Happy New Year

When I look back at this year, it is so hard to believe what all has happened. Some good, some bad, but all in all it has been a great year. My baby is now 1 year old, my oldest is 4 1/2 and my middle baby is almost 3!! So hard to believe.

When I look back over this year, there are so many things to be thankful for. I want to take the time to think back over this year and just recap the things that I am thankful for.

*A healthy baby born at the end of last year

*Safe travels when Bryan drove the big truck for Student Life

*Graci's dedication

*Emi getting in an advanced class in gymnastics and doing so well with it

*A fun trip to the beach with family and friends

*A fun trip to New York with my best friend

*Healthy famiy (most of the time)

*Family time

*Payton getting potty trained

*Graci's surgery for ear tubes going well

*My Bible Study group

*Friends

So many things that keep coming to mind... I just can't list them all. I just thank God daily for my husband, my children, my family and my friends. I pray that this next year will be even better and offer more and more blessings.

I have so many pictures I want to upload and will as soon as I can... so many funny ones!!! Soon...

Christmas Tradition

I can't believe that Christmas is actually only a few days away. I love this time of year and all of the traditions that take place and creating new traditions for our family. It is funny to see the things Bryan did when he was growing up and the things I did when I was growing up and how we are combining those to make this season just as special for our girls as it was for us.

We have been reading the Christmas story, Luke 2, every night since Thanksgiving to Emi and Payton. Emi calls it the Jesus story. Bryan reads from his Bible while Emi and PayPay hold their Bible open and literally repeat everything he says. It is such a beautiful thing to watch your children read the Bible (at least act like they are reading). When you ask them what Christmas is all about, Emi will be sure to tell you that it is "not all about Santa. It is all about baby Jesus being born in a "away in a manger" to Mary and Joseph." Just too precious!!

On a completely different note, Graci turned 1 the other day and that has been an emotional roller coaster for me. The 2 older girls have been in Selma with Bryan's parents so me and Graci have had some bonding time. She is taking about 10 steps at a time and laughing and carrying on. She has loved being alone and being able to crawl and walk around without being carried or pushed or pulled anywhere by her sissys. She does miss them though. She looks in their room for them all the time. Seeing how much she is changing daily is amazing to me. I look at her and can't believe a year has passed already. My little jingle bell is 1!!!!

Reed Family Christmas

Today was the Reed family Christmas and it was at my house. We honestly had a great time!!! Bryan was so nice to have the food catered in so everyone was really able to just sit around and talk and catch up and play and laugh and eat. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and I think it went great! We only had 2 drink spills from kids, one drink poured into a cup with a hole in it, one face plant on the ground by jumping out of the swing, and 2 muddy dogs run through the house. Other than that, no problems at all. The kids had a great time and got some really cute stuff. I'll have to get the pictures loaded and posted when I can.

Thanks for praying for things to go well and for the prayers for sleep. Hopefully tonight will be a better night.

All for now...

No Sleep for the Weary

Well it is 3:45 a.m. and I am awake and have been pretty much most of the night. It is one of those nights where by my body is screaming to get some rest, but my mind just won't let me. I have prayed for everyone, I have gone through my "list" in my head, I have done just about everything I can do while sitting in my bed without waking my husband up. So I decided to give some comic relief to some people that have children like mine, that aren't good sleepers for the most part, and give you a run through of my night a couple of nights ago. I look back and think "if only I had a camera in my house to video this, I might could win some money". You know, one of those random thoughts to get something good out of a difficult situation :) . Anyway, I hope this makes someone laugh out there.

After an exhausting day, which I don't have the time to sit and write about, I finally get the kids to sit down and eat some supper after a long day, with NO nap. This is how that goes:

me: girls sit down and eat your supper. This is all you are getting, so if you don't eat now, you won't eat anything later.
girls: we aren't hungry. we don't want that. we want something else.
me: eat that or don't eat at all (mom I really am turning into you)
girls: we're full. we don't want anything else.
me: okay, go get undressed and wait for me in my bathroom to get into the shower
girls: yeah!! let's go!! shower!! (as they are running into their room)

In the meantime, I have Graci in the highchair feeding her while she is throwing everything down on the floor and on the walls. (Bryan isn't home yet from work at this point). I throw some more food on her tray to keep her happy while I go get the girls in the bath. I walk into the bathroom, they aren't there, they are still in their room playing - with no clothes on! They had obeyed the first part of my statement but didn't quite make it into the bathroom.

Me: girls, get into my bathroom now and get in the shower
girls: we're going (sassy and frassy)

I finally get them into the shower and wash their hair and run back into the kitchen to check on Graci, who is still throwing food down and now feeding our dog, Sadie. She looks at me and laughs and claps her hands. What else could I do but laugh back. Give her juice, run back to the bathroom.

I find the girls jumping up and down, spraying water everywhere, slapping each other with washcloths, and just being extremely loud. That's enough shower for me... Out I pull them.

me: get your towel on, dry off, go to your bedroom, sit on your floor, and wait for me (i know a lot of commands, but simple ones right?)
girls: yes, ma'am. (wow!, no arguing)

I run back to clean Graci up and bring her into the room with us to finish the "getting ready for bed" process.
When I get back to their bedroom, the older girls are running down the hall, with no clothes on again, and playing their new favorite game, Cannonball, on their bed. You guessed it, they run and jump onto their mattresses on the floor and act like it is a pool. Pretty funny except for the fact they are soaking wet and now their bed is too.

me: I told you girls to dry off and sit down. now do it!
girls: can we have some lotion
me: sit down and you can

After lotion, pajamas, hair brushing, and a slight drying of the hair, we are finally ready to go and lay down with chocolate milk, watch a little tv and get in the bed. Now this is how they fall asleep. So after milk, comes potty, teeth brushing, the "Jesus Story" (as they call the Christmas story), prayers and then lay back down. Daddy is finally home to do all this - yeah!

The next part goes pretty good. They fall asleep pretty quick because they are so exhausted. Daddy does the big girls while I go and get baby down. 7:45 by this point.

All is quiet and daddy and I are finally getting to eat and sit down ourselves. It's 8:30 now.

9:30 - daddy and I off to bed. Ahhh! sleep at last!
And the night begins

10:15 - I feel a presence next to my bed and then a slight tap on my shoulder
Payton: "mommy, I can't find my paci". So I go into her room and help her find it, take her potty and back in the bed.

Sleep

11:00 - Screaming - it's Payton in her sleep. Daddy handles this one. Emi has already walked in our room telling us that Payton is up.

Sleep

11:30 - I feel a presence next to my bed again and then a tap again.
Payton: "mommy, I need a hug and need you to tuck me back in". So off I go to her room again

Sleep

1:00 - Screaming.. this time it's Graci. Off to her for a bottle and rocking. Normally this doesn't take too long. This night for some reason, we were up for about 1 1/2 hours.

2:30 - Sleep again

3:30 - I feel a presence next to my bed again and then a tap again.
Emi: "mommy, I am itching and need some medicine."
me: "emi, it is very early in the morning and you can't have your itch medicine b/c you have school in a few hours and it makes you sleepy. Let's just put some lotion on.
So here it is at 3:30 while I am putting lotion on her legs and then finally tucking her back in

5:00 - alarm goes off for Bryan to get up and simultaneously Graci is back up again Back to her room to rock and some more milk
(I know people are saying she should be sleeping, but I am too tired to try and break the habit right now.)

5:30 - back down to sleep again

7:00 - up for the day

And I wonder why I am so tired all the time. So tell me why it is 4:15 in the morning and I am wide awake???

Hope you enjoyed or at least I made you laugh.

Off to try and sleep a little while before my day starts again.....

Random

The last couple of weeks have seemed to go by in a blur. So much happening and so many things going on, that literally I just feel like I am going through the motions of life. Anyone else feel this way? This season is supposed to be about family and thanking God for the gift that He gave us, His Son, and blessing others. I just feel like everyone is so worried about going and doing things, that we rarely stop to just thank the Lord for what he has given to us. I know that I am so blessed with the life he has given to me.
I was talking to someone yesterday and was saying how much my life has changed since Bryan and I got married in 2000. I never in a million years thought that I would be a stay at home mom to 3 beautiful girls, living in the house I am living in, driving the car I am driving and just living the way i am living today. I am by no means rich in material things, but I am so rich in the blessings God has given to me.
My husband has worked so hard over the last 7 years to establish the business he has and to be able to provide for us the way he does. He is the most unselfish person I have ever met and has the most generous and giving heart of anyone I have ever met, besides my father (but that is for a later blog).
Life is grand, even in the midst of my chaos at home. Trying to talk to anyone about anything on the phone is comical. Most of you know exactly what I am talking about. I am constantly correcting children and constantly yelling and constantly just "doing" things in my house, that I am forgetting to thank God for the children I am yelling at. I feel like such a failure sometimes but then I realize that God's grace is sufficient for me and that he knows I have NO idea what I am doing, but that I am a work in progress and He is not done with me yet. What a relief!!!
I just needed a reminder from God today about these random thoughts and I needed to put them down. So....
Dear God,
Thank you so much for the husband and children you have blessed me with. Help me to remember that the girls are "on loan" from you and I am molding and making them into children that will love and serve you with all their heart one day. Help me to look to you everyday in every situation, good or bad, and to not give up. Help me to love and serve my husband and the girls the way you intend for me to. Thank you for always being there for me and for listening to my ramblings and chaos. I love you God and I thank you for your blessings in my life.
Amen

I know this is random and chaotic... .but that is the way my life is now. Random and chaotic and a work in progress....

Finally some pictures

Well I know it has been a while since I actually got back from NYC, but I finally have uploaded most of the pictures and posted them below for all to see. We really did have a great time. Everything from eating Italian food served by people from Romania, to a horse and carriage ride through Central Park with George Clooney (it was actually a guy named Georgio, but look below, I swear it is his twin), the only thing that would have made it even better was if Bryan would have been with me and if would have actually enjoyed going :) Other than that, it was perfect!! I want to go back again next year and stay a little longer... girls and moms... it should be fun!!! Enjoy the pics and I will post again soon as far as everything else that has been going on. Feeling convicted lately about writing when I have things that need to be done around my house and with my girls, but I am trying to find the time.

Home again...

Well, I got home Monday afternoon and this week has been crazy. I promise I am working on getting a good post together as well as pictures for those of you that haven't seen them. In a nutshell, I could feel all the prayers from my wonderful friends and family. New York was wonderful and Cara and I had an incredible time!! I felt like I was back in college with my best friend beside me just laughing and carrying on. I promise I haven't laughed that much in years!! I was so ready to be home though. I missed my hubby and all my babies - I really didn't feel complete without them. (I know sappy moment..) Anyway, I'll write some more in a little while. Off to get kids to bed now.

Off to New York...

If only I had the time to sit and write about my day today, it would be great; and very entertaining for all. But, I need to get to bed since I will be leaving for New York bright and early in the morning. Couple of prayer requests please:

1) Pray for Bryan - he will have Graci to himself Friday and Saturday night and then he will be off to Selma (his parents house) for Sunday night
(side note: I have such an incredible husband!!!! I couldn't have asked God for anyone more perfect for me :) )
2) Pray for Graci - adjustment to not having mommy
3) Pray for mommy - adjustment to not having Graci (my appendage) as well as sisters ; also, Graci is starting to ween so this is emotional in itself
4) Pray for Emi & Pay - staying with Bryan's parents while I'm gone
5) Pray for me and Cara - safe trip to New York; able to rest and enjoy time away

Will post when I get home....

Fall & Halloween...

Well, now that it is November, I need to get the pics up of us with Bryan's Family at the Pumpkin patch along with our Halloween pics. It has been so crazy lately trying to get anything done but I had to at least put the pics up so everyone could see our "pumpkin patch" that didn't get to. We won the Family contest at church too!
These are from Halloween:

And these are from the pumpkin patch in Clanton with Bryan's family:

Things I am Thankful For...

I just had to do what some of my friends are doing in stating the 5 things they are thankful for, for that day...
1. For laughter and a best friend that I don't know what I would do without!!
2. For my great kids and husband
3. For learning to listen to God and what He is teaching me about Grace
4. For my precious cousin-in-law who comes to hang and help me!
5. For my mom!!

oops...

Okay, for some reason the Alabama pics didn't show up in the previous post so I did a seperate post to show you the outfits I was referring to. Just for you Amy and Jen :)

Caitlin's Visit

Has anyone been to the boundless playground recently?? We finally got to go the other day and it was sooooo much fun. Bryan's cousin, Caitlin, came in town and stayed with us for a few days and we took the girls to go and play there for a few hours. Caitlin and I ended up playing and having just as much! The hint of fall was in the air and it was beautiful!! Just thought I would share the pics. I am definitely going to do my family pictures at this park in the spring because the colors of the park are incredible!! Anyway, we had fun!
Here are some pictures of us in our Alabama outfits too.

Camp Nana

A couple of weekends ago, Emi and PayPay got to go camping with their Nana for one night ... and even though they both got sick, they had the BEST time. They absolutely love camping, just like I did growing up. My favorite memories are of those with my family and friends in the woods. I love that my girls are starting this out early on in life and that they are able to do it with their Nana and Paw. Hiking, playing in the lake, cooking hotdogs and marshmellows over the fire, sleeping in the camper and wearing their Nana out (she is such a trooper - go MOM). Camp was short a few campers this time. Little Brooksey didn't get to come and Graci isn't quite old enough to join in the fun, but next time - LOOK OUT NANA!!! I am so blessed to have such great parents that are so involved in my girls' lives.

(Camp Nana Reed and Papa is coming up soon and that is a whole other treat they love!! - my girls are blessed are both sides of the family thankfully.)

Old Baker's Farm

I have been trying to stay up to date on this blog, but this week has been a hectic one. Both of the older girls had a virus with fever and cough and now poor little Graci has croup :( I feel like the waves keep crashing against me this week and I can't seem to come up for air without getting knocked back down again. I know this too shall pass, but right now it sure is difficult.

Okay, enough of me whining. I have been wanting to get the pictures up of Emi's field trip to Old Baker's Farm from last week so that is what I am finally doing now. We had a great time. I am so glad my mother-in-law was here to keep Payton and Graci so I could go with Emi.

We started the day off with Emi and her friends picking Old Farmer Baker's corn (which they weren't supposed to be doing.. but who could resist). Then we did a hay maze, picked cotton, fed the baby calves (Rick and Bubba), went on a hayride, picked out our pumpkins, pet all the animals and finally ate lunch in the loft of the barn. Needless to say, Emi was exhausted by the end of the day and so was mommy!!

Cabin Fever

The girls have been sick for a few days so needless to say, we have a little cabin fever. I am so ready for the cooler weather so I can send them outside to play without worrying about them breaking a sweat. Today I was downstairs working on the computer while Graci was taking her nap. Emi and Pay were play "cooking" in their kitchen. All was going pretty good. Then it seemed to be too quiet in the room. I looked and they were playing mommy and baby. Emi was pushing Payton in the Baby Doll Stroller and they seemed to be happy. Then I looked over again and realized that Payton was sound asleep in the stroller and Emi didn't even know it!! It was so funny! So of course, I grabbed my camera and captured the moment. Emi and I got a good laugh out of it (it doesn't take much when you are so couped up).

Graci's Tubes

Graci's Tubes

We went and had Graci's tubes put in on Thursday and so far things have been okay with her. She seems to be doing good in her ears but her teeth that are coming in are killing her!!! Above are the pics from the day...

Daddy's new toy

Well my husband has decided to take the plunge and start hunting... He is super excited about it but I think it might be because of his new toys :) Here is a picture of one of his toys and the girls love it too. We found Emi and PayPay sitting on it and when we asked what they were doing, Emi replied... "getting ready to shoot a deer"... of course this made Bryan smile. I laughed!!!

Getting there....

Okay, so now I see why this is so addictive. It really is therapeutic even though my husband thinks I am wacko now :) I really need to put things in the right order though. I haven't started my Bible Study yet but my blog sure is coming along... just got convicted, so better run and finish watching the Bama game and then to do my study.

Recent Pics...

Help!!

This blog is killing me... I'm trying but I think I might need some help in making this thing look like it is worth reading :) You have to give me a little credit though....

Overwhelmed....

Well, for those of you that are driving me crazy about not actually "doing" my blog... I decided I would try to get a quick post in to describe the way my weekend started.

Saturday went something like this: I woke up determined to accomplish everything I had "planned" for the morning with a great attitude. My first mistake was the planning part. I should know by now that planning doesn't work when you have 3 kids :)

My first thing on the agenda was to go and pick up my vegetables from my co-op group at 9:15 which is only 5 minutes from my house. In the process of trying to get everyone ready and out the door, Graci fell on the tile (towel as PayPay says) in the bathroom. (Jen, this is where you called me and I had to vent to you about how I was so aggravated.) Where her 4 precious teeth are coming in on the top of her mouth, she busted hard. This caused massive amounts of blood from her mouth and I couldn't see where or how bad things were. It's not like I could tell my 9 month old to hold still and open up... wouldn't that be a lot easier. Well, it did bust it open and cause her to have a fat lip for a day but the worst part didn't show up until later. She ended up getting a bad blood blister on her gum where her teeth are coming in so that is why she wouldn't eat or quit crying. So, the vegetables were waiting and I Couldn't get the blood to stop so my precious friend Ronda went and picked them up for me while she was getting hers and dropped them by my house. Even when she was feeling utterly horrible, she still was there for me as always. What would I do without you??? By the time she got there, Graci had quit bleeding but still wasn't too happy. In the meantime when all of this was going on, my precious PayPay was getting into things as always. She had gotten the toothpaste and had it all over the counter and on her while she was supposed to be brushing her teeth. (couldn't find my camera for that one). But I was determined to move on with my day. The next thing on my "to do" list was to go to the gym and do the Boot Camp class. Yes you read that right, Boot Camp - it literally kicked my butt. On my way to get in the car, I told the 2 older girls to go ahead of me and get in the car and buckle in (nothing new). However, Paypay strikes again. I heard her yelling for me while I was still upstairs getting Graci (which Emi had taken out of the exersaucer and just left in the floor by my room screaming b/c she couldn't find me). Back to Pay... she had buckled herself into a carseat that is just in the garage and couldn't get out. Emi was already in the car and buckled in and wouldn't get out to help her. Graci was screaming because she couldn't find me but also because she had an explosion in her diaper and it was all over her outfit. By this time, it is 9:40 and class starts at 10:00. I quickly changed Graci and went down the stairs, unbuckled Payton and got everyone in the right carseats and was pulling out of the garage with 10 minutes left before class started. (By this point, it was just determination to get there and nothing more.)
When I got in the car, the girls were yelling for there music and I just told them to be quiet and let me pray so I didn't say something I shouldn't. So I prayed and then I told them mommy needed her music. This is when God showed me how cool he is. I turned up the volume and there was this song on by StudioStory B (or something like that... J Vines, you might know what I am talking about) and the lyrics were something like "you are not alone, I am with you".... then the next song started out with "it's been a bad one, it's been a rough one... talking about today" - I literally laughed out loud and then called my sis-in-law to share it with her. I started telling Satan he was going to win, I was going to the gym no matter how late I walked into class.... then I got stopped by the train - hahahahha!!!! Needless to say, I was late to class but I went and had a great workout.
I then went to see my precious nephew Will play soccer and score a goal!!!! It ended up being a good day but man it didn't start out that way.

Finally!

I finally did it :) This will be the beginning of "our spot" in the virtual world...