By Grace....

new blog for me...

2011-09-15T14:43:00.003-05:00

started a new blog, boring to all else, but just one for me. but before leaving this one, i wanted to say, i am loving time4learning.com and e is loving it too!!! planning on signing up for monthly access just for a supplement for her.

Homeschooling venture

2011-08-16T08:07:00.003-05:00

Well we are off and started on our homeschool adventure for this year. E is in 2nd grade, P is in 1st and G is doing 4k. I think she may be the smartest just because she sits in and hears everything we are talking about. Off and running, here we go.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T07:54:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T09:35:00.001-05:00

It's official...

2009-07-03T16:10:00.002-05:00

We have booked our first trip to Disney World and we are super excited!!!!

We are fortunate enough to have my mom go with us for the week and help with Graci so everyone should have a great time.

Watch out Disney, the Reeds are on the way!!!

Trip to Selma

2009-06-27T21:41:00.005-05:00

The girls and I went to Selma for a short, but long overdue trip to Selma on Friday and came back tonight. We really did have such a great time. My sis-in-law is right though, Selma has to be the hottest place on earth! It was unbelievable!! We managed to stay cool by staying inside, except for a few photo shoots of course, and drink lots of sweet tea :)

Thanks Nana Reed and Papa for everything! We had a great time. Here are just a few (honestly it is just a few) pictures that I put into collages.

Emi

Payton

Graci

All of them :)

Paw Paw Update #2

2009-06-16T21:13:00.003-05:00

So we went back to Tennessee to see Paw Paw. I went with my mom, dad, little brother and took Emi and Payton with us. The girls did great and I am so glad that they were able to go and be part of today. It was such a special time.

I handled today better I guess because I just saw him on Friday. I had explained everything to the girls and what to expect. It was such a special time today. PawPaw had a hard day yesterday and so we really didn't know what to expect. He had a "rally" day today. He ate a good lunch and was coherent and talkative to us before he napped.

Emi was soooo very compassionate and loving to him. She crawled up in the bed with him and took a nap next to him (see picture below). It was such an incredible thing to see and be a part of. She helped feed him and love on him and rubbed his hands and arms. The pictures are something I know I will cherish forever and I know Emi will one day too.

We also got to go out in their backyard where Jere has a disc rope swing and play on it. The girls loved it (and so did I). It's amazing how therapeutic swinging can be (even for adults). It was a special day and I am glad the girls got to go before PawPaw goes home to be with the Lord.

It was very difficult to say goodbye to him without knowing if I will see him again before he passes. Tears of sadness fell again....

I love my PawPaw and Jere.....
(i'll post some pics later on today)

Update on PawPaw

2009-06-12T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well, daddy and I just got home from Tennessee and seeing my Pawpaw.

This is one time that I had my camera but just couldn't make myself use it. You see, the PawPaw I remember is one that was an overweight jolly fellow with the fluffy white hair and always ready to go play some golf. That is not what I saw today.

My mom and my dad had told me that I would be shocked at how he looked, but for some reason, I wasn't as prepared as I needed to be. He was soooo skinny and all you saw was his bones, sleepy/watery eyes, and exhausted body. This is not an image I wanted to save in my camera that I would look back and remember him by. I think I will stick with images I took the last trip and during his baptism.

He started running a temperature and coughing a good bit while we were there. The hospice nurse started him on some antibiotics and some medicine to help loosen the the mucus in his chest. He was wheezing pretty bad and is having to do breathing treatments about 4 times a day. He just looks so tired. I just crawled up in the bed with him and held his hands and rubbed his legs.

It was a sweet time that dad and I got to spend with him, but I can tell it won't be long before he gets to meet Jesus. We are trying to figure out a time when we can get everyone else in the family up there to see him.

Prayer Requests:
Jere - for her strength, her comfort, her energy and peace for her

PawPaw - for him to continue to feel no pain, that his passing would be quick (not soon), that he would comprehend what we are telling him about Heaven and that he would feel a peace that could only come from God

Daddy and the rest of the family - for comfort and peace and for everyone who wants a chance to see him that they would get there in time

Heading to Tennessee

2009-06-12T07:47:00.001-05:00

I am headed to Tennessee today with my dad to see my pawpaw. Pray for safety and for our time with him to be a blessing. Will update when I get back.

Girls Night Out

2009-06-10T17:48:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for my closest friends (some of which were not in on this latest venture). We had so much fun going out and celebrating Jamie's birthday. I don't think I have laughed like that in a long time and I know I haven't had that much fun in a long time. Cara, Jamie, Caitlin and I went to Margarita Grill and had some chips and salsa, tacos, nachos and of course, some a.w.e.s.o.m.e. margaritas!!! I love you girls!!! Thanks for the laughs!! WOOHOO!!!!

Bowling (First post of hopefully many to come)

2009-06-10T16:35:00.001-05:00

Not sure if all of you know or not, but you can sign up for bowling for your kids to get 2 free games of bowling a week!!! You can go to www.kidsbowlfree.com and it shows you the list of participating ones. However, Oak Mountain Lanes in Pelham is doing the same thing but you have to sign up through their website which is www.oakmountainlanes.com

Anyway, my friend and I took our kids bowling and we had a blast!!! The kids did great and even Graci enjoyed it. (Now please, I am not sure who the person is on the video talking because they are MIGHTY country, so please forgive them (wink wink)) Believe it or not, Payton came in first out of the crew and Graci even beat her big sissy!! Sissy is going to stick with gymnastics :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T16:28:00.000-05:00

Pool Time Fun at Nana & Paw's

Pray for My PawPaw Please....

2009-06-09T20:23:00.000-05:00

I have so much I am trying to organize and upload and try to remember what I wanted to say but this takes priority over that all right now...

Please pray for my PawPaw, Dale Roberts. He was diagnosed with lung cancer on March 5, 2008. He has been fighting this battle very hard and has been doing a good job until now. The cancer is taking over. He isn't in any pain but they think it might have spread to his brain. He is falling a lot and cannot get up to go to the bathroom now and is having trouble feeding himself. His weight has dropped to 123 pounds from his normal weight of between 225 to 240. This is my only granddaddy. I have always been close to him and I love him soooo much!!! He lives in Shelbyville, TN with his wife, Jere, who has been a rock during this time. She loves him so much and I am so thankful that they have each other. Pray for her. This is her soul mate and this is hard on her too. Pray for peace about everything. Pray for strength. Pray for my daddy, Richard (he has both parents still living). Pray for PawPaw that his mind stays clear.

I am so thankful that last year I was able to go and see my PawPaw be baptized after finally committing his life to Christ after so many years. (see this post) At least now I know where he will be spending eternity. I am just not ready for him to go right yet.

Pray that I can work out the details so I can go up and spend the day with him this next week. I really need to go soon and I want to be able to spend some time with him, just holding him and hugging him. I need this before he does pass.

I think that is all for now, but I would appreciate the prayers.

Aggravation!!

2009-05-30T07:58:00.000-05:00

Where in the world have I been?? I didn't realize I have been neglecting my blog as much as I have. So much has happened in the past few weeks I really don't know where to begin. I need to post pictures of graduation (emi's), end of year parties, sprinkler fun with the cousins and friends, our house freshly painted, how big my dog has gotten, and on and on.... guess I better get on that today... that is after I finish the dishes, the clothes, the cleaning, playing with children, grocery list making, playing with children, cleaning up after children, you get the picture (hopefully for real soon). Guess that is where I have been :(

Not Me! Monday!

2009-05-04T19:07:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I most certainly did NOT...

* Do a diaper check on my 2 year old with my finger while at her sissy's gymnastics to find that the poop had gone up her back and then all over my finger. I did not then proceed to carry on the conversation with the other moms while playing it cool. I did not then go to change her in the car and only have 1 wipe to clean up all that mess. Not me!!

* Drive almost the whole way to my daughter's school (and actually on time) to hear her say "mommy, i don't have any shoes on"... to only have to turn around and go home and then back to the school. I did not curse under my breath and I did not lose my temper. Not me!!

* Crawl in the back of my surburban while at the park with all my children and use the potty I have in the back because my bladder would not allow me to walk all the way across the park to the actual bathroom.

* Put a pair of off brand spanx on so I could try and hide all the rolls coming out of the top of my pants and declare that I could still fit into a pair of pants that most certainly would not have fit without the aforementioned fake spanx :(

NOPE, NOT ME!!!!!

What's a Plauma?

2009-04-29T18:43:00.000-05:00

That is the question I got tonight.
"Mom, what's a plauma?"
I told Emi I didnt' understand what she was asking. She kept saying it and then explained it...

A diploma!!!

She is getting her kindergarten diploma on May 14 but we are doing public kindergarten next year. So big and so cute!!!!

I Think I'm Losing My Mind

2009-04-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I'm not the only one, but I swear I think I am losing my mind!! I don't understand why I can't remember where I left something, what I was going to do when I get to where I'm going, what I went to the store for in the first place, and on and on. It is sooooooooooo aggravating!!!!

Here are just a few things I am talking about:
* - I CANNOT find where I put my birth control pills (okay, honestly this is VERY important - I cannot handle another child!!)
* - I lost a whole pile of mail, yes mail, and found it later in my Dollar General bag that I
had from the morning
* - I have gone to the store twice to get something and have come home twice without it (but
with other things I didn't go for in the first place
* - I call someone to ask or tell them something and then have no idea why I called when they
answer

Okay, that is enough embarrassing examples... I think you get the picture. I truly am losing my mind. Will someone vow to help me out when I am 80 and don't know my name!?!?!!?!!

Psalm 16:11

2009-04-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

This verse is one that my pastor, Dr. Les at Westwood Baptist, used in his service a couple of weeks ago and it is one that has had me thinking a lot lately.

"You make known to me the path of life" - while studying this one section so many things have been revealed to me. The path of life is one that no one, but God, has control over or knows the outcome of. There are so many things that I don't understand about life and death but I always know that God is in control. Even though I know that, sometimes it still doesn't make it easy for me to understand. My Paw Paw is not doing well. His cancer has grown and he is rapidly losing weight. I don't understand why cancer even exists. I don't understand why it has taken so many lives and has affected literally everyone I know in some way or another. I don't understand why there is no cure for it. But then I remember what Dr. Les was saying. God is a God of compassion, understanding, and love but he is also a God that brings His wrath down on a people that have constantly turned away from him. If we didn't have things such as cancer, there would be no way out to get to be with God in eternity if we didn't die. We have to die to be with Him. I then prasie God that my Paw Paw accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior last year and that he will get to be with Jesus in eternity when he does pass. This is so comforting. So this path of life that I am on is one that will be full of ups and downs and uncertainties and questions and unknowns, but if I continue to trust in Him and know that He is in charge of my life and really give that to Him, then there really is nothing for me to be concerned or worried about.

"you fill me with joy in Your presence" - again a part that I have been thinking about. There are days when I am just not joyful. Days when I really honestly can not fathom how I am going to make it through. Days when I feel like such a failure of a mom and wife and friend. Days when I want to just crawl up in a hole and go to sleep. Days when I feel I can do nothing right. But then there are days when the sun is shining and I am so happy. Days when it might be raining outside but there is joyful laughing inside my house. Days when all seems to be just "right". Days when my relationships seem to be working. Days when even when things go wrong, I seem to be able to handle them better. So that got me thinking. What is the difference in those days? (Yes I am hormonal and yes I am on medication....) But the difference in those days is when I spend time with my Lord and Savior and time praying and reading His Word. He fills me with His Joy!!! If I am not spending time with Him, he can't fill me. When I do, His Joy spills over in every area of my life. I have to be "in His presence" for Him to do this. Knowing that and putting it into actual practice is something I have to do. Something I want to do. Something that I need to do. Joy comes from Jesus and no where else.

"with eternal pleasures at your right hand" - eternal pleasures... not earthly pleasures, but eternal pleasures. Now that is what should matter. Earthly pleasures are nice and there is nothing wrong with wanting them. We are human and that is a natural fleshly desire. But when we really start to think about it, we are only here for a very short time. Where we spend eternity is where the pleasures will count. I know that I am a born again Christian and that I will be spending eternity with my Lord and Savior in heaven. So that means that I need to be concentrating on my eternal pleasures that will come from Him. Not my earthly pleasures that will be gone when I am. My eternal pleasures that come from being a mom and wife that God would have me be. This is where my focus needs to be. It needs to be on sharing my testimony and sharing Christ with all I come into contact with. Not being ashamed or afraid or embarrassed to share my faith with everyone around me. This is what will give me the eternal pleasures from Him.

Where do you stand? Let Him guide you and lead you and fill you with the joy that can only come from Jesus. Stop and think about this verse. It has a lot to offer and a lot to ponder. At least it did for me....

A new Easter Tradition

2009-04-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

We went to my mom's house yesterday, Good Friday and we have officially started a new tradition with the kids. We dyed 36 eggs! They had the best time. We got to pray, sing praise songs, laugh and just share and be with each other. It was a blessed time!!

We also did something called Resurrection Rolls. I have heard of all the cookies and some bread but this recipe was shown to me by a friend of mine. It was easy and very easy to do and easy for the kids to follow along with. All you need is marshmallows, melted butter, cinnamon and sugar and crescent rolls. We read the Bible with each step of the process so the kids got to hear the story and use visual aids all at the same time. The fun thing was the final product, the empty tomb!! It was a very yummy treat to enjoy at the end too.

Thanks Nana for taking the time to do this and making it such a special day!! The girls had a great time!!! (except for Graci who just isn't herself her lately... :( )

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

How Times Have Changed

2009-04-10T16:40:00.000-05:00

Emi was almost 4 when she started gymnastics ... so hard to believe that she has only been taken for almost 2 years. She has come along in so many ways. Here is a picture of her the month before she turned 4...
This sport is so time consuming and it is causing us to sacrifice in so many areas of our lives, but God has told me many times that she will one day use this to glorify HIS name and share her testimony. You can't argue with that! She was given a gift, a talent, from Him and as long as she wants to do it, and as long as we can afford it, we will encourage this area of her life. She literally counts down the days until her next practice. She doesn't walk to her room, she tumbles. It drives her daddy crazy since she is always flipping in front of the tv, but I have learned to just watch "around" her. It's a way of life for us, every minute of every day.

I found this video of her doing her backward roll by herself and it was too cute, not to put on here.

What will she be doing in 2 more years.... I'll post a backhandspring video when I can find it.

Her First Real Battle Wound...

2009-04-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

My poor little Emi has her first major boo boo from gymnastics. She is on a new team at Alabama Starz and is loving it!!! She is having so much fun and being challenged with new things everyday. She has been doing her back walkovers on the low beam consistently without spot and she wanted to do what all the other girls were doing on her team. She wanted to do her back walkover on the high beam without spot... and she did.

This first video is her doing it on the low beam -perfectly!!

Here's the video of the fall.... ouch!

She was sooooo brave though!!!! I am one proud mama regardless of the outcome. She is the only 5 year old on her team and she was trying this!! I HAVE to brag on her!!!

Here's the after pics:

She is embarrassed about the bruises but I told her to be proud of her bravery!!

Words from my kiddos...

2009-04-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

The girls are growing up so quickly. I can't believe that my first born will actually be 6 this summer!!! I am going to have a 6 year old... what is up with that??? I remember being 6 .... I am not old enough to have a 6 year old.... much less a 4 year old and a 2 year old.... that means I am getting old... but I wouldn't trade my life for anything!!

All that to say, they are saying and doing things that are so funny right now. I always say I am going to write that down so I will remember that... and then I don't. So while I had a couple of things that the girls are saying on my mind, I wanted to do just that. I am putting them down so I won't forget them....

Payton: mom, my naked is hurting me (translation, my neck)

Graci: I'm Baby G and my name is Graci and I'm 2, i'm not chorttack (shortstack is what I've been calling her)

Emi: Mom, did you know you can pet cows but not bullies (bulls of course)

Man, I love love love my girls!!!!! They are always bringing a smile to my face. Except for when Baby G throws her only Ked out the window on 119 and I have to go buy her shoes now. I still love that girl though.

Gone Trucking

2009-04-02T17:27:00.000-05:00

Well this was the last year that B got to drive for Student Life Ministry. They are canceling the tour from now on. So the girls each got to go on one last trip with their daddy. Payton rode in the "big truck" to Atlanta but Emi just rode around Atlanta with him instead of riding home. They have so much fun doing this and I know they will miss it and I know for sure that B will .....

Atlanta Trip

2009-03-31T21:24:00.000-05:00

I have so many pictures that I would love to put on her in a slideshow form, but they would probably be only entertaining for me... so I have spared whoever is reading this and put just a few together on a collage to share. We went to an Atlanta Hawks game, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke and then lastly, but not leastly, American Girl. I will put up highlights from the trip with the pictures soon :)

Payton's Adenoidectomy

2009-03-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

Well Payton had her surgery yesterday. After waiting for 3 hours for them to take her back into the surgery, things finally went quickly and with no complications. Dr. G said that her adenoids were a size 8 on a scale from 8 to 10. They were huge and needed to come out ... we are hoping this is going to be a major change for her with her coughing and breathing and infections. Thanks for the prayers.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

So much to catch up on...

2009-03-25T20:53:00.000-05:00

There are so many things that I want to write and so many pictures I want to post, just for my sake of course, but I honestly don't even know where to begin. This year has been a whirlwind already. i can't believe it is the end of march already. that is just amazing to me.

i mean seriously, i don't even have pictures of our snow day, or emi's gymnastics meet, or birthday parties or anything!!! i can't keep up. it is going to have to be this or facebook..... well facebook is definitely something that i am "addicted" to and that my husband calls "the devil". because of my phone, i am always checking on what everyone else is doing and i truly become almost obsessed with checking on everyone all the time. i think i need to do something about that... blogging is healthy for me and helps me put stuff down so i won't forget it. i want to take some time and update everything. and i want to take some time to catch up on my scrapbooking. any one game for getting together to do this???? it of course would be more fun if we could have a girls time to scrapbook and talk and drink some wine, i mean grape juice of course ;)

blogging it is... hopefully by this weekend i can do this.

for now, pray for payton. she is having her adenoids taken out in the morning. not a big deal i know ,but still it is one of my babies and i love to know i have people praying.

Payton's First Soccer Game

2009-03-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

She had so much fun. Didn't quite grasp the concept, but she ran and smiled and I think she will enjoy it.

Where does time go???

2009-03-07T20:43:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe that it has honestly been this long since I have even written ANYTHING on this blog. So much has happened and so many pictures have been taken, and I haven't put a single one up on here :( So when I actually sat down to post something, I just kept asking myself where all the time went. These were just a few of things that I could come up with...

dreaming of sleep but not actually getting any
chasing kids around the house
gymnastics
soccer
Bible Study
cleaning the house (well moving piles from one place to the next)
laundry
laundry
laundry
looking at my sewing machine and the fabric i have to sew... but not actually getting to :(
facebook (i know i know)
my iphone (has spoiled me!!!)

so much more, but i want to really pull myself together and catch up on this blogging thing. i love doing it and i love looking back at things that happened and this is a great way to do so. so hopefully, with all the wishful and hopeful thinking i can have, i will be back on board with my blogging here in the next few days. :)

Reciting Scripture

2009-01-16T18:48:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to video the kids reciting Luke 2 for some time now. I am just now getting around to it. So here is each of the girls quoting their scripture. We are picking different passages each month for them to learn and so they will have it in their hearts for later in life. Will post videos each time we complete one. So here goes...
(and sorry Emi looks so funny before you press play....)

Emi

Payton

Graci

This Makes Me Happy

2009-01-14T17:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I have this one thing, mine happens to be this coffee cup, that just makes me smile every morning when I use it.

If / when something happens to this cup, I will be crushed.

This cup represents and symbolizes so many things for me.

* Strength
* Dependability
* Beauty
* A new morning
* A fresh start
* Happiness
* Joy
* A loving home
* Sacrifices
* Family Devotions at the breakfast table
* Love
* Friendship
* A special bond

You see, this cup was one that my mom used when I was younger. It is one that probably didn't cost much and probably didn't mean a thing to her. But because it was hers, it means so much to me. I am not and have never been a morning person... this cup, as small of a thing as it is, helps me to remember how joyful my mom was, and still is in the mornings. It helps me to remember all the sleep my mom sacrificed for me and my brothers. It helps me to remember the family devotions we did at the breakfast table at 6:45 before school. It helps me to remember all the small things and big things my mom did for me. I love my mom and I thank the good Lord above for her everyday. I appreciate her more and more the older I get the older my children get.

So mom, thanks for giving me this cup (it's been in the cabinet for years since I didn't drink coffee until this last year) even though you had NO idea it's significance. I use this cup almost every morning and the girls are seeing it now. I hope and pray that I can be half as great of a mom as you are!!!!!!

Hunting with Daddy

2009-01-11T20:51:00.001-06:00

This is a very short video of PayPay's hunting day with her daddy today. Too cute not to share.

Boo and Sadie

2009-01-01T16:05:00.000-06:00

Our new addition, Boo and our newly shaved Sadie - they love each other!!!!

A few Christmas Pics

2008-12-27T09:46:00.000-06:00

Here is a slide of just a few of our Christmas pictures. I don't have some from Selma and Christmas Day on here but we had a great Christmas week!! The girls can recite Luke 2 (at least a good bit of the Christmas story - video coming soon) and they are truly understanding how fortunate we are compared to so many others. They had fun giving.... and receiving this year. Hope everyone had a great one too!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

4

2008-12-01T17:16:00.000-06:00

This is what a dear friend of mine did on her blog because someone tagged her. It seemed like fun.
Look on your computer for the 4th album and post the 4th picture.... no cheating!!!

Oh my, this is old!!! And this is Emi and Payton!!! Not Payton and Graci!!! I guess I really do have clone children :)

2008-11-28T16:42:00.001-06:00

THANKSGIVING 2008

What a fun Thanksgiving day we had at mom and dads. Very laid back and fun just relaxing and sharing and talking. Something we don't get to do too often these days.

The kids rode Big Wheels (yes the old fashioned kind we used to have) and played on the play set outside while we cooked and "played" inside. We missed the other cousins that weren't able to join us this year though.

I am so thankful for my family!!!

Recipes

2008-11-21T14:52:00.000-06:00

I had a baby shower for a friend a couple of weeks ago and we had some pretty yummy food that some people were wanting the recipes for. My mom gave me the recipes and I'm not sure where she got them (from her church cookbook I think)... anyway, they are yummy... enjoy!!!

Sausage Cheese Casserole

1 pack of crescent rolls
1 lb sausage (hot & spicy)
2 cups mozzerella cheese
2 cups cheddar cheese
4 eggs
3/4 cup milk
salt and pepper

Cook sausage and drain. Line bottom of pan with crescent rolls. Mix together all ingredients and pour over crescent rolls. Bake for 30 minutes at 375.

However, we doubled this for the shower so it was extra cheesy!!!

Cheese Grits Casserole

Cook grits for 5 minutes
1 cup grits
1 tsp salt
4 cups boiling water

Stir into cooked grits:
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs (well beaten)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Stir until all ingredients are well mixed together and cheese is melted completed.

Pour into 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.

Cook for 1 hour at 350.

Hope you enjoy!!! These will be good during the holidays because they can be fixed the night before and just heated up the next morning.

Cousin Pic

2008-11-11T14:02:00.000-06:00

Finally a picture of the 5 rugrats all together!!! We had a great day!!! Played at the park, rode bicycles, hiked up hills, walked in the woods, and then to my house for a while. It was so nice to be able to spend some time together and just play!!!! I love my boys and girls!!!

November

2008-11-07T14:54:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that it is honestly November already and that Thanksgiving will be here in just a few weeks and then Christmas not too far behind. I love this time of year!!! The cool weather just feels so refreshing when you go outside. The leaves are finally changing colors. The bugs are finally not so bad you can't go outside. You can leave your windows open all day and night and it always feels good in the house. It just feels "good" :)

However, I have just realized that my baby will be 2 in less than 2 months. November is here and that means December is just right around the corner. I think I must be a little crazy. It seems to be bothering me that she is turning 2. I remember being emotional on my other girls birthdays too, but I have always been pregnant by this point. It is just so wierd to finally be getting out of the baby phase here at our house. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be pregnant and I don't want another baby, I just can't believe my baby is about to 2!!! Guess I need to get busy working on a birthday party huh?

HUGE PRAISE

2008-10-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

This is the biggest praise I have been able to share in a long time and not sure if this isn't the biggest answer to prayer I have ever received either. I found out this weekend that my PawPaw, the one so many of you have been praying for for so long, received Jesus into his heart and is following in Baptism this weekend!!!!!!!!! I couldn't stop crying because I was just so happy. His health is still deteriorating and we don't really know how much longer he has before the cancer takes over every part of his body, but he is Saved now!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! We are all going up this Sunday afternoon to see his baptism. Oh happy my heart is today!!!! Isn't he adorable?!?!?!

Camping - We did it!

2008-10-19T18:50:00.000-05:00

We did it!!! Bryan and I took all 3 girls on our first family camping trip and had a blast!!!! I sure hope that we are starting memories for them like Bryan and I have from our childhoods. We left on Thursday morning and came back late Saturday. We went to Lake Coleman up in the Talladega National Forest. My parents and some of their friends were up there (which I was thankful for) on their yearly trip. We learned a lot and will probably have a lot more to learn, but this is definitely something I can see us doing for years to come, and even after kids have moved out later in life. It is kind of expensive up front, but then it truly is going to be an inexpensive way for us to get away as a family. I hope this is the first of many trips to come!!

It rained the firstfull day we were there and I was so upset about it. I mean, 3 kids in the rain in a leaking tent :( But they handled it well and made the best out of it. They put their new rain boots on and played until they were too cold to. We roasted marshmellows and made smores (which none of mine liked), rode bikes all over the campgrounds, played with hotweels in the dirt, made animals with playdough, had awesome meals cooked outside, walked around the lake, threw rocks into the lake (with only close encounters to falling in) and took only a million pictures. It was soooo much fun!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I'm sure I'll think of more as I load pictures and when I do, I'll post. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

We did our annual pumpkin patch trip this past Sunday with Bryan's side of the family and we had a great time!! It was the coolest trip we have ever taken as far as the weather goes. It held off even sprinkling until we were done and on our way to the car. The kids loved it this year. They were so proud of their pumpkins!!

"You're a Mom"

2008-10-14T14:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is a quote that came out of a man's mouth yesterday. This quote "You're a mom" made me stop and think ... a lot.

Here's the situation:
I had just gone to the gym and ran 2 miles and then worked out. So, no, I wasn't all made up and looking beautiful and I had all my kids in tow too. I had to go and get my car looked at because it was making a funny noise. When I walked in I said I was sorry for looking so bad but I had just been to the gym. This man nonchalantly says, "that's okay, you're a mom". Now he honestly meant no harm in this statement and probably didn't think anything after he said it. But I on the other hand did.

Is that what "stay at home mom's" are supposed to look like??? I mean, I really do try and be presentable most of the time but is this what people think??? Are we supposed to look bad because we are moms? I don't think so. I want to look nice for my husband and my kids, but that is just not possible at all times.

Am I the only one that feels this way???

Just had to vent....

Bathroom Pictures ... finally!!!

2008-10-13T15:56:00.000-05:00

Well it has only taken me over a month to finally get some pictures up of my bathroom. It took a little while to do but it really turned out really great!!! I love it so much better than I did before. Still have a few things to hang up, but this is the finished product.

It was such a bright red before that I had to Kilz it first along with doing the texture paint and then finally painting the color. We framed my mirror with molding that I bought, cut and stained. Now that is a whole other story. The wood was warped and didn't want to be hung up on the mirror, but I made it stay.... for now :)

Before: (and check out that wallpaper!!!!)
During:
After:

I Pledge Allegiance

2008-10-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

"I Pledge Allegiance" as said by one 3 year and one 5 year old

Emi
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the Publix in which we stand
one nation under God
indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all

**and Emi laughed when I told her the correct word was republic and said "right mom"

Payton
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of the Americas
and to the republix for which it stands
one nation under God
Indibisble, and with Liberty and with Justin for all

The Fair - SO NOT FAIR!!!!

2008-09-20T20:26:00.000-05:00

Last night we decided to go to the fair that was at Oak Mountain for some fun time with the family, grandparents and cousins. It truly was a good time except for a couple of things. Money and the camel.....

This first part is just for me to rant and rave about money, so you don't have to read it if you don't want to. But I am outraged at just how much things cost last night.

* It was $8 per adult and $5 per kid to just get IN the gate - no rides or anything included! Now that is a little bit ridiculous. Graci and Payton were free because kids 4 and under got in free. So that was one little happy in the midst of everything else.
* Each ticket was $1 - and each ride or game was at THE LEAST, 3 tickets - understand, that means $3 to go down a slide!!!!!!
* Some games for $5 to just shoot a gun or jump up and down or ride something that goes round and round
* Some people didn't except the hand stamp (which was $20 and supposed to get you into any ride as long as you were there) and wouldn't except the tickets you bought - they only wanted cash!!!
* They made us pay for Graci to do anything, and charged the parent to ride too. That means we paid $6 to ride the stupid tea cups one time!!! (her face was precious though - that is the only ride she did!)
* The food was horrible and overpriced
* The people were just plain scary looking

Now, the kids did have a great time and they laughed a lot. Thankfully, they don't understand the concept of money yet. We had fun with Nana, Paw, Uncle Shawn, NatNat, Aunt Jen, Will and Brooks. The kids were hilarious!!

Emi rode the high swings, the Hurricane thing, the roller coaster, and anything else she was tall enough to do. She is definitely my little dare devil. Payton loved the things she did too. She rode the small coaster, the cars, the tea cups, and some other little rides too. She just wanted to be wherever her Brooks was :)

The biggest downer of the night was the poor camel that died. I tell you, I have the worst luck!! I was talking with my lil sis NatNat and was looking at the camels and watched one's feet slip out of from under it and twist it's ankle and hit the pavement with a loud thud! It was horrific!! When it fell, it landed on a metal post that was part of the gate and it went straight through it's heart. I watched it kick and seize and bleed out - it really gave me nightmares last night and I couldn't quit crying while I was watching it all happen. They couldn't get a vet there fast enough before it passed. But like my hubby said, they would have needed a fork lift to move it at all anyway. It truly was a very very sad thing to witness. It had been with its owner for 18 years and its partner (the camel's that is) was watching it all happen and started going wild. It took them a while to get that one back in the trailer. That poor camel doesn't have a mate anymore. I know it sounds crazy me sitting here typing about a camel, but honestly, it scarred me....

No more fairs for the Reeds.....

So Behind

2008-09-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

I have so much I want to write about and put pictures of up on the blog, but I just can't seem to find the time to do so. But to come, pictures of my bathroom finally painted, PayPays booboo on her head, our beach trip, Emi's backhandspring video.... whew, this is wearing me out just thinking about it.
Anyway, here is one pic from the beach that I love, out of so many!!!

Pay Pay Quote

2008-09-04T08:22:00.000-05:00

I took her to gymnastics yesterday and walked her in the room and then walked out. As I watching through the window I saw Ms. Kim ask her name.
Kim: What's your name again sweetie?
Payton: Pay Pay
Kim: Pay Pay?
Payton: Yes
Kim: That is so cute. What is your last name?
Payton: Peanut
Then I see Kim break into laughter as she was searching her role. I walked back in and told her name and Kim thought it she the cutest thing ever!!!

New Week, Better Attitude

2008-09-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

Things are going much better this week. Thanks so much to all you for your prayers. It has been a rough couple of weeks, but I think we are finally moving in the right direction.

We are planning on leaving for the beach this Sunday, so that is the new prayer request: Pray that the weather holds off and we are able to have a fun family vacation together.

Here are the pictures of Payton's first day of gymnastics last week too that I promised.

When it rains, it pours...

2008-08-28T18:42:00.001-05:00

At least that is what everyone always says.

Well, Payton now has a fever virus (104 was the highest today).

Need I say more....

Sulfur Allergy!!!

2008-08-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I so wish that I could make this post as ellaborate in wording as some of my fellow posters do, but, don't get your hopes up because I can't.

I know a few posts back I was down and aggravated about my health and ready to run away, well the saga continues. When I had that eye infection (cellulitis) they put me on tons of Bactrim (a sulfur based antibiotic). I was taking massive amounts to try and keep me from going into the hospital. I started feeling really bad on it though and quit taking it 3 days after I started. Praise the Lord that I did!!!! Now let me explain why....

About a week ago I came up with some spots on my stomach that looked like poison ivy. I did the normal thing to treat it but for the life of me couldn't figure out how I had gotten it. It only worsened until I finally made myself go to the doctor, yet again, to get a cortisone shot. That was this past Monday. (I still wasn't convinced it was poison ivy.) Last night I was up all night scratching and the rash had now spread all up my back and down onto my hips and legs. So, needless to say, I called the doctor back this morning and they wanted to see me. When I got there the doctor said I was definitely having a reaction to something but I couldnt' figure out anything I had changed. In talking to him (more like my rambling on and on to him) I told him I ever had anything normal with me in dealing with my health. I told him my stye had turned into cellulitis and he literally stopped me midsentence and asked me what they had given me for that. I told him Bactrim and if there could have been a light bulb above his head it would have turned on brightly at this point. He said, "that's it, you're highly allergic to sulfur".

So I am on more drugs, steroid pills, a pill to try and help the itch and any ointment that makes me more comfortable (which would be none!!). I literally feel like someone is scratching my skin with lit matches!!!!

Pray for comfort and sleep please!!!

Payton's First Day of 3K

2008-08-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was PayPay's first day of 3K and she had the best time. She was so happy when she woke up and she couldn't wait until the time I told her to get into the car. She was super excited about her teacher, Mrs. Jennifer, and all of her friends in her class. She is going 3 days a week this year and looking very forward to it. Her daddy had flowers and a balloon for both girls on their first day. He is the best!!

She also has her very first gymnastics class today... pictures to come after of course.

Here's my baby... growing up too quickly...

My Kindergartner

2008-08-25T16:05:00.000-05:00

Today was Emi's first day as a 5 year old kindergartner.

Can I just say that she was a little excited about it?

She woke up first at 5:30 and wanted to know if it was time to get up. I convinced her to go back to bed and ended up having to wake her up at 7:30. She was so cute and couldn't wait to get there.

So amidst the nasty, rainy weather outside, we had very sunny spirits inside.

She had a great first day and I know we are going to love Mrs. Marcia a lot!!!

You are an example to others... like it or not

2008-08-18T20:14:00.000-05:00

Bryan and I have been married for almost 8 years (so hard to believe) and we have both grown and changed in so many ways. We have always been involved in our church and each with our own groups but watching how much we have actually grown over the years and to see the fruit of it in our children is pretty amazing. I can only imagine how Jesus feels when He looks down and we are "pleasing" him with our actions.

Bryan started reading a Bible Story each night with the 2 older girls and giving them a time of question and answer about the story. They really look forward to this time with their daddy every night. He sits on each of their beds and reads a story on each bed. Then they have their time of prayer with him and then he prays for them. Such a neat tradition he has started and I know it is one of GREAT value.

Tonight, I went in to tell them goodnight after he was done and told the girls they needed to pray for Graci because she hadn't slept well last night and didn't nap well today (sidenote: i am never going to get any sleep).

Here is the rest of the scenario:

Emi: I need to get on my knees and pray like we do sometimes in choir mommy.
Me: That would be nice. (as she kneels down between their beds)
Emi: Dear Jesus, as we come to you tonight, we thank you for hearing our prayers.
**okay, I started crying then... she was modeling her daddy's prayers**
I pray for Graci and thank you that she gets a good night sleep and that mommy will too.
Thank you for loving us. Amen
Payton: (as she gets down on her knees) Dear Jesus, thank you for helping Graci's ear to feel
better. We love you.

All I can say is, we follow by looking at someone as our example. This is something that has "bothered" me when I think about raising 3 girls in today's world. Bryan and I have had many late night talks about the responsibility given to us when we brought these precious girls into the world. I need to be the example they see for being a Christian mom and wife. Bryan needs to be the example they see for boyfriend / husband material. We, together, need to be the example they see as marriage the way God intended it.

I can just say, I am thankful for the example Bryan is setting now. For me and the girls. He is leading by being the example. Nothing more, and nothing less. It convicts me when I haven't spent any time in the Word or in prayer and it is convicting the girls when they say/do different things during the day.

Bryan, you are a true gift from God to me. Looking back over the last 10 years of our relationship, we have learned a lot and grown a lot. You are an amazing friend, husband, father and leader and I thank the Lord for you everyday. Love you Bry!!!!

Buckmaster Expo

2008-08-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

Today was a daddy-daughter day for Emi and Payton. We got up this morning and I got them dressed in their "Bass Pro Shop" tshirts and big pink bows (of course) and they headed off to Montgomery to be with their daddy at the Buckmaster Expo. They met some very dear friends of ours down there. Deer, guns, tshirts, food, icecream, a bear statue at Bass Pro Shop and so much more. They had a great time!!! So why does Bryan need a boy???? HE DOESN'T :) Thankfully, his girls are right in there like their mommy was when I was little. Prissy when the time called for it, but TomBoy all the way when needed. I love my girls!!! And not only that, my husband ROCKS!!! I have trained him so well. He took his camera and took the pictures so I could put them on my blog and in my scrapbook!! He is the best!!!

And while they were gone, I started painting my bathroom (thanks for the incentive A). I painted while Graci napped and then we headed out to the new Publix - it was soooo neat!!! Helena is gonna have to do some updating now.

Summer fun and the BEST cupcakes

2008-08-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that summer is almost over. :(

We have had the best time just going to the pool and hanging out with friends. The girls are literally fish in the water now. Graci is jumping off the diving board right along with her big sissys and thinking she is just as big as they are. The water wings are truly bigger than her whole head, but she doesn't seem to care that much. Not only that, she seems to take the best naps (3 hours today) after swimming for a couple of hours in the morning. I don't know what we are going to do in a couple of weeks when the big girls start school and our whole schedule changes. This ought to be interesting!!!

As far as the best cupcakes... I won't mention any names (cough cough J Vines) but I had to put these pictures up of my sweet girl enjoying every single bit of her yummy cupcake at her cousin's party. She of course wouldn't touch her own at her first birthday and really hasn't cared much for them since, but now that she has tasted the BEST cupcakes ever, she is totally in love with them - you go Graci!!! (and of course, Emi and Pay have always loved them...you can see the remnants on their faces!)

THANKS J!!!!!!! - Love Graci

Olympics....maybe one day

2008-08-13T08:35:00.001-05:00

Can I just say that we are loving watching the Olympics. It is so much fun to watch the girls as they are glued to the tv during the swimming, diving and of course, gymnastics!! Emi is so funny. She is constantly asking questions about everything they are doing. "When did they start? how old are they now? What's that called? How long before I can do that?" and so on and on..... The scary thing is, that if she keeps up with this training schedule she is on, she could be in the 2020 Olympics. That is just kind of freaky to me!!! The training program she is on is one that when she turns 7, she will be on the TOPS team and they are on an Olympic training schedule. Someone from USA Gymnastics was talking about our gym and how they were watching our TOPS team closely for some people that could possibly be in the 2012 or 2016 Olympics. Pretty cool!!! Not sure if that is where God is leading, but we will do whatever she is wanting and whatever HE wants us to do.

Fun with cousins

2008-08-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

I know I am probably overwhelming the blogging world, if there is anyone even reading this. But it is for me and I wanted to get all of this down. My sweet sister-in-law called and we met her and her 2, Anna Reed and Gates, at Chick Fil A the other day for lunch and then they came over and spent the whole afternoon. We had a great time. The kids played and laughed a lot. It was too hot to be outside so we just stayed in and played on Emi's new gymnastics mat that she got for her birthday. Here are the results from our pyramid attempts. Too funny!!!

Payton's Last Dance Class

2008-08-07T21:03:00.001-05:00

Payton had her last day of dance for the summer session and she had the best time. Her teachers, Ms. Melissa and Ms. Ashlee, let them all dress as princesses for a party and to dance in their dresses. Payton thought this was the coolest thing ever! I registered her for dance for the fall and as of right now, she wants to do it. She is only interested in the recitals though, let's pray she enjoys the practice and doesn't freak on the recital. Doesn't she make a beautiful ballerina though?

Emi is 5!!!!

2008-08-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

I know I am a week late at posting this, but my baby girl turned 5 on July 31. She was so cute and so excited about finally being 5. I think she thought some fireworks or something were going to go off when the day came. She almost seemed disappointed when nothing "spectacular" happened. Of course I was just in shock that she was already 5 years old. It all seems to have flown by.

I was still feeling so bad and I wanted it to be a special day for her, so I did all I could do and it ended up being a VERY special day.

First, Bryan took her and Payton to breakfast before he left to go out of town for the weekend. They went to Chick-Fil-A which is their favorite. Then Emi had gymnastics practice, which of course she was super excited about, and she was thrown into the Pit by her team. She had been looking forward to that for weeks. Then Aunt Jen, Will & Brooks showed up and met us all at gymnastics. We went to Sonic and enjoyed some ice cream. We then went home and she actually took a nap for an hour. That night she had an extra special treat because I just really wasn't feeling good. She got to go and spend the night with her cousins, Will and Brooks, and be with Aunt Jen and Uncle Shane. She had the BEST time. They took her for a milkshake and just gave her some extra special birthday loving!!! (Thanks guys!!)

We also had her birthday party. It was a pool party at my moms and we had the best time! It was soooooo hot but I think she really enjoyed the day. She loves swimming so much and she is just a little fish, as are Payton and Graci. She loves jumping off the diving board and swimming under water as far as she can. She has learned how to play a couple of games and just all in all is a little "water bug". Thanks to all of you that came and made her party so special. We had a GREAT time!!!

Down again

2008-07-30T14:07:00.000-05:00

I was on the mend. ......

I turned 33 last week and it was a special day.

But for some reason, this birthday bothered me.
I was very emotional about it.
I had my feelings hurt that some people forgot.
I realized that I am now officially middle age.
My body is changing in ways I am not happy about (even though I am working out).
My hair never looks good (hormones maybe)
And my toe was still hurting from breaking it 9 weeks ago and I still couldn't do any cardio (which I need to balance out my mood swings).

However, this past Monday my toe was finally feeling better and I was able to run a mile on and this made me so happy!

Then the next blow came.

While at the gym on Monday, I realized that my eye was a little sore and that I had a stye. I went swimming and by Monday afternoon I had to call the eye doctor. Good thing I went. By the time I got there, my eye was pretty swollen. I had a stye in both the upper and lower lids and it was a type of infection that spreads across the eyelids. Not just a normal stye (of course not, it's me).

I was put on an eye ointment and Omincef because it couldn't just be cleared up with eye drops. I was told to put hot compresses on it and to rest.

Tuesday morning I woke up and it was much worse. By Tuesday afternoon, it looked horrible. I had to go back to the doctor and she said "you have a doozy of a case". Now that didn't make it any better. The pain in my eye made me just want to cry. She said that it had turned into cellulitis of the eye and we had to get it under control or I would have to be put in the hospital on IV antibiotics. I freaked a little needless to say. So, she put me on Bactrim on top of the other medications that I started on Monday. I am on so many meds right now, and I hate the way I feel.

Thankfully, my little brother came and picked up the girls and they stayed with my mom and dad last night so I have been able to rest a little. My eye looks horrible (I won't put a picture up I promise) and I have a low grade fever that is making me just a little irritable.

My sweet granulated sugar came and brought me a happy today. Some soup and crackers, ice cream, flowers, and of course acidophilus!!! That made smile!!

Emi turns 5 tomorrow and Bryan is leaving to go out of town tomorrow. Pray that I feel better so I can make her have a special day. She is super excited about turning 5. I think she thinks that there will be fireworks that are going to go off or something. She had gymnastics in the morning and she is excited about that because she gets to be thrown in the pit for her birthday. We bought her a new gymnastics mat for her present so I know she is going to be excited about that.

Enough whining. I know God is in control and this too shall pass. I can't get Adam Cunningham's song out of my head. It is keeping me going right now. If you don't have his cd - get it - it's awesome!!

Don't Let Go
Don't you back down from wherever you are
You know the ending is never that far
Hold onto Jesus with all of your might
He's more than able to conquer the night
He'll give you strength like you've never known
Stand up, stand strong don't you ever let go
Don't Give In
Don't Give up until the end

http://www.myspace.com/adamcunninghamband

Jesus sees me and hears me crying out to Him.

So all this to say, I'm not giving up or letting go and I will keep trudging along and praising God the whole time. In pain anall without doubting that God is in control.

Friends Forever

2008-07-24T20:27:00.000-05:00

I have been blessed with so many great friends throughout my life. One of which stopped by and we were able to spend some brief time together. She is someone that I know I will be friends with forever; no matter what distance separates us.

I can talk to her everyday or I can go a week or more without talking to her. It doesn't matter. We always pick up exactly where we left off without thinking twice about it. We are completely real with each other and I love her dearly.

K - Thanks for being a great FRIEND in the midst of all of our chaos. Love you girl!!!!

Here's the gang:

Nighte, Emi, Northe

Graci, Payton, Dari, Nauxxe, Davi

Safely Home

2008-07-24T06:57:00.001-05:00

We made it home safe and sound Sunday after a very long and exhausting trip. Shawn looked great and it was very special to be able to be there and watch his graduation. My wonderful inlaws kept the girls and Bryan went down to be with them on Saturday and Sunday. They were waiting patiently for me to get home. It was a good break to be away from them, but I was more than ready to hold all of them and squeeze them in my arms. Here are a few pics of Airman First Class Shawn Roberts - so proud of you boge!!!!

It's Not Dry Heat

2008-07-19T16:45:00.000-05:00

I am in Texas for Shawn's graduation from Air Force Basic Training. He is going into the Guard and I am super proud of him. We got here late Wednesday night and have been through all the ceremonies and we will leave tomorrow to drive home. Thanks to those of you that have been praying for him and for the ones that wrote him while he was in. They meant the world to him!!!

As far as the heat, it is 97 and so humid you sweat just walking to the car. So whoever said it was dry heat out here, LIED!!!!

Pool Party

2008-07-11T21:54:00.000-05:00

I am sooooo blessed to have such wonderful friends. Our pool party today was truly a great day! We had 16 kids and 9 adults I think and all in all, everyone stayed happy all day. You guys are the best and I hope that you had as much fun as I did.

The weather was beautiful until the last few minutes when the storm hit and we all heard a huge lightening strike. Pray that my mom and dad's insurance covers things. It hit the downstairs tv, phone and all of the pool filter and pump :( So sad!!! Other than that, my mom's house survived our clan!!

Thanks again for everyone coming and for just being my friend!

And Amy.... I know you say I don't like little gifts like you got me, but you obviously don't know me as well as you think. I LOVE my stuff!!! It truly made me smile. You are an amazing person and friend! Love you girl!!!

McWane Center

2008-07-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun at the McWane Center yesterday. My girls go to enjoy all of their cousins going with them. Will, Brooks, Anna Reed and Gates were all able to be there with us. Amy brought Anna Reed and Gates and my mom brought Will and Brooks. (poor Jen was home with her back). My mom's birthday was yesterday so she said it was fun enjoying all of her grand kids. We didn't get to spend as much time as we would have liked to, but we will be going back for sure. Here are a few pics for you... (I swear Payton and Brooks are twins) :)

Look what I did mommy!!!!

2008-07-10T13:09:00.000-05:00

I know several of you have been in the position I was in yesterday, and I honestly just had to laugh and grab my camera (see below).

Graci fell asleep yesterday at the McWane Center during the IMAX movie (which was incredible!!) so needless to say, she didn't quite get her nap out. So when we came home, I put her in her bed and told her she needed to go to sleep. She played for a while and just talked to her animals. After 45 minutes she started to get aggravated and I could tell she just wasn't going to sleep.

So when I opened her door, this is what I found:

My child had figured out how to take her cute little bubble off along with her diaper. She had proceeded to throw everything out of her crib and just smiled when I walked in. When I asked her where her clothes were, she proudly held them up for me to see along with her big grin!!! It was too funny!!! (thankfully, the diaper was clean and dry)

This one it is..along with random thoughts

2008-07-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

I guess this is the one I am going to use for now. I am so in love with butterflies and dragonflies and these colors anyway. It just fits me for right now.

Please be praying. Many of you know that I broke my toe 4 WEEKS AGO and it is still hurting me pretty badly. I am so tired of hobbling around, not being able to fully teach my class, my toe looking like a vienna sausage at the end of the day, and just being in pain!!!!! I know it is such a little thing, but man you never know how much you use a toe until you can't :( I am trying to not let it get me down, but some days I just feel like being down.

Next Wednesday, my brother Shane and I will leave on a trip with my parents to go to San Antonio. My little brother, Shawn, is graduating from basic so we are making the trip out there to see him and the ceremonies. Now, the trip is going to take around 14 hours or so, so that doesn't sound like fun for me since I don't do well in a car for that long. Pray we have a safe trip and that it doesn't end up like the Griswold's Family Vacation. Because I promise you, if anyone could do it, we could!!!

what do you think???

2008-07-03T17:37:00.000-05:00

this one or the polka dot one??? just wondering opinions from people??

Fun in the Sun

2008-07-01T12:48:00.001-05:00

Ever since my parents got their pool, that is all my girls want to do... go swimming!!! And thankfully they have all gotten really good at it.

Emi is jumping all the diving board now (and doing flips off of it) and not using any floaties at all.

Payton learned to swim last week and she is super proud of herself, as I am also. She started swimming in the deep end now without floaties so I am really having to watch her. She swims underwater and won't come up for air. That is what we are working on now. She doesn't stop to breathe until she reaches the side. She's a fish!!!

Graci is pretty funny too. She puts her floaties on and then tells me "no!". She is off to the water by herself. She either falls in and swims or goes to the steps and walks in. She is floating all over the place.

Here are a few pics of my babies, and one of Brooks with Payton.

Payton's First day at Dance...

2008-06-18T08:15:00.000-05:00

Well, Payton finally had her first dance class yesterday and can I just say that she LOVED it!!! She was so cute. I got her all ready and we went to the place here in Helena that she is taking. I took her in and met her teacher and then I had to leave her. She was so okay with that though. She just told me bye and off she walked. Of course when I asked her what she learned after the fact, she told me "I don't know". But hey, she had a good time and that is what counts!!!

Pics of Shawn leaving...

2008-06-18T08:05:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post some pics of the day Shawn left. I wanted to put these up to remind me every day to pray ....

Air National Guard

2008-06-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

So many people I have known have been affected by someone close to them going into the military - either here in the states or being shipped overseas to fight for my freedom. Now I am seeing things with a whole new perspective from my end.

My little brother, well not little, I should say younger, has been gone for a week and a half now in Basic Training for the Air National Guard. He is in Texas and the first and only time we have heard from him since he has been there, he was having a tough time. I usually talk to my brother at least every other day so this is different and difficult for me. I miss him and I am constantly praying for him.

I asked God to wake me up in the middle of the night whenever Shawn needed prayer. That first night he was there I woke up 6 times with him in the front of my mind. I prayed diligently then, just as I do now. When Shawn called and talked to mom he told her that the first night was literally one from hell and he didn't think he was going to make it through. But he did, and now it is the first week of physical training. I know he is going to come out of this a stronger man and a better man, but I just ask that you pray for him whenever you think about it. From what I have heard, the first 2 weeks of any boot camp is horrible and can be the worst of your life. Being away from family with no tv or music or communication would be difficult for anyone, but especially for him since he still lives at home with my mom and dad and has never been on his own, this is a real world wake up call for him.

My mom and dad are having a hard time too because they are used to seeing him everyday too. This is just an adjustment, but please pray for him when you think about it. If you are interested in sending him cards (he would love it) let me know and I can get the address to whoever is interested. Now off to bed for me...

New Hair Cuts...

2008-06-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally broke down and cut the girls hair ... you know so it would grow back thicker and fuller. Their hair had grown so much but was looking kind of thin around the bottom, so we chopped it tonight. And let me just tell you how cute they both look. Pay's isn't as "drastic" as Em's but she insisted on cutting hers after she saw her sissy's. Very cute and sassy and I think I did a pretty good job :) (and Emi's hair is even, even though it doesn't look like it on this picture... about drove me crazy getting it right!!!)

Spring family photo shoot...

2008-06-02T20:09:00.000-05:00

We have a very dear friend that we use twice a year for a photo shoot. I will gladly plug his name (many of you know him) because he does an INCREDIBLE job of capturing wonderful pictures. Jason Wallis Photography.... We had our "spring" shoot last week and here is the link to look at our latest slide show. Enjoy :)

http://www.walliskids.com/reed08/

if you really want to check out how much the girls have changed and also see some of Jason's previous work, here are some earlier slide shows he has done for us.

http://www.walliskids.com/reed2/ - this is right after Graci was born

http://www.walliskids.com/reed3/ - this is last fall

Updates

2008-05-31T21:07:00.000-05:00

I honestly can't believe that June is already here. This year is literally flying right past me. I used to laugh when I would hear my mom say how fast time flies and for me not to wish away my years. I completely get her now though. Having kids of my own and watching them change daily is truly amazing. Emi will be 5 in July ... now that is just weird for me to think about. Payton is almost 3 1/2 and now Graci is 17 months. Where has the time gone??? Don't know what me start on that rampage but for some reason it has hit me today. Graci is talking so much and singing songs and copying everything her sissy and paypay do. It is so cute to see them together now.

Anyway, Graci had her adenoids out on Thursday and she seems to be doing okay from them. She has been a little fussy but that is normal right now. She is finally eating a little something so that has helped her fussiness too. We go back for her post op in a week. Her adenoids were covered with infection so Dr. G thinks that this is the source of all her problems with that ear. I just hope and pray that he is right and we are done with all of this.

PawPaw - he has gone to church a couple of times and has made a friend with a man in the church who is witnessing to him too. Praise the Lord, that is progress!! He is still in pretty good spirits when we talk. Says he isn't hurting anywhere and that he feels "fine". Just keep praying that his heart will continue to be softened and that he will be open to receive Christ in his life. Jere, PawPaw's wife, her mom just passed away this morning at 96 years old. Remember her in your prayers also please.

Sorry this is so random, that is how my brain is acting right now. I'm going to bed now.... hopefully to actually sleep instead of getting up all night with my babies.

Mother's Day

2008-05-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

Well, better late than never. I had a great Mother's Day this year. My morning started off bright and early but it was a happy time. I went into the kitchen to fix my coffee and there were 3 balloons and a dozen gerber daisies (my very favorite flower) waiting on me. My cards were all lined up from the kids and they were excited to give them to me. Of course, I forgot to take a picture of my flowers and my gift (and I call myself a scrapbooker???) I am so upset I forgot to take a picture. My precious husband did the sweetest thing for me too. He gave me a spa gift certificate and a .... are you ready.... a night at the WYNFREY for me, myself and I !!!!!!! A whole night away from everything in real life!!! It was a wonderful surprise to wake up too. Now I just have to find the time to actually go.

After we got ready, we went to church and then went to Selma to see Bryan's mom. She was super excited for us to be there. We went and ate Mexican food and then just went to the house to let the girls play and ride their bikes. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.

Their Nana Reed is super creative and always doing fun crafts with the girls so she painted their faces for them (like butterflies) and they loved that. Graci was feeling pretty rotten the whole day. Her ear, of course, was bothering her and she actually came down with a fever virus that night - 104.6 was her temp. So the day started off great, but ended pretty yucky. But Mother's Day for 2008 was a great one. God has blessed me tremendously by giving me 3 beautiful little girls and a wonderful and loving husband that I get to call my best friend.

Mommy and sick little Graci

Graunt Connie and the butterflies
(Bryan's aunt, his mom's sister)

Mommy and her girls

My beautiful Butterflies

Bryan and his mom (aka Nana Reed)

Nana & Paw's Pool

2008-05-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

We have been patiently waiting for my parent's pool to be finished so we can swim and the time has finally come. The girls have been in it several times already and they absolutely love it. They are having so much fun swimming with all their cousins and it is so much fun to watch them. Emi is swimming like she was last year and flipping under water. Payton finally got the hang of the floaties again and she is all over the pool now. It has a diving board so they are having fun jumping off of it too. Graci hasn't gotten in yet because it has been a little too cold for her since we are still dealing with ear issues with her. Hopefully by this next weekend, she'll be able to get in a little while.

Look! No Training Wheels

2008-05-25T07:25:00.000-05:00

This past month has been so busy as I know it has for everyone. So many things have happened I want to share so hopefully I will be able to post a little more often and catch up on some things. One big thing that has happened is that Emi learned to ride her bike without training wheels!!! She is so proud of herself, as we are too. It didn't take her long at all to pick it up. She is riding all over the place now. And PayPay has learned to ride her bike very well and has finely figured the brakes out!!! That is a huge accomplishment too since she has been running into everything. They are growing up so quickly. Here are a few pics to share.

Gymnast & Ballerina...

2008-05-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

Seeing girls flip and dance through our house is nothing out of the ordinary. Emi is constantly doing handstands, headstands, cartwheels, flips, walking on her hands, and on and on. Payton is ALWAYS in pigtails and tights and a leotard. I don't know what I will do when Graci gets on this bandwagon. I am hoping she will have horses as her hobby so I can get my horse and she is so little it would be perfect!!
So... here are a few pictures of my life in our house...

A Quick Laugh

2008-05-08T20:57:00.000-05:00

The girls brought home a booklet from school for mother's day that included responses from all the children about their moms. Each child was asked 3 questions about their mom and their responses. Unfortunately, Payton must have been sick when these questions were asked so her answers aren't in here I am going to get Bryan to ask her and then record her answers too.

Here are the questions:

1) What does your mother look like?
2) What are some nice things your mother does for you? (with you?) (do together?)
3) What are some things your mother like to do?

Ready to laugh...

Here's Emi's answers

1) She has short hair, and it's kind of blonde
2) She likes to read with me. She likes to help Graci read. She likes to play with me sometimes.
3) She likes to play in her room on her own. She likes to read books by herself.

Now maybe you don't see the humor in that but I thought it was hilarious. My hair - well we all know I don't keep the same highlights for long, so you can't fault her for that one :)
The one I laughed until I cried was the one that says I like to play in my room alone. (Still laughing!!!) Everyone knows that I very rarely get a moment to myself and it is never in my room!!!

I just thought it was funny and cute and wanted to share it with you. At least it wasn't like my friend's little girl that said her mom liked to go to Chuckie Cheese.

No Time

2008-05-04T20:49:00.001-05:00

I have so much I want to catch up on with my blog but honestly these past few weeks have been a blur. Between baby G getting 2 more ear infections, Pay getting a fever virus and now horrible allergy sickness and me just being worn out, I haven't had time to sit down and blog. Thankfully E has stayed well during this time and I pray that she will continue to stay strong. I have some cute pictures I hope to get loaded and I hope I can catch up on this thing. Going to try to get to bed here shortly, so good night to all :)

Hump Day

2008-04-23T15:56:00.001-05:00

Well it has only been 4 days since I have been home from Savannah, GA but I am missing it so badly. It is such a nice break to get away and forget you have any responsibilites back in Birmingham. I was soooo ready to see my children, but I wasn't so ready to be back into the norm. I was telling my sis-in-law how it only takes one day to get back into the "normal" life and forget you were ever away in the first place.

There were several praises while we were gone though. The girls were in Selma with my inlaws for 3 nights and all 3 slept great down there!!! I was so worried about Graci since she doesn't usually sleep anywhere but her bed, but God took care of that worry and she slept every night and took naps :) That was so great. The older girls always sleep so good down there. They had the best time! Their Nana Reed is always so creative and does fun crafts with them. They made beautiful butterflies with their handprints that I am going to put in our "craft frames" going down the stairs. And of course another highlight was going to the Dollar Tree and shopping for their favorite things. Candy, bubbles, flip flops and headbands. They were on cloud nine. They also got to go to the Battle of Selma - not quite old enough to understand it but they told me it was very LOUD!

Another praise was that they transferred from Nana Reed to Nana without a problem. I was worried they wouldn't want to transfer but all was well. My mom brought them to my house and spent the night with them here. They had a lot of fun. They played outside until they couldn't play anymore. My mom is real good at wearing them out by playing so hard. They all slept for her too. McDonalds, gymnastics and outside play - they had a blast!

Bryan and I really had a great time and we couldn't have asked for better company.

quotes for today...

2008-04-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Just had to share 2 quotes from the girls today. Too precious not to share:

Emi: Mommy, look at my brain on my arm!! (she was pointing to her vein)

Payton: Mommy, I need a cantaloupe to put my picture in. (she was meaning an envelope)

Gone Trucking with Daddy

2008-04-06T17:41:00.000-05:00

Bryan drives the big 18-wheeler for Student Life Ministries each year and he loves doing it. This is his 6th year to do this so the girls have known that their daddy drives a big truck and they love to go and see it. This year, their precious daddy decided to take each one of them on a day trip to drop the trailer at the venue. They had sooooo much fun. He took Payton to Atlanta (since it was the shortest trip) and Emi to Nashville. Daddy did such a good job taking pictures for mommy to put in the scrapbook and on the blog.

Payton's trip was pretty uneventful so it was a good first trip for her. Emi's was a little more eventful. They started to lose tread on one of the trailer tires so they had to pull over and wait for someone to come and change the tire to the tune of 1 1/2 hours of waiting. She was such a trooper. It rained the whole way up there too. There was a wreck that put them even later. They were 2 hours late to load in which put them late getting home. They didn't pull into the house until 10:00 that night but thankfully Emi didn't take too long to wind down and get to sleep. When we were saying our prayers the first thing she said was that she was thankful for getting to spend some time with her daddy and getting to ride in the "big truck". It was so sweet. Here are some pics from the trips:

*Payton and her little traveler Callie:
*Look at me mommy!
*Ready to roll!!
*Lunch with my daddy in the truck - a taco!!
*Miss Priss Emi ready for the ride
*Look mommy!
*Little miss priss again!
*Emi took a picture of her daddy!
*The Big chicken at the truck stop
*Check out the sign in the background... leave it to daddy!

Update on Paw Paw

2008-04-03T21:11:00.000-05:00

Please be praying. We found out today that my PawPaw has 3 to 6 months to live. He is in stage 3 of cancer and where it is located it is inoperable. Chemo is an option but they said it would only prolong his life by maybe 6 months. He isn't sure if this is something he wants to do at this point or not. He and his wife, Jere, spoke with a psychiatrist to make sure they understood what was being told to them. When asked by the doctor if he knew what this meant, PawPaw said he did and that he knew he wouldn't get better. When the doctor asked Jere if there was something that was troubling her about it she stated that she knew he wasn't Christian.

This honestly is the hardest part.
I want to see Paw Paw again in heaven one day.
I want him to leave this world knowing he is going to a better place.
I want my dad to know he will see his dad again in heaven.
I want PawPaw to be able to crawl up in Jesus' lap on the days he is feeling terrible and know he is in a safe place and just rest there.

In all of this, I know this isn't about me and my wants. I know God is ultimately in control but I want to be able to used by God if at all possible to get through to PawPaw. Please be praying for this whole situation. My whole family could use it.

My Paw Paw

2008-03-27T10:31:00.000-05:00

Several of you have been praying for my PawPaw so I wanted to put a picture of him up so that you could see just who you are praying for. For those of you that aren't aware of what is going on here is a brief description. My PawPaw, Dale, was diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks ago. It has taken over one lung and is already in his lymph nodes. His other lung is strong enough to support him if he undergoes surgery but the doctors still don't have a plan of action at this point.

I love my PawPaw. He is the only granddad I have ever known. Just a few thoughts that come to mind when I think of him...

* Practicing my gymnastics in his thick green grass
* His 2nd wife Dottie that pierced my ears
* Climbing up in his lap for a big hug
* Getting to work everyday in the same place with him for years
* Sharing Jesus with him and praying with him (still praying for him in this area)
* His thick white hair
* His belly that was always so comfy to snuggle on (he doesn't have it anymore)

Those are just a few of them. I love my PawPaw and I am praying for his salvation, his health, his comfort and his strength as he battles this cancer.

Easter

2008-03-27T10:06:00.000-05:00

Easter was such a beautiful day, cold, but beautiful. It wasn't about the girls looking beautiful (which they did), but about making sure they understood just what Easter was. We didn't really talk about the Easter bunny, even though they got baskets with some candy, but really tried to focus on Jesus and the sacrifice that was made in order for us to be saved.

When the girls woke up on Sunday morning they came in and sat on the bed and were admiring all their candy. Emi laid down next to me and I asked her what day it was. This was our conversation:

M: What day is today?
E: Easter
M: What is Easter?
E: (Thinking...) Well, Jesus died on the cross but then he rose from the dead. He was put behind some rocks but when Mary went in to find him, Jesus wasn't there. When she finally saw Jesus he told her "don't be scared, see Mary, it is me, look at my hands, they have scars on them from the cross". Jesus died and then got up from the dead to save us from our sins so we can be born again.
M: Emi, that is great and I'm glad you are finally understanding what Jesus did for us.

I sat in the bed and just thanked God for the girls and for Emi listening to the stories we have been trying to teach her out of the Bible. It was such a breath of fresh air to know that the little seeds we are planting each day, are finally starting to grow.

We had a great day at church and then at Nana & Paw's house with family.

Here are a few pics to share...

My "angels". My precious mom-in-law made these beautiful dresses!! They were absolutely amazingly beautiful!!!

This was our attempt at a family picture... you know how much fun that is with 3 little ones that are tired and hungry.

These are all the cousins on the Roberts' side. Guy, Ben, Will, Brooks, Emi, Graci & Payton. We didn't get one picture with all of them looking in the same direction :)

Spring and things I'm thankful for

2008-03-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

This past week has caused Spring fever in my house. We are outside as much as possible, despite all of us fighting allergies. The weather has been beautiful and we are enjoying it every second we can.

A few things I am thankful for:

blue skies
friends we can have fun with
finding shapes in the clouds with the girls
rolling down our front hill with the girls
parks
laughter

Here are a few pictures to share too:

Emi's Meet

2008-03-10T14:16:00.000-05:00

Emi was so incredible Friday during her meet. She acted like she had been competing all her life. She wasn't nervous and she really did do great. She placed 1st in beam with a score of 8.7. She placed 2nd on floor with a score of 9.1. She placed 2nd on vault with a score of 8.0. She didn't place on bars because she slipped off so she scored low at 6.2. She placed 4th all around within her age group (4 and 5 year olds).
The pictures are priceless but for some reason I can't get the link to stay working. So here is a new link to try again :
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=93kg1d9v.9b7wyftf&x=0&h=1&y=-p3rd8h
Here is the website to go and look at all the meet results within her age group:
www.alausag.org
click on meet results, JFJ elite cup, Level 2, L2a

Little Lamb Lovey, WHERE ARE YOU????

2008-02-23T10:06:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was an eventful day as well. It just seemed to be one Alfalfa Moment after another. The day started off with me having to take Graci to the ENT because her ear was still draining and she was still snotty even after a round of Omnicef and Floxin drops. Jenn kept Emi and Pay for me while I was gone so that was great!

We get all the way to Brookwood and I put her in the stroller, but left her lamb in the car because I didn't want germs on it. Thankfully, the doctor was running on time and the appointment went by quickly. We still had an infection so ear drops, antibiotic and decongestand was precribed again. Since it didn't take as long as I had thought it would, I decided I was going to go ahead and drive the rest of the way downtown and surprise our NatNat with a visit from us. We drove around and around and finally found her building. I texted her and waiting for a reply but Graci fell asleep in the car while I was waiting. So.... I had to go ahead and leave without even seeing Natalie. Ended up she was in a meeting anyway so the timing was just wrong all together.

My next stop was Hobby Lobby to pick up something while I was on my home (instead of driving out of the way to go by and get it). Graci was still asleep when I got there so I just carried her, her little lamb (lovey), and paci inside with me since I just had to pick up one thing. We were literally in there maybe 5 minutes. I put her back in the car and proceeded on my way down 31 making my way back to Jenns.

I decided that since I still had an hour before Jenn wanted me to get the girls I would go by my dad's shop and see if he wanted to do lunch. Now this is a very important point in my day that I COMPLETELY forgot about. I ran inside and the timing wasn't right for my dad either :(. One of his mechanics was on vacation so he was a little busy, so no lunch with Paw either. I had rolled down the window for my dad to talk to Graci but he opened the door for a minute too.

Off we go again. I decided that I needed to get Graci something to eat because she was getting pretty fussy. I proceeded on down 31 and decide to do Zaxby's. I called another friend to see if she could meet us for lunch but you guessed it, the timing wasn't right for her either. Graci and I headed into Zaxby's to eat - just the 2 of us. Had a good lunch and finally we were on our way to get sissys.

I get to Jenns and convince the girls it was time to leave. Jenn walks us out to the car and I started explaining to her how funny Graci was with her loveys. I was telling her that Graci won't use the lovey I had made her anymore, that she just wanted her lamb. In doing this, I was looking for her lamb and IT WAS GONE!!!!! I started to panic. It was 12:30 and nap time for all of the kids. Graci didn't want her paci, her bottle, her other lovey but only her lamb, and it wasn't here. So off we go again.... I started to retrack my steps and the last time I could remember it was in Hobby Lobby. Precious Jenn decides to get in the car and her Brooks were going to ride with us so I didn't have to get the girls out to go in and look for it.

We called Hobby Lobby and no one saw it inside the store or in the parking lot. We put the portable DVD player in the car, Brooks' seat in the car and give everyone juice and head up to Hoover. The whole time I am trying to retrace my steps and I just feel like some part of my day was missing from Hobby Lobby to Zaxby's but honestly could not remember it. We pass my dad's shop and my dad in his car on the way to Hobby Lobby. I search the whole parking lot and all inside Hobby Lobby and it is nowhere to be found. I am really trying not to have a breakdown at this point. And Graci is still screaming too. At this point, I decided to call the girl that had given to Graci and drive to the store she bought it from and just buy another one. (Side note: I had called her first thing that morning to ask her to buy another one for Graci and I would just pay her for it when I saw her this weekend - ironic huh?)

So off we go again. We drive to the other end of Valleydale Road to the store and you guessed it, they no longer sell that type of blanket. Breakdown occuring now!!! Graci is still crying but Emi and Payton fell asleep and Brooks was just eating chicken and watching the movie. I resolve to the fact that we are just going to have to do without it and try to carry on with life without our lamb. Sad day....

We make it back to Jenns to drop her and Brooks off so I can get home and get Emi ready to leave again for gymnastics (back up in Hoover again). I have used almost a whole tank of gas in the surburban by this point so I knew Bryan was going to love that. I get home and get her ready and thankfully Daddy gets home in time to keep Graci and I just take Payton with me. Jenn and I get on the phone together and start searching the internet and Ebay and finally find a lamb that is the exact one we lost. Of course, I express order it so it will be here in a couple of days. It was worth it to me regardless of the price, considering Graci was still awake at this point and it was 3:00. I explain to Bryan what our day was like and told him to just try to get her down for a nap if possible.

While at gymnastics my mom calls me and says she is going to head to Hobby Lobby to check again and to ask each register if someone had happened to turn it it - thank heaven for Mommys and what they will do for their children :) My brother and I were watching Emi when the phone call from heaven came in - it was my dad!!!! Here was the missing puzzle piece. I had forgotten I had gone by my dad's shop that day. When he had opened the door, the lamb had fallen out on the ground and he found it!!!! I started crying all over again, but definitely tears of joy. This meant the one I ordered would be the backup in case this ever happened again. Which I pray it never does!!!!

**Now to explain the memory thing.... I was diagnosed with epilepsy back in 2001 and I have it in my temporal lobe which is where your memory is. This is one of the effects of my seizure. Loss of memory... some long term and some short term. Jenn was amazed by this and said she didn't realize I had this problem. Welcome to my world Jenn :) I know it made you exhausted but I'm glad you go to experience a day in the life of Shannon**

And the week goes on....

2008-02-22T18:15:00.000-06:00

After talking with my precious sis-in-law, I decided I really did need to blog more about my week this week. It will be entertaining for most of you to read, boring to some, and therapeutic for me to type. You all have read about the beginnings of my Sunday so I will just pick up from there.

Sunday after church we head out to eat in the storms. My poor husband got caught in the middle of them while trying to join us to eat. Thanks to me for not giving in and just going home on such a lovely day. We ended up having a good lunch and the afternoon really wasn't that bad from what I can remember. I didn't get to take a nap, which I really wanted, but that is to be expected nowadays.

Monday is when we headed to the McWane Center. As you can see from my earlier post, we had a great time, but there was so much that happened that day that was behind the scenes, so to speak. I was running on time (which doesn't happen that often with me anymore) to meet my mom and Jen downtown. Of course, we get to I-65 and there is a wreck that has happened and I can't get off the interstate to get downtown. We ended up being on the interstate for an hour!!! The girls were so excited and they didn't quite understand why everyone was just sitting still and not driving. Thankfully, Graci did fall asleep and get a little cat nap on the way. PTL!!!

We finally get down there and it is completely packed so we had to park on the top level off the parking deck. We get parked and get inside and see my mom joyfully waiting for us. Another praise in my book! Once getting inside and making sure everyone has gone to the bathroom and Jenn and the boys get there, we are finally on our way in the place. While checking in we realize I was giving the wrong passes that my mom had paid for so they would have to print out the correct ones for me to pick up when we were leaving (and of course I forgot to pick them up). We proceeded in the doors and the fun began ... finally (only almost 2 hours since we left the house).

The kids really did have a great time looking and learning about all the cool stuff (and we were only on the first floor). Graci was even enjoying herself running around and trying to keep up with her sisters and cousins. It was exhausting for all of us trying to keep up with all the kids but we did it and we had a great time. We played for a couple of hours and then decided it was time to do lunch.
Here's the highs and lows:
*Mom took Brooks and Emi to the potty
*Jenn and I ordered lunch
*I took Payton to the potty
*Brooks had a meltdown about sitting arrangements
*Sit down to eat and Payton pitches a fit because she doesn't want pizza
*I go order her some chicken
*We finally are all eating
*Payton has to go to the potty again - Jenn takes her
*Will gets Dippin Dots for $3 a pop so the others want them too
*Mom counts out her change so we can get one more for them to all share
*Payton spills her chocolate milk all over her hair, shirt and floor
*Emi pitches a fit because she can't go see the movie (but just looking at the picture scared her)
*Lunch is finally over and Will, Jenn and Brooks sneak off to the movie
*Mom takes Graci home for me (YEAH!!)
*Emi, Payton and I went to the "Just My Size" area and played for a while
*We also walked downstairs to the World of Water area and walked around there
*We finally left after a very long morning
*Both girls fell asleep before getting out of downtown and slept through us getting Graci and all the way home
*Get home and unloaded and then get ready to leave again to go and teach class at the gym

I'm sure I missed something, but that is pretty much all I can remember now.
It was a very, very long day, but yes, we will go back to the McWane Center anytime someone wants us too. It was worth it!!

Meet Information

2008-02-22T18:13:00.000-06:00

We finally have the gymnastics meet information. Emi will be competing on Friday, March 7 @ 4:00 at Hoover High School (next to the Met). She is the first group of the meet so they will be starting at precisely 4. We would love to see you there if you can make it. If you can't join us, be praying for confidence for Emi and for me to be calm and not to stressed for her :)

McWane Center

2008-02-19T07:02:00.000-06:00

My parents gave us the best gift for Christmas - year long passes to the McWane Center and we went for the first time yesterday. We had a great time!! Jenn took Will and Brooks and my mom also met us down there. It was a little crowded since it was President's Day but we still had a great time. We were there for almost 4 hours and probably could have stayed longer if the girls (and myself) weren't so worn out.
Here are some pics from the day:
Brooks, Will, Emi & Payton driving the airplane:
Emi testing out the bed of nails:
Payton pulling herself up with the rope: Graci loved the touchable tornado tunnel And of course I had to ride the bike across the air The girls in "just my size" playing in the sand Playing with the butterflies on the screenWhat a great and fun day!!!

An "Alfalfa" Moment

2008-02-17T15:01:00.000-06:00

The girls wanted to rent a movie this weekend since Daddy was out of town, so I was going to get Mary Poppins, but the movie store didn't have it. So instead, Caitlin (Bryan's cousin that was here for the weekend) suggested The Little Rascals. I haven't seen that movie in forever and I thought the girls would really enjoy it. I think Caitlin and I laughed more than they did but it was still a great choice, if not only for my new saying... An Alfalfa moment :)

In the movie, when Alfalfa is running in his underwear away from the dog and he says that it can't get worse than it was and then runs into the bullies. Then he looks up and says:
Just when I think it can't get any worse, the clouds open up and God looks down and says, "I hate you Alfalfa". I just thought that was hilarious and so that is my new saying... An Alfalfa Moment.

(Now some of you don't take that serious when I say that. I know God doesn't cause bad things and I know he doesn't hate me - just to clear that up for some of you.)

Now, let me explain my moment......

I don't know if it was just the weather today or if something was in the air but everything started off wrong and just kept going that way. I woke up late (and everyone knows that starts off your day in a mood). I was rushing around trying to get myself ready before everyone else was up and moving. I know all you moms understand that. I managed to take a shower, wash my hair, get dressed, get Payton dressed and her hair fixed, and my coffee made before Emi and Graci woke up. The whole time I am trying to keep quiet so we don't wake daddy up since he got home from Memphis so late. Payton said her stomach hurt so I had her just sit down while I got ready. Emi got up and I got her ready real quick before I had to go dry my hair. While drying my hair, Graci woke up so Caitlin got her up for me while I finished. Running around the house throwing the bag together and getting everyone's shoes on and trying to drink my coffee (which I didn't get to do until church) - we were sure entertaining to Caitlin. Payton said again that her stomach hurt and before I knew it, she threw up all over the table and then all over the floor. By this time it is 8:30 - the time I need to have everyone in the car. While cleaning all of this up and trying to calm Payton down, Caitlin gets Graci and Emi in the car for me (thank God for extra hands). I check Payton for fever, which she has none, and she said she felt fine and wanted to go to church. So off I go. I get downstairs with everyone buckled in and it is pouring down rain. I go to back up out of my garage and Bryan's truck is parked there so we can't get out. I also realize I have left without a paci and without a lovey - bad bad thing! So I run upstairs to get the paci and lovey and B's keys to move his truck.

At this point I look at Caitlin and I say:
"the clouds just opened up and God looked down and said, I hate you Shannon"

This caused us both to laugh at the morning and continue onto to Church. We weren't but 10 minutes late either and that was pretty good.

Choir was unusually chaotic but church was great and the guy leading the worship songs today was really good. I enjoyed him a lot. I just hope that this isn't a sign of how my week is going to be.

Prayers to share

2008-02-13T14:51:00.000-06:00

Each night Bryan and I go in with the girls to put them in their bed. The girls each pray and then Bryan and I pray for them. It is a sweet time and one I cherish each day. I had to share some of the prayers from lately though. I know God is smiling down on them when He hears the voice of children praying....

They each start off this way and we just can't bring ourselves to correct them (too cute)
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I praise the Lord my soul to keep.... Thank you for...."

Payton's prayer:
Thank you for everybody in the whole world. Amen (precious and to the point)

Emi's prayer:
Thank you Jesus for coming into my heart so I can be born again so I can see Mary and Joseph.

Of course I cried and I can't wait for the day when she truly understands and becomes a Christian. It made my heart happy that she is listening to what we are trying to teach her. We are really teaching her about sins and forgiveness and why Jesus needs to live in our heart so we can go be with Him in heaven. This leads me to a conversation I had with her yesterday.

Emi had a hurt on her arm and she was whining about it on the way to gymnastics and I told her I would take care of it when we got there but there was nothing I could do while I was driving. So this is her conversation with me...

Emi: Mom, I'm ready to go to heaven and see Jesus

Me: I'm not ready for you to go to heaven yet, but why do you want to go?

Emi: I miss Jesus mommy and He can make my booboo feel better

Me: Jesus is right here with us and He hears you when you pray. Why don't we just ask Him to make your booboo feel better here in the car?

Emi: I know He is here with us, but I miss Him and I'm ready to go to heaven.

Me: Well I hope Jesus doesn't want you to go to heaven just yet, because I'm not done with you here. Let's just pray, okay?

Emi: Okay. Mommy, I need a bandaid when I get to gymnastics so you can take care of it there. Now can we listen to my music louder please?

Never boring with 3 kids is it???

Where's Graci

2008-01-29T08:44:00.000-06:00

Graci is truly the most investigative and exploratory child of my 3. She is always into something. Whether it be pulling all the dvds out of their cases, getting all the pots and pans out of the cabinet, climbing up the bakers rack, eating crayons, chewing on bows and barbies, playing in the potty and so on. She is just into everything. I know this is very normal for a 1 year old, but she just seems worse to me than the others were. She is so funny though. After Bible Study the other day (we had it my house), I couldn't find Graci. I was calling her name and I heard her, but she wasn't playing in her room or in the den. Finally I saw someone had left the bathroom door open and she had climbed IN the bathtub and was playing with her toys (soaking wet) and laughing about it. I'm glad she didn't hit her head when she climbed in, but it was really funny. She was so proud of herself. Of course, I had to take pictures when I found her....

Birthday Pictures

2008-01-29T08:31:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture of my birthday girl that I hadn't loaded when I posted the other night. She is such a mess!!!!

And here is a picture of the sisters...

Pay Pay is 3!!!!

2008-01-26T21:40:00.000-06:00

My middle baby turned 3 today!!! I can't believe it. My pregancy with her was my hardest of the 3 (most of you know and remember that). I had a blood clotting disorder so I had to do heparin shots in my belly twice a day during my last 2 trimesters - not fun :( but so worth it :)

Our verse for precious Payton was : I Samuel 1:27 I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. We were so worried during the last trimester because of all the tests I was having done and just to make sure she kept moving. But God was there for us, through it all. Payton was born 3 weeks early weighing 6 lbs 9 oz.... healthy and beautiful! Now she is 3 and close to 33 or 34 pounds. Time flies!

We had her birthday party today. She was so cute and so excited all day. She kept singing "Happy Birthday to PayPay" and acting like she was blowing out her candles. Her party was at pump it up with family and a few of her close friends she wanted to ask. We had a blast! Will upload the pictures tomorrow to share those. She got so many cute things and fun things. We played with everything all afternoon. Her sweet cousin Caitlin gave her a baby doll that goes in the bathtub and it floats.... so yes, we had to take a bath tonight and she and Graci had a blast with the new baby (she hasn't named that one yet). Nana & Paw gave her a new Cinderella book that has flip up pages that is a collectors book and really is amazing (the author creates one of these books a year - I'll try to post a pic to see it) and a cool Littlest Pet shop kit!!! Nana Reed and Papa gave her a new baby doll and she has already named her Callie (all on her own) and she is already being well loved and toted around. We gave her a new Princess bike that she was wanting and her Uncle Shane & Aunt Jen gave her the helmet that goes with it. Clothes, toys, books, art supplies, and so many other things I can't remember right now, but we had a great day all in all.

My precious little PayPay is one year older and she will proudly tell you that she is 3 and that she is the "happy birthday girl".... We love you Payton!!!

Meet Info..

2008-01-19T20:33:00.000-06:00

For those of you wanting the information on the meet in March..
March 7, 8, 9 - not sure which day or time yet and we won't know until a couple of weeks before then but I will post it as soon as I know. She will only be on one day for a few hours.

Bragging on Emi

2008-01-17T21:01:00.000-06:00

Well, before I brag I need to just write a little. There are days when I wonder if she really is 4 or if she is actually already into her teenage years and just trapped in her cute little body. She is so mature in so many ways and then in other ways, she is right on target for the sassy 4 year old she is. Here's an example:

The scene: Emi has been carrying Graci around and Graci is now aggravated and tired of her and wants me to "rescue" her from her sisters.

Me: Emi please hand me her lamb (lovey)

Emi: I told you if you put her down I will give her lamb to her
Me: Emi, I am not making a deal with you. Hand me her lamb please so she will quit crying

Emi: (now with hands on her hips) I will give it to her when you put her down

Me: Emi go to your room and I will be in there in a minute to talk with you

Emi: I don't have to go to my room because I didn't do anything wrong. You are the one that won't put Graci down so I can give her lamb to her

UGH!!!!! Well, needless to say, it didn't end well for my precious 4 year old.

Then I can turn around and she will be reading books to Graci and helping PayPay pick out her clothes and get them on and cleaning up the blocks and books and just being a great helper. Then I can turn back around and she is hitting Payton or picking up Graci again and making everyone scream (including her mommy).

Boy do I love her though!!!! I can't believe that my first baby is already 4 1/2 years old. She is such a little mini-mom. She has grown up so fast it is absolutely amazing.

Onto my bragging now...

Most of you know that Emi has been blessed with gymnastics talent that only God could give to her. She really is amazing. She is on a team at her gym with 5 & 6 year olds (she's the only one that is 4) and the team name is the Hot Shots. For the longest time she would tell people she was on the Hopscotch team :) Here is the picture of her new leotard for her team...

Anyway, she is going to be competing in a gymnastics meet in March!!!!!! This is so exciting for me. I did Gymnastics growing up so I love seeing her with a love for it too. She is practicing 2 days a week now for 1 1/2 hours so that is not too fun with Payton and Graci when they have to go but it's worth the sacrifice. She is doing her back hip circle on the bar with no help and it really is close to perfect. She has been learning her floor routine and she does it constantly at the house to get it "good" as she says. Her head stands and hand stands, splits, back bends, cartwheels, roundoffs, forward and backward rolls ... she is doing so good. I hate to sound prideful, but I am proud of her and I want to brag on her. I love seeing determination in a 4 year old and seeing it produce such great things. She is "strong as wood" as she will tell you so... I just tell her she is solid muscle.... she can definitely hold her own.

Here are some pics of her headstand, handstand and middle splits...

All this to say, even on the days when I want to knock her cute little sassy self into next week, she is mine and I am proud of her.