To be truly thankful

Every year while gather around our table at Thanksgiving a basket is passed around filled with kernals. Each person is instructed to take 2 kernals to represent two things they are thankful for. This is usually an emotionally driven tradition where true gratitude pours out. The one time a year I see my husband choked up as he reveals the things in life that are most important to him. This wonderful tradition began with my father in law's family and the kernals that pass between our fingers have been in our family for over 30 years! I feel extremely blessed to be able to host Thanksgiving again and plan to carry on this family tradition as long as I am living.
In honor of the great turkey slaughter the girls and I made some cute crafts. One included pilgrim hats made from cookies and peanut butter cups. There were 14 until I brought one in the office to snap a picture of and then I don't know what happened to it! Our final craft was totally cute. We made turkey napkin rings out of old toilet paper rolls. Although this craft met several standards for my lesson plan book, I still have an uneasy feeling putting something on my table that used to serve its purpose in my bathroom! Anyhow they turned out adorable and we had a great time making them. So this year I am thankful for my husband who has both supported and trusted me to educate our children. It is a blessing to have my legacy at home with me and as Sophie says (during chore time) "Mama is training us to be good wives!"

Fireproof your marriage while enriching your friendships!

Hi loyal readers, I just wanted to tell you that I had the best time at girls movie night. Not only was the movie Fireproof totally amazing but the fellowship was great too! I needed a night out with the girls...you know what I'm talking about! Quiet car ride, no kids, good meal, no kids, followed by lots of laughs and smiles with no kids! Don't get me wrong I love my kids but I don't get the luxury of being alone like a lot of my mommy friends do, so when I am invited to something grown-up I tend to leap for it! The night began with a car ride with a very dear friend of mine (Jamie) When we found those comfy quiet moments in between conversations Marty (who formerly starred in both Madagascar 1 & 2) chanted "You guys are crazy!" every time we slowed for a red light, accelerated, or turned for that matter. About 4 baskets of chips were enjoyed at Que Pasa, followed by a consumption of about 1000 calories between the homemade popcorn and other illegally-smuggled candy and snacks. The movie was both romantic, entertaining and inspiring. I recommend those of you who haven't been blessed by it to go see it asap. In fact, the very next day Becci ran out to Berean and purchased The Love Dare book featured in the film for us. It is neat to see what happens in your marriage when you apply biblical principles daily. So a big thanks to Becci for planning a great event, to Jamie for being a fun co-pilot, and to Kati for always being my best friend and bringing out the best in me!

What happened to my Goldi-locks?

It was a crazy day...after another necessary play date (so my kids are socialized!) I ran home with the little ones in the bike trailer while Sophia rode her bike beside me. My mission was to make it home before I had an embarrassing accident! Thanks a lot Kati for that pistachio cake!!! Wouldn't you know Sophia wanted to stop to smell the roses as I urged her to ride faster. When she asked me why I didn't use Aunt Kati's potty before we left I impatiently explained this was one of those situations where only the privacy of our bathroom would do. We finally made it home, I ran in the house, Sophia unbuckled Ava and Ezra and brought them in for me. There is something to be said for those firstborns!

It wasn't much later while Sophia was making a craft that Ava stood behind her with a pair of scissors. I was shocked...words were withheld as I watched my second born cut long chunks of blond hair from Sophia's head. I haven't really recovered since. Oh yes, grandma came over to attempt a rescue trim, and Clint let me soak in the tub for an hour, but I am not the same. My daughter's long hair is no more, it is the end of an era and now I have to get used to it without emotionally scarring her. The weird thing is that I am the only one crying about it! It will be tough to bob her hair but it has to be done. Needless to say, Ava will be getting one too!

Milkmaid

I always give my mom a hard time about bottle feeding me. I really don't care that much and I turned out perfectly healthy with an immune system most would kill for, but it is fun to tease her from time to time. I was first introduced to breastfeeding by my mom who nursed my baby brother Jordan. Regretfully our age gap of 7 years has made it difficult for us to maintain a close relationship. Now, fortunatley we both have children the same age so that has given us more of a reason to stay connected. Zoe is my beautiful neice who has her mother's sweet smile and demeanor and my brother's big expressive eyes. It has been a blessing having her in our family and our girls think the world of her! Heather, Zoe's mom, is my hero...she pumped for six months so Zoe could have breastmilk even though the odds were against her with latching issues.
There have been many things in life I have been passionate about. One thing has lasted longer than any other...my conviction and desire to nourish my children the most nuturing way I know. I can remember when my brother was nursing and being intrigued by it. Who would of thought 8 years later I would meet my best friend in highschool and would be enlightened on the benefits of breastfeeding? I specifically remember being 15 and wanting Kati's mom to sign a notorized affidavit promising my breasts would work properly when the time came. It wasn't 10 years later I had gotten my wish. My sweet Sophia was born and I cradled, sang, and nursed the night away. Here I am 6 years later and happily breastfeeding my last. He is a sweet boy only 21 months old who knows how to make me melt.
My goal has been to make it 2 years, I didn't reach that with the first two so I am more determined this time. Ava protested the breast from day one. After a grueling battle and lots of tears I quit after 4 months. Her attitude about breastfeeding has definately changed. She thinks its a 3 man job. While Ezra nurses she squeezes my breast as if it is necessary so he can recieve milk. To everyone's surprise she will probably grow up to be a lactation consultant or run the local La Leche League!
I was worried he was weaning early because it seemed like we rarely nursed; however, when I told my girlfriend Hilary we nursed 3 times a day and 3 at night her eyes were the size of saucers and then that is when I knew we are no where close to being done. For now I will enjoy the request "drink, mom...please!" or the tapping of his finger on my chest in the middle of the night that translates "you know what I want, now hand it over and no one gets hurt!"

History Camp

My Little Pioneers

I am raising amazing children. Move over Hannah Montana, my daughter's idol is Laura Ingalls. I was hoping for Mary but I guess I could have gotten Nellie so I will count my blessings! Grandma Judie made prairie dresses for Sophia and Ava so they could dress up for History Camp at school. Sophia loves the dress so much she often wears it to bed, wanted to be a pioneer for Halloween and asks to wear it to the store. I am hoping to convince grandma to sew another set!
So we attended this awesome camp at school where the kids go four days a week from 8:40-2:00 and learn about pioneer life. We learned so much, had a lot of fun, and were able to teach elementary students some interesting facts as well. Most of all it was great seeing the girls soak in all of the enriching information from days past. Ava was so cute participating in everything her sister did while Ezra walked around in his coonskin hat shooting everyone and everything...(it would have made Obama cringe). After a week of wearing the same thing and having the same hairdo Ava adamantly said "I want no more braids!" Everyday I am confident we are fulfilling the Lord's will for our family by homeschooling our children. It is a sacrifice that comes with both blessings and bloopers but I am honored to be a part of it.

Flying Purple Fish

So I realize it has been almost a month since my last post and honestly I was getting weary of hearing about it, which in a way was a compliment, meaning I must either be a world renown writer (ie modern day Shakespeare) or a good form of entertainment for all of you!
About a week ago Sophia and Ava were sitting at the bar painting (something we hide from the grandma's in the family who worry a little too much) when all of a sudden Sophia barely nudged Lily's tank with her hiney. What happened next was a catastrophe in the making...the tank cracked, the lid broke, water, rocks, plants, went everywhere, and Lily flew in the air like she had bounced from a tile trampoline. She landed in the sink. I couldn't see her between the milk and honeycombs as I pulled dishes from the filthy sink. At last there she was flopping and stunned all at the same time, but when I tried to rescue her she was too slick and she kept wiggling from my fingers...all I could hear was a high pitched voice crying over and over "I killed my fish!" My only thought was I have to get her out before she falls into the disposal (I hate digging things out of there!) Finally I lifted her limp body and set her in a temporary bowl of fresh water, I ran to Sophia's room and pulled her off of her bed and tear-soaked pillow to show her my valiant rescue. I was so happy I was able to save the day and bring hope to my distraught daughter. It was funny and terrible all at once. I later decided it is beneficial and actually healthy to have a sink full of dishes. I plan to make it happen more often for I never know when Lily might jump again!