Seeing Rainbows

Last Friday we decided to enjoy the last day of Spring Break and do something fun with the kids.  The Zoo had their grand opening of the dinosaur exhibit, so we decided to head to Nashville.  Friday morning we woke up to rain.  Determined not to let my "expectations of the perfect day" get in the way, we headed to Nashville despite the rain.  We didn't get in a hurry though!  Instead of our picnic lunch at the zoo, we actually ate in the car on the way there.  It was still raining lightly once we got there.  Soon, the rain stopped, and we enjoyed the Dino exhibit.  The rain probably made it better because it wasn't crowded at all.  We really took our time, and Josh got some cool pics.  Leaving the exhibit, Izzy wanted to see the 'rainbow' birds.  Josh told her we'd come back to them.  Being able to read between the lines, I knew this meant, 'we'll skip them for now...and hopefully you'll forget about them.'  We continued through the zoo looking at the animals.  Izzy reminded us not to be in a hurry because she took along her camera and wanted to take pics herself!  Another point Izzy reminded us about the rainbow birds...."we'll look at them last."  We went to enjoy the playground and the HUGE slide.  By the point we were about ready to leave when once again we were reminded of the birds.  We went back up the hill to see the birds.  Looking back, we are so glad we did!  We had the best time with those birds!!  They are so pretty...there is something about them that makes you want to stop and stare.  They even slow Gerren down!  To our surprise, the birds LOVED Josh.  One bird flew on him and was trying to unzip his zipper on the camera strap.  It wasn't long before another bird joined in...then another.  They were licking his head!  He said it tickled!!  Fun times!!

Blessings

Earlier last week we found out that Josh lost his job.  His old job was cutting his pay.  There was really no choice but to look for another job.  When his boss found out that he was looking, he was not happy.  He had to let him go because he said Josh could not fill his obligations.  I started not to write about this.  Why would I want to look back and remember this....  Because, I want to be able to look back and see how God has provided.  I'll admit there are days when I wonder what the future holds, and I get a little teary eyed thinking about what could happen.  Then I have to remind myself that God is in control, and I don't want to limit his blessings by my lack of faith.  It's been a little weird with Josh not having a set schedule each day, but it's been great that he's getting to spend more time with the kiddos! 

Revelation...

Today I write with a heavy heart, but I am very hopeful because I know God is bigger than any problems I may face.  While listening to music today, the song Revelation by Third Day had lots of meaning. 

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

I know God has great plans for our family.  It's hard to understand during the middle of trials, but we have to have faith.  As Albert Einstein said...  "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."  God will provide, and I pray that we have open eyes/ears to see/hear where God leads us. 

Josh is the most amazing person I know.  His talent blows me away.  I've often been jealous (in a good way) at how he's good at everything he picks up.  Have you ever watched someone create a painting that starts out with only a stroke on a canvas and ends up being a portrait of a child?  It's amazing!  How does one person get such talents??  I was definitely not blessed with an artistic ability, but I love that he was.  I love him.  I love the man that he is and the man that he continues to become.   

Expectations?? & Memories

There is something I have realized about myself, and it's not always a good thing.  I might plan a perfect day in my head...then things don't always go my way...and it messes me up.  I am learning not to focus so much on my expectations but to enjoy the moment.  This weekend we roasted marshmallows over the fire pit.  The wind was blowing the smoke all over us, but it was fun.  Let's do more things...just because it's fun!

On Sunday, I had a fun picnic in the park day planned starting right after church.  We went to pick up sandwiches...Gavin didn't want any.  We got to the park, and I was all prepared to make a cozy little spot for us to eat.  I forgot the chips.  The wind was blowing.  The kids were cold.  The kids were fussing.  Oh no...this was not what I had planned.  Finally, we decided to go eat in the car so the kids could be warmer.  More crying...they didn't want to eat in the car.  We did anyway.  More bad attitudes.  Once again, not what I had planned for my perfect family picnic in the park.  After too much bad attitudes, we finally decided that the park wasn't going to work out today.  We headed back home with the agreement that we would go to Trinity park if the attitudes got better.  MORE CRYING!!  Finally, got home and  soon walked down to the park.  Kids were loving it...boys were playing so good together.  I was so thankful :)  Played, played, played and finally made it back home.  Then, we squeezed some lemons for lemonade.  Guess what...I didn't measure anything.  That's right...got a little crazy!  Went back outside and played more.  Played in the mulch, wrote in chalk all over the driveway, rode bikes and raced each other!  We ended the day with overflowing bowls of Lucky Charms and America's Funniest Videos.  I know, awesome dinner!  It wasn't at all like I planned it in my head....it was better.  Love my family!

The Small Things

Today...I am really trying to appreciate the small thing...  I have been smiling all morning from thinking about the kids. 

Last night on the way home from church, Gavin says..Mommy, I sthank (think) Emma is going to marry me.....  and Max.  We all got a good laugh of hearing Gavin talk about what he was going to do when he becomes the Daddy Boss. 

Later that night, while I was reading to Izzy, Josh called me into Gavin's room.  I looked over at his bed, but it was empty!  He was sleeping behind his door.  That boy can fall asleep anywhere!  Love him!

My heart smiled this morning as Izzy got out of the van in the drop off line at school.  Mrs. Comer was helping today, and Izzy walked back to give her a hug.  That may seem small, but Izzy doesn't freely give out hugs unless she is really comfortable around someone.  It makes me so happy to know that Mrs. Comer loves her students so much, and I know that Izzy loves her!  It has been a great 1st grade year!!! 

Oh little Gerren...  He makes me smile just looking at him.  He is my cuddle boy...there is nothing like getting hugs and kisses from him.  Gerren is usually our middle of the night bed visitor, but last night he let me sleep.  That makes me really happy :)




I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!!!

SNOW...

On Sunday, Feb 19th we had a snow.  This was a wet snow...perfect for snowballs and snowmen!! 

We don't have a good yard to sled in, but we tried.  The kids thought it was fun for me to push them down.  It was worth seeing the happiness on their face!

Gerren was sick and sleeping, so he didn't go out.  Once inside we made some hot chocolate that he enjoyed.

Valentine's Day

Confession moment...I think I have a problem!!  This year I was thinking up all the cool valentines we can do for school.  Izzy loves crafts as much as I do, so the craftier the better with her.  I found some cute crafty boy valentines for Gavin.  Nope...doesn't like anything.  He finally tells me that he just wants a Superhero valentine.  I just happened to be in Wal-Mart that night, so I stopped by to look at the Valentine cards.  I was actually surprised at how cute they were...some had pencils, sticker, or tattoos.  Cool, right?  Well....I just couldn't force myself to buy them.  Don't get me wrong, Gavin would have loved them, but somewhere deep down inside of me it felt wrong!!  Crazy.  So, we settled.  We made a superhero valentine card.  Still cute and kind of homemade. 

For Izzy's valentines, we made bracelets for all her classmates.  We started with multicolors, but then she had the great idea to make them the school colors!  Cool...

 And we made a cute little holder for all her valentines.  Look familiar...it's and ice cream bucket with fabric mod podged to it! 

For Valentine's Day we had a nice dinner at home (complete with candlelight).  Yum...food was good!

The Little House On The Prairie Effect....

Izzy has been reading Little House on the Prairie at school in her RTI class, and she has really enjoyed it.  The did a drawing with the covered wagon from a milk carton.  It's all I can do to keep Gerren from eating the pretzels.  He doesn't mind that they have glue on them...

The other day, Izzy and I ran to Averitt to pick up something that I left at work.  On the way home she spotted two Averitt trucks.  She asked if they ever let me drive them.  I explained to her that I had not because you had to have a special license.  She then had many more questions about CDL and training to drive trucks.  I told her they had schools to teach people.  She wanted to know who taught the first people to drive.  She said...oh, I know...God must have put a You Tube video out.  I reminded her that You Tube hasn't always been around...and that when I was her age we didn't have computers.  She said....and I bet you got your water from a "hold in the ground."  Love her!!! 

She has had such an inquiring mind recently.  We have talked about everything.  Why some cars use regular gasoline...other diesel.  When I say talked about it...I mean on a 7 year old level.  :)

Gerren has also started calling me Maw-Maw.  His Daddy does encourage him, but he started it on his own.  

Happy Birthday Dad

Friday was my dad's birthday.  He would have been 59!  It was a neat morning.  Izzy is really at the age to understand so much now.  I got to tell her about his birthday 8 years ago....That's the day we told them that I was expecting!  We came up with a poem...that is what they are reading in the pic.  Said something like...."on this day we have a tale...in 9 months a young one will prevail."  When Gavin looked at the pic, he said...Is that Brian.  Gerren stood and stared at the pic for 2 mins (which is a long time for a 2 year old).  Izzy just smiled when I told her she would have been Pa's Princess and how he would have always had YooHoos for her!

Meeting the Governor

On January 23rd, Josh had the opportunity to meet the Governor of Tennessee.  It just so happens that Josh just finished up a portrait study of Governor Haslam and his wife.  With Josh's connections, he was able to present the portraits to the Governor.  The Governor sent Josh a signed copy of the photograph to say Thanks!  Pretty Cool....  I have an amazing talented husband :)

Gerren, how about you?

For some reason, Gavin has "lazy bones" when it comes to getting dressed.  He always asks for help.  This morning, believe it or not, we were all behind!  Josh was trying to get ready, and I was getting dressed.  Gavin was begging for help.  We told him to do what he could on his own (take off PJs, etc).  He said "Gerren, how about you?"  Apparently you are desperate if you are willing to let your 2 year old brother help you get dressed! 

One of those calls!!!!!!

Friday morning (Jan 27th), I got one of those calls.  You know the kind that you don't like to get about your kids...and your legs shake on the drive home.  Gerren had tripped.  No biggie because falling happens a lot around our house.  Problem is that he started to pass out...eyes rolling back....lifeless in Nana's arms...lips turning blue.  That has a way of freaking a person out.  When I got home, I could tell he was shaken up.  Thankfully, a few mins later he seemed back to normal.  He was carrying a plastic hanger when he fell, so we think the hanger might have hit his neck in just the right spot (or wrong spot).  He was back to himself in no time, but Daddy took the rest of the day off to be sure.  We didn't let him take a nap that day either.  At bedtime, he was ready to sleep.  He didn't even notice that I came in and took a pic.  I just love sleeping babies (even when they aren't babies anymore).  There is just something about it that is so sweet!

While I was at it, I thought I would get more sleeping kids pics....

 Can you see blankie?? :)

Izzy wasn't ready to sleep...just snuggling with Baby Kate and Julie. 

Some things we love...

I was just sitting here thinking about some odd things my kids love to do.  I'm not sure why, but they love the foot massage / bath thing.  Don't ask me why, but it is such a treat to put your piggies in!  See...  they are actually taking turns and being nice (since Gerren is the baby he gets to put both feet in).

Side note:  It will be a sad day when we finally get rid of that red shag carpet in the upstairs bathroom!

Another thing that is extremely funny for the kids to do (well, it's funny if you are 2 &4).  The boys love to steal my cup and drink my water!  URG!!  There are lots of things I will do, but I do not share drinks with my kids.  Izzy...maybe.  The boys...no way!  Backwash...gag, gag!  Here is Gerren stealing my cup, and thinking he's so funny!

Another thing we love is pancakes!  I love it when they all help me cook...a little messy...but so worth it.  Just to make myself feel better about cooking them, I have started trying whole wheat/oatmeal/applesauce pancakes....oh so good with a few chocolate chips!  YUM!

I am actually kind of surprised that everyone had clothes on in this picture...very rare!

First Snow!

On Friday (Jan 13th), we had our first snow for 2012.  Izzy is always ready to play out in the snow.  Gavin on the other hand was having glove and clothing issues.  Gerren just didn't want to keep clothes on.  Finally they made it outside.  It makes me laugh that they love to play on the playground set when there is snow.  I guess it makes the slide so much cooler??

Getting old...

The older I get, 30 something seems younger to me.  This past week Izzy and I were chatting about the future.  I told her no matter how old she gets or how far apart they live, she always needs to call her brothers and keep in touch.  Being the planner that she is, she is already planning how they will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas when they get older and have kids of their own.  I think she finally decided that they could rotate.  During all this planning, Mommy & Daddy were not mentioned.  I told her that they could come spend Christmas with Mommy & Daddy.  Here reply....you mean you'll still be alive when I have kids??  WOW!  Thanks Izzy.

Ler's have a party

For "Bwankie."  Gavin has been planning Blankie's party for a day when it snows.  Waiting, waiting...no snow yet.  This weekend, Gavin decided it was a great time to have the party.  We aren't really sure how old Blankie is, but it has been said that he is 10 or 12.  We used to leftover muffin batter and made him a little chocolate cake.  Izzy decorated the top with M&M's.  When the time came, we sang Happy Birthday and took some birthday pics, then all the kiddos devoured Blankie's cake.  I'm not sure he got any.  Happy Birthday Blankie!!

 Doesn't he look so sweet.  I know one of these days I will look back and miss blankie! 

How to make a treehouse....

As I went to hang Gavin's jacket up, I noticed he had something in his pocket....

 

You see...Gavin is a very creative/imaginative boy.  When he was playing outside the day before, he picked those berries.  Then, Josh found him at the swing set with a glue stick.  He was trying to glue the berries to the swing...Because he wanted to make a treehouse.  Gotta love that boy :)

New Year's Day

After Church, we spent New Year's Day with Josh's Family.  Deamie cooked an amazing meal including all the traditional "good luck" food.  I had enough to last all year!  Then the boys enjoyed hitting around the golf clubs while the girls slaved doing the dishes! 

 

Grandma and her grandgirls!  Summer taught them how to play Apples to Apples.  I'm not sure Izzy had a clue what she was doing, but Grandma helped her.  She didn't care as long as she was winning! 

 

Once the boys finished playing yard golf, they were able to enjoy some rough play with the boys.  Boys and fighting....who needs toys?? 

Year In Review