Good intentions, but a total disaster...

Well, we've been enjoying a "break" from teaching Sunday School at church since our beloved seniors moved up to the college class for the summer.  So, we went back to our "old" class - which really isn't the same, but good, none the less!  In that class, they are studying a book called "Family Worship."  It's been really great and convicting.  We decided to formalize family worship in our house... now keep in mind that almost every night, we read a Bible story, pray and sing a couple of songs.  But sometimes it's rushed, sometimes we skip one or all parts of it...BUT, we really are making a concerted effort now.  And thank you to my sweet husband for taking the lead!  So, we started it on Sunday night.  We decided to try to get jammies on and brush teeth, etc at about 7:30 so we could do family worship at about 7:45.  We started with scripture memorization (the first part of John 3:16) and let the boys make up hand motions.  We read a story and then prayed.  The boys got to choose who to pray for... that was precious.  Night one - total success.  Night two - pretty darn good too.  The boys are really enjoying this!... Fast forward to night three.  Holy moly, you'd have thought the world was ending.  I was tired.  They were tired.  Billy was tired... bad combo, I realize.  So we started.  Jonathan refused to do the verse, turning his back.  I was fine with that... then he started playing with toys, which I had to redirect him.  He didn't listen.  Then we insisted that he turn around and sit "Criss/cross"  - that he didn't have to participate, but he at least had to listen.  Then the screaming meemy of all tantrums started and he went to time out.  When he came back, he wanted to sit by his brother, who sweetly said, "I don't want to sit by you whiny baby."  (only you and I both know it wasn't sweetly said!).  Which started more screaming and resulted in time outs for both boys.  By that point, I, in all my wisdom, started shouting "just go to bed... now you guys are ruining family worship!" Billy was upset with me, I was upset with him, both boys were upset with each of us and each other, we were upset with the whole deal... So..... we ended family worship and finally everyone got relatively calmed down and Billy just said a prayer of forgiveness for all of us.  Gee whiz... how did something so great so go bad?  I was terribly upset over this whole thing and being 6 months preggo certainly doesn't help matters, so what did I do?  I went downstairs and pouted like a baby.  And cried and cried and cried.  And cleaned the kitchen.  That seemed to help, until the contractions started.  Then I started to panick.....  Then, finally.... I prayed.  I cried out to God and he reminded me that Satan will try to attack us when we least expect it.  Y'all - our little home was under spiritual warfare that night.  There's no doubt about it.  And.I.Don't.Like.It. Not one little bit!!!!! 
We recovered.  I apologized to the kids and to Billy.  He apologized to the kids and to me. All is well!  I'm so thankful that God's mercies are new every morning.  Now, I have to admit, last night when it was time for family worship, I was a little gun shy, but we did it and it went fine.  Thank you Jesus! 

just some stuff...

just some stuff I never want to forget... I'm sure that one day, I'll think of these days as the best of our lives... because every day, I smile or laugh at least 25 times.

I love the ages of 4 and 5.  Funny personalities.  Sweet little hearts.  Greasy little finger prints.  Tight hugs and kisses. 

Here's just a few random things that won't make much sense to anyone else, but to me, are the most precious moments of my life (and keep me sane when they are fighting and acting a fool). 

* Jonathan got this Buzz Lightyear toy for his birthday and he takes it everywhere.  When we get in the van or car, he makes sure Buzz is buckled in a seatbelt.  I smile every time I turn around to back out of the driveway and see Buzz buckled up in the very back seat.  :-)

* Taking turns saves my life.  yes, indeed.  We take turns doing everything.  Including praying before meals.  And brushing teeth.  And being in charge of the remote control at rest time. 

* Jonathan thinks he's the Road Runner and says "beep beep" and takes off running really fast. 

* Jonathan has started saying "oh my goodness gracious" and it is so funny. 

* Jacob is all about his "big kindergarten workbook."  He LOVES it and needs virtually no help.  He does it so fast.  So proud! 

* When they do fight, sometimes, I have to turn my head not to show them that I'm laughing when they say, "you are a meanie mister head" or "you mean baby misses."  SO FUNNY! 

* They are both slightly obsessed with underwear.  They giggle like school girls when they see each others or their daddy's or mommy's. 

*They are in to "surprising" me by being all grown up and getting themselves dressed.  Even if they do look like raggamuffins some times.

* For some reason they both like to have a different spoon for every single thing they eat at meal time.  Sometimes, I feel like we go through 10 spoons a meal.  I.am.not.kidding!

So, I'm a little late, but Happy Father's Day!

Yep, you guessed it, I'm a little late to the party... I've got several posts in my drafts that I need to upload pics...my pics haven't been uploading as fast as I would like, so I just get frustrated and hit save.  Anywhoo....

In honor of father's day, the week before, I did a little interview with my kiddos about their daddy.  They took turns answering the questions.  Precious...Here's the unedited version.  Underlined are their answers. 

"all about my daddy... by Jacob and Jonathan" (ages 5 1/2 and 4)

My Daddy's name is Billy (jacob)
My dad is 36 years old (right mommy?) (jonathan)
His hair is black and his eyes are brown.
My dad's favorite food is potatoes.
My dad likes to wear clothes - like pants and shirts and ties to work sometimes.
My dad's job is he works in Louisville.
He loves to eat cereal.
He is smart because he knows to be nice to people after they talk to him.
My dad works hard at work doing his job.
Daddy always tells me not to be mean back to someone if they are mean to me.
I'm happy when daddy is here! (Jonathan screamed that one...)
I love my daddy because he loves me. (jacob)
I love my daddy because he loves mommy and baby brother. jonathan

So sweet.  Yep, their daddy is awfully great.  I'm so glad God chose Billy to be daddy to Jacob and Jonathan and baby 3 (we really must name this poor babe!).  A shout out to my great dad and father-in-law too.  What awesome men my boys get to watch and learn from.  BLESSED beyond measure!

white shirt tradition

We started a cool little tradition when Jacob turned 1.  Each year on or around the boys' birthdays, we put them in one of Billy's white dress shirts and snap a few photos.  In theory, (or at least in my mind) these are going into an adorable scrapbook entitled "watch me grow."  Well, just a confession... the only ones that have actually made the scrapbook are the ones from 2007 - yep, that's when Jacob was one.  BUT, we have continued to take the pictures and one day, I WILL get the scrapbook done.  (I think I can, I think I can...)

Here's a few shots from Jonathan's 4 year -old "white shirt photo shoot."

Ahhhh... the beach. Probably my favorite place on the planet. i.love.the.beach! Last week we very quickly decided to take a family vacation to Myrtle Beach. We were planning to go later in the summer, but Billy's co-supervisor will be on maternity leave all summer and he can't get off then... So, it was either now, or September. let me tell you that this momma doesn't want to go anywhere when I'm 8+ months preggo. Much less put on a fat suit. I mean bathing suit. So, now it was. We had the best time! Truly magical memories were made. We soaked in some sunshine and lots and lots of laughs, smiles and fun memories. Not to mention ice cream. There's something about getting ice cream on vacation that totally beats any ice cream you can buy and keep in your freezer. :-) This trip's also special since it's the last before our little family of four transforms to the party of five in October.

**this post has been in my drafts for over a week.  I have tried several times to download pics, but it wouldn't work... and these two pictures took 20 minutes.  uggh...much to update in the next couple of weeks!

Happy Derby Y'all!

It's the first weekend in May and we're in Kentucky - so y'all know what that means... It's Derby time! I've only been to the Derby once - in the infield...enough said. But, I love it. I love hearing the band play "My Old Kentucky Home" and I love watching the horses walk around the track coming to the gate. Now, I don't know one stinkin' thing about horses and horse racing, but I do love horses. I think they are beautiful. And charming. And mysterious. I don't know one breed from another and I haven't ridden in years, but this time of year, I'm proud to be a Kentuckian! Happy Derby Y'all! Now, I'll watch tomorrow. I'll tear up when the song comes on... BUT it won't beat the Derby I witnessed today, my friends. Jacob's little preschool class had one heck of a Derby celebration. It was so much fun! I love little moments like this as a mommy. I wouldn't have missed today for all the money in the world. They made the cutest horses...and had some fun races - baloon races, carrying a tray with a cup of juice and then, the ultimate... the horse race! First the fillies, then the colts. Then the whole class. I'm so grateful for FBC preschool! Sad that it's coming to an end for my big boy, but oh so grateful! (for some reason I can't post pics tonight...I'll keep trying)

Kindergarten Registration

Wow - CANNOT believe that I registered my little man for Kindergarten on Tuesday night. Y'all... I was flat out Sad with a captial S! Oh my word, I cannot believe my baby is big enough for this huge step. :-) In honor of the big day, here's a letter to my sweetie.

Dear Jacob,
My almost (gulp) kindergarten enthusiast... you are amazing in every sense of the word. I love you with all my heart and each day, my love grows even more. You are full of life and full of energy. From the time you get up in the morning until you crash at bedtime, you are a bundle of energy and love to go go go. Anywhere I go, you want to go too. Well, more accurately, anywhere your daddy goes, you want to go too!!

You are so smart. I love your curiosity and how you love to learn new things. You catch on so quickly. You can read really well and especially love to read Dr. Seuss books. You hardly need any help at all! I got to hang out with your preschool class a few days this week and I was so impressed by you. Each morning, you just get busy on your morning worksheet and need very little help or guidance. You are the first one done, but then you do a nice job of coloring quietly. You follow directions well at school and respect Mrs. Lyons and your friends.

You are also counting money and you love to play board games like Disney Monopoly, Sorry and Life. Your favorite TV show right now is Doc McStuffins. Your favorite treat is, oh wait, you like all treats! :-) You like to play playstation, but more than that, you love to play outside - you love to play hide and seek tag and "What time is it Mr. Wolf?" You also learned to propel yourself on the swings - hallelujah! You are working hard to learn to tie your shoes.

You are the sweetest little guy - you love to write sweet little messages to people and love to create special drawings. Your drawings are really pretty good and have lots of details. I'm impressed big guy!

I have loved the age of 5. So much curiosity, so much imaginative play. Behaviorally, you do a really good job of being obedient and using your manners most of the time. I'm so proud to be your momma.

Sweet boy, as you continue to grow, you know that my prayer for you is that you choose to love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul every single day. I pray that you will begin to understand just how big and deep and wide and long God's love is for you! I pray that you will not follow the lead of little boys and girls who choose to make bad choices. I pray that God will place very good friends in your path who also love the Lord and try to do what's right. I pray for your teachers - Kindergarten through college. I pray that you will love and protect your brother and new baby brother or sister every single day. I pray that you always know that you can come to me and trust me with your feelings. I pray that you know just how much you are loved by your mommy and daddy and most importantly, your heavenly Father. He has great things planned for you... can't wait to see how He uses you sweet boy.

With all my love,
Mommy

it's the simple things...

(This pic has nothing really to do with this post, but it is a great shot of my handsome sweeties!)

It really is the simple things in life that mean the most. We get so busy "living life" that we forget to stop and say thanks to God for all the great little things in our life. The moments that to anyone else would be completely forgettable, but to me, draw special memories on my heart's wall. Here's a few of those that I just have to document (just in case my preggo self can't remember my name tomorrow or the next day or in 10 years...)

* Jonathan's shear excitement when I brought home cantaloupe from the store today - he said, "you got exactly what I wanted because I ate it at Mrs. Mary's and I loved it." and then he saw the strawberries and said, "that is the hugest berry ever." So cute!

* the boys are in to pretending to create a circus and like to do little tricks on the swing set. Their favorite trick is the "swashbuckle." - no idea what that word means.

* Jacob loves to work in his Huge Kindergarten workbook - he is so smart. Really! So independent. He's even counting money. WHAT????

* Jonathan is totally attached to this random little princess toy that he got at McDondalds - the day he got it, he was a teary mess because they gave him a girl toy rather than a boy toy, but now, for some reason, he takes that little princess everywhere...even in the bathtub.

* The boys love children's church and their favorite song right now is "solid rock." However, they are convinced that it says "Solly rock." Seriously.

* Any time Billy is watching a ballgame on TV, the boys say, "is it the Cats?" When daddy says no, they say, "well then who are you for because I'm for the team that my daddy likes."

* Jonathan loves to help mommy pick weeds - but he only likes the ones with dirt on them.

* Both boys love to play baseball - Jacob is a great hitter! Look out Major league!

* Our weekend was full of special times. And we did nothing. It was glorious!

Wordless Wednesday

Easter Gardens

Thanks to Pinterest, I decided to create these little Easter gardens with my sweeties. Most of our friends got together last Wednesday to do the same, but it was a work day for me... So, we did it on our own this weekend. I hope their grass sprouts. They have checked on them approximately 27 times each day since Saturday. It was a great opportunity to re-tell the amazing real story about Easter and remember the sacrifice on the cross. Praying we keep THAT at the forefront this weekend! Here's a few shots and the finished project. (there's three crosses and a tomb with a giant stone in front. The the rocks were just the boys' extra touches.

Whammo!

So, two days ago, I had an experience with the Lord. I'll try to explain, but words probably won't do it justice, so here goes. Wish I had a picture (well, maybe not!).

On Tuesday morning, I was out for a run. I was feeling pretty good - almost 2 miles in when whammo, I hit the pavement. Y'all. I'm talking about flat on my face spitting rocks out of my mouth, blood on my scraped hands and knees (and shoulder???), flat out on the sidewalk hitting the pavement. Of course, I quickly jumped up hoping and praying no one saw me. Which is impossible since I was downtown at 8th and Main. You know what??? No one even rolled down their windows to say, "hey crazy lady... are you okay?" Nope, not one. But anyway, I digress. So, I looked at my little hands and winced when I saw on my watch that it was 11:42. I had exactly 18 minutes to get home, drive to church and pick up the boys from preschool. Which, normally, would be totally possible, since I was only a little more than a mile from home. So, I started running again. I was hurting and embarrassed and then it hit me. HOLY CRAP... what if I just hurt my baby? My little baby in my tummy? I started sobbing hysterically and was trying to run, but then feeling the need to stop and pray for my baby. So, I did... for a brief moment. Then, looking at my clock - 11:47. Oh no. 13 minutes. So I kicked it into high gear - sprinted home, with some breaks to catch my breath and try to not throw up since I was crying so hard..got home at 11:59 and jumped in the van.

On the way to church, I called my OB and left a message and tried to call my hubby who was in a meeting at the Capital -yeah, with legislators and stuff. So I didn't want to bother him, but I needed some reassurance, so I did what every wife would do. I called 3 times and texted him. Of course he called me right back and was calm as a cucumber. Then I started to breathe normally as I pulled into the church parking lot. I pulled it together and went and picked up my sweeties (only 3 minutes late, mind you!)

After a while, I was calm. I was fairly certain nothing was wrong with my baby. My belly wasn't hurting at all - I had no bleeding or cramping and I was reminded of the miracle of pregnancy and how protected that little bean is in my womb. I did get a call back from my OB, who was also very reassuring and told me not to worry unless I started cramping or bleeding, which she seriously doubted would happen.

Then, the most amazing thing of my day happened. I had a moment with my precious sweet unborn baby. I immediately felt protective and like a real mommy to this sweet child. I hate to even admit this, but prior to this, I've felt so crummy and zombie like the last 11 weeks, that I haven't really taken time to marvel at the miracle of new life and praise God with my whole being for this opportunity to yet again, be "mommy" to a little person. Of course, we are excited and have been since that positive pregnancy test, but honestly, I've been more overwhelmed than anything else. I've prayed for this baby, but honestly, it felt like I was praying for someone else's child. Until two days ago... now, I'm starting to imagine what he or she will look like and sound like and how he or she will fit into our little family. I'm grateful for this experience. As weird as that sounds. I'm grateful I didn't get hurt worse. I'm grateful no one who knew me saw me. :-) I'm grateful that God works in mysterious ways. Seriously, I am. And I'm grateful that I'm 100% in love with the babe in my belly!

Announcing.....

Stover Baby #3! :-) Can you freakin' believe it? We are thrilled. I feel slightly guilty that I'm almost 10 weeks preggo and this is the first picture I've taken. I'll try to do belly shots each week, but let's face it, I don't have as much time as before. :-)





So here's the rundown:

No, it wasn't exactly planned, but not exactly unplanned either, if you know what I mean. We are some fertile folks, and for that I'm so grateful. I know many of my friends struggle with infertility and it just breaks my heart to watch their pain. If that's you, and you are reading this, I am praying for you!

The boys' reactions have been absolutely precious. I kind of thought they'd be indifferent, but they are so excited. They talk to the baby all the time. They want to see how he/she is growing by looking at my pregnancy book and on the internet. They sing to the baby and pray for it. It is really really sweet! And they have been so kind to me, saying things like, "mommy, since you have a baby in your tummy, we pulled some of your weeds in your garden." I'm.in.love.

I, for some reason, feel a little like a first time mom. I feel like I've forgotten everything, which if I'm honest, completely freaks me out!I get so excited when I read my weekly updates from BabyCenter telling me how the baby is growing and developing.

I'm not throwing up, for which I am grateful. I do, however feel like I got hit by a Mack truck most days. I've never felt exhaustion like this. Although, the last three days have been slightly better - perhaps I'm coming out of the fog! I do gag when I brush my teeth. Seriously...can hardly do it. But of course I do because I have to.

We went for our first appointment last week and everything looks amazing. We even got an ultrasound, which I wasn't expecting, but was so glad. There's just nothing better than seeing that. No matter if it's the first time, third time or 10th time. Amazing. Simply Amazing!

We have no baby stuff. None. Nada. Crazy, huh? We donated, gave away loaned much of our stuff. We do have an extra crib that's at my parents house somewhere... I don't have one item of maternity clothing, so I was so glad when Katie brought me some. Oh gosh, that too also freaks me out.

I don't need maternity clothes just yet. My tummy is looking pudgy. Lovely...A lady at exercise class said she was going to start calling me pudgy. Girls, I tell you what if she ever (OR ANYONE ELSE) calls me pudgy, I might just go all crazy and punch a nose or two. Just sayin'. I haven't gained any weight yet. Confession time... when I think about this precious baby, the weight gain is what I dread the most. I have worked my butt off to get back to a manageable weight. So, hopefully, my weight gain and subsequent loss experience won't be too traumatic.

I don't remember this from last time, but pregnancy peeing is weird! Yes, of course I have to potty often. But when I do, it takes sweet forever. And it's a really little trickle. (TOO MUCH INFORMATION, i know... sorry.) Even Billy comments and says things like, "dang - didn't know anyone could pee that long." Oh the joys!

Oh, and guess what else???? I get to share this pregnancy with my sweet sister in law! :-) Hooray! She and I are due literally the same day or so. That is super special! Speaking of due date, our ultrasound indicates 10/13/2012. :)





And the best part of being preggo??? The thought that I get to see my sweet hubby be a daddy again. Y'all, I'm convinced that's the reason God chose for us to be parents again... so another person can look up to and idealize their daddy. These three babies have no idea how blessed they are that Billy is their daddy. Really...

Just some stuff

It seems like forever since I've blogged. Busy busy busy. That's my excuse (and some other stuff, but that's another post for another day)...

Here's some of the random stuff juggling around in my mind.

* Someone hit our car this weekend. Our new car. Uggh. The worst part? It was at church. Major bummer. Good news? Our neighbor helped "pop" the dent back in place and it looks much better. Now we just need to replace the smashed headlight. Our handy neighbor saved us a couple of hundred bucks probably.
* The tire light keeps coming on in the van. I just went to Pep Boys on my lunch break to get it looked at and that place is creepy. That is all. There's definitely a reason God gave me a husband. So glad he can usually take care of that stuff. I am too girly for Pep Boys. :-)
* I am so frustrated with the Bachelor this season. Seriously. When he watches this back, I wonder if he'll doubt his choices... I mean when you hear something from so many different people, you have to believe it's at least in part true!
* I don't know why I keep on watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette. Makes no sense to me, but I keep coming back. :-)
* Jacob celebrates his 100th day of school today. How fun! Can't wait to hear all about his adventures.
* Jonathan is having vehicle day tomorrow. Wonder what vehicle he'll choose to take?
* I love FBC preschool and Jan Wonderlich. It has been the best place of learning and growth for my kids.
* February + warm weather = day at the park yesterday and IT WAS PERFECT!!! Bring on spring.
* Collins HS is playing in the regional tournament tonight. Go Titans! Our good friend is the coach and we are so excited and inspired by the love he pours into the team. Too bad I have to work late and can't make the game.
* been thinking a lot lately about older kids who "rebel" and choose a path that is not pleasing to the Lord. My heart breaks for some dear friends dealing with this. It's made me pray all the more desperately for my own children...that they are learning how much they are of value to God, how much they are loved and what awesome plans the Lord has for them. It's not too early to pray for those precious teenage and college years. If I can prevent any amount of heartbreak from bad decisions, I want to. Oh God, please protect my sweet children!

Oh Cupid

Valentine's Day takes on whole new meaning when you have kids. I loved celebrating with my big Valentine and am so grateful for my sweet hubby. He even wrote me a very sweet poem. It was so sweet! We got to enjoy an evening at home on this Valentine's day - and guess what.. it rocked! We let the boys eat upstairs and watch a movie and we (stop the world) actually enjoyed a quiet dinner just the two of us. No interruptions like, "can you please get me another spoon?" "can I please have more milk?" "I didn't want my lima beans." Man, I love my hubs and appreciate the time we have together! Then, after dinner, we enjoyed a family friendly game of Trouble. :-) Fun times. No fancy dinner. No fancy flowers. No pantyhose (amen!). No crowds. Just us. The four of us. And it was perfect.

Thanks to Pinterest, I decided to make the boys' valentines to send to school - they were super cute, but umm took a little too much time. Maybe next year, I'll go with the trusty box o' valentines from Dollar Tree. :-) What do you think??? I wanted to make little masks for them, but simply ran out of time.




I also surprised the boys with this little treat - they seemed to like it - I hope they believe the messages.



Hope your week has been filled with celebrations with the ones you love.


It's a great time to remember the great love our Father in Heaven has for us. I've been meditating all week on I Corinthians 13. The love chapter... oh God, please help me love Billy and my sweet babies like this chapter describes.

tooth fairy strikes again!

Jacob lost tooth number 3 on Sunday. He was so excited to put his sweet little tooth in his pillow and wait and see what happened. Well, he was so excited to see that the tooth fairy had brought him 4 quarters AND a hershey's kiss. That was the best part for him. :-) Good thing the tooth fairy was able to dig up up some quarters - tooth number three was almost worth $5 cuz there was NO $1 bills to be found at the tooth fairy bank.

Just some stuff...

Been too busy living life to document it. I haven't taken a picture in about 3 weeks. Wow. I'd rather live it than capture it, I suppose. :-) But, just for posterity, here's a quick update.
1. Changing the sheets on a bunk bed is about as much fun as scrubbing the toilet. Uggh.
2. I.discovered.Pinterest. (cue the Hallelujah chorus!)
3. Weird, I know, but one of my favorite times of day with my sweet Jonathan is right before bed when he has to go do his business on the potty. Seriously, that boy is like clockwork. Anyway, he likes me to be in there with him (GAG!), but it is so cute. We have some pretty deep and awesome conversations in there and I wouldn't trade those precious few moments for anything.
4. Speaking of poo, Jacob has decided that he once again needs me to wipe his bootie. Umm, I could do without this duty especially since he usually yells for me just when I get ready to eat. I try to praise God even in the mundane things of life, but really?
5. Billy and I are turning into our grandparents. Really... we sometimes go to bed really early to watch our shows and it's no time before one of us (the one with the Y chromosome)is snoring away. Especially if I start to scratch his head. :-)
6. I seriously need some sunshine! We got a brochure for a beach resort yesterday and I've been drooling since I saw it.
7. I'm feeling a little bit mediocre these days... like I'm not doing anything GREAT. I'm doing lots of stuff "okay" but I feel like I'm walking through quicksand some days. I've been an "okay" mommy, and "okay" wife, an "okay" housekeeper, an "okay" friend and an "okay" therapist at work. Mediocrity is tough for a perfectionist like me to swallow. Must be praying about this one. (maybe it's because of number 6???)
8. Grammy and Pa are coming tonight, so I get to go out on a date with my hubs. YEAAH!!!! So, I better use the rest of the boys rest time to get showered and actually fix myself up a little. How's that to kick the pants off mediocrity. I might even shave my legs. But shhhh, don't tell anyone. :-)

It's Basketball time in Kentucky Y'all

So, basketball is a way of life in Kentucky and yes, we.bleed.blue! Go CATS. It's really funny how even as 3 and 5 year olds, our boys have strong opinions about which basketball teams to like and which ones to cheer against. One of them may actually call another team in Kentucky "dirty birds" any time he sees the emblem. I mean, we honestly do not say that in our house. Promise. Even my hubby, who's as dies hard UK fan as you could find, does not say that. But, the strong opinions stand of the preschoolers in our house. So, it's a darn good thing that the little team Jacob is playing on happens to have royal blue uniforms, which of course he calls the Cats. :-) He's really enjoying it, and so is little bro, his biggest fan. So is mommy, but I have to confess, I have to bite my tongue not to yell at the little ball hogs on the other teams. I mean really - YOU ARE FIVE. Sharing should be your thing by now. :-) Oh my. I'm really gonna have to try hard not to be that mom. You know the one everyone dreads to see or HEAR at sporting events. Self-control, please don't fail me now. Anyway, here's a few shots of my sweet boy and his new UK blue team.

Daddy Daycare

So much to update, but here's the pic of the day... let's title it "Daddy Daycare!" (and no, don't worry Aunt Katie, we didn't let them sit around and play playstation all day!) :-) It was so cute - even Charlie got in on the action. :-) Love these boys and all I have to say is 2 on 4 is a lot easier than 1 on 4. Ha! Glad to have the hubs home from work today!

bloggy funk - need intervention asap

I'm in a bloggy funk. Dont' know why, but I am... so much to update I suppose it's just overwhelming. I haven't even gotten to update that Santa did in fact find "snow that won't melt" and a "lotso doll that smells like strawberries" and that overall, Christmas this year was magical. Can't seem to make myself choose which pictures to upload to the ole bloggy. Oh - I can't believe I haven't screamed from the mountain top on here that my sweet hubby got me a CRICUT for Christmas! (go ahead, google it... I'll wait.) Said Cricut is still in the box, because my bloggy funk has also apparently leaked into an all out creative funk and I can't seem to sit down long enough to organize my scrapbooking stuff and break out the Cricut and get busy...I need an intervention. Seriously. :-)

Guess it's the weather, but I think me needs some sunshine. And a beach. Perhaps that would cure me? Oh, a girl can dream, right?

Soon, when my daydreaming kicks in and the thought of sunshine perks me up, I'll have some posts ready to go - you must see some shots from Christmas and Jacob's first basketball game, and I need to update on my goals for 2012... so much to do. Now that it's in print, I guess that's a little accountability for me.

For know though, I just wanted to give a little shout out to my sweet Jonathan... this is one of those moments that I never want to forget. This morning, we were working puzzles in the living room and I said, "my goodness, it's cold in here." He said, "be right back." He went upstairs and worked so hard to bring me an ginormous blanket. Then he said, "I hope you feel better warm now." Thanks sweet baby for making me warm - inside and out. :-)

one heck of a memory...

Being a mommy undoubtedly does something to the brain. I'm sure all my mommy friends would say amen to that one. Seriously, I used to be smart. I used to be able to speak without adding the "y" suffix to all my words. You know, "where's your shoeseys, your nosey is cold, I need a huggy from my buggy..." Come on, don't make me feel alone, you know you do it too! :-) I used to have a good memory. Now, sometimes I fear I'll forget my address or the way home. I can't remember what I need from the grocery once I get there - because of course I wrote a list, but forgot it at home..., I can't remember which of my kids' turn it is to ride in the "big boy booster seat...." the list goes on and on. One thing I'll never forget, however, is what happened on this exact day, one year ago...

December 22/23, 2011 is one day I'll never forget. I know, it's really two days, but you will see why in a second. Last year, on December 22, a Thursday night, I put my little man to sleep sans paci for the first time. He was a trooper and did really well without it, amazingly. Thought we were in the clear, until about 4 am when he woke up crying. I went to him and he wanted milk. Weird for him, but I gave him a drink of water anyway. Then I went back downstairs, only to be awakened again at about 4:30. Jonathan wanted another drink. Again, super weird for him. He was usually a really great sleeper. This time, when I was walking out of his room, he started to cough and choke. I went over to pat his little back when he started really choking and coughing and then throwing up. So I turned on the light to find the most terrifying thing I've ever seen in my whole entire life... my little guy had not just thrown up, HE HAD THROWN UP BLOOD - tons and tons and tons of blood.

Y'all, I flat out panicked. I yelled for Billy to get up there and call 911. I was holding him and we were both pretty much covered in blood when Billy got in there. The look in Billy's eyes is one that is forever etched in my mind... You see, Jonathan had his tonsils and adenoids removed 3 weeks prior to this and we were warned that bleeding could occur, but we thought we were out of the woods. I was terrified. I thought he was dying. It was seriously that much blood. So, he stopped coughing/choking and he was breathing okay so we got him undressed and changed. Billy was holding him and singing sweet soft songs to soothe him. In the meantime, I was a crazy person on the phone with our on call pediatrician and the ENT. Seriously, couldn't even figure out call waiting when one of them beeped in.

So, we called our dear friends Andy and Lisa, who came immediately to stay with Jacob who was sleeping peacefully, and drove straight to the ER. I think we were on autopilot or something. I mean - why in the world they have to ask all those crazy questions in the ER... I'll never know. They kept saying, "how much blood did he lose?" Really??? I have no freaking clue, but it's my baby and ANY blood is not okay is what I wanted to scream, but I just kept saying over and over again, "a lot. a lot. i don't know. a lot."

So, fast forward a little bit... they wheeled him away after giving him the silly juice because he needed more surgery. Apparently, his scar tissue had ruptured or something. At that moment, Billy and I collapsed in the waiting room chairs and both of us sobbed. He was out of surgery in literally 20 minutes and we got to be with him. He was fine. PRAISE THE LORD! He was an absolute terror, wild man after anesthesia, but we got to take him home shortly thereafter. His blood counts were so low, though that he almost needed a blood transfusion. So, to answer your questions you silly ER people (who were incredibly kind and awesome I must say!!!) see, I told you he lost a lot of blood. Almost enough to need a transfusion.

Anyway, that's why I'll never ever forget December 22 or December 23 for the rest of my life. He healed beautifully. Other than some severe sleep trauma, bless his heart, for a few months, he was and is perfectly fine. He still remembers it, and of course so do we.

Thank you Jesus for the incredible blessing of being a momma, the joys and the pains. Thank you Jesus for holding my sweet little Jonathan in your arms one year ago and keeping him safe. Thank you Jesus for the amazing friends and family that you surround us with daily. Thank you Jesus for somehow holding us in your arms, even when we can't stand on our own.



(pic has nothing to do with the post... just a cute shot of my sweeties with their pa on his birthday yesterday!) but... it's proof that God is good. All the time.