Running from A T-Rex for an Hour

Today was not our typical Christmas.

Not in many respects.

This morning was great and it was so fun as usual to watch the children and to remember how I felt at Christmas as a child. Being sad when the presents were gone--not because the presents were actually gone, but because the feeling that comes with opening each present--each surprise -- is on hiatus for another year.

I had a hard morning because I didn't really have a present for Steve. Well, I did have one, and I had ordered it, and was just waiting to wrap it in my favorite Christ

mas wrapping paper when my very generous sister and brother-in-law sent us the same product, by a competitor, which we found out by mistake. So, instead I wrapped his present in brown shipping paper and sent it to their products return department. Which meant I was empty handed for Steve.

I guess the background info that is needed here is that I am always spoiled on Christmas, birthdays or anniversaries by my husband. And, while I want to spoil Steve with the same joy, it's hard because he is hard to shop for because he wants things from the tech world that is just not my world. Therefore he understands better what he wants more than I do, and can find the best deal or the exact thing he wants.

Back to being empty handed for Steve. So, I asked him for ideas and he told me he needed to think. He was at a loss. So was I. Fast forward until Wednesday, when I suddenly realized that I don't have anything under the tree for him from me. I came up with a few ideas-those standby ideas, but not so excited to give ideas. And, I know that Christmas is all about the giving. I enjoy

that part of it so much.

This feeling isn't typical for me, because I can usually come up with a gift for Steve that he is excited to get, hard as it is. So, I was feeling pretty low about that. But, guess what, that suddenly didn't matter anymore because...

...we spent part of our Christmas in the ER.

For Steve.

We were driving over the river and through the woods to his parent's house and I was trying to talk with him and he just wasn't responding. Given how I was feeling about

things, I was feeling even more low, until he held up his hand and said that he was having a hard time breathing. He'd been having these episodes for the last two weeks and had made them seem like no big deal. I just thought that if I gave him a few minutes he could get it under control. I knew things weren't getting under control when he asked me to pray for him. So, now I am freaking out...on the inside.

As we keep driving he says it's getting worse and he really can't catch his breath. Of course the obvious decision is to go to the hospital. So, now I am freaking out even more.

We were there for about 3 hours. They ran some tests, checked his heart, and took some x-rays.

Under my Facebook status--well, we've had an ER Christmas...with Steve. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses who work on holidays. Steve was so excited to be spending Christmas with me that his heart was beating really fast!--here is what Steve says about his experience, "All tests came back great...Fit as a fiddle...Just an uncertain heart problem which they are thinking is arrhythmia. Shortness of breath and rapid heart rate...pretty terrifying. Think adrenaline rush x100 at an almost constant rate for over an hour. They had to drug me to get my breathing and heart rate stabilized. Now I feel like I ran from a T Rex for an hour."

Me too.

Emotionally.

(remember, I am an emotional giant?)

But, it is a merry Christmas. We are and have been surrounded by family--here and afar--all day! I love family! I am so glad to know that families are eternal and forever!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Christmas Happiness

Christmas happiness is...

listening to songs that focus on our Savior on the radio. I love the songs that focus on the Savior at this time of year, there are so many of them; two of my favorites are Mary, Did You Know and Josh Groban's version of O'Holy Night which is ah-mazing! These songs resonates with me.

Christmas happiness is seeing my boys perform in their school program and to see my son get the biggest smile on his face and to point me out to the classmate next to him...even though we'd had a terrible night the night before.

And while we're talking about songs, Christmas happiness is listening to my daughter sing the words to the Christmas songs. She loves music so much, like her daddy, and wants to try to learn the words to every song. When she and I go to pick up the boys, we usually listen to the Christmas playlist on my ipod. She will climb up into my lap and we sing the songs, out loud, together. I want to cherish these moments with her forever.

Christmas happiness is watching my kids enjoy the new traditions that we are doing this year as I try to give them the gift of memories. In addition to our picnic by the Christmas tree this year we added a movie, gingerbread houses and a "sleepover" by the tree.

And, oh my, the baking. Christmas happiness is having a reason to bake. I love baking. One of the other traditions that I started a few years ago is to have homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. It's the only time of the year that I make them and they are delicious! Like Cinnabon, I add vanilla pudding to my dough and they are perfect! My kiddos love them and ask for them now. And, have I mentioned the yummy treats that have been dropped off by our great neighbors! We are so blessed to live in such an area where I actually know the people who live around me.

Christmas happiness is spending time with my family. Although he won't have as much time as last year, Steve gets to spend a few days with us at home...well, not actually at home because we always seem to do something fun when he is around. He brings the fun to our family for sure. I enjoy my boys when they aren't bored and fighting. And, they are big enough that we can play games. In fact, they bring their own little version of fun to the different games we play. We were playing Apples to Apples the other day (which is quite fun with Laney - her randomness because she can't read yet) and they said that you were whatever cards you won. We got the biggest kick out of that.

Christmas happiness is knowing the true reason for the season. It is knowing that a Savior was born who is our elder brother. That He knows my name, my trials, my dashed hopes, and my tears...because he felt them, for me, and for you. And, knowing that Christ leaves with us a peace that only he can give.

We are "There"

So, the other day, I went to Salt Lake City to spend the day with my Aunt and my cousin with her two boys. Her boys are exactly the same ages as my boys. We hit the Children's Museum and the boys had a blast, at least that's what they told me. I didn't get to see them very much because I was still following Alayna around. She is still too little for me to let her roam. I know I am one of those helicopter parents.

Afterwards we went to Rumbi Grill for lunch. Because of our large group, we sat at two tables, side-by-side: a boy's table and a girl's table. It was a very surreal experience because the boys took care of themselves by getting their own drinks, forks, knives and napkins, whatever they needed. And then the four of them proceeded to sit there and have a real, actual conversation.

My boys are growing up.

I can't believe that we are at this stage with them.

And it is so enjoyable.

I remember when they were little just wanting...

• to eat a meal without having to get up to wash hands, or refill a sippy cup, or to...well you get the idea.
• them to be able to go to the bathroom by themselves.
• to not make such a mess when they eat.

I thought we would never get here. And, now we are there.

Did I mention that I am enjoying it?

Money Sense

Not long after Tyler was in his new school in September, I learned that in their lunchroom is a table that the students are allowed to place wrapped, unopened items that they don't want; and, other students are allowed to take anything from that table if they will eat it.

I asked Tyler if he ever took anything from the table and he said that he had. So, of course I asked the follow up question, "What do you take from that table?"

His response was, "Milk."

I then proceeded to tell him that he has a lunch account and I always keep it full of money so that he can buy lunches one day a week and milk the other days of the week.

His response to me was, "I know Mom, but it saves money if I get the milk from that table."

I love it that he is learning to be frugal at his young age. That skill will serve him well in his life.

To My Bones

Yesterday I was playing with Alayna. We were hugging, cuddling, tickling, and laughing.

Then she started with a game that we have played for a few months now.

When we first started, it went like this:

ALAYNA: Mom, guess what?

ME: What?

ALAYNA: I love you.

ME: Alayna, guess what?

ALAYNA: What?

ME: I love you.

Repeated back and forth several times.

One day we were in the car and she started that same games, only this time she said:

ALAYNA: Mom, guess what?

ME: What?

ALAYNA: I love you. I love you to the sunflowers. (She had been looking out the window at the sunflowers.)

ME: Alayna, guess what?

ALAYNA: What?

ME: I love you.

Ever the purist, I had never really liked the additions that she made (although I kept that to myself). But she likes them and that made her happy which made me happy.

That is until yesterday.

Yesterday it went like this:

ALAYNA: Mom, guess what?

ME: What?

ALAYNA: I love you to my bones.

ME: I love you to my bones too.

I was a little surprised that she picked something so random. But, it says so much. Yesterday our Sunday school lesson was the first half of Jeremiah. One of my very favorite scriptures is in this section of the Old Testament. This scripture has brought me peace at a time when I desperately needed it.

Earlier in the day, I had been discussing these scriptures and their meaning with Tyler. I can't remember if Laney was in the room or not. It doesn't matter. I still love that even if she was, she could apply that meaning in a different context...and so appropriate. She says she didn't hear this conversation, so is it coincidence or God....incidence?

The scriptures are Jeremiah 20:7, 9:

v. 7 O Lord, that hast persuaded* me, and I was persuaded*: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

v. 9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Jeremiah, was a little discouraged because the Lord had asked him to preach and prophesy to the Southern kingdom of Judah. He went and boy was it hard. He was scorned, mocked, and thrown into prison (twice). Because he was discouraged, he no longer want to preach or testify of the Savior, but his testimony was felt down to his bones and he couldn't not do it.

So, as of yesterday, I am no longer a purist.

Alayna, I love you to my bones.

Fabulous Forty

I love F.O.R.T.Y

I know it's the official passing into middle age, but I don't care.

I am better at forty than I was at thirty.

While Steve's family doesn't really make a big deal about birthdays, mine kinda does; well, the milestone ones anyway. And boy am I glad they do, because this birthday was an "experience." (Click here if you want to know what I mean by that.) I will never forget it. A big THANKS to my sweetheart for making it happen. I really love that you get me and want to make it happen for me.

So, I flew home to Maryland for a long extended weekend. It was the perfect time.

Why was going home to important to me?

Because I don't have my own birthday. I've always shared it with two very special people: my pair and spare. I am an identical twin, my pair and a fraternal twin, my spare; and, together we make a trio, a set of triplets.

Tiercy, Todd, Paige

And, I wanted to turn 40 with them. If you want to read a funny story about being a triplet, clickhere.

We had so much to do and so little time. We were able to go shopping, have lunch at Famous Dave's, have dinner with a high school friend, Scott where he kept Paige and me laughing out loud (Mom you missed a good time.), a trip to DC Cupcake (a little piece of bliss), relaxing mani and pedis for my mom, Paige and me, a day at GoApe for the triplets, a great evening at Bonefish for Paige and me and then on to Cold Stone, and a big family party.

On our actual birthday, Todd, Paige, and I spent the morning flying through the trees like a bunch of monkeys. We laughed so hard. One of my favorite memories from that day, was the drive up to GoApe. While we were driving there we were talking and laughing a lot. However, at one point, a song on the radio caught our attention and we all started singing...out loud, to Teenage Dream. I know this song is about romantic love, but the three of us were teenagers together and a lot of my memories of them are as teenagers because that is when we spent the most consecutive time together. So, in the end, I feel like it was an appropriate song. Because weren't we really going to do what is seemingly a teenage activity?

Look at these smiles:

My last night there was the actual family party. I loved it and it makes me miss my family so much. They get me!

My mom organized and planned this party through countless emails. One of the things she asked the spouses was the flavor of cake that the respective triplet liked best.

And then she showed up with these amazing cakes:

Back in the day, before infertility medicine made multiple births so common, there was a set of quintuplets. The were a big deal! My mom remembered seeing an interview with them where they said they never got their own birthday cake, and ever since my mom has tried to give us our own birthday cake. Have I ever told you what a great mom I have? She's the best!

Then we got silly.

This picture makes me happy. We were both suppose to have a chagrined look on our faces, but I just couldn't pull it off. Or maybe, it's because I was always the trouble maker, so they say.

Mimicking the past we we would take his blankie, throw it in the closet and then sit in front of the door. How did Todd survive with two strong-willed sisters?

My mom would never mix us up. We couldn't possibly look, sound, or act that much alike! But it's been known to happen and boy do we delight in it...now. In fact, the only two people that Paige and I have never been able to fool are Todd and Steve.

Double trouble for Buff.

Us with my mom, who started all this madness forty years ago! I love you Mom!!

Blair, has anyone seen Blair? I need to make sure to get a pic with him next time.

These girls make the best friends. I don't know what I would do without each one of them in my life.

I am the luckiest girl to have the family that I do. I know my life choices have taken me far away from my family, but they are never far from my thoughts.

I haven't yet mentioned that my awesome family got us each and ipad. I love mine and already don't know how I'd live without it!

EXTRA GO APE PHOTOS

On, On to the Victory

Dear Silent Stalker,

You've been stalking my family for about 10 years.

No one knew.

You wouldn't have been welcome anyway.

Because of you, my brother-in-law (BIL) is dusting off and putting on his football uniform, ready to meet a worthy opponent, a rival. I know some might say he's just your BIL, but my relationship with him transcends the typical in-law relationship. I would even say he's like a brother to me.

I was fortunate to forge my own relationship with Buff--independent of my sister. I know that he makes my sister happy, and while I love him for that, I also love him for who he is. He just might even be the glue that holds my family together. There was a time in my early twenties where my brother and I were single and Robin and Buff didn't have any children yet and we played!

The four of us did a lot together: craft fairs, dinners out, skiing in Colorado, nights of Uker and Whales Tales, Christmases, beach trips...the stuff memories are made of. And, I would say this period marks a very happy time in my life.

Now we are making new memories with you, a silent stalker. You could also be called chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer. I know it's late in the game, but you picked the wrong guy.

Let me tell you about a childhood memory of Buff's: No Surrender

Buff was in grade school, probably 2nd or 3rd grade. Buff lived near the University of Toledo and went to the football games with his dad. So Toledo had been on an amazing winning streak. But this particular game, they were down big time...by a lot. Buff remembers at half-time going into the bathroom and crying. He walked out and told his dad that they should go because the game might as well be over. But, his dad insisted they stay. And guess what, Toledo came back to win the game. It was an amazing victory.

That day a fighting spirit was instilled in Buff.

He knows it is possible to be extremely far behind, and still win.

And that is how we feel with you, silent stalker. You will be defeated. You may have the ball now, but we're just waiting for "that" play--the game changing play when the ball changes hands and we will run to victory. It will happen. It's already set in motion.

So, you might as well save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else.

nah, nah, nah, nah, hey hey, good bye!

Because I love the scriptures, I wanted to share this one:

Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice , and be exceedingly glad.

Found in Doctrine & Covenants 128:22

Here is another one of my favorites ever since my sister-in-law shared it with me:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me anad come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13

not affectionately yours,

Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?

It wasn't me.

Wanna know why?

Because I gave up sweets for 3 months, from August 1st - Oct. 30th.

I found this quote and I fell in love with it. It poignantly expresses why I gave up sweets.

President David O. McKay often spoke to the youth of my Church about self-control and self-mastery:

“So the whole lesson is one of subduing, not just physical matter, that you might realize the ideal, but subduing your own passions and appetites, and conquering them. Some of you say we hear too much about keeping the Word of Wisdom. Why, it is one of the best lessons for the young in all this world, and for the old! You reach out to indulge in certain things. Resist, avoid creating an appetite for that which creates an appetite for itself. But beyond that, you develop the power to say, ‘No, thank you.’ And the strength that comes to the character more than compensates for any immediate pleasure. . . . (In Deseret News, 6 Sept. 1952,

Let me clarify. This experience wasn't about the sugar. One day I was eating pancakes with syrup and Steve was eating a cinnamon roll with frosting. He looks over at me and says, "Why are you eating that?" I am sure my face reflected how puzzled I felt. So, I responded with, "Why, what do you mean?" He then informed me that there was no difference between what I was eating and what he was eating, in terms of sugar. (I still not sure about that one; but, I do get his point on some level.) So, I explained to him that this experiment was about what I perceived to be a weakness, a treat, in my own mind. And, that is why I wouldn't even go buy sugar-free candy to get me through this.

There have been times when I wanted to quit, or cheat just a little, but the satisfaction of living up to my word--to myself--more than compensated for the unfulfilled sweet tooth.

Through this experience, I have come to realize that I love, love, love baked treats. Experts say, "With knowledge comes power." I hope so. I have come to realize that I don't want to expend calories on store bought treats that really don't taste very good. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of store bought treats that I love. But, sometimes I am around ones that don't taste good to me and I eat them anyways because I am a social eater. Through this experience, I've learned that just because it's there, doesn't mean I have to eat it.

I think I'm a glutton for punishment. There were so many times that I baked treats for friends to let them know I was thinking about them, for Bunco, for our family home evening treat, or to go with the dinner I was taking to our friends. Do you have any idea how hard it is to take food to friends and not know how it tastes?

Saying "No thank you" hasn't been the easiest thing for me. I just love sweets so much. But, if I said no to our favorite cinnamon rolls, to candy samples at a candy factory tour, Steve's peach cobbler, or even to the myriad of baked goods that have passed through our oven...

I can say no at any time...even though my experiment is over.

At least, that is what I am hoping for.

You are Just Like...

Daddy...or is it Mommy?

The other night, because she had been awakened by the rain, Laney come into our bed. It's okay, I think we're past the milestone that they hit at age 4 of being afraid in the night.

I had gotten up to go to bathroom and when I was back in the bed settling myself, and the covers over Laney and me, Laney leans over and says, "You know I like to be cold." Meaning she doesn't like covers on her when she sleeps.

Yes Laney, I know. Because that's just like me. (I usually only use a sheet.)

When I couldn't fall back to sleep, I started worrying about my brother-in-law (another post for another day). To keep from worrying (as if that is possible--I am a born worrier!), I started thinking bout my kiddos and how they were like their mom or their dad.

Tyler,

like Dad, is a list guy.

like Mom, is an avid reader.

like Dad is stubborn...oh, and like Mom too.

like Mom, is happy being at home.

like Dad, is extremely independent.

like Dad, likes to be "hot" when sleeping.

like Dad, is interested in cooking.

Ethan,

like Dad, is left-handed.

like Mom, is emotional. (I seriously think he's seen one too many goodbyes with my family.)

like Dad, loves to "do something", "go somewhere" or "get out of the house".

like Dad, will watch or play football anytime.

like Mom, likes to be "cold" when sleeping.

like Mom, loves sweets.

like Mom, has hazel eyes that can look green, brown, or gold. (We are the only two people in the family to have the exact same colored eyes.)

like Mom, is very social. (Ethan knows so many of the children AND adults at church.)

Alayna,

like Mom, loves to talk.

like Dad, has curly hair.

like Mom, likes to be "cold" when sleeping.

like Mom, loves sweets.

like Mom, she looks very similar to some of my baby pictures.

like Dad, loves music and to dance. (In fact, she's already decided that she likes songs sung by females the best. I swear she's too young to discern this.)

like Mom, loves girly things.

At the end of the day, I know my children are just like themselves. It's just fun to see the similarities and differences that DNA has given us.

The Experiment

A few months ago, Steve saw a report on the Marshmallow Experiment and after he told me about it, I knew I wanted to try it with Laney. Here is the video of the original experiment.

The premise is simple.

I gave her one marshmallow. I told her if she waited until the timer went off on the stove--a total of 10 minutes--she could have two more marshmallows. Or, she could eat the one in front of her and that would be all she got.

She waited.

It got harder:

I noticed that she started playing with it. And when the proved to be too much...

...she left the table and started playing "doggie." (I love that she removed herself from the temptation.)

All in all, she was able to wait. Phew.

Why phew?

Because this test demonstrates the ability of children to control impulses and to delay gratification.

The scientist who started this experiment also found a strong correlation between the children who could wait and a higher point score on the SATs....over 200 points higher. But truly, if this experiment means that she is/will be smart, that is awesome and great.

However, to me, that isn't the important thing.

Just ask Solomon who is reknowned for his wisdom.

The better part of this experiment shows that she can delay gratification.

Personally, if you ask me, I think NOT being able to delay gratification is one of the main problems in our society today. I think the national average of $15788 per household in credit card debt proves this. (That is another post for another day.)

She was so happy when she was able to finally eat her marshmallow.

And even happier when she received the extra marshmallows.

Delayed gratification was worth it.

I Love My Calling

Sometimes I feel so guilty that I love my calling so much.

Do you remember how I felt when I first received my calling?

I think I love being the Sunday School teacher so much because of my own personal growth that has happened week after week of studying the scriptures. Boy, has my testimony increased so much on how important scripture study (not just reading, but true honest study) is for personal growth.

I want to shout from the roof tops that I Love the Old Testament.

I feel like there are so many hidden treasures in there and that that book truly testifies of the Savior. I feel like all the way through, if you are connecting the dots, the Old Testament reverberates the divinity and life of the Savior.

I think it shows that I love my calling.

I received a card in the mail the other day. It said:

"I just wanted to take a moment and express my great gratitude to you. You are a very (underlined twice) wonderful Sunday School teacher and I sure appreciate your very thoughtful and well-prepared lessons. Though I do not know you very well yet, since I am still fairly new in the ward - I recognize your sweet goodness. Thanks so much for being such a good example of a humble, dedicated servant of the Lord! You are wonderful!"

Wow, I was truly amazed at the thoughtfulness of this sister to take the time to let me know how she was feeling. It came on a week when I needed it. I was preparing another lesson and for some reason I was struggling with it, I just couldn't get it to come together. In the end, it all came together. I felt good about it.

And...

I received a phone call from another sister in the ward, one whom I call friend, and she told me that I had done a great job on giving the lesson. That I seemed so relaxed and natural and that the lesson had been prepared well.

I truly appreciate this feedback.

I know preparing and learning these scriptures has greatly enriched my life and sometimes I wonder if other people are getting the same thing. I know that as the teacher I have a certain set of responsibilities, but I also know that the students have their own set of responsibilities to come ready to learn. And, if all those things are in motion, then the Spirit can connect the dots for us.

I still get nervous every week. I remember the first lesson I taught; I think I cried all the way through it because of my nerves.

It has truly been neat to look back and see the Lord's hand in preparing me for this calling. I didn't know it at the time, but I see His hand now. What a loving Heavenly Father that He wouldn't send me this responsibility without first preparing me.

Fall is Here

...and I am happy about it.

I have been enjoying the mostly cooler weather. (The 90 degree days last week don't count.)

We are back into the thick of our school routines. And have even adjusted quite nicely to having the boys in two different schools...for now.

And, I love baking in the fall. The smells of cinnamon and pumpkin bring a happy, peaceful feeling in the air.

And, the leaves are starting to change.

I love fall!!

Today we made the drive to "The Red Barn" where is used to be free "hay" rides and inexpensive pumpkins. The place has grown in size since we were there last and I guess they had to pay for the remodel somehow. We made our contribution today.

My sweet daughter while waiting for the "hay ride." (It was really a tractor pull.)

I couldn't get a close up of the red barn without the parking lot. The only side that didn't have the parking lot was the side adjacent to the middle of the freeway. I am sure Steve would have problems with me trying to get just the right picture from the middle of the freeway. Some things just have to be sacrificed...

However, I was able to take this while on the "hay ride." I liked it because I couldn't see the parking lot plus you can see the mountain in the background.

Once we were delivered to the maze, but before searching for the perfect pumpkin, the kiddos played in this maze that had been set up this year. The boys ran through it in typical boy fashion, claiming it was much too easy as they exited out the other side only moments later. But, I noticed they went through a few times.

And, then it was on to the search for the prefect pumpkin.

We told them the only rule was that they had to be able to carry the pumpkin themselves.

I wonder what jack o'lantern faces the boys are imagining for those big pumpkins.

His Strengths

My Ethan.

I love him.

He deserves a shout-out because he is a great kid. ...a truly great kid.

Okay, if you really insist on proof, here you go...

Some of our really good friends just moved into the neighborhood. Yay! She has joined the carpool with me, and my other friend I have driven with for the past two years. Her daughter is the youngest in the group. From the time school has started the kiddos have been driven to school and walked home. They think it's fun.

Because it was the first day my friend had truly joined our carpool, I wanted to remind her though Facebook that our kids usually walk home.

She replied back that that was fine but that she might meet them at the church because she wasn't sure if her daughter would know the way home (the part where she would be by herself because she lives past the other houses).

I replied back, through Facebook, that I understood and would do the same thing. I also told her that I was sure both Ethan and one of the other girls were the type of children that would make sure her daughter got home safely.

That afternoon just to get out of the house and because I knew someone would be there, I decided to walk to the church with my friend. When her daughter saw her, she asked her mom why she was there. To which my friend replied, "I wasn't sure you would know the rest of the way home by yourself."

Before I could say anything, Ethan who was right behind and had heard the conversation said, "I would have made sure she got home."

Boy was my mommy heart smiling and beaming! And, if that wasn't enough, here you go...

A few days later I was talking with my same friend waiting for the kids again.

She saw the kids first and asked, "What is Ethan putting down?"

I had no clue.

Later I asked Ethan whose backpack he had been carrying. He looked at me funny. I told him that my friend had said he was carrying something. Ethan's response was to say, "I was giving Kayla a piggy back ride because her legs were hurting." Kayla had been dropped off by my other friend, the other mom in the carpool so she could walk home with her sisters because she wanted too.

I love him.

My Ethan.

Our Sweet Escape

Here is the Jamaica book. Remember, I was just waiting for it to arrive in the mail. I really love the look and feel of these books.

Click here to view this photo book larger

An Unseen Answer to Prayers

Yesterday, I found this scripture:

1 Kings 18:21

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

That was not me.

I answered the Lord.

You see, during school last year and even into this school year, I have not been happy with the math instruction that Tyler has received. His school is just not equipped to handle those students who are above grade level, I feel. Not that Tyler is a brainiac, he isn't. But, he is doing really well in math...he must take after his dad.

Anyway, I have been praying for some type of resolution to this problem. I have gone in and done my part; I have talked with his teacher, more than once. And, I just wasn't happy with the solution that his teacher proposed.

Yesterday, I went running at the gym, and when I returned home, I checked our caller ID. It said that one of the charter schools had called. I figured it was for one of my friend's children because I knew she had listed me as a contact, and I also know that she is on a dream vacation with her husband right now. Imagine my surprise when the message was for me and the lady was relaying that she had an open spot in the 4th grade.

Ty's grade.

I'd forgotten that I'd put his name in 6-8 months ago.

After talking with Steve I was so torn! What is the right decision? Steve told me his concerns, mainly that he doesn't want the boys in different schools and that Ethan would feel left out, or sad at being alone at their current school. He's a big boy and I know that he can handle it. Remember this bus ride?

Also, he too has the next spot available in his grade, and that might happen sooner rather than later.

But, the Lord is God, and I will follow him.

I feel like this is an answer to prayers.

And, I know that if I don't follow those promptings, the Lord won't bless me with more promptings if I ignore the ones I have been given. Steve told me too if I was sure, I was to follow those feelings.

And so tomorrow we start another "first" day of school. And my heart is in my throat again.

What if he can't find a friend? What if he doesn't know where to put his lunch tray? What if his teacher doesn't know how special to me he is? What if he gets lost in the hallway?

Ugh, I wonder if this anxiety over our children ever goes away?

I Love Literature

...especially when it comes in the shape of a book about my children made by me.

And, the best part, it was FREE. Well, actually I had to pay for shipping.

I have heard that children feel more like a family and feel more connected if there are pictures displayed of them. I can get that. It makes sense to me.

I love taking pictures for my scrapbook and blog, but I am not so good at displaying pictures of them around the house. Oh, there are some in several spots, but my walls are not plastered with them. That is not me.

When this free opportunity came to me, I knew I couldn't pass it up.

Doesn't it look great on our side table?

I quickly decided that I didn't want to be too intense about the book. Although I am not a perfectionist, I knew I would spend a lot of time on the book if I tried to tell a story with our pictures or be over the top creative (which I'm not). In the end, I decided I just wanted the book to show some of the family fun we've had in the past few years.

Okay, I actually have a confession to make. The first book (in electronic form) I made was about our ah-mazing trip to Jamaica. When Steve came home from work and I told him about the book, he said that he got veto power of any pictures he didn't like. Of course, there were ones he didn't like and wanted removed. Ever the pleaser, I got frustrated because I had worked for a long time on the book and liked it the way it was. I didn't want to change it. That is when I decided to start with a new slate and make the book about Ty, Ethan, and Laney.

Is that an adult form of a temper tantrum? Or is it taking my mental health into consideration and doing what makes me happy? Just wondering...

Back to the book...I chronicled events mostly from 2009 and 2010, with a few from 2008.

Guess what? The pages aren't even in chronological order. Shocking, I know!

The book is 20 pages of fun to me.

I would get another one...the Jamaica one.

Oh wait, did I mention that I did get the Jamaica one...for FREE!

I felt like I'd won the lottery. I never get free stuff like this. I just had email accounts in the right places at the right times.

I am just waiting for it to come in the mail.