Party Hearty

Happy First Birthday Gabe

August 22, 2005, the day you stole my heart.

Dear Gabe,

I can't believe this day is here. And although we celebrate and thank God for our first year with you, I can't help but feel a little nagging deep in the back of my heart.

Because your first birthday means you're growing up. And it won't be long until I watch you get on that school bus to go to kindergarten, or watch you score your first soccer goal, or go on your first date, or graduate from high school, or see you waiting at the alter for your bride to walk down. Those things seem like an eternity away... but time passes so quickly. And when those days come, I'll look back at this day & say, "It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating your first birthday...."

I thank God so much for deciding that we should be blessed to be your parents. You've added so much to our family. You've given Mommy & Daddy a little boy to love and you've given Sissy a Bubby to love and grow up with. You're such a tough little boy but yet so sensitive. Your feelings are fragile and you have so much love. You are a cuddler and give hugs and kisses. But watch out if someone stands in your way.

A month ago you started walking. And last week you got your first tooth. You love to eat almost as much as you love to play. You're a Momma's Boy. Some people say you look like Daddy & some say Mommy. You remind Mommy of Papa & definitely have his height.

Mommy has so much fun watching you grow up. You really are a joy. You are happy everyday & seem to enjoy life. I hope you'll always have such an attitude.

Today my prayer is that your years ahead will always be this happy and healthy. Mostly, that you'll grow to be a man of God and know firsthand His love. I already pray that your life will be as it's intended and that you'll be blessed enough to one day know the love and happiness that your Daddy & I feel each day.

Happy First Birthday to my Baby Boy.

Love,

Mommy

Somebody Thinks They're ONE

Are You Tired of Beach Photos?

I like to call this one "Surfin' Safari"

Nana & Bubby resting, during a night walk

FJ at Gulf World, looking at the "Mamingos"

Minus the tags, this is really cute

I love this one, one of my favs of the whole 'cation pack

Even More Photos

More Fab Photos

Good times.

Just In Time for the Birthday Cake

It seems that turning ONE isn't enough for Gabe. He has to cram in a couple more milestones, like getting his first tooth.

We had a miserable Sunday & I knew it had to be happening. So Monday he woke up with it, it seems he knew most kids have their's by one.

He also had a first this week, as he drank milk for the first time ('real' milk). This was a milestone Flynn never got to hit. He of course loved it & did well.

Onto cake & ice cream!

Two, If By Sea

My favorite part of the trip was the very moment we took the kids out to the ocean. Two days of driving, I anticipated that very moment. I wish I could know what through their minds. One of the first things I said to Flynn was, "God made the ocean."

"Flynn, I'd like you to meet the ocean."

"Gabe, ocean. Ocean, Gabe."

I have myself two beach bums here. They LOVEd it. Gabe crawled like a crab through the sand (didn't mind the hotness) while Flynn spent hours washing shells in her bucket, then returning them to the sand.

And Flynn's new saying is, "I love you Bubby. You're my best friend."

I became increasingly aware of the fact that it is almost impossible to pose & photograph four people, two of them under three, while the morning sun is rising in your corneas; all while hoping your hair doesn't blow in front of your face or someone doesn't walk in front of you.

Either way, isn't it a gorgeous photo? Almost looks fake.

We had such an amazingly memorable time on our First Family Vacation.

A special thanks to my MIL & FIL who provided our lodging. It's awesome to get a Christmas gift in August!

Headin' to the Beach

Aaah... today Flynn tore off the last link to her "vacation chain", signifying the last day 'til "cation". And as we do last minute preparations, Jeff obsessively loads bags with a strategic plan. And I try my hardest not to pack too much.

Flynn has no idea that her anticipation of nothing more than fun begins with being restrained in a seat for 14 hours. Lord help us.
I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to post upon our return.

Sand & surf here we come.

Eternal Instants

I was gone for several hours yesterday evening. And when I approached my street & came around the corner, there I saw it:

Two little heads, looking out the window for me. I saw the dark silhouette of Flynn's ponytails & just a bit lower, I could see the paleness of Gabe's round face.

There could be no sweeter sight. And so, I took my foot off the gas & just rolled. I was stuck in that moment & was reminded how I am the luckiest person on the face of the earth.

I stared at them through the glass...'til I saw Gabe's hand go up & down with a wave -- w/ help from Daddy. Then, they were off & I could already hear Flynn yelling, "Mommy's home, Mommy's home!" If not overwhelmed by the urge to run in & embrace those sweeties, I could've sat there forever, staring at their sweet faces from the yard.

My favorite author (well, favorite author of books for 'big people'), Max Lucado talks about something called eternal instants. Here's some of what he writes about the type of moment I had last night, staring at my loves through the window...

"An eternal instant.
A moment that reminds you of the treasures surrounding you.
Your home. Your peace of mind. Your health.
A moment that tenderly rebukes you for spending so much time on temporal preoccupations such as savings accounts, houses, and punctuality.
A moment that can bring a mist to the manliest of eyes and perspective to the darkest life.
Eternal instants have dotted history.It was an eternal instant when the Creator smiled and said, "It is good." It was a timeless moment when Abraham pleaded for mercy from the God of mercy, "But if there are just ten faithful." It was a moment without time when Noah pushed open the rain-soaked hatch and breathed in the clean air.
And it was a moment in the "fullness of time" when a carpenter, some smelly shepherds, and an exhausted young mother stood in silent awe at the sight of the infant in the manger.
Eternal instants. You've had them. We all have.
Sharing a porch swing on a summer evening with your grandchild.Seeing her face in the glow of a candle.Putting your arm into your husband's as you stroll through the golden leaves and breathe the brisk autumn air.
Listening to your six-year-old thank God for everything from goldfish to Grandma.
Such moments are necessary because they remind us that everything is okay.
The King is still on the throne and life is still worth living. Eternal instants remind us that love is still the greatest possession and the future is nothing to fear.
The next time an instant in your life begins to be eternal, let it. Put your head back on the pillow and soak it in. Resist the urge to cut it short. Don't interrupt the silence or shatter the solemnity.
You are, in a very special way, on holy ground."
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How to Childproof Your TV ( the Jefferson County way ) in Three Easy Steps

1. Break a CD jewel case in half.

2. Line it up over your tv buttons.

3. Use a 1/2 roll of scotch tape to affix it.

*voila!*

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That's the Night When the TV Went Out at the Perrys

I really try to monitor & limit the amount of time the kids (primarily Flynn, as Gabe is just a "social" watcher) watch tv and movies. But, we have a lot of rituals around here and watching a short 30-minute movie at bedtime is one of them.

And who am I kidding... I feel sorry for myself if I can't watch a 30-minute episode of something other than silly singing or star catching. For example, my evening is complete if I end it with an episode of CSI watched from Charlie's old recliner.

I was ending a conversation with Kim from church, who I was talking to for the first time since she had Baby Riley last Thursday. We were talking poop, boobs & bilirubin (sp?) levels when Flynn started asking for it (a movie, not a spanking...well...I guess both ;) So, with phone on shoulder, I pick up the remote & click power. That's when some weird poltergeist lines showed up. Then I hear something resembling a motor. Honestly, since my brain is no longer able to multitask, I didn't give it much thought, as my attention was with my phone conversation (there's a reason to not talk on the phone & bathe children simultaneously!). So, I just walked away until a few minutes later when bedtime routine was starting up.
"I want to watch babies!"

So I turned on the tv... same weird lines, vertical strips of picture, shaded with a green. So I hit 'game' (the button to push to take you to a movie). That's when I heard a really loud motor/electricity/ball at the Magic House sound.
And then the smell. Like burnt skin. And it scared me, because here sat my children in front of it.

So I grabbed them up -- one in each arm (you can do that when their total weight is under 60 lbs) & I paged Jeff who was in the garage drilling a luggage rack into our minivan. I paged him I said...paged him, meaning jumped up & down on the floor...with all my weight (which is a lot) & all the while screaming, "JEFF! JEFF! JEFF!" Even Flynn yelled, "Jeff!"

When I heard him come in, I yelled, "The tv's smoking!" He ran up & as he unplugged it & tried to hoist its mightiness down our steps, I ran out the back with the kids until the stench cleared.

When the dust settled, we sat there on the couch like we were grieving. Flynn must've asked for a movie seventeen hundred bazillion times. Then I thought, 'What's become of us? That we're so dependent upon the tv.' And then my words came to haunt me...I remember telling friends (usually those who shared my feelings about the evils of television), "Sometimes I wish I could just throw it out the window."

Sometimes wishes do come true.

Until we're out of debt & making more than we owe each month, we're using the 'littler' tv (the one Jeff used to escape downstairs to play ps2 on). And, the littler one is EASIER for Gabe to turn on/off and to turn the volume up to dog whistle decibels.

Maybe in absence of our daily (or hourly?) media fix, I'll teach the kids how to knit, can jelly and play soliataire.

You say Party, I say Potty

We pulled off the 60th party for my mom Sunday. She had almost as many people there as we did our wedding! A lot of friends & of course, the Simpsons do it up right with a TON of food. I've never had to put on a shindig w/o the help of my mom...so, needless to say, I'm still exhausted today. My mom has never had a party in her honor; no big wedding, no graduation party, no milestone parties, so a party for her was long overdue. It's not technically her b'day for another week or so, but I'm afraid that day (we'll be getting ready to leave for 'cation) I'll be too busy to post a shout out to her. SO...Mom, Happy Birthday. Thank you for spending the better part of 60 years sacrificing & taking good care of us.

My kids' highlights of Nana's big day? Riding Jack, the Norris horse. When Gabe saw Uncle Dan galloping up, he spit out his binky & squealed. He took a ride around, then when returned to me, I reached up to get him. He was so mad, he did the back arch & threw his head back...looked at Dan, as if to say, "Take him around again, before she gets me!" So, he got his way. Flynn loved it almost as much, as Cousin Mo was her chauffeur.

Now...onto the Potty part of this entry. And I hesitated even sharing this as it makes me look like a horrible neglectful mom & makes Jeff look like a gross, sloppy careless Dad (he's not gross or careless usually).

I was busy doing something with Flynn. Honestly, I don't remember, being that I give her about 70% of my time each day (squeaky wheel). Could've been an art project, could've been facilitating a temper tantrum or enforcing time out. Who knows, not the point.

I did see Gabe heading down the hall to our bedroom....but didn't think twice about it as I keep it childproof. However, Jeff did not shut his bathroom...
nor did he close the toilet lid...
NOR DID HE FLUSH.

After about 30 seconds of him out of my view, I went to check on him. As I rounded the corner & saw Jeff's bathroom door open, I thought, "Eww, gross, that floor is always nasty." (since it's HIS bathroom, I quit nagging him to clean it & just warn anyone wanting to use it) BUT, that was NOT the nasty part.
When I approach the bathroom, that's when I see it....
what has became #1 on the nastiest things I've seen as a parent...
Gabe playing in his dad's urine.

Now you see why I almost didn't share it.

Then I called my doctor to up my dosage of my blood pressure medication

My Tomboy has gone Princess

I guess I knew it was just a matter of time... until all those soccer balls & trucks that dominate the toyboxes, would be passed up for things like gawdy crowns & fake plastic earrings.

Then it happened, just today as a matter of fact.

In my desperation to get Flynn to go "# 2" on the potty, I decided bribery was in order. So I started giving her poopy presents. My MIL, who loves to buy her g'kids dollar store stuff, jumped on my bribery bandwagon. She had a bag with a musical triangle, chalk board with chalk & some sidewalk chalk... you know?, AWESOME tacky kid stuff. But what does she choose...among all the aforementioned stuff? You guessed it. The cheesy crown & jewelry set.

I see shopping trips in my future. Lord help me.

Flynn's Summer Timeline

Anytime Flynn knows an event is coming up, she talks about it.

A lot. A lot. A lot. A lot.

And everytime we're putting on our shoes or leaving, she's sure that's where we're going.

So, when we told her that Nana's birthday party was coming up, you can imagine how that became the new topic of discussion, as she LOVES parties.

She also knows that vacation (or as she fondly refers to it, "the ocean") is coming up. And she also knows that Bubby is going to be one soon & that we're having a party for him.

This girl is so clever that she herself, put the events in order. One day she said, "First it's Nana's birthday party, then it's 'cation, then it's Bubby's birthday." I thought, 'Is this girl smart, or is she smart?' Then she started putting other people's birthdays into the mix. All of a sudden, all the cousins had August birthdays, sandwiched between Nana's birthday & Bubby's birthday.

So I decided a timeline was in order. She enjoyed doing this this morning. As she is the QUEEN of art projects.

Noodles & Co

New FAVORITE restaurant.

The really great thing about when a restaurant is opening, is their insistant desire to please you. Either that, or these people really are serious about allergies.

A few weeks ago, when we got Bubby's picture taken at the mall (for our free 8x10 depicting him at age 10 mos), there was someone passing out coupons for the new restaurant at South County Mall (don't expect to get to it IN the mall as it has an OUTSIDE entrance). So, how could we resist, as the only way we're able to eat at a restaurant is by the use of coupons (or being treated by some kind individual).

While waiting in line to order, we heard a manager behind us, so Jeff gave him the schpeal: "Our daughter has a severe allergy to cow's milk protein", blah, blah, blah. So, he surprised us w/ his response, "We use an area just for preparation of that. With a clean pan & new utensils.

We're SO over hearing reactions like, "I'm not sure." "I can't guarantee you anything." "Sorry." I COULD PUKE. No one in this day in age is willing to go out on a limb to assure a pleasant eating experience if they're afraid to be sued. So, you can imagine, that eating outside of our home, is nothing but a chore for us.

Go to the website above (click on the title) & sign up for their e-newsletter. You'll get a free coupon (BOGOF) & regular coupons for your b'day, etc. It's comparable to St Louis Bread Co. (which by the way, is almost finished in Festus) in the ordering style & the style of the food. I like the taste better at Noodles, but that's my humble opinion. I always get the Penne Rosa w/ chicken as my protein & caesar as my salad. Jeff always goes w/ Jap Pan noodles w/ shrimp as his protein. YUMMY. I think you'll enjoy it.

Have a fun weekend.

I Can Only Imagine

Our dear friend Shawn, lost her dad this morning. He had been fighting ALS (lou gehrig's) & PSP (http://www.psprecognition.com/).

My immediate reaction was to cry, "We're too young for one of us to lose a dad." But that's selfish, he went through a lot the last two years...probably worst of which included his loss of independence.

My memory of Les is of his quiet wit. When I close my eyes & imagine him, I have memories of how gentle & loving he was with Alex. They always hosted our friend get togethers, as they had the largest house & a basement full of fun.

Our prayers are with Sandi & Shawn & Jay. We love you guys.

The strange thing is that I thought of Les all morning. And I watched this video this morning. You really want to see this video BUT have kleenex nearby.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WjPrL3n63yg&feature=RecentlyWatched&page=1&t=t&f=b

Walky Walkerson's Sister

One of the cutest things about Gabe's new walking ability, is Flynn wanting us to watch her walk. Really, really bad.

"Wook at ME, watch ME walk!!"

And so, because we're equally as comical & bizarre, we say, "Come on baby girl, walk to mommy, walk to daddy, you can do it!" Just like we do with Gabe. And when she "makes it" to us, we praise her regressive efforts, "Yay! You did it! You're such a big girl!!"

The funniest thing about all of it, is that she pretends that she's walking for the first time. Her legs become stiff & unsteady & she takes one step at a time with an uncertainty that I almost think she believes herself. Her arms are out, as to balance herself; and it makes me wonder, 'Did she learn this from Gabe or does she almost remember this from two years ago?'

Walky Walkerson

Sniff-sniff. The end of an era. My prideful Mama side makes way to a sad Mommy who knows her little baby is growin' up.

Just after his 10-month mark, little Baby Gabe decided to put on his walking feet. Remember how you were with your first one? You practiced things. You gave opportunities. You took tons of pictures. Then #2 comes along & you feel like you barely have time to be sure the neck cheese is washed off every night. And all of a sudden, all these milestones & phases are flying by.... like you're on a bus & you're yelling for the driver to slow down, but he doesn't. You look out your window & things are going by so fast that it seems blurry.

Gabe does things before I even know to look for them. Sure, I know all the developmental stuff, but my baby's growing up.

He's been standing alone for a while now. And holds onto things & lifts his leg (particularly during the Wiggles marching... don't tell Daddy I added that part). So last weekend I thought, "Hmm, maybe I should see what he does when I put him up into the walker stance."

I kid you not, he walked. Just like that. First opportunity & he took it.

And he hasn't stopped. Today he tripped over Daddy's leg & just kept going 'til he crashed onto Daddy's chest.

I saw somewhat of a cheesy movie around the holidays. In this movie, the girl character (I think played by Kirstin Dunst), kept taking her hands, making them square like a camera, holding them up to her eyes & making a clicky-flash noise with her mouth. As if she were taking pictures with an "air camera" (as opposed to an air guitar). The point she was making was that she was taking a mental picture. Snap-shotting that given moment in time.

Gosh, I wish I could do that. And I'd be taking them all day long. Like tonight when Flynn tried to put a diaper on her doll, then asked me to help (because the diaper was like 16 times bigger than the doll). Or when Jeff made her shampoo-y hair into a horn. Or when Gabe finally found his binky & sucked it like an old friends' reunion. Or when Flynn asked me to tell her a story about an elephant.

I've always had the sharpest memory. Jeff hates that about me sometimes... he can never correct me on recall.

My prayer is that I always have that memory. That I'll always remember these times.

For the Love of Uncle Sam, Knock it Off Already

Okay, today is July 6th....July 6th, not July 4th or even the weekend before. Let it go. Knock off the celebration already.

In other words, if you have leftover fireworks, you do not still have the greenlight to let them off in my subdivision at 10 pm while my children are trying to sleep.

The irony is, that the family who kicked up the festivities last night around 9ish, aren't even american. Well, HE's not, he's not a citizen. But I guess since he's enjoying all our freedoms, he's got reason to celebrate.

That's fine..........just don't celebrate while my kids are sleeping.

Independence Day

Happy Fourth!

We had a fun time Saturday, at my Aunt Christine's annual Fourth bash. These people are SERIOUS about the fireworks & honestly put the VP Fair (am I aging myself by calling it that?) to shame. Not to mention, we sit on the hillside, or rather, lay on the hillside...right by the lake. The beautiful fireworks are set off above us.

Gabe slept through them. And Flynn requested her brother's sunglasses (she's really into protective eyewear & UV protection right now). As you can see in the picture below, where she took a fashionable break here.

And not pictured, are her toes, which I thematically painted red. YES, I painted them red. Me, the one who said I would NOT paint my little girl's toes or pierce her ears. I still won't pierce her ears ('til she's like 13), but the toes... just too darn cute when they're painted.

I sang a little karaoke while Flynn got in front of me & shook it for all she's worth. This girl could win a contest for bootie shakin'.

She's THAT GOOD.

We also got a glimpse into our road trip future. As Flynn wailed most of the two hour trip home. O Lord, what are we going to do with the 14 hr trip to PCB, FL? I believe I ?'ed in an earlier blog about the ethics of drugging your children for a stupid-long car ride. But no one responded. People, it was not a rhetorical question.

Yesterday morning, after getting about 2 quality hours of sleep, I have to admit... I groaned (INSIDE my head) at the thought of getting up & going to church & teaching kids. But it didn't take long (especially after seeing the kids in their adorable outfits...pictured below) 'til I remembered how lucky we are. We get to wake up on a Sunday & go to church. A church of our own choosing & worship the way WE choose. Worship OUR God. And while we're at that particular church of our own choosing, we don't have to fear that someone might bust in with guns. Or that the government will find out & imprison us. We have that freedom. A freedom we quite often advantage of. I'm thankful. Thankful to God and to our soldiers and to live in a country with that freedom & so many others. I could've been born in any other country, but God chose this as my home. And I'm so glad.

**Happy Birthday America**

Goodlicious Gabe

Words to Live By

I came across this quote in a focus on the family newsletter, Your Child:

Your Child's early years won’t last long, so plan well,

keep expectations realistic, and

try to enjoy the journey.

Flynn's "Girls"

Oh, these nieces of mine...
Flynn's crazy about them. Hannah spent a night & 2 full days w/ us last week & when she left, Flynn was sad. The next day at the lunch table she asked about her, "Where's Hannah?"
When I explained that she was at her house now, she said she missed her & wanted to call her.

Usually, one of the cousins is at Nana's, for her to play with while she's there. If not, it's, "Where's the Girls?" Each cousin contributes something different. Mattie shares her love of the animals. KK & Vanessa are great about sitting down & playing with Flynn.

My kids are lucky growing up with older cousins.... getting all this attention, free pedicures, hand-me-down barbie beach towels.
And LOTS of love.

Mr. 10-Months Old

I don't know if he'll always be sensitive. But he is now & we'll celebrate that. His feelings can be hurt easily and he loves his binky & his sissy. His favorite color is milk. He watches tv & is a good dancer. When he gets mad, he'll ram you like a bull. He gives good kisses. He likes napping with his dad. He is now 10-months old which makes mommy sad because in less than 2 months old, her baby will be one.
His name is Bubby.

Eww, Only it Wasn't Tootsie Rolls

Over the weekend, Jeff bought some tootsie rolls at walmart. We're filling bags for our kids' group at church, kidspoint. Anyway, you know when something is in your brain, because of recent familiarity, so it's instantly recalled?

Jeff worked with Dad yesterday, so me & the kids were 'home alone.' Flynn was napping (thank God) & I changed Gabe's diaper (he had just woken from his nap) & it was SUPER wet. So, I wanted to give him a few minutes to "air out." And you know how that goes when you're a busy mom. I think I went into the kitchen to get something or lay something down, then I somehow ended up emptying the dishwasher. And I noticed a scary quietness coming from the livingroom (the kind the activates your mommy alarm).

I think you know where this story's going...

When I stepped where I could see into the livingroom, I looked at Gabe, sitting quietly in the middle of the floor. Holding tootsie rolls.

Remember what I said about when you're thinking about something & therefore it automatically gets assumed.

In other words, those weren't tootsie rolls. It was poop. Itty bitty turds. Lots of them. And he was playing with them like play dough. Squishing & squeezing them between his fingers. They were all over him. Under his nails, on his arms, his legs, the surrounding toys.

Thank God for the binky that I keep plugged in his mouth.
Know what I mean?

Things I've Recently Learned

• Kid's pee is very yellow (especially on tan carpet).
• Little girl toes don't stay painted long.
• I'd pay $1,000 for my kids to start sleeping through the night (we decided that since we don't have $1,000, that I would be willing to have one of my toe nails pulled out, which really hurts by the way).
• Barney is ageless.
• VCRs are not obsolete.
• The french fry is Flynn's favorite veggie (yes it is so a veggie).

A Daddy is Born...Flynn & Her Dad, November 2003 

Shouts Out to the Daddies

If you get sick of hearing me brag on Jeff, how wonderful of a husband he is, how wonderful of a father he is... well, then, maybe I'm ALMOST bragging enough.
Growing up the baby of the family, I guess he was a typical boy who didn't have a ton of exposure to babies or taking care of them. Flynn's diaper was the first diaper he ever changed. He'd never swaddled, rocked & perhaps he'd fed a bottle or two, I'm not sure. He preferred kids he could reason with, elementary aged & beyond, and always showed some frazzled nerves when we babysat wee ones.

Look at how far he's come....

He shares the kids' upbringing. He diapers almost as much as I do. We take turns feeding Gabe his big-boy food. He takes Flynn places. He tucks her in at night. He gets up with the kids when they're pulling all-nighters. He replaces Flynn's goldfishies. He reads countless stories. He goes to doctor's appointments with us. He helps me make decisions.
He does everything he can.
And then some.

And when I think of how he's grown, even spiritually since God gave us our first baby to care for.
That's when I get tears in my eyes.
When I hear him praying with Flynn. When I hear him telling her about God, and Jesus, and how much They love her. When Sunday comes and I don't have to wonder if the family is going to church because long before I tell her it's a church day, he's asking her what dress she's wearing to church.

I remember the exact moment that Jeff became a dad. Well, not that moment. But the official moment. When they pulled Flynn out of my belly & over her curdling scream they told us that she was a girl. Jeff looked over at me & through his paper mask I saw a look I'd never seen before. His face seemed to change. And with some new kind of excitement he repeated, "It's a girl."

Now before that I worshipped the ground he walked on. But at that very moment, there was another thing that occurred between us. Another bond. Another stitch. Just when I thought I couldn't love him anymore, I did.
I do.
And everytime he has another tea party, gives another zerbert, changes another poopy diaper, I love him more.

And so on this official holiday, I thank God for Jeff. I thank God that I get to wish Jeff a Happy Father's Day. That we have babies & that they have a Godly daddy.

And I also take this opportunity to talk about my daddy. The memories of which I hope I remember long after he's gone, to tell my kids. About the evenings, after working more than a day's worth of hours, he'd go into the yard and play catch. How he left work to meet my kindergarten class at Rombach Farm's pumpkin patch. He took me to church every week (several times a week actually). He told me about God. He always bailed me out. With money. With resources. With a little bit of patience. When I moved four hours away, then decided once I stuffed every last box into my apartment that I didn't want to do it, he drove down the following day to help load them all back up. He coached my little league team (& yelled at me every game). He taught me how to poke fun. He carried me to the breakfast table every Sunday morning (even still after my sister & brother made fun because I was like 13 -- I say they were jealous).
And another thing I'll always think of about Dad is that he is always working, always. He constantly has a project going. And he always did that at home. Started with their shacky 2 room house & built on...and on... and eventually ALL of us had our own bedroom.
And so now, I appreciate not only his fatherhood, but his grandfatherhood. He has 1/2 a dozen kids who absolutely adore him & call him "Papa". And a 9-month old who already refers to him as "Paaa" (think of a puff of air) & who gets a gleam in his eyes when he looks up at my pot rack full of pots (because Papa hoists him up there to hit & clank the pots). For like a year when I'd ask Flynn the question, "Guess who's coming over?" It was always, "PAPA!!!!" Later Nana got tagged on. But he was #1 in her book... over ALL of us.
My dad is always there for us to help us. And a 60-"something" year old man could play the 'old' card of, "can't do much to help out with the kids." But, when I was in the hospital countless times this year, he always took more than his turn to watch the kids. And always did a pretty darn good job I might add.

So, Happy Father's Day to my dad. I love you.

And Happy Father's Day to the dad of my kids. I love you.

And Happy Father's Day to every dad who makes a difference. Who loves like they know how. Who supports their kids in every way. Especially those dads in my life.

A Tear Jerker & A Prayer Request

THIS HAS COME TO ME IN A FWD TWICE LATELY. I THINK IT'S SWEET, OF COURSE I'M AN EMOTIONAL MOM. ANYWAY, ENJOY: (be sure to scroll down to the end to our family's prayer request)

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms saying,
"It's all right honey, Mommy's here."Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours
on end soothing crying babieswho can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collectionsare hanging on
their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching
from thewarmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked,
"Did you see me,Mom?" they could say,
"Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for theworld," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp
their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.

And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year.
And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook
and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically
when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their
own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who
can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love...
sometimes totally unappreciated!

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent schoolshootings, and the mothers of
those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who
sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came
home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to
be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?

The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew abutton on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is itthe ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down thestreet, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt thattakes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put yourhand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comesagain at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door andknow they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from whereveryou are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident,a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our
thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and
sleep deprivation...And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us. Hang in there.

In the end we can only do the best we can.

Tell them every day that we love them.
And pray.


And speaking of prayer, I've taken all I can w/ Flynn's allergy. Meaning, sure, I'm coping with it. We've even got it pretty much under control as far as handling it. But I believe in a healing God, a prayer-answering God, which is why I've begun a little prayer campaign for her. She deserves not only ice cream & yogurt, but she deserves to eat what everyone else is eating. And deserves to go a week without breaking out in hives because someone kissed her on the cheek without washing their mouth. And she deserves to eat ice cream at a birthday party. And deserves an evening that doesn't end with a nebulizer. Or having to feel the whoozy effects of benadryl when she breaks out (sometimes why, we aren't sure). It hurts me to give Gabe yogurt & hear her say, "I want some Mom." I'm tired of hiding when I eat a piece of cheese. And I'm tired of worrying when I drop her off at the church nursery. And I'm tired of dreading her starting kindergarten because I'm afraid that a little friend she sits beside at the lunch table will spill milk on her.

I believe in the promises of God. And the same promises that healed Flynn while she was in the NICU, are the same ones that we believe today.

So, will you join our family in prayer? Prayer for the healing of Flynn's allergies.

Below find scriptures in which we claim our faith. Flynn says in the cutest little voice, "Jesus will heal me."

Isaiah 58:8 Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun. I will heal you quickly.

Psalm 6:2 Lord, have mercy on me. I'm so weak. Lord, heal me. My body is full of pain.

2 Kings 20:5 "Go back and speak to Hezekiah. He is the leader of my people. Tell him, 'The Lord, the God of King David, says, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. And I will heal you.

Ecclesiastes 3:3 There is a time to kill. And there's a time to heal. There is a time to tear down. And there's a time to build up.

1 Corinthians 12:9 To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing.

Luke 4:40 At sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.

Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Matthew 4:23 [ Jesus Heals Sick People ] Jesus went all over Galilee. There he taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's kingdom. He healed every illness and sickness the people had.

Mark 1:42 Right away the disease left him. He was healed.

Mark 5:34 He said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. You are free from your suffering."

Mark 6:5 Jesus laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.

Mark 10:52 "Go," said Jesus. "Your faith has healed you."

Psalm 30:2my God, I called out to you for help. And you healed me.

Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses.

My New Invention: Child's Shock Collar

You know those leashes... you always see someone at the zoo with them. Some of them are with deluxe harness, others are simply attached at the wrist.
I remember seeing those & saying, "That's inhumane. It's horrible. I'd never use one of those."

Then I had Flynn.

The cheetah is not the fastest land animal. Flynn is. And she fears nothing. Not passing cars. Not strangers. Not deep amounts of water or bottomless pits. The girl will do anything, go anywhere. And she does so with a speed that surpasses her parents'.

Now I'm all for the leash. Except the stigma that goes with it.

And because she's going through this phase, among many other "terrible twos" stuff, I've sat there many atime (while typing in my blog, trying to cram a few bites of something in my mouth, nurse Gabe) & said, "PLEASE listen to me. PLEASE don't make me have to get up." But she rarely listens. And I'm not one to just let it slide. I may lack several parenting skills, but consistency does not go by the wayside here. If I've told her to do something, she WILL.

So, in those AARGH moments, where I have to break Gabe's suction or go to an immediate stand from the floor where I'm picking up toys or... (you get the picture), I think to myself,
"She needs to be wearing a shock collar."

I don't mean anything that would leave a permanent sensation. I mean just a quick jolt. So, when I say, "Flynn get OFF THE TABLE!" She would look at me & continue her misbehavior. That's when I'd follow with a warning & if that warning goes ignored, a quick push of the trigger (which I could have carribeaner'ed on my beltloop). And much like a dog, she'd associate that small jolt with ignoring my request.

For most children, it would probably only take a couple of times. For Flynn it might take 4 times.

I think today I may go ahead & call the patent office & see if one's been patented already. And if not, I might go ahead & proceed with my plans.

DISCLAIMER: I AM JUST KIDDING. DO NOT CALL DFS. I DON'T PLAN TO SHOCK EITHER OF MY CHILDREN.
BUT I MIGHT DO THE LEASH THING.

Apparently, Elmo is Breastfed

Finally...and I was waiting for it to happen, Flynn saunters through the hall, nursing Elmo.

She has two Elmos. Hard Eyeball Elmo & Soft Eyeball Elmo. Which she has currently started referring to as Elmo 1 & Elmo 2.

She was nursing Elmo 1 (Soft Eyeball). He was tucked under her shirt, just like Gabe usually is. She was holding him in a cradle-hold, so her other had was free to cook or answer the phone. She stopped by the doorway (where I was in the bathroom) & asked me to feed Elmo 2.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Things I'd Like to Do

10. Go to Hawaii

Instead, I'll be saying "Hi", really whiny

9. Drink a tall glass of milk

Instead, I'll be feeding a tall boy some milk

8. Vacuum the livingroom carpet

Instead, I'll be watching Gabe vacuum the carpet with his mouth

7. Take a nap

Instead, I'll beg everyone else to take a nap

6. Eat my lunch in peace

Instead, Gabe will be spitting his peas at me

5. Finish reading my magazines

Instead, Gabe will be eating my magazines

4. Lay out in the sun

Instead, I'll be laying down my son

(only so he can get up 5 minutes later)

3. Put on make up

Instead, I'll be making Flynn & Alex make up

2. Take a shower

Instead, I'll be wiping off a shower

of applesauce

And the number one thing I'd like to do...

1. Spend the day with the loves of my life

Instead... well, actually, that's what I'll get to do!

Good Weekend

What a gorgeous weekend. It started out w/ Jeff surprising me with an Anniversary visit to the Melting Pot. He planned the whole thing...all the way to the babysitters he lined up (go Nana & Papa!!).

Then Saturday, after a music rehearsal for church, we went to the Cards game. Things would've been a little more fun if the Cards had played like they know how to.

Then, after church yesterday & after nap, we went to Trey's b'day party. Happy first Trey!! The kids have so much fun at parties. Gabe & Flynn were so sopping wet from Trey's new water table, that they went home in just a diaper (only Festusonians do that).

We ended the weekend by checking on our bird nest in the side yard & a good bubble-blowing session.

Flynn said something so funny Thursday. Jeff was about to take her with him to Walmart, so he said, "Flynn, do you want to go to Walmart?" And she replied, "No, I want to go to Nashville!"

Have a blessed week.

the kiss 

Happy Four Year Anniversary

Today, Jeff & I celebrate our 4th year of marriage.

On this day, back on a VERY HOT June day in 2002, Jeff & I vowed our love to each other -- at my parents' place. Family & a few close friends joined us. Jeff looked particularly handsome in his (very hot) tux & I sported some unflattering layers of taffeta (or some kind of sheer cheesecloth). My nieces were darling & I'm so glad they were all there.

But more important than that particular day has been the one thousand ninety-six days since then. And boy have they been full days.

We left the following day for our honeymoon. When we returned six days later, we prepared for a summer of teaching summer school. During which time, our house was finished being built; so we moved. And I took three graduate courses toward my masters' degree. We immediately wanted children. So, we immediately tried (or didn't try not to --- as we always said). Six months into the school year, we made a definite decision to not stay at Brennan Woods. So we did not sign our contracts for the following year. Shortly afterward, I saw two lines on the stick.

I took SIX -- Yep, I said six -- EPT tests. It just didn't seem real! We'd tried for nine long months & finally!! Jeff was showering & I for the life of me, couldn't muster up enough discipline to wait & think of some special way to break the news. So I barged into the bathroom yelling, "Is this a line? Is this a line???!!!!" I jumped up & stood on the toilet, hoisting the stick over the shower doors at him. Then, I sent him to Walgreens for 2 more.

Five months and a bajillion interviews later, we will couldn't find jobs. Facing the possibility of losing our house, we were stressed. Then up went my blood pressure & I was put on bedrest. Even if I'd found a job, I wouldn't be able to work.

Somehow we made it financially, but I got even more sick & Flynn was taken a month early through emergency cesarean. She was sick & was taken from us & transported to a different hospital in a different city. Heartbroken, we once again leaned on each other. There were nights when we just cried & hugged each other. Jeff was always my rock though.

Flynn grew & thrived & we decided it was time to bless her with a sister or a brother. We were excited to be pregnant again less than a year later. But shortly into the pregnancy, we lost that baby. What an upset... But we quickly remembered that God was in control. And had our love and each other... and Flynn.

Less than two months after that, I became pregnant with Gabe. And I was bound and determined to do all I could to carry a healthy baby to term. So I did my part. However, Jeff got kidney stones (again) & believe it or not, SO DID I (in my pregnant state!!) My stones got so bad that I eventually passed 2 of them... less than a month before Gabe's arrival. Painful & about the size of 1/3 of a dime, the stones prepared me for having Gabe the "original" way. Another bonding moment in our marriage.

Less than two months after that, I started having horrid pains. More stones!! --- this time, tho, they were in my gal bladder. And so, we had to schedule surgery, the week of thanksgiving. So, again, Jeff had a big job of holding down the fort & doing his job and mine.

Four months after that, I got sick again. Possibly the sickest I've ever been. See my cryptosporidium entry. Faced with the unknown - I once again leaned on Jeff. And can I just add how much fun he is in a hospital room. Always a comment, always a laugh.

Now & hopefully forever, we're all healthy. We're all happy. And Flynn is the huggingest kid I've ever seen. She's always ready with a kiss & hug. And I believe this is because she sees her parents hug & kiss EVERYDAY (sometimes several times a day). I hope our kids always know the love and respect we have for each other. I hope everyone knows the love & respect I have for Jeff. He means more to me than any earthly person. His love for God, for me & for our kids stand out as the best thing about him.

The last four years have proven my life's destiny. And how adventurous they've been... can't think of anyone I'd rather venture with.

Here's to forty more....
I love you Jeff.
Happy Anniversary.