Those wretched medical bills!

This picture has nothing to do with the post. Her little spunky tights and shoes and chubby legs just make me laugh.

Well...the garage sale was a semi-success. We made $250. But...I am waiting on a neighbor to come and look at our double stroller that is priced at $50. I would be much more excited with the $300 that I prayed for! Either way, thank you Lord for needed money! This will make a (small) dent in our medical bills. And I have 30 or 40 items to post on ebay after the Thanksgiving holiday. I am hoping they will sell BIG!

There is a fine line in following my conviction to be Proverbs 31ish and "consider a field and buy it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard" versus completely obsessing about money and trying to be THE provider. I am perfectly content and blessed to have my husband providing for our family. He is smart and strong and talented and does his job very well. But then, I want to use my time and energy and talents well for the sake of our family, particularly when we have unforseen needs. Balance. Doesn't it always come back to prayer and balance? Titus 2 says, "...train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." It is exciting to pray, "Lord what does this look like for MY family? Show me the way and I will walk in it." Looking forward to the balance that the Lord will provide as I seek Him. Do you ladies do anything in particular to "cut corners" or supplement income?

Has it been a week since I've posted??

Silly boys leaving the house this morning

With only a minute to spare (the tub is filling with water and bubbles), I wanted to check in. I have been reading your blogs with no time for comments, but updating myself none the less. I have had a week filled with preparing for a garage sale, keeping friends' children, school events and a wonderful, surprise guest (my mother-in-law). I closed my first 6 ebay sales and made $20 after fees. It deserves no drum-roll, but still, it is a profit. (A penny saved... right?) I have been feverishly working to sell un-ebay-able items tomorrow at our garage sale like our old sofa, high chair, double stroller, etc. I am praying for $300 tomorrow. It would help a lot with these infamous medical bills. Ugggg!

The great thing about being a child of the King is that God is always at work in the heart of a believer. He is always teaching, loving, making Himself known. He is faithful and kind to me, in spite of my most recent panicked state of mind over our finances. He is teaching me how to lovingly speak up in my marriage, something that has always been very difficult for me. (One of my biggest fears in life is sounding like a nag so many times I avoid conflict.) He is teaching me to pray and not try to take control of His turf. He is showing me that I am abundantly wealthy in so many ways that don't show up on paper. He is allowing me to enjoy life amidst a stormy season. What a miracle it is to share in the spiritual heritage that is inherited through Jesus. More later...the tub is full!

Haggling

Today was thrifting day. Every Friday my Jaybird is at school and my Toot is at a homeschool co-op. It's just Lydie and me. So off we go to see what deals are awaiting us. It is so much fun! Today, Lydie actually stayed home with Daddy because he took a day off of work, and I went out alone. This ebay selling is so exciting so far! I guess this fun will wear off with time. But I love the challenge of finding a good deal. As uncomfortable as it can be, I am learning to love a good haggle. Today was my best haggling yet. Here's what happened.

I found this lovely chandelier at the back of a sweet's lady sale. She claims that it is Pottery Barn and asked $15. I haggled her, albeit politely, down to $10. I was quite pleased with my purchase. But even more so when I asked her about shades and she ran in and brought me these black and cream toile, free of charge! As I was about to leave she saw me looking at this sweet little rocking chair.Funny, I actually have been wanting one for the baby. She loves to rock. And I had wondered if God could just drop one out of the sky. Lo and behold, He did! She insisted that I take the rocking chair for free. I left there one happy, thrifty Mommy. After a few Gymboree sweaters, Pottery Barn curtain rods, a Gymboree dress, a pitcher and some sewing material (and a belly full of coffee) I found my $20 gone and my car full. So much fun!

My Girl

Independent. Feminine. Affectionate. Emotional. Mysterious. Determined. Beautiful. Captivating. Precocious. Observant. Loud. Petite.

My new interest and a project with Toot

I finally did it! I am officially an ebay seller. After years and years of curiosity, I decided to give it a whirl. I'll let you all know how it goes. I have four items that will be up for auction until Sunday and six that I am posting tonight that will expire on Tuesday. (To the left is a piece of Talavera mexican pottery that I found at a garage sale for $1.00. We'll see if it's worth anything to the ebay audience!) I am a true amateur, but I still have a goal in mind. I should just aim for breaking even. But instead my heart is set on a $50 profit. Making fifty bucks on eight items is reasonable, right? Poor me, the eternal optimist. Always setting myself up for disappointment!

Here is another homeschool project that Toot and I finished today. Earlier this week we made the planet mobile. Today it was was the Lego solar system. We're having fun with this unit!

My little pilgrims

Tonight we began the "I am thankful for..." conversation around the dinner table. The Spirit has filled me up with thanksgiving today, as only God can. When situations arise, financial situations, that are out of my control I tend to internally panic...big time. Today as I went to get Jaybird from school, I was alone, which was very unusual. I cracked the windows to feel the 55 degree, crisp air. I breathed deeply and stared at endless shades of orange, green, red and yellow leaves. I blasted Chris Tomlin. And in that 20 minutes I spent intimate time with Jesus. I couldn't help but sob with joy over the things he reminded me in that quick car ride. And I was reminded of how deeply I am blessed. Back to the dinner table, some wonderful and silly things came out of our mouths. We began by agreeing that we were all thankful for God and our family. From there, here were some other answers:My heart (Toot said that. Sweet, huh?), bacteria that gives us cheese:), colors, forks, polka dots, rainbows, food like pizza, God's word, music, the planets, dancing, fabric. And the conversation continues...

Toot with his planet mobile.

Paralyzed with perfection

God has graciously been revealing to me a character issue that needs changing. For as long as I can remember, I have been a perfectionist. This word is used so frequently that I'm not even sure if I am using it appropriately. But in this case, I am referring to my need to do things at my own high standards or not at all. Here are some examples of how this problem has negatively affected my daily life: ~Only fifteen minutes for a quiet time? I can only have a "good" quiet time with at least a half hour. Result: No quiet time at all! ~I would like to use my interests and talents to generate a little extra income. But with only an hour at night to invest, what's the point? Who would want anything that I don't have more time to invest in? Result: No finished products or extra income!
This wanting all or nothing seems to be a pattern in my life. I was talking to my husband about all of this and we laughed as we realized I have never played a sport due to my perfectionism. For as long as I can remember, I have danced. The funny thing about performing is that you practice dozens and dozens of hours before you perform in front of an audience. In a sense, you "perfect" your art before you expose yourself.
My husband wisely asked me, "So what do you think God is trying to teach you right now?" I know that He is NOT chastising me for my eye for details or for my desire to do things well. Both are glorifying to Him if I seek to honor Him (and not myself) in my tasks. I found a Teddy Roosevelt quote that hit me square in the eyes. It said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." I have been paralyzed with perfection. I can think of so many wonderful opportunities that the Lord has offered me that I have not taken. Just recently I have felt an urging to start a performing arts team at our church. But I have not moved forward because of doubting that my skills will be adequate. I was asked to emcee the women's retreat at our church, but I don't think my speaking voice is the best and could I be warm, funny, encouraging ENOUGH?
All I know to do is run to the One who promises to love me like I am. The only One who is perfect. The only One who lived in this world full of money, lust, pride and deceitfulness and was perfectly unwavering and holy. I need to put one foot in front of the other and MOVE. Otherwise, I will be completely unfruitful in many areas, including my deepest desire to glorify Jesus. I am reminded that I serve a God that is BIG and GENEROUS and ABOUNDING in LOVE, and as I offer up what might seem so little and feeble, if I do so with a heart of worship, he will turn the little into much for His glory. If nothing else, in the doing...He will change me. And maybe in doing so, He will take my eyes away from the goal of a perfect ME and set them on the Perfect ONE that never leaves me wanting.

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." Psalm 138:8

Three IS a lot!

"I shall now have one mouth the more to fill, and two feet the more to shoe; more disturbed nights, more laborious days, and less leisure for visiting, reading, music and drawing. This is one side of the story to be sure, but I look at the other. Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God, and the body in which it dwells is worthy of all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation, my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her life-long prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!" Elizabeth Prentiss

Sometimes having 3 children completely overwhelms me. I'm not gonna lie, it can require more energy and patience than I think I have. Having a baby in the house after four years can be a challenge. After all, our four year old dressed himself, pottied himself, buckled himself in the car, put his dishes in the dishwasher, made his bed...well, you get the picture. Lately, I have been presented with challenges that I hadn't yet faced since having my third born. Flying with two rambunctious boys and a toddling girl. Taking three children of different ages and needs on vacation. Homeschooling a preschooler while keeping a little one happy and driving carpool twice a day for the other one. The tasks are difficult and mentally and physically consume me each day.

BUT... the blessings are endless. I was reminded of that truth at the dinner table tonight. My little girl wanted to be held, held, held this afternoon. As I plopped her into her seat for dinner we began to play a little game to satisfy her. We began to ask her questions like, "Are you sweet?" "Do you love your brothers?" "Are you a fan of Daddy's hat-head?" Silly questions. And she played right along. She would shake her head no for a few questions, and then randomly shake her head yes. Her comedic timing was impecable. My boys were laughing so hard that they couldn't eat. My husband was laughing. I looked around the dinner table and our family felt so completely wonderful and as-it-should-be. All of the exhaustion left my body and I began to laugh, too. What would we do without our little girl? I'm sure our house would be neater, my hands would be emptier, thus my body more rested. There would be less whining and more outings. But absolutely none of that can compare to the endless amounts of love and joy my little ball of spunk has brought to this house. God is so good to remind us just when we need it of His unfailing love and His constant provision!

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

"The most holy service we can render to God is to be employed in praising His name."

John Calvin

This year we are spending Thanksgiving with my side of the family. We will not be at my Mom and Dad's house in my hometown, but in a log cabin at a State Park. My mom, thoughtful and kind as she is, is not one for tradition or creativity. So I am brainstorming ideas to make our day special and worshipful.

For starters, I am going to begin a journal for each of us to capture our thankfulness throughout this month. It will be interesting to see what the boys record. I am praying for more than Star Wars and candy.:) The boys will both be learning about the first Thanksgiving in their school lessons. Next, we will create our own decor for our log cabin. Just the usual, placemats, bowls of leaves, nuts and other things from a long nature walk and a Thanksgiving banner. And finally, I am developing a song list for the day. Hymns and praise songs for my husband to lead on the guitar, along with verses of thanksgiving.

My heart is so full of praise and thanksgiving. The creator of the universe loves, cherishes and delights in me (which is almost too amazing to believe!). Even amidst a mountain of earthly blessings, what more could I need? His grace is sufficient for me! Do you have any ideas to make Thanksgiving more special?

Random fall fun

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

Albert Camus

The tree above my head as I was laying on the deck listening to my little boy and his friends play

Like many of you, I adore fall. I love to bake in the fall. I love to be outside in the fall. I love to stop and take deep breaths in the fall. I seem to worship more keenly in the fall. I love this time of year! Here are more wonderful fall moments...

The crew dressed up. And this WAS the best shot!Fun times with Toot. He and I both love paint and baking. Notice the cookie up top with one, green eye. That's the monster pumpkin, courtesy of Toot. A teenage girl in my man's homeschool biology class sent me these treats with a note, "Mrs. ___, Thank you for sharing your husband with us!" Darling, huh?

Toot with his masterpiece. Does this kid ever just smile? Nope!

Our Disney trip

We had a WONDERFUL trip to Disney World! And as I traveled home, wearily, on an airplane with our children I plainly said that I was eager to get back to my daily, predictable life. Nonetheless, our trip gave us more incredible memories than I could have imagined. For starters, our very busy little girl behaved beautifully. A couple of slow dinners proved to be more than she could bare, but other than that she was a happy camper. She even took naps in her stroller, a first for her! Our boys had an absolute ball and have been pretending all day to be back at Disney. They have "designed" a new roller coaster and been back to each theme park in their imaginations. We are so thankful to my in-laws for giving us the opportunity to see Disney with all the perks! Here are the highlights (sorry, it was hard to narrow them down):

Our first stop: Downtown Disney. The Lego store could be its own theme park as far as my boys are concerned. A must-see for little boys!We stayed at the Polynesian resort. The Ohana Restaurant has incredible food and the entertainment is a blast! Here is Daddy dancing with our girl.
Our first day at Magic Kingdom. This theme park is the kids' favorite!
My kids were not as excited to meet the characters as I expected. But of all the characters, Buzz was the coolest. Our favorite restaurant by far was the Rainforest Cafe. The inside is just like eating in a rainforest, with a rainbow, waterfall, trees and lightning. The food is yummy, too.
Lydie bug may not have recognized Cinderella, but I sure did! Eating breakfast in Cinderella's castle was a dream come true for me! I felt like a little girl again. I think I dresseed up as Cinderella at least 3 Halloweens as a little girl. What fun!

We were given the Dream Fast Pass on our third day. No lines, no time restraints. Wow!

Epcot. My FAVORITE! It's a homeschooling mom's dream. Here are the boys pretending to be in China. Love it.Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween party. Lydie decided to imitate the "toddler smile" this week. You know the one...eyes tightly shut, square smile, chin up. So many of her pictures capture this expression. Our girl cracks me up! Trick...

or...Treat!

Jaybird REALLY loved MGM. He aspires to be a movie director, so he was in hog-heaven. Toot loved the Star Wars area the most. Here he is poised and ready for action.

Our day at Animal Kingdom was the only really HOT day. Poor Toot is burning up (but still having fun)!Good-bye Disney! And good-bye to daily play dates with our cousins. Let's go again some day soon!

Vacation, here we come!

After 7 years of Mommyhood, tomorrow we are finally going to Disney World. My in-laws promised us this trip almost a year ago. My boys have been counting the days for months. We will spend 7 days there, and my man's sweet parents have spared no expense. We are very blessed. These are the costumes for the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party. I splurged. These + 7 suitcases, 3 carry-on bags, car seats and two strollers, and we are ready to go! I am on my last leg, as my husband has been away for 7 days! Shopping, planning and packing for a trip like this without him around has been challenging, at best. But I am almost done. And he will be home tonight, with less than 12 hours to spare before we have to be at the airport. Whew!

Worship

My handsome son is growing up. He was in "dressy uniform" for chapel today. His music teacher is focusing on the "art of worship". He is singing "Forever" and "Everlasting". It is one of the greatest joys in my life to sit in the audience and watch him worship from afar. Oh, how he loves Jesus!
The verses from today's chapel:

Psalm 90:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:17

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." "Now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible. the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever."

A fall tradition

Last week my man read my blog several posts ago and said, "I never said you shouldn't post pictures of the children. You just need to be careful." Oh! I guess I misunderstood. In that case...

Here's my girl discovering fall at the local pumpkin patch.

And her brother coming in for a hug.

Smelling the roses

Tonight I received these from my man.

He is out of town for seven days and I have family here with me. He left on Friday. I began memorizing Psalm 105 this summer. Verse 3 says, "Tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His name." As I have mentioned before, God has worked miraculously in my marriage. My husband is a pretty awesome guy, but still I give God all the glory for our relationship. As I have shared before, a couple of years ago before Lydie bug was a sparkle in our eyes, our marriage was hurting, deeply. Looking back, it was the most desperate, painful time in my life. But I would take that pain again and again for what I have now.Truly. By God's grace and mercy, we turned to Him. (James 4:8) We felt like we were walking with Him before, but this time of falling face down on our knees was pivotal. I realized that through the previous trials in our marriage (moving, renovating, medical problems with our child, etc.) my true refuge was my husband. I would dig my claws in deep and depend on him for my emotional well-being. But the rubber hit the road when I couldn't do that any more. (See his one and only comment on my blog under "My cycle of loneliness" from September 26th. )My faith was tested and I was forced to cling to Jesus. For the first time in my marriage I did not trust my husband, he couldn't save me.

What a wonderful, excrutiating place to be. That is where my relationship with Jesus and my husband changed forever. The Lord performed what seems like miracles in my life. By looking away from my husband and towards Christ my marriage was restored, redeemed, and better than I ever could have imagined. Now I am in a place in my marriage where I feel the freedom to really support my husband in his hopes and ministries. I am not always trying to reel him in like a fish, but I am excited to see God use him away from home. And the amazing reality is that this support and respect has lead him to discover exactly how to love me. I can only give credit to the Holy Spirit for giving us new hearts that are so much more compatible and passionate than ever before. I adore my husband. I can honestly say that I think he is the most incredible man on the planet. I know God will accomplish great things for Himself through this humble, generous man of God. And I just can't believe that I get to walk through life with this guy. Wow, God is so gracious.

Tid-bits

Today was boy swap again with my friends. My sweet friend, Dawn, has Toot all morning. The baby has been asleep for a while. The house is quiet and peaceful. So I decided to have some craft time. Here's what I made:

As the Mama of two boys and then a girl, I couldn't just dress her in overalls. I had to embellish them just a little. If you have spent six years with plain, old denim, you understand. I haven't sewn the green polka-dotted ribbon on yet. Is it too much?

These are some finds from "thrifing" yesterday. Thanks, Maryanne, for telling me about the new thrift store next to the Goodwill.

I found this little treasure for $5. I want to put it in my bathroom once I paint in there. Maybe having this little piece of art will inspire me to paint.

A little vase for $1. Green and yellow are my favorite colors, so I snagged it.

Have a beautiful day!

Your legacy

"Once you see the face of God, the world is forever transformed into His features" ~Peter Kreeft

Yesterday a precious man from our church went to be with Jesus. His name was Larry, father of two young boys, Christian, servant-leader, husband, and victim to Lou Gehrig's disease. After a five year battle, he received ultimate healing in heaven. Although his family is grieving and we are with them, I am really looking forward to the reception after his funeral entitled, "Celebration of Life". As I have been thinking about Larry's life, for some reason I have also been thinking about my Nana, Lydia's namesake. Since Lydia was born, I think of her more and more. I think of Larry's and my Nana's legacy of embracing life. They were servants, loved, hard workers, good friends.

I have been thinking a lot about the short time we have to serve God in our earthly bodies. I want to take every breath for His glory. I want to bask in His love, praying and meditating on His Word throughout the quick moments of each day. I want to live creatively, which enables me to worship Him in my own unique way. I want to speak and show my love for my family and friends each day, not holding back. I want believers and non-believers to be welcomed in our home, and for us to receive the great blessing of their presence. I want to worship without holding back. I want to be used by God to draw people to the gospel. And the wonderful thing is, that each of my "wants" are attainable through the work of the Spirit! It's encouraging to think about what we want from this life. What do you want?

He picked ME

Toot's latest masterpiece: A Berry Tree

After a couple of weeks of observing unusual whining and disobeying from Toot, I asked my husband to pray and watch his behavior closely. A couple of days later we both agreed that Toot has finally realized he is in the middle. No longer the baby and never to be the oldest, he is feeling misplaced. We began to review what we know of our little guy, mainly that his love language is quality time, that is quality time one-on-one. So we decided to have "date nights" with our boys. Every Tuesday is date night. Last week Jaybird got the first opportunity to be alone with a parent, a rare treat now that we have three little ones. He and his Daddy chose to go hit golf balls at a driving range and a miniture golf course. They followed up with a McDonald's milkshake. It was a big hit!

Our pumpkin pie...see the back of a Libby's canned pumpkin for this yummy recipe

Toot had exactly seven days to count down until his date night. And he counted many, many times! Finally, Tuesday arrived. I assumed he would go with his Daddy and then I would take the boys out alone the next round. But he requested ME instead! His request could only be paralleled to the wonderful day 18 years ago in eighth grade when I was asked to my first dance. Oh, to be picked! So we had a date and we were both beaming all day!

We decided a trip to the train store and Moe's would suit Toot well. He has been a fan of trains for as long as I can remember, at least since his first birthday. He has had three train-themed parties. So today we spent one hour looking at electric train sets and playing with Thomas toys. He got to pick a new wooden train for his own collection. Then we ate a yummy lunch together. What a joy to just listen to this little pumpkin who is usually our quiet child. Here are my favorite things that Toot said today:

• (As we pulled out of the neighborhood): "So, Mommy, I wasn't the very first one to come out of your tummy, was I?"
• A couple of miles down the road: "I think we should buy a sleigh. Then we could just fly everywhere." (Why not an airplane?)
• And then: "Do cars run on batteries?" "What kind of batteries, like toys?" "What do these batteries look like?" **When we got to a parking lot we got out of the car, opened the hood and looked at the engine and battery. That was fun!
• And finally: "Mommy, you were a good date. How many days until we do this again?"

When we came home, we had our homeschool lessons. After some math and reading review, we read this book about pumpkins and made a pumpkin pie together. Every time I turned my back on Toot I felt a squeezing hug around the legs. And when he pulled up a chair beside me to cook I was the recipient of many kisses on my hands and cheeks. I think it is safe to say that his little love tank was running over. I cherish these days when my children wear their hearts are their sleeves. Life is so simple at this age. What a day!

Forgiveness

As I have mentioned before, Jaybird's school is amazing. He is in a little first grade class of 8, but the curriculum is meticulously well-thought. It is crafted for every type of child. The teachers truly look at our little ones as image-bearers of God. They are treasured. More than that, the principal of the school is incredibly gifted. She loves little ones more than any person I have ever met. She greets my shy little boy every day with a high five. She knows he doesn't give hugs freely. She never forces, but always meets him right where he is. I love this woman, a sweet sister in Christ.
Every Thursday Jaybird comes home with the school newsletter. At the end is "The Principal's Place". I want to cut these out of the newsletter and make a journal just for them. Her words are so wise and loving, gently stirring my sinful heart. Here is an excerpt from the newsletter from yesterday. I hope it encourages you, or at least brings you hope later when you might need it!
"Take a moment to remember the four promises of forgiveness.
1. I will not dwell on this incident.
2. I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.
3. I will not talk to others about this incident.
4. I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.
Then take a moment to remember something else: This is the way God forgives you! It's natural for us to read the four promised of forgiveness as another set of laws to which we're presently failing to live up; however, the gospel reminds us that they should be read first and foremost as God's commitment to us because of the sacrifice of His son... Remember that Romans 8:1 applies to you, not just other Christians. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!" When you accept this and apply it to your own life, prepare to be pleasantly surprised how much easier it will become to apply the four promises of forgiveness to others who have hurt you!"

Swimming in delight

I have perceived that to be with those I like is enough,To stop in the company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them, or touch any one, Or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment what is this, then? I do no ask any more delight. I swim in it, as in a sea. -Walt Whitman

First tastes of fall

This day has been wonderfully exhausting. It started with a long conversation on the way to Jaybird's school regarding Santa and abortion. Yikes! My five year old asked me out of the blue, "Is that Santa man real?" After going through the entire life story of St. Nicolas and the origin of the tradition, Jaybird says, "Well, if St. Nick is in heaven, who delivers the presents?"

Later, Toot remarked on my new bumper sticker. It says, "Let them live!" in support of the human life amendment in our state of Georgia. (If you are a pro-life Georgian, please see http://www.personhood.net/ and support the overturn of Roe vs. Wade!) Any way, I gently explained that some doctors are allowed to take tiny babies out of their mothers tummies. I kept hoping to stop with as little information as possible, but of course my Jaybird was interested in peeling every layer of the onion. I actually ended the conversation feeling very satisfied with the appropriate words that the Lord gave me to share with my innocent, little boys.

When are arrived at the school, we picked up four friends to spend the morning at our house. I have this marvelous arrangement with three friends from church. We trade kids every Thursday. One Thursday a month I have six little ones to care for. The other three Thursdays Toot is having fun with friends, and I have only the baby. The boys love it and the mommies do, too!


After lunch, homework, and a little Star Wars we were off for another playdate. More fun for the children and wonderful fellowship for me! My friend's house reminds me of Toot's art teacher's house. It is so beautiful, unique and warm that it is almost like walking through an art museum. It is always changing and becoming more and more beautiful. How inspiring!

My baby girl (on the right) bullying her little friend. Lord help us point this little sassy thing to you!

When we walked through the door at 5:45, I was so thankful for the pot of soup I had made earlier. I felt so exhausted and I was glad that we could just fall into our chairs and chat a while. Only, the boys reminded me that tonight was the night I had PROMISED apple pie! We have been reading this book and tonight was the big night! So...we made the pie. (Which lead to a trip to the store for milk...and diet coke and paper towels and orange juice.) A warm pie and cold glass of milk is a wonderful way to end a night. Especially when your little boys are beaming and full of conversation and energy. Now the house is quiet. A bath and a good book are calling my name! Good night!