Bath Time Fun!

After an afternoon of playing at Papaw and Mamaw's the kids needed a bublle bath. They had a ball in the tub with bubbles up to their heads. The sound of laughter filled the air - not much better sounds than hearing my kids giggling.

I used my new point and shoot camera to take these and the pics of hubby's birthday and I learned I have been spoiled by my DSLR. I wanted a small camera to carry around, especially when you are doing activites with the kids and it is hard to juggle them and a big camera. But, it works good, just use to the better quality of the other camera.

Happy 34th Birthday, Daddy!!

Since the hubby's birthday is on Feb.22, we usually celebrate the weekend before or after, just depending on what day it falls. Tax season is in full swing and we have to plan accordingly. The kids picked out a cake, nope, I am not a baker, wish I was! We had a birthday dinner after church and had cake and dessert. The kids love a party! They don't understand why adults normally don't have parties like kids. Maybe next yr, the hubby and I should have a birthday party for us at some kid establishment and really blow their minds. We had a wonderful day and great family time! The kids picked out pin the tail on the donkey game and those party poppers for outside use. Happy Birthday, Daddy!! We love you!!!

Sleep

Awwww......so sweet to look at sleeping children. They seem so innocent when they sleep, how quickly that fades as soon as they wake and get moving. HA!! Brock is my early riser, I am talking anywhere from 5-6:30 a.m. every morning. Granted, he goes to bed between 7-7:30 most nights, but he is my early bird. Normally, I get up and get him chocolate milk and he watches t.v. I go get back in bed with Keira, b/c she is no early bird and we need Ms. Congeniality to get as much sleep as possible. It isn't long before he comes to her room and climbs in bed with us. I am sandwiched in between them both and can hardly move. Sometimes, he goes to sleep, most times he doesn't. He sweetly looks at me and says, " You like to snuggle with your babies, don't you mom?" Melts my heart! I am so thankful I don't have a job to get up and get ready for each morning and I get to enjoy these precious moments every morning with them.

January 21, 2011

First of all, I am not writing this for sympathy or any responses. I wanted to write on this subject in case someone else experiences this and stumbles upon my blog, maybe I can help you in some way, maybe not. On January 21, I suffered a miscarriage. I have never went from such an extreme high to such a low in my life. I was the type who had previously thought that a miscarriage would not be that emotional or painful, especially in the first trimester. I was wrong! It happened early Friday morning and I knew I had lost the baby. I called the dr. as soon as they opened that mornng. I carried on about my day, just numb, absolutely numb, not wanting to believe that I had lost a baby just a few hours ago. I had no major issues with my other 2 babies and never imagined this would happen to me. I knew it was possible, but just thought it really would not happen to me. I dropped Brock off at the grandparents house, as it was my morning to volunteer at Keira's school. I put on my best face for those kids and my dr. called and wanted me to come in and do bloodwork. So, that afternoon I went. I was told I would have to come back Monday and do more. I did not like the waiting part - I wanted an answer right then. Deep down, I knew the answer. Friday evening we had planned a girls outing to dinner and a movie with Keira, while Brock attended the monster truck show with daddy and papaw. Again, I put on my best face and went along for my Keira. This was her night and she was so excited, as much as I just wanted to stay home and cry, I couldn't. My sweet hubby did not give up hope all weekend and even on Sunday baby names were mentioned. He was talking about putting the house on the market this spring and how I will need a mini-van, etc. Bless him! He was so happy about #3 and then it turned to sadness. I went back Monday and she told me I had lost it. I did my best not to break down in the lab. I had Brock with me, and did not want to explain why I was crying. I held it together. All weekend I tried my best not to break down, I tend to internalize things, especially something on this level. Don't get me worng, I was crying, but never just let it all out crying. I felt so empty inside, like a part of me was missing. Friday afternoon, I told God how sorry I was because back in Dec. I had said I did not want anymore kids, but when I found out I was preggo, I was thrilled. I did want this baby. I never asked why this happened, I know God is in control and His will is being done. I just felt so guilty for ever saying those words. My heart broke. Even though I will never know this child this side of eternity, I will get to meet him or her one day. Once you experience this loss, you don't want anyone else to have to go thru it. I spent the following week just down and out, not wanting to go anywhere, just sad. It is okay to grieve for that baby, no matter how far along you were. One thing I recommend is to talk to other women, especially if you have friends who have gone thru this before. They are a tremendous help. I have a friend who lost her 3 month old, and he was also a twin, and she had lost his twin early on. I told her I cannot imagine what she felt and experienced losing her 3 month old, I only got a glimpse of what she has had to deal with. I did not broadcast the miscarriage, only family and close friends knew. Someone told me to blog about it, and at first I thought no, to private for me to share with the world. But, then I thought if I could help someone else out, why hold back. I just want you to know it is okay to be sad, to be down, to grieve. My sweet friend told me I should not feel guilty for saying I did not want another baby back in dec. that was just Satan trying to get to me and use that against me. She was right! Some people will say things like, "Well, at least it was early on" or "You can try again", and so on. They mean well, but not exactly what you want to hear, because you wanted THAT baby, not another one. Just say your sorry and love that person, that will do them more than anything. It is hard to respond to those statements, or it was for me. If you are a Christian, you believe and hold onto your faith in Jesus, that this happened for a reason and God will get glory somehow, someway. If you are not a Christian, I encourage you to look at Scripture in the Bible and turn to the one and only Holy God. Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Psalms 18 :16-19 He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me. How awesome is that? God will rescue us, b/c he delights in us. No matter what trial or "storm" you are in in life, please know that Jesus can rescue you and set you free from that and all sin in your life. He has done this for me. And I can honestly say I would have sank into a depression after this miscarriage, given my personality and being an introvert. Only b/c I have been saved from my sinful nature is this possible. This doesn't mean the road is easy once you are saved, in any area of life, but you will have a Redeemer on your side. I have had my moments since I miscarried, when something is said or I see a pregnant woman and so on, that reminds me of my loss and I think about what could have been...............but I also have my Jesus, which surpasses any loss in this world. I will see my baby again, but for now he or she is with Jesus and praising Him.

The Road of Parenthood

As my children are growing, I realize how parenting is/will be my hardest job ever. Don't get me wrong, or take that statement in the wrong way. I love being a mommy and all the things that go with this role. Good and bad! I guess my eyes were opened to how easily my children could be swayed by others and turn in a different direction than what my hubby and I are trying to teach them and instill in them as they grow. Keira told me the other day what she learned in school - that humans are animals (mammals), etc. I understand what the lesson was covering, but what got me was when she tells me that "we had whiskers" and something about the "dots on our hands." Granted some old ladies have whiskers, I will give her that, but I said we are not animals in the sense she was referring to. In her little mind, she was referring to animals , like dogs and cats, etc. As we are discussing this further, she informs me that it is true b/c "my teacher said so." I got a dose of just how much influence a teacher , a coach, anyone for that matter could have over my kids. For the record, I am not bashing Keira's teacher. I think she does a wonderful job! It just showed me how much influence someone can have on my kids. I realized how as my kids get older and they may be around people who believe in evolution or don't beleive in God, could say things, re-word things, etc that could sway my kids from the truth. So, we must equip our kids with the truth of God's word. I had the talk about how teachers don't know everything, well, no one does. Keira tends to put her teachers(school, dance, etc) up on a pedestal and that is ok, but eventually she will learn they are just like everyone else, not perfect, will let her down, etc. Life lesson to learn. I have done the same thing in my life and it can turn out bad if you don't realize that your focus should be on Jesus and heavenly things, instead of people and earthly things. We are halfway in the school year and it has showed me that as parents we must be consistent and stay on top of things as we raise our children. Keira has picked up things at school that our family does not say or do and man, you can see her little rebellion wheels start turning. Prime example of how our flesh takes over and wants the things we should refrain from. We don't celebrate halloween, we don't do ghosts, witches, etc. I went to her party at school and never realized how much halloween is celebrated in our schools. It is on the bulletin boards, in their parties, in their candy, etc. She knows we don't celebrate this holiday, so she was just thrilled that this went on at school. She even told me once that she "celebrates in her brain." Wow! See how the flesh is at work and Satan, even in a 5yr old. So, in the future, our kids will probably not be going to school on halloween party days. We can't avoid it all, since they do worksheets the week of halloween with all this stuff on it, but we have to stick to what we believe and we are not concerned what others think or say. We have to rely on what the Bible says and we are striving to raise our children on God's word, not anyone else's. We also have taught our kids not to say "Oh, my God" or "Oh, my gosh" , yet this is something they hear on a regular basis. It would be so much easier to just give in and let them say these things, but here again, we are trying to teach them the importance of not taking God's name in vain. I am sure it is so difficult for Keira to hear this and think it is ok to say. She understands why we don't say this and other things, but I can see that she wants to cave and be like others. She didn't know who Justin Bieber was until she went to school. I am just amazed at what some kids listen to, she sure doesn't know who Lady Gaga or some of the rappers are. Yet, kids her age do and they don't care to share their knowledge. All this just brings me back to how this road of parenting is going to be a challenge. We have to rely on God's word and go to Scripture and seek Him. Proverbs 22:6 says Train a child up in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. We know God's words are true and don't change. His promises he keeps. We have to teach our kids what 1 John 2:15 says Do not love the world or the things in this world. "If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions- is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Is this an easy thing to do? No. I fail miserably and daily. But, I have to keep on keeping on, trusting God and His word. I have to keep teaching my kids His word and live them myself, not just say them. I fail at this all the time. It is a hard balance to try to teach our kids to be in this world, but not of it. I get caught up in this world and the "stuff" that goes with it. But, praise the Lord, Jesus saves us from all our sins and we are washed clean. So, our road of parenting continues, we will have ups and downs - storms will come - prayers may be answered, prayers may not be answered, but we know that God's will is going to be done. If I have learned anything in almost 6 yrs of parenting, it is that I had better stop on the road and get on my knees and pray.....pray.....pray....for my kids. Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

A week of no school

We have a had a week of no school and I really did not know what to expect from the kids, since we would be stuck at home all week due to the snow. Brandon had to drive my vehicle to work everyday and no way was I attempting to get out in it. But, the kids have been wonderful. They have played so well together and I would hear them calling each other "best friend." Made me smile! Keira did miss school, but she enjoyed being at home. This is a girl who loves going to school. Of course, we played in the snow and sled 3 days, by the 3rd day it was icy and they went to fast for me, so I was done with that. Last year, I missed Brock once and it scared me because he was going so fast. We have played everything from Barbie, cars, monster trucks, beauty shop, board games, wii games, read books, and so on. Thankfully, Thursday evening we got to go to Cracker Barrell and then went to Keira's basketball practice, she was so thrilled they had it. The kids are out again Monday for an in-service day, so I am thinking we may have to go to an indoor play facility to burn some energy and let them run. Brock on the other hand is loving that he has not been to school in almost 2 weeks. The Thursday before all the snow came, it had snowed a little and Keira was on 2 hr delay, so I just kept Brock home since his school wouldn't start till 11 and then gets out at 2. He would prefer to stay at home anyway. He doesn't cry when I leave him, but he lets me know that school is "yucky and boring."

In the above pictures, we started out with 1 tent and ended up having to put up another, as each wanted their own. It got a little wild! A good week!

Snow Day

We woke up Monday morning to 4 inches of snow! The kids were so excited and could not wait to get out in it. So, mid-morning the hubby and I bundled all of us up and headed outside. Keira got a sled for Christmas and got to try it out. Brock was absolutely thrilled and loved sledding. After about an hour, we came in and warmed up. Later in the afternoon, Papaw Woody came over and played with us. Papaw and Mamaw Leffew also came up. What a good time the kids had.

More Snow Day

First basketball game

Keira began Upward basketball this past saturday morning. Last year was not a great experience in the city league for her as they play ages 4-6 and just being 4 at that time, it was a little overwhelming for her. This year, and this league, her team is made up of only kindergarten kids and they only play other kindergarten teams. Much better! She seems to like basketball, and dribbles okay for a 5 yr old. She is timid on the court when it comes to taking the ball from the other team and so on. She was not able to score a basket, but put up a great shot and almost banked it it. Just a little too hard!

Keira's first lost tooth

Keira began the new year by losing her first tooth. She had a dentist appointment back in Dec. and he told us she has 4 teeth that are loose. The bottom one has been ready to come out, but she kept saying it hurt when we would try to pull it. We were getting ready for bed and she yells from the bathroom that she just pulled her tooth. Then, she kinda panicked because of the blood, and we got that taken care of. She was so excited!! So, we prepare to go to go to bed and she is ready for her money. Instead of waiting, she goes and tells Brandon she is ready for the tooth fairy. Our kids know we are the tooth fairy, and are perfectly fine with that. Keira would prefer it this way. We have told them all the holiday "characters" are made-up, it is just stories.

Keira and I are laying in the bed waiting for Brandon, and I said just put the money on her dresser, but she was not having it. She wanted it under her pillow. It was so funny! I thought she would want to wait and go to sleep and be surprised in the morning. Losing teeth is just another reminder of how fast they are growing up!!

Christmas 2010

Christmas at our house was good, except Keira was not feeling well. Friday evening, while we were at Wade and Pam's house, she began complaining of a belly ache and then climbed on the couch beside me and went to sleep. It was not long she was running a slight fever. So, Christmas morning we do our gifts and then she feels so bad, she gets on the couch. She really was not interested in playing with her toys. She complained of headache, belly, and fever. As the day went on, she was not improving. The fever began getting high and she kept complaining. At 9:30 that evening, Brandon loaded her up and took off to the ER at Children's. Due to the poor weather of snow, we decided it was better for him to drive. It broke my heart as I kissed her goodbye and she was asking for me to take her. I stayed home with Brock, waiting. By 10:15, they had been in triage and Brandon is texting me with every update. Thankfully, the ER was not busy. They tested for strep,flu, bladder infection, did xray, and a cat scan . The dr. assumed appendix and I began trying to mentally prepare myself for the possibility of surgery. Not an easy thing to do. She had many of the symptoms of appendix at this time. The night goes on and I could not sleep. Of course, all kinds of possibilities run thru your mind at this point. What if's began to come. Finally, morning comes and we are no closer to an answer. My dad comes up and stays with Brock, while Papaw and Mamaw Leffew take me to to the hospital. We arrive just as they are about to take her to a room. I see my little girl, hooked up to an IV, looking so sick, and it brings the tears. We go to the surgery floor, waiting on a surgeon. Mid-morning she arrives and she doesn't think it is appendix. So, more waiting. We see a dr. and she thinks it may be something viral. They noticed something on the xray or scan in her GI tract. So, we are eventually moved to another floor, more testing, etc. . Long story short, we ended up spending 3 nights in the hospital, with a final diagnosis of adenovirus. They told us this is contagious, but thankfully, no one else has come down with this. We are so thankful no surgery or anything else was wrong. Things like this put into perspective for me just how quickly our lives can change.

Thank you, Lord for your protection on my child and for guiding the dr. to the correct diagnosis.

Christmas Eve evening

We went to Uncle Wade and Aunt Pam's house for the Ray family Christmas. What a good time! Henry, who is only 4 weeks old, was passed around and loved on. The kids had a blast playing. Good laughs had by all. Uncle Wade and Brock opened fire with a nerf gun and were blasting us all. I think Wade enjoyed it more than Brock. The only down side of the day was that Keira began feeling bad and went to sleep on the couch. She was running a slight fever and complaining of a headache and belly ache. We ended up coming home earlier than usual to get her to bed.

Christmas Eve morning

All of us worked on the zhu zhu pet playsets.

He loved the dinosaur he got!

Checking out a gift

Papaw Woody and Mamaw Peggy with the kids

We got to my dad and step-mom's home Christmas eve morning and have a wonderful breakfast and enjoy family time up to the afternoon time.