Family Portraits 2014

Taking our family portraits was {a little} less stressful this year. No one but me gets excited. Sometimes children don't want to cooperate. Sometimes Daddy gets tired. And then, ahem, Mama gets aggravated. But this year was quicker than any previous year, and our pictures turned out great. Ahhhhh...stress free until this time next year!! ;)

These kiddos are just too much.

This girl is growing up so much lately. Some days are hard as we all try to find a balance between wanting to grow up and wanting to still be little. But her heart is sweeter than ice cream, and I know that time will work all things out as we grow together. I love her too much sometimes.

You have not met closer siblings. These two have a bond that is so thick. Yes, they can aggravate one another, but tell them to separate and things are all good. To them, being separated from one another is the worst punishment. That makes a Mama's heart sing.

This boy with his missing teeth!! He melts me in a way I can't explain. He is challenging at times, yet his heart is gentle and extremely generous. He has the greatest smile.

This kid has more personality than I ever imagined a 2 year old could have. He is my baby, and I am not shy about letting him know it. I love him so stinkin' much!

These three faces are the most beautiful faces to my heart and eyes. They aren't perfect. They have their flaws (as do I), but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

It was so hard to choose between all of these pictures for our Christmas card. But I ended up choosing this one as the front of the card. Even though Buddy-Ro isn't smiling really big, I still really liked this picture as a whole.

But I chose this one as a large print to hang up on the wall in our home. (I did an 8x10 of the other one!)

This one was actually my favorite...but it was taken a little too close for me to get sizes other than a 4x6 without unwanted cropping. Such is life when you take your own family portraits. (A side note - I am SO stinkin' short. I have wedge boots on, yet Scott still towers over me. Sheesh!!) 

Multitudes

3453. exceptionally warm December days

3454. putting tiny hand moulding ornaments on the Christmas tree each year - right in the center :)

3455. talking about each ornament and when it was given as we decorate the tree

3456. putting lights outside the house for a festive Christmas

3457. Advent calendars

3458. starting our Advent celebration with the kiddos with Ann Voskamp's The Greatest Gift

3459. enjoying memories told of Scott's grandmother who passed away this morning

3460. knowing that even in the sadness of earth, there is a glorious celebration in Heaven whenever a child of God comes Home

3461. Zofran (again) for the little boy who woke up at 5 a.m. this morning throwing up (again)

3462. the fact that we still have wonderful friends in spite of the fact that my children are sick so often - it's a miracle that our friends haven't disowned us!

3463. clean PJs to put on the littlest one in the middle of the night

3464. watching the CMA Christmas special last night and enjoying every.single.second

3465. how amazed we were that the artists sang songs about JESUS and spoke about HIM being the reason for this wonderful season!

3466. Carrie Underwood's amazing voice. (I secretly want to be her when I grow up....)

3467. an heirloom piece of furniture: my great-grandparents' desk, that five generations have now sat at

3468. flower bulbs given to me by a friend, to plant in winter so that they will bloom in spring

Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Multitudes on Monday

3436. honey to soothe sore throats and coughs

3437. friends of my mom who have always been like family, and having them over to our new home

3438. helping my mom pack up her things in preparation of her move

3439. friends who have helped my mom pack so that she doesn't feel completely overwhelmed

3440. reminiscing about our childhoods as we handle some of my grandmother's and great-grandmother's things

3441. having the desk that was in my grandmother's kitchen, where I remember talking on the phone and playing as a child, now at our new home. It is over 150 years old, as it was my great-grandfather's present to my great-grandmother when they were married. :)

3442. quiet moments capturing the glories of Fall in our backyard

3443. spending quality time with Birdie-girl while they boys are off doing manly-man-things

3444. quick runs to friends' houses and seeing a small glimpse into their Sunday afternoons

3445. warm eggs, grits, and coffee on a cold and rainy Monday morning

3446. extra layers of clothes and socks and undergarments as I am about to head out with Scott to spend two days in the woods with him, on his territory, and in his element -- there's nothing I won't do for quality, alone time with him {obviously}. Eeeeekk!

3447. the simple act of him inviting me to go with him :)

3448. Peanut's new thing: If you correct him on anything his response is, "Oh, that's right!" It is the cutest, sweetest, MOST ADORABLE thing ever!!!!!!!

3449. putting up our new Christmas tree in our new home

3450. the glow of Christmas lights

3451. scaling back our Christmas lists and feeling content about it

3452. doing for others

1 Chronicles 16:34, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."

Multitudes on Monday

3424. hours spent on the back porch with the kiddos - me working, them playing or rainbow looming or singing and dancing

3425. letting the kiddos lead us through a corn maze over the weekend. It said we'd walk 2.8 miles through the entire maze, but I'm pretty sure we walked closer to 4 ;)

3426. taco night

3427. chips and salsa to go along with taco night

3428. really chips and salsa any time, day or night :)

3429. a church that gives generously to others in the community and around the world

3430. double and triple rainbow loom bracelets in a rainbow of colors

3431. relaxing, go at our own pace days when Mama has a stomach bug

3432. slathering myself in delicious smelling coconut oil before bed each night (and thankful not to dream of being deserted on an island every night!)

3433. all natural cough treatments so the kiddos (and Mama and Daddy) can sleep at night

3434. letting the kiddos enjoy popcorn and a coke along with a movie on a Monday after school, just because

3435. friends who are real and honest -- all of the time

Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Multitudes

3411. hearing Peanut call the iPad the Pie-Pad

3412. if you ask Peanut a question, instead of saying "yes" he responds, "Sure!"

3413. squishy pillows for sleeping with

3414. a really, really good school year with Birdie-girl and Buddy-Ro -- they are loving My Father's World and doing work together for Bible, History, Latin, Science, and Spanish

3415. going at our own pace with learning. Some days we spend a lot of time on history (The Egyptians and pyramids have been a huge favorite around here!), while some days we are able to do 2-3 days worth of work in one day. {Usually} the kiddos' attitudes are flexible and adaptable, and I am so thankful that our year is going well. Dear Lord, thank You! And please let it continue!!

3416. watching Jill Duggar (now Dillard) as she gets ready for her wedding on 19 Kids and Counting and seeing Birdie light up with all of the details.

3417. having great role models that I can actually refer to with Birdie-girl when we need to "discuss" any attitude or behavior that comes up

3418. how my all-time-Daddy's-boy really and truly likes me lately. He's always had a sweet spirit, and I have known that he loves me...but these days, he LIKES me. And I like that a lot. :)

3419. beautiful Fall days

3420. steroids for the bigger boy who still suffers from croup with the change of seasons (darn asthma...)

3421. Mimi's BBQ that was a huge hit with the kiddos. I don't know how many people they have given the recipe to!! [In case you want it: 1 large Pork Roast and 1 can of Dr. Pepper -- put roast in crock pot, pour DP over roast, and cook on low all day. About 30 mins before serving, shred meat with forks and pour BBQ sauce of your choice (and amount) over meat. Mix well. Put back in crockpot to heat back up. Serve. Enjoy!!]

3422. a lovely tea party to celebrate Birdie's sweet friend turning 8

3423. a mama and mother-in-law who both enjoy surprises for Christmas...b/c I've already ordered their gifts :)

Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

Teachable Moments

I love teachable moments. Perhaps it is because I have always been a teacher at heart. Perhaps it is because I really enjoyed teaching middle schoolers for five years before coming home to be a Mama and homeschool teacher. Whatever it is, I love those moments when a real learning connection happens that makes a positive change. While teachable moments are not always the most fun to endure at the time (think: first speeding ticket at the age of 18 and watching insurance rate increase - ouch!), those moments cause change that is ultimately for the best.

Jesus was a wonderful teacher to his disciples. He used teachable moments over and over again throughout His ministry and time on earth. I think so many parents are caught up on the word "discipline" these days. Discipline = Punishment, right? Well, no, not really. The definition of discipline is: systematic instruction intended to train a person, sometimes literally called a disciple, in a craft, trade or other activity, or to follow a particular code of conduct. The true definition of discipline is not about punishment. It is about training. And when training is done in love and respect, positive changes can occur.

The other day Buddy-Ro had a friend over to play, and play they did! They had a lot of fun being boys. And making a very big mess. Before time to say goodbye, both of us moms asked the boys to clean up and asked at one point, "Are y'all cleaning up there?" The answer was a resounding YES! So when both boys come bounding down the stairs two minutes later, we walked out the door and said our goodbyes. Fast forward to bed time when I finally went upstairs and actually saw the playroom. There were at least 400 Legos strewn across the floor, cars everywhere, Don't Spill the Beans everywhere, guns and bullets everywhere. Oh boy. My first reaction was to blow a gasket, I'll be honest. But I chose a teachable moment instead.

I called Buddy-Ro into the playroom with me and asked him to look at the mess. He definitely had his tail between his legs, so to speak, because he could see what a disaster the room was. In talking to him I learned that the boys had been having racing car contests trying to knock over towers that they built from Legos. Oh, they certainly knocked them over. Ahem. They played "bad guys/good guys" and when they ran out of ammo they used beans. All in the name of fun, and I have no problem with fun! But the mess was still there, and it wasn't fair to make Mama clean it up. And the more I thought about it the more I felt that it wasn't fair to make Buddy-Ro clean it up by himself either. I let Buddy-Ro go off to bed and told him we'd deal with it the next day. As I thought of what the best solution would be, I kept thinking that if Buddy-Ro helped to make a big mess like that at his friend's house I would want him to help clean it up.

The next morning I called my friend and asked if her son could come over and help clean up the mess. Now, before anyone starts thinking I am Cruela de'Ville, I had every intention to make this a fun teachable moment for both boys. We were actually playing outside when the mom dropped off her son, so we had a very leisurely discussion about the day and tennis shoes -- you know, the important things. ;) Then we go inside and walk up to the playroom together. I said, "So I hear that you and Buddy-Ro had a really fun time making this mess, huh?!" And he agreed and added some extra fun details about a ramp they had built for the race cars. :) Then we talked about cleaning and how we want him to be able to come over often since we are neighbors and the boys had such a great time together...so how about cleaning up next time so that all the fun won't be ruined by a colossal mess.

The boys chose a time that they thought they could beat, so I set the timer for 10 minutes. Well, they had so much fun cleaning and laughing and acting like super heroes that Birdie ran in and started helping!! They had those Legos and Beans and cars and guns picked up in 8 mins and 42 seconds, and they all thought they were big stuff. What's even better is that I had made cookies ahead of time as their reward.

A teachable moment. Discipline. Those two things do not have to equate with negative reinforcement. As Scott and I grow as parents, we have learned again and again that moments matter.  It's not what we say, what we demand that sticks -- it's what we teach. It's why I didn't ground Buddy-Ro and forbid his friend from coming over ever again. That would be punishment. Discipline meant talking to, and helping to train the boys to clean up, and then to reinforce the positive behavior that I really hope to see in the future with something good. In this case, homemade peanut butter cookies. :)

This is one of the things I love about our Heavenly Father so much. He does not strike down my mistakes with punishment. Yes, there are consequences that may befall a bad decision, but His wrath is not something that I fear. He is a gentle, meek, humble, patient God who disciplines me through love and by helping me learn to make a better choice the next time. And that is the kind of Mama I strive to be.

Multitudes on Monday

3399. new homeschooling friends with sweet children

3400. getting to know other friends on a deeper level and seeing our children grow deeper relationships, too

3401. Benadryl for the worse rash ever

3402. Tylenol and Advil for joint swelling and pain

3403. ice packs for hurting joints

3404. crock pot meals on long, tiring days

3405. kind friends who check in when they know days are long and Buddy-Ro has been suffering

3406. hearing Peanut trying to keep Buddy-Ro awake at night instead of going to sleep. "Bubby, you awake? Talk to me! Talk to me, Bubby!"

3407. Birdie-girl sitting up in her bed at 11:30 when I went to check on her and trying to have a conversation with me. Sweet girl was tired and delirious! ;)

3408. an unexpected girls' night out with Mere -- just the two of us -- for dinner and a movie, and always great conversations, encouragement, prayers, and friendship

3409. my new friend, Jennifer, whom I am smitten over and whom my kiddos adore :)

3410. reading through each chapter of Philippians over and over this month as we study it in our small group

Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." 

Erythema Multiforme

When life gives you rashes...freak out. Right? Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Well, when my 6 year old son wakes up one morning with his back looking like this, that's exactly what I did.



 

This is what Erythema Multiforma looks like. It is HORRIBLE. AWFUL. TERRIBLE. And it makes for a no-good-very-bad-day. Or week and counting if you're Buddy-Ro. It started the craziest way. On Tuesday we were at a friend's house and the kiddos were playing outside. All of a sudden Buddy-Ro started limping. I noticed and asked him about it, but he just shook it off. We left just shortly after and by the time we drove 20 minutes to my MIL's house, BOTH of his feet had swollen to twice their normal size, his skin was red, he could not stand on them, and he would scream if anyone or anything even touched his skin. Oh my word, you have no idea. My MIL and I didn't know what to think b/c I knew he hadn't fallen or twisted his ankles, but we had no clue what was wrong. I took him home, and by time for bed he had a rash. Hmmmm...they didn't seem to go together. Gave him Benadryl and sent him to bed.

And then the next morning he woke up looking like the picture above. As bad as the picture looks, I'm telling you it still doesn't do it justice b/c you can't see how the rash was raised and lumpy. So after calling the pediatrician and posting a pic on Instagram asking for prayers, my friend Carrie calls telling me that her son had Erythema Multiforme just a month ago. As soon as I hung up with her, my pediatrician called and said that he had Erythema Multiforme. At least we had a consistent diagnosis. ;)

The long and short of it is that it's a severe virus. In some people it simply causes cold symptoms. But for many children with severe allergies (Buddy-Ro has dairy, gluten, and very bad seasonal allergies) that Erythema Multiforme causes the immune system to attack the skin cells and joints. Of course, it would be something crazy and weird and horrible. {I was never, NEVER sick as a child. I had perfect attendance K-12 grade (although I did go to school my senior year with chicken pox). But my dear MIL told me that when her kids got sick it was always something strange, never anything normal. Ah, so that's where my kids get these crazy illnesses from -- their DADDY.}

Erythema Multiforme is supposed to last 2-6 weeks (according to the official description). Really hoping for the least amount of time possible. It has been a crazy ride. Every other day it has been a different joint that is swollen: 1) ankles, 2) hands, 3) knees. Maybe he is through that side effect, and can just get finished with all of the others. Soon!

 

 

Multitudes on Monday

3383. studying the history of the world and starting where it all began, God.

3384. building pyramids out of straws and clay

3385. Buddy-Ro's flexibility with math

3386. Buddy-Ro getting a 100% on his very first math test!

3387. Birdie's excitement to get back to Math-U-See as soon as we finish up the last few lessons of Teaching Textbooks

3388. finally having our back porch furniture on our covered porch and sitting out every evening enjoying these amazing fall temperatures

3389. our large master bathroom - I kept telling our builder that it was just too big and that we needed to find a way to move the space around. However, there are multiple times a day where all FIVE of us are in there (brushing teeth, kiddos showering, talking while Mama tries to get ready...) so now I am thankful for the extra space!

3390. how hard Scott works to make our yard nice

3391. sautéed onions and peppers to go with supper

3392. the kiddos trying to prank call Nana, Mimi, and Ms. Meredith in their silly British voices

3393. mocha frappuccinos at home

3394. evening strolls with the kiddos in our new neighborhood

3395. how Peanut will wave excitedly at everyone who passes by, but will hide his face if they try to come talk to "that cute little baby boy."

3396. home that feels like home and the open invitation for our friends and family to come and visit

3397. the upcoming Girls of Grace Gatherings that will begin at our home this Saturday

3398. a naked baby who just walked out on the porch after getting out of the shower :)

Psalm 138:1, "Thank you! Everything in me says Thank You!" 

School Pics

We started our school year much later this year than last year. Last year we started on July 15, and this year we started on Sept 8. Whew! We tried starting back while we were still at Nana and Papa's house, but there were just too many distractions and people constantly around that it just didn't work. But that's one of the joys of homeschooling - flexibility. Now that we are settled in our new home, school is going very well and we are enjoying our new school room and time together.

Pics from our first day:

These three.







 

The boy who fixed his own hair for pictures. The baby who is a m.e.s.s. And the big girl who is a little mama and {mostly} sweeter than ice cream. Yes. It's these three that make our homeschooling journey a great family adventure.

Multitudes on Monday

3373. watching home videos of the bigger kiddos when they were 2 and 3 and loving the laughter that goes on!!

3374. days at home learning together, going at a fast or slow pace depending on the day

3375. antibiotics for the Peanut who has strep throat

3376. sweet cuddles from the baby who hasn't felt well

3377. being Buddy-Ro's loudest cheerleader at his baseball games (I don't care if he wins or loses, but I want him to always hear his Mama's voice cheering him on and knowing that I think he's AWESOME!)

3378. Birdie-girl helping to pass out snacks and drinks to the ball players after the game

3379. puzzles all over the floor upstairs from the kiddos playing and working together

3380. Scott staining the back porch so we can put our furniture out there and enjoy these amazing fall temperatures

3381. visiting with friends that we haven't seen in a few months before they begin their road trip of a lifetime traveling in their RV across country

3382. building pyramids out of straws and clay

Psalm 136:1-3, "Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits."

Multitudes on Monday :: l.a.t.e.

We have been having issues with our new internet connection since Comcast came and installed our service two weeks ago. I have not been impressed with their customer service, and it has really been driving me crazy. The computer where I have ALL of my pictures isn't connecting, and it has made me want to pull my hair out. I have soooooooo many pictures right now from starting school, baseball, and the new house just waiting in limbo...

But for right now, while our internet connection is working (just not for my computer with ALL of my pictures...sorry, did I already say that?!?) Oh, yes...reasons to be thankful :)

3361. exploring our huge backyard and shrieking at many creatures (including crickets that kept hopping on my feet). I'm not a fan of creatures.

3362. no boxes upstairs

3363. a new house that already feels like home

3364. feeling crazy blessed and content every single second I am in our new home, and thanking God all of the time for His timing and His gifts

3365. how at home our kiddos feel already

3366. being closer to friends, co-op, the grocery (While Scott and I would love to live in the middle of nowhere someday, I am truly so happy with the location of our new home!)

3367. how the kiddos love to play in the yard, eat snacks and dessert on the front porch, and ride their bikes and scooters all over the place

3368. watching movies together that have been packed away for almost 8 months (our current favorites are Andy Griffith episodes, Spirit, The Berenstain Bears, and Mary Poppins)

3369. Birdie's obsession with 19 Kids and Counting...and how I am thrilled to have the Duggar girls as true role models for my daughter. We can hardly wait for the episode to see Jill and Derick get married!!

3370. Buddy-Ro starting baseball this past week

3371. how Buddy-Ro loves baseball simply because it's something he and Scott get to do together

3372. Yesterday during a game, Peanut fell between the bleachers (between the very bottom row and the next row up), and he hit his head pretty hard. He screamed so loud that Buddy-Ro could hear him on the ball field. So, as soon as Buddy-Ro's team came into the dugout, he ran over to check on his little brother. My heart could hardly contain all of the kisses and hugs and words of love for that boy...I did refrain, though, so as not to complete embarrass the ball player in front of his entire team. But MAN was I thankful for his sensitive and caring heart!

Psalm 69:30, "Let me shout God’s name with a praising song, Let me tell his greatness in a prayer of thanks."

Multitudes on Monday

3345. finally, FINALLY having most everything unpacked (or at least stored in the basement) in our new home!!

3346. first nights sleeping in the new house

3347. all three kiddos sleeping through two nights of thunderstorms in the new house...a first anywhere we have ever slept.

3348. paint colors that turned out even better than I imagined

3349. decorating ideas that I have been brewing in my head for months that actually worked once we got here

3350. pictures hanging on the walls to make our new house feel like home

3351. a pool party to meet new neighbors

3352. the kiddos swimming and playing in the new pool and having a great time

3353. cooking our first meals in our new home

3354. setting up our school room and starting school TODAY!!

3355. a successful and fun start to our school year

3356. toys, puzzles, sensory bins, and toddler-proof items for Peanut to busy himself with while Buddy-Ro and Birdie work with me on school

3357. how Scott understands that clutter and disorder really get to me, so he works hard to help organize all of our stuff (that just keeps pouring in from Nana's house...)

3358. quiet days at home where we don't have to run around and go anywhere, we are just free to be together and take our time doing our own things

3359. picnics on the back porch

3360. snacks on the front porch

3361. a great neighbor directly across from us who is chatty, friendly, and who provided us with butter, forks, and knives when we couldn't get our hands on any during our first few days here. :)

Psalm 75:1, "We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds."

Multitudes on Monday

3335. hearing Peanut tell us that he washes his hair with "poo poo" (and dying laughing each time, so he says it over and over and over!!!)

3336. Peanut asking to go to Pub-ix or Ingles to get Tic Tacs

3337. hearing Peanut say his High and Low at the dinner table

3338. how excited Birdie is about the new soft carpet that was put in her bedroom last Friday

3339. Buddy-Ro looking forward to sharing a room with Peanut

3340. our house being just 4 days shy of REALLY OURS for (Lord willing) ever!

3341. kind, patient, polite customer service representatives at Comcast and Disney who go out of their ways to correct problems

3342. dining reservations at our favorite Disney restaurants and some at new ones

3343. every time we get in the van, Peanut asks, "Going to Disney World, Mama?!"

3344. continued work

Psalm 54:6, "With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good."

Multitudes on Monday...on Wednesday, and why it almost wasn't.

It came time for me to list out my thanks on Monday, and I just couldn't do it. I was too busy,  too scattered, too distracted. And the thought occurred to me that maybe I was just done. Maybe I've listed all that I am thankful for, and that the time had come to an end. I thought to myself, "I don't want my Thanks to feel like a burden, so if I can't write them I just won't worry with them."

And that was the lie. That to feel thankful can ever be "done." That to take the time to list out my Thanks is a burden.

It's absolutely the opposite. My mantra for the last three years for myself, and that I have often shared with others, is that "It's hard to be discontent when you count your blessings." And I know without a doubt that this is true. I can't stop counting and listing out my blessings. I simply can't. For if I do, discontentment will creep in. It already started this week, and it's just Wednesday.

One of my children has been difficult this week during our school time. Difficult, dawdling, poor attitude, defiant. And I have looked at this child and been so discontent.. If ______ was only a better student... If ______ would just do the work... If only _______'s attitude was better, more cooperative, easier... I found my heart beginning to harden toward my own child; my own flesh and blood; my precious gift from the Lord. And I realized that I was not thanking God for the strengths and blessings that flow from ________. But when I did take the time to be thankful for _______'s compassion, gentleness, energy, out-going personality, my discontentment began to fade away and I was reminded what a blessing ______ is to our family and to me.

It's the exact same way with every other area of life. My van is constantly in need of being vacuumed. But when I simply stop and am thankful for a safe vehicle to haul our family around in, my perspective changes. I have more laundry lately than I can keep up with. But, goodness, at the wonderful people in my family who bring about that laundry. There isn't enough time in the day to do everything that I need or want, but I am sure thankful that God granted me yet another day with my family.

Perspective. That is what giving thanks is all about. It truly is hard to be discontent when you count your blessings because you finally, actually, right-in-front-of-your-face realize how much there is to say Thanks for.

--

3323. going with Nana, Papa, and the kiddos to hike to a water fall over the weekend while Daddy had to work

3324. strong legs and feet that got us to the top of our hike

3325. the beauty of God's creation that surrounds us daily -- whether in a wildflower growing or a massive water fall that takes the breath away

3326. witnessing a proposal at the foot of the water fall and clapping in congratulations along with everyone else

3327. the kiddos traveling safely to and from Mimi's house for a couple of days

3328. Grace. Grace. Grace.

3329. 9 days until we begin moving into our new home

3330. passing needed inspections for the home

3331. very kind and outgoing new neighbors directly across from our new home

3332. a seasoned homeschool family next door to our new home

3333. working late into the wee morning hours with Scott to finish our beautiful kitchen that he designed and built for our home

3334. the memories, and the thanks, to be made in our new home

Psalm 30:11-12, "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"

Birdie's 8 year old interview

I interviewed Birdie for her birthday, and I kept thinking we would have a little photo shoot. But life at Nana's is not like life at our own house......so, no more waiting. I selected pictures from Birdie's birthday that I took on my phone (since it's always with me b/c it's easy to keep up with!).

It's fun to see what has changed and what has stayed the same over the last year. Birdie is growing up, that's for sure. EIGHT years old. I can hardly believe that my baby girl is 8, and that I have been a mama for 8 years. There are days that are super crazy challenging, but being this girl's mama is one of the best blessings of my life. So here we go!

--

(M)ama: What do you want to be when you grow up?

(B)irdie: A librarian

(M): Why's that?

(B): Because I like to read and get books from the library.

(M): What is your favorite thing God has made?

(B): Flowers and people

(Standing in front of what will be her vanity that her Daddy made for her new bathroom. She is so proud!)

(M): What is it you like about Daddy?

(B): He's strong and he makes good pancakes.


(M): What's your favorite color?

(B): Turquoise


(M): What is your favorite food?

(B): Tomatoes, pancakes, fried eggs (not runny), Dilly Bars...the list goes on and on!

(M): What is something that you don't like to eat?

(B): Mustard by itself


(A gift from Ms. Vanessa who was our old next door neighbor. How sweet she was to remember Birdie's birthday!!)

(M): What is your favorite song?

(B): "Let it Go" from Frozen


(M): What are you looking forward to about being 8?

(B): Being able to make bracelets with my rainbow loom.

(M): What is your favorite thing to do?

(B): Play outside in the mud, run around, make bracelets, and spend time with my Mama and Daddy. (Melt.)


(M): What is your favorite thing to wear?

(B): Shorts and a t-shirt to get dirty. But I also like skirts and dresses, sometimes.



(M): Who is your favorite friend?

(B): Jocelyn, Isabelle, Bryn, Kaitlin, Kylie, and Ariana.


(M): What is your favorite thing to do with Mama?

(B): Paint our fingernails and toenails.

(M): What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?

(B): Play freeze-tag!


(M): Do you like school?

(B): Yes

(M): What do you like about school?

(B): I get to do art on Thursday, and I like doing my math on the computer (Uh, really??? It is CRAZY to me that she says this again this year because math is our biggest struggle.)




(M): What is your favorite thing about Buddy-Ro?

(B): His dimples. (Totally had to fight to hold my chuckle in with this answer!!)

(M): What is your favorite thing about Peanut?

(B): He's cute and he likes to play fun games. And he sings in a really cute voice. ;)


(M): Where is your favorite place to go?

(B): Dairy Queen

(M): What does Daddy do all day?

(B): Work

(M): What does Mama do all day?

(B): Laundry, dishes, fold clothes, cook, teach school, and work.




(M): What is your favorite restaurant?

(B): Golden Corral


(M): What do you want to eat on your birthday?

(B): Cinnamon muffins, pizza, and ice cream cake.


(M): I love you, Baby Bird.

(B): I love you.

(M): I love you more.

(B): I love you mostest in the whole wide world. (This is what my Mamaw and I used to say to each other when I was little. And now Birdie and I share it.)

--

Birdie-girl, you have changed a lot over the last year. While you are still a sweet girl, you often need to be reminded to use a more gentle tone of voice, and your patience has wavered a bit over the last few months. I am finding that I require more and more time on my knees asking for wisdom for how to parent you as you want to be a bigger girl but aren't quite there yet. However, there are still glimpses of the sweet, sensitive, caring, helpful, compassionate girl that you truly are. I am already starting to dread the hormonal years to come as I see little bits of what may be in store...and I keep praying that God will prepare me before we actually get there. You truly are beautiful inside and out, and when I see your inside beauty peeking through my heart leaps with joy. I understand that growing up is hard work, and sometimes it takes a toll on you -- but don't forget to keep your heart anchored in Jesus so that He can light your way and help you make good choices. You will always be my most precious little girl, and I am always here for you. I am so proud to be your Mama; even on the hard days. You have my heart, and I've always got your back.  I love you, Birdie-girl. ~Mama

Multitudes on Monday

3311. a wonderful, sweet, healthy and strong 8 year old daughter

3312. Birdie's nurturing heart and love for her family

3313. her sensitive spirit, even though it does allow for her heart to be broken more easily

3314. how she will tell her Daddy and me what's on her heart and mind, and I pray that her open communication will continue forever with us

3315. rainbow loom bracelets that Birdie now makes for everyone...and she has still yet to make one for herself

3316. tomatoes to put on yellow jacket stings

3317. cooler August days with overcast skies so that we aren't all dripping in sweat outside

3318. planning another Disney vacation as a family with Mimi, Ron, Nana & Papa

3319. how Peanut loves to watch our Disney DVDs since we've been talking about going back to Disney - he's already excited!

3320. starting back to school (as much as possible while still at Nana's house)

3321. Buddy-Ro's excitement to learn and his focused attention on his work

3322. homeschooling our kiddos and being with them during the days -- some days are rough (Math is rough...), but most days are good and filled with memories of being together

Psalm 79:13, "But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise."

Multitudes on Monday

3302. Scott driving home today bringing cabinets for our own home!!

3303. how hard Scott works for our family and our new home

3304. school curriculum that is organized and ready for when we are able to start school

3305. gluten free pretzels that taste really good

3306. 25 days and counting until we {hopefully} close on our new home

3307. the paint colors that I chose for our new home turning out just as I wanted them -- paint colors are so stressful

3308. light fixtures and hardwood floors in making the house look more complete

3309. friendly neighbors who have welcomed us already

3310. praying with my children before bed so that the last things they hear are God's promises whispered in their ears

Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him." 

Multitudes on Monday :: On Tuesday ;)

3290. Gluten free brownies!!

3291. Gluten free granola bars!!

3292. Gluten free bread, and chips, and spaghetti noodles!!

3293. hearing Buddy-Ro pray and say, "Thank you, God, for letting Mama find me good food that I can eat. Please help her to find more." -- a gluten free lifestyle is a change for all of us, but we are adjusting. Being dairy free seems like no big thing any more, so I think that we will eventually get there with being gluten free. 

3294. the house under progress and being painted

3295. 31 days and counting until we are new home owners

3296. beginning a little math (Birdie) and reading (Buddy-Ro) as we try to get some sort of schooling started...because we won't be able to go in full swing until we move and have all of our school supplies and curriculum. ;) 

3297. good, real books to read with the kiddos

3298. my kiddos' love of The Andy Griffith Show

3299. quiet times during the days while Peanut naps so that I can get some things done

3300. an afternoon out of the house to spend with Mere just hanging out and catching up...without kiddos ;)

3301. an unexpectedly cool late-July day

1 Chronicles 16:8, "Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" 

Another house update

We went by the house yesterday evening because they had started painting and the kiddos were anxious to see their rooms. Well, the boys were excited because their room was painted. Birdie's room was painted, too...just the wrong color. She was so disappointed, but we assured her that they would fix it!



They should start painting the main level today, so it will be exciting to see how it transforms with new paint. The ceiling in the living room should really pop with the coiffured trim!



Scott designed the trim in our entire house -- the crown molding, the doors, and windows. It is so beautiful!! And he even did the dining room himself. It's so special to have his hands all over our house as it's being built.







Front doors are in! Covered by plastic so they won't get paint on them, but still in!



And the outside -- brick and stone are complete, just waiting on exterior pain to be done and shutters put on. The dumpster has finally been moved from the front of the house!! Yay for a family picture on the front porch. :) I'm pretty sure landscaping will make a huge difference. ;)



Yay for more progress!! 31 days and counting. Hopefully!

House Progress

I am way behind on updating the progress of our new house, but I have pictures that I've taken because lots of work has been going on!! These first pics are from about a month ago.









 

The view from our back porch. Ahhh, I foresee me spending LOTS of time out here with this view. :)





Before the steps were built for the back porch. Looks very far down and makes me nervous!







Photo op on the front porch.







And in the front windows.



Inside progress.













And these pics are from two weeks ago. There's been so much going on since these pics were taken, but they've been painting so everything is covered up. I'll have to go over in a few days to get updated pics.

















It takes a long time and a lot of work to build a new house. But it has {mostly} been fun. We are definitely looking forward to it being complete and settling in. But of course that requires moving again...and that was hard work!!