out somewhere around 9:15, Chloe soon followed and then my big sleepy head, Summer woke up about 10 but didn't get out of bed for at least another 15 minutes! I forgot what good sleepers I have when I don't have to get them up and out of the house. Maybe the summer break won't be so bad! :)

Here are some highlights from our day at home...dress - up: (Poor Connor had to play "princess")...

Playing "Movie Theator" - movie, lights out, popcorn...not sure where the blankets and pillows come in, but whatever...

And, can't forget Chloe - my happy girl up from nap time...

Thinking about making "Mellow Monday" a tradition for the summer. Every other day of the week we have something scheduled except Mondays...I think I might try to hold us to "nothing" and see how it goes. I will keep you posted! :)

I Love Tuesdays! (And It's Not About Me)

A weird title for a post written late Thursday night/early Friday morning, I know. I would have written it Tuesday had I had the mental energy.

Every Tuesday evening I go to Panera and spend the evening hours pouring over Bible Study with my dear friend Tara. I treasure this time more than words. Not only is it a slow pace and quiet atmosphere after a busy day; it is valued time with a precious friend. The seeds of our friendship were planted at Bible Study. Two years later the roots grow deep in the soil of accountability, honesty, love and understanding. They have been watered by tears; fed by laughter, countless prayers and Starbucks. :) “Friends love through all kinds of weather….” (Proverbs 17:17 The Message). Her friendship to me is invaluable and I pray it lasts a lifetime!

This Tuesday we just finished the book “Its Not About Me” by Max Lucado. It was perfect timing…God’s timing. We started it not long after I had Chloe and she had her baby girl. I can’t speak for Tara, but I was all wrapped up in my little world. My hormones were in full swing and many sleepless nights were spent in tears. I would look over at the book sitting on my stand. I hadn’t opened it yet but just the title made me scream under my breath (so not to wake the rest of the house), “Yes, God, it is all about me right now! I need sleep…I need help…I need…” And God heard. He knew what I needed more than I knew and so Tara and I started this study. It shook me, it was hard to swallow at times, it knocked me to my knees but it was good. So many things learned; so many things I don’t want to forget. I started writing them down and then thought I would share them with you.

I learned how deep selfishness runs in our culture…how deep it runs in *gulp* me. Leaving no one untouched, selfishness runs through our veins, urging us to make a name for ourselves…look out for ourselves. It promises happiness but only leaves chaos.

I learned that I needed a change. I needed a glimpse of God’s glory. Max said, “When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God himself, we cross a threshold.” I want to cross that threshold! My own prayers convicted me. Even when I was praying to God…it was still all about me.

I learned that my daily life needed to reflect God’s glory, even in the little things. Anything can give Him glory, if I mean for it too. Nothing matters but what is done for Him and it is only through Him that my life has meaning. Moreover, if I succeed at anything, it is only because of Him.

I discovered that God just keeps getting bigger to me. Just when I think I have Him figured out, He blows my mind with something more and then He brings me to my knees with His amazing love that seeks after me, even me.

I was reminded, at just the right time, that God never changes. In the midst of changing churches, moving friends and adjusting to a new addition, Max reminded me that the Lord is the same, yesterday today and forever.

I learned that the world doesn’t need more of me, it needs more of God. I need to get out of the way. People need to see Him – His love, His grace – not me. My goal needs to be that people know His name, not mine.

And finally, this book ended by giving me a completely new outlook (a life changing outlook) on the third commandment. But I am going to bed :)…if you want to find out what that is; you will have to check out the book! It will be well worth the read, I promise!

Congratulations, Graduate!

Today was Summer's much awaited preschool graduation. It was SOOO cute! Complete with cap, gown and diplomas, the kids closed this chapter in their lives and prepared for the new adventure of kindergarten! I have to admit, I fought tears on a couple of occasions, but I haven't been the only one. Summer has turned on the waterworks several times throughout the day. This first happened right after the ceremony when she realized that she was coming home with us and not going back to class. The second big occurrence happened after we were home, Daddy had just left for work and I was walking out of the bathroom. A little girl came running into me, sobbing...and do I mean sobbing. Summer is a great actress and can turn on the tears almost on command, but these were real and I couldn't help but cry with her. I know it is only preschool, just one graduation of many...but I also know with each one she will be less little girl and I won't be able to cradle her in my lap as she cries.

I have been somewhat dreading the summer break with all three kids, but I am going to try hard to hold on to each day. We have lots of fun things planned and I know the time will fly. Before I know it she will starting her first day of kindergarten, then first grade...Connor will be in preschool and then Chloe...and I will be alone during the day. My days maybe stressed or a little crazy, but I know they are fleeting and need to be cherished. My little ones are precious and the time spent with them is priceless.

Oh, and I have to share...Summer keeps us smiling even through tears. She has been talking about missing her friends but especially her teacher. I told her that next year, in kindergarten she will have another teacher she will love just as much. She responds with, "I know, Mom, but then I will have to leave her too and go to first grade...so I am just going to be sad all the time!" And the tears started all over. :) Oh, the drama...but again...I know this is only the beginning!!

Sorry, it is so dark... if you can make her out, Summer is the smiling graduate in the background there...

Receiving her diploma from, the much loved and greatly missed, Mrs. Landy...
Future High School Graduate of the Class of 2020....The tears are starting...

The graduate and two future Sharing Tree Preschoolers...

Our little kindergartner...we are so proud you, sweet Summer!

Connor's Day!

The weekend was Chloe's dedication and today was Summer's graduation, so Grandpa decided Connor, being the ignored (as if Connor would really let that happen!) middle child, needed some special one on one time. Yesterday he came and got a very excited little boy in the morning and brought back a sleeping one that evening. Connor had a packed lunch, went to Dairy Queen for dessert, helped Grandpa in the garden (Mommy got the benefits of that...he brought home lots of lettuce, green beans, peas, peppers, cucumbers and onions!), drove the play car, played on the playground and so much more! He loved it!! It was a special day and he will be talking about it for quite awhile, I am sure!


Here he is, all ready to go, waiting on Grandpa.

Midnight the Cow

We just got home from Karen's book signing at Barnes and Noble here in town. There was a great turn out and tons for kids to do! They acted out the book while Karen read it, had a Midnight the Cow craft, balloon animals and face painting. So much fun!!! Karen stayed busy the whole time signing away! It is a great book!! We have our own signed copy. :) If you would like to purchase a copy go to www.authorhouse.com - ISBN: 9781425934811 or you can just type in her name. (If you look to left on the above picture you can see Summer, Kayla, Josh, Michaela and Brian watching the play.)

Dedication

Chloe's Dedication Dinner

Chloe is being dedicated tomorrow at church. They had a special dinner and prayer for each family participating tonight. Shawn's Mom, Grandma, my Mom and Dad all came and joined us. It was a nice way to celebrate Mother's Day eve. I wanted to share some pictures. Enjoy!

I heard that my pictures were too small before so I am making them bigger. :) Hope that helps!

Have a Happy Mother's Day!!

Passed Out

Chloe had quite the Friday night. Maybe she partied a little too hard? Drank a little too much? (milk that is!)

We just finished dinner and the kids were bouncing off the walls, Chloe was crying, Mommy was hurting again and Daddy was tired from a long day at work. What do you do? You get everyone in bed...FAST! Daddy got Chloe, Mommy made a bottle. We put her on our bed to eat while Daddy grabbed Summer and got her all ready for bed. Mommy did the same to Connor. We both arrive back to get Chloe at about the same time and this is what we find...

Happy Birthday, Summer?

Summer's teacher called last week and asked if I would be able to come into school today. They wanted to celebrate her birthday early since they would be missing it over the break. Summer was thrilled!!! I brought in donuts and everyone sang to her. She sat in the middle of the table and Connor sat next to her. They were so cute together. At home they fight and pick on each other continually, but there...they were the best of friends! Summer loved showing off him and Chloe. As we were leaving she came and planted a big kiss on Connor's face...that NEVER happens!! And of course, I forgot the camera at home! :(

Today was her last Friday there...only three more days and then graduation. She is handling it much better than I am! She brought home a scrapbook they had made of the year and I cried looking at it. Amazing how much she has grown (mentally that is - physically she is still the same size!) and learned just this year. She also brought home her report card and it says she is all ready for kindergarten...she finally even mastered skipping! :)

Oh, Me of Little Faith

I have been dreading today all week. Didn't sleep at all last night because every time I would doze off I would see visions of masked dentists with big knifes...cutting and blood. I was just a little nervous about my tooth being removed today. :) Oddly, what made me the most scared was that I would be awake through the procedure. My mind is what gets me in trouble each time I have something medical done. It makes me freak...panic. I was worried that as soon as I saw an instrument or blood, I would be off and running. I have used towels before to make sure I didn't see anything (be quiet, Tara!) :) but wasn't sure how that would work at the dentist.

"Be anxious about NOTHING! Pray about EVERYTHING!" (That is my paraphrase of Philippians 4:6). I have been repeating this in my head for days, but I am just not getting it through this anxious head of mine! What is it going to take before I learn I do not need to worry, I just need to pray?

So, today I fearfully walked into the dentist office. Sat there waiting with sweaty palms and jumped every time the door opened. I held my breath as a name was called and started breathing again when it wasn't me. And then...it was me. I managed to somehow make my feet walk to the back even though every other part of me was screaming at them to run the other direction!

The assistant came in...followed by the dentist...they did x-rays. They examined my teeth...and you know what??? They didn't do the surgery!

Yes, I fretted and lost sleep for nothing! I am still going to have it done, but they decided (with my help :) ) that they would take all my wisdom teeth out at once and (the best part!) put me under!! It is being rescheduled and probably a couple of weeks away. I have more wonderful pain meds, so I can make it until then. I am breathing a sigh of relief for now. I may start worrying again as it gets closer (probably more about the IV and recovery since that is what I will be awake for) but I am really hoping by then I can grasp the concept of NOT being anxious, but instead praying and trusting God to get me through. It is good to know He is faithful, even when I am not.

Shawn had the day off work and my Mom and Dad were at the house babysitting so we took the opportunity to go on a date instead! We did make sure Grandma and Grandpa were up for it first, but then headed off to lunch and a movie. Way more fun than the dentist!!

All that worrying over such a good day!

Our Summer Princess

Summer stayed home from school this morning. She woke up with a sore throat, but it quickly went away when she found out I was going to keep her home. She loves school and has gone before just to get there and throw up. She will not tell me when she is sick, so it makes it very difficult trying to decide what to do. I finally decided I would feel best having her here where I could keep an eye on her. She was so upset about missing today! But once she gave up on trying to convince me she was okay, she made her bed on the couch and asked for chicken noodle soup. Not sure if this means she really isn't feeling well, or just decided to milk it for all its worth. :) She loves school but she also loves being the princess!




She only has two more weeks left and then we will have a preschool graduate on our hands! Mommy will have all three kids home full time for the first time. I am a little scared, but also looking forward to more relaxed week days...or at least that is what I am HOPING for! :)

Happy Birthday, Kayla!

Today was Kayla's birthday party at Pottery Works. It was very unique and lots of fun! The kids painted a piece of pottery and it is being fired and returned to us next week. There were some rules about painting the pottery, such as painting over it three times and using the lightest colors first. Yea, those were completely ignored by Summer and Connor! It will be interesting to see how their pieces actually turned out! But they made memories and will have a special keepsake to remember it by. The party was a great hit! We may just have to go back!

Humbled...

I climbed to high and lofty places, searching for God. Surly, the higher I went the nearer I would be. My heart’s desire was to walk where He walked and to love what He loved. I wanted the knowledge and wisdom of one who walked with Him. I clung to His words, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” (Jeremiah 29-13-14) He had made the promise and I believed Him.

However, it was as if something was keeping me from getting closer to Him. I clung to my well worn Road Map, bowed my head and begged of the High and Exalted One to let me find Him so I could dwell in His presence day and night. I pleaded with my Lord to remove whatever it was that was keeping me from seeing Him.

“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?” (Isaiah 40:26)

I fell to my knees at the sound of His voice, but out of obedience my eyes took in the sight before me. A blanket of stars was laid out…too numerous to number. The same voice that commanded my attention moments earlier now called each star out by name. They went on and on stretching way beyond what I could comprehend. At what looked like the hem of the blanket…further than I ever imagined my eyes would see…I saw a hand, massive, mighty hand holding it all in place. To say that I am dust gives me too much credit. How great, how powerful, how awesome and how amazing is the God I serve! “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Pslam 19:1) My face hit the ground and the weight of His mighty hand was heavy upon me. Everything that was once so clear now became dim. All that I held important, including myself, began to fade into the background of the Almighty. The words I chose were not mine, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions…let the bones you have crushed rejoice.” (Psalm 51:1,8)

The weight lifted but the darkness stayed. But even in the darkness, God was there. He began to sing over me…softly, gently. His words soothed my soul.

“Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? This is the one I esteem; he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:1-2)

“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me.” (Song of Songs 2:10)

I began to crawl towards the sound of His voice…but I could take no credit for moving. I couldn’t even lift my own head. I kept moving because of His urging. I kept going because of His strength. I was faithless but He was faithful. Never once did He leave me. Again He spoke.

“I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29) I live in a high and holy place but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15)

He lifted my head and I scanned the horizon. The mountain I had been on was far in the distance. It stood tall and unwavering. I looked around and found myself low in a valley – a beautiful valley, but a valley none the less. I had tried to reach to the heavens to find God there. I had been confident in how high I had climbed. I felt secure in my long strides. “Those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37) In my nothingness, I found God, whose name is Holy. Just like He had promised, I found Him, but not where I had been looking. He was dwelling, not where He deserved to be, but where He chose to be. He was living with the least of these, walking with the lame, touching the untouchable, loving the unloved…loving me. To be like Him, I must do the same.


Humble King
By Brenton Brown

Oh kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love – humility
Oh Sprit be the star – that leads me to
The humble heart of love – I see in You

You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You, Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

I Will Laugh At This Some Day?

Yesterday, I put all three kids down for a nap and the girls went right to sleep. Connor, however, was a different story. My head was hurting and I just wanted to lay down for a bit too. I normally don't do this, but it had just been one of those days, you know? I must have went right to sleep...about 20 minutes later I wake up to Summer groaning. I go to check on her. Connor is bent over her with a huge grin on his face, water bottle in hand - squirting her...yes, SQUIRTING her with water! She groans and rolls over as I grab him, drag him to his room and then notice that he is soaked too. His pants are dripping, he has one sock on (which happened to be Summer's??) that is soaked, he "fixed" his hair. Oh, but it didn't stop there...his bed is dripping, his toys are covered in drops of water, the carpet soaked! Nice! I am not real sure my 20 minute nap was worth it.

I left his room wondering if I would EVER find this funny. Summer amazingly didn't wake up through all that. She slept for another hour or so and then came out happy as could be. "Mommy, you know what I dreamed about?" She exclaimed excitedly. "A whale was licking me!"

OK, so I had to chuckle...but just a little.

Quick Update On Me...

I have been lacking lately…not just here, but everywhere. For the past week I have had pretty bad pain on and off in my jaw and cheekbone area. I had struggled with TMJ when I was younger but haven’t had any problems in a long time. I also have a filling that came out in one of my teeth. The dentist doesn’t know if it is my jaw causing the pain or that tooth, but the tooth needs to come out so I am scheduled to have it surgically removed one week from tomorrow. I will be honest; I am scared silly at the thought of it! If you think of it, you can pray I will be brave! I have super strong pain killers that help A LOT but can only take them at night because I can’t function with them in my system. I hate that feeling too, but prefer it over the pain. As I mentioned before, I have also had a pretty bad sinus infection…so that hasn’t helped anything! I am on antibiotics again. Everyone else is doing well right now. I am very thankful that this isn’t catchy! Now if I could just call in sick… :)