Stones of Remembrance

shut 'er down

2009-03-11T13:43:00.006-06:00

It's been pert near a month since I've posted anything here. I think it's time to do what I've been thinking about and combine all blogs to one. Life has changed. Seasons change. And our life is about to do a complete somersault {more on this later - at my main blog}.

To close this blog out, here's some completely random photos I found on the camera from the last few weeks. The kids took about 100 very similar ones to the ones you see below. Gotta love this techy generation!

Chandler's turtle collection

remember THIS venture? well, the 6 weeks is up and these puppies are comin' out to be replaced by.....

...these turtles! what else? :)

And speaking of earrings, this is the 'taking out' process with Little Bird

What a drama queen!

Now for the big sister of the bunch.... (i'm pretty sure these are all self-taken)

freaks, I tell ya

And who could parent this buncha yay-who's but some a coupla crazies!

public school memories

2009-02-19T07:46:00.002-06:00

Robin is the last one up after being stirred multiple times. She moves slow. If prodded, she moves slower. She will sit in the bathroom for atleast 5 minutes, sometimes 10. No joke. She almost never eats breakfast at home because she takes too long. I usually send some juice and a cup of dry cereal with her in the car.

This 'getting up' is good for her for discipline's sake but I'm sure her bent to staying up late and getting up late will be a blessing in her future. As will her relationship with food - take it (and take alot) or leave it (completely not hungry). God has passions instilled in her even now. They just seem like flaws. :)

The other girls wake up easily, trudge into the kitchen for breakfast before their eyes are fully open. They get ready quickly and usually have time to chill or study before leaving. Jaci moves quickly while Chandler can get up earlier. And go to bed earlier.

Just a few observations over the year.

living Jesus well

2009-02-16T23:53:00.003-06:00

We had parent/teacher conferences today. Once again, all we heard were good reports. The kids are doing well academically and they are a huge blessing to their classrooms. No problems whatsoever.

A surprising report from Jaci's teacher - she is one of her top Math students! Jaci doesn't really enjoy math and sometimes doesn't understand it but evidently applies herself and learns it well.

Robin continues to be able to not only be friends with everyone (but especially Konner) but is doing very well with her Reading and Math has come easy for her so far. (they must get the math stuff from daddy - not me!)

And Chandler is her sweet, very smart and excellent student self. Her 'smart kids' teacher just loves her and had nothing else to say. And there were no comments from any of the teachers on her being 'too quiet or shy' so she's come out of her shell, so to speak - the Kindergarten teacher would be proud. :)

I'm blessed to know my babies are living Jesus well in their world!

reading habits

2009-01-27T21:11:00.002-06:00

Over the last weeks, we've really got back into the habit of reading together before bed. We read 2 Ramona books while Mitch was in India. Now we've started through a few books from the "Beautiful Girlhood Series"~Christmas gifts from my parents.

I can't wait to get through these and on to "Here Comes Heaven!". This is the book that was stolen before we could get our hands on it. I finally re-ordered and now I'm chomping at the bit to dive into it with the kids.

girl party

2009-01-19T21:40:00.004-06:00

Well, it's a big ol' girl party when Daddy is away for a couple of weeks so today we did the ULTIMATE girl thing. Ear piercing!

Chandler is supposed to get hers for her 8th birthday in a couple weeks anyway. Somehow it seemed like a good idea just to let Robin get hers done too. It took a little convincing {by Jaci} for Chandler to agree that though it 'wasn't fair', yeah it would be OK if Robin got hers done too.

I'm not sure what Daddy's gonna say when he comes home in a couple days, but hey, he wasn't here. :)

patient and generous almost-8-year-old

ultra-spoiled baby of the family :)

a funny one

2009-01-16T13:58:00.002-06:00

Robin, my 'lover of sleep' told me this morning, when I went to wake them up for school at around 7am....

"Mom, you always disturb me in the night and I don't like it."

In the night!?!?! Whatever, you've had about 11 hours of sleep.

laundry machines

2009-01-03T14:56:00.002-06:00

I think Jaci is ready to be launched out on her own with the laundry thing. Of course, not MY clothes - but I think she can do her own and her sisters. Chandler is ready to assist and Robin....well, she's just the spoiled baby of the family anyways so whatever. ;)

The girls have watched me several times but this week Jaci and Chandler actively participated and then did a load or two themselves. They sorted clothes too so they are getting the hang of that as well.

I'm sure there are many super-mom's out there that have 5 year olds doing their own laundry (my mom is one of them) but I didn't sign up for that class and have happily been doing all laundry on my own til now. But I think my job is being taken over. No objection from me!

Christmas is coming.....

2008-12-21T16:09:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, the girls (with my help!) hosted a Christmas Tea Party for just a few of their friends. We used to do one years ago but since we've moved here and hosted a big Open House each December, we haven't been able too. This year, I cut out any non-essential activities so we could focus on stuff we truly wanted to do to help us celebrate the season.

The girls had a blast! It was fun to watch them all have such a good time. The one and only activity I had planned for them after their Chai Tea, hot chocolate and goodies was to make gingerbread houses. I was a tad worried about 8 little girls with frosting, graham crackers and candy but they did great and really didn't make tooo big of a mess. :)

Here's my girls with their creations!

Robi-bird. I made her move over since the point was to see the house. Miss Poser.

Chandler-bean. She's a pro cuz she made one a week ago in school.

Jaci. She's got Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause on top of the house and a couple reindeer around the house. One is dead. Seriously. But I don't know why.

And here's my goobers in their lovely Christmas outfits, acting....not-so-lovely. ;)

"did you hear that funny voice?"

2008-12-18T21:32:00.004-06:00

Monday night was Robi-bird's first 'real' school program. She was very excited! She was created for the stage for sure.

The kindergartners and first graders performed "The Elves' Impersonator" together. Most of the speaking parts went to the 1st graders but Robin had a short line, which she spoke along with a friend.

Not a nervous bone in her body!

She's smack dab in the middle of this photo - 2nd row with the big red bow.

the whole crew

for memories' sake

2008-12-17T08:00:00.003-06:00

I need to post photos of Little Bird's Kindergarten program but not taking the time to download stuff now so....

For memories' sake, I wanted to post what my days look like {when we're home} this season.

I'm up first, around 6:30/6:45, then on to wake the kiddos.

If there's lunches to be made, I do those while they get ready. They are big enough to pretty much get themselves ready. And we only do cereal or toast for breakfast, so there's no cooking in the morning. Unless it's ramen noodles for their thermos'.

Mitch leaves to take them to school about 7:45 - then I'm on my own for a while.

Usually I like to sit and FINISH a cup of coffee, often at the computer - like now.

Sometimes, I'll shower next but often I'll jump right into my list for the day. Cleaning, baking, laundry, church computer work..... whatever the day looks like. Or I'll just sit until Mitch gets home from taking the kids. Because...

When Mitch gets home, we usually make an egg breakfast - 1 egg with toast or an english muffin. Good time to connect with My Beloved.

When he leaves, I work around the house more and try to have my shower done and be 'beautiful' before he gets back around noon for lunch. Lunch is a minor meal but we usually enjoy it together.

He usually heads back to church between 1 and 1:30 so I try to get things done again until I leave to pick the kids up at 2:35. I leave early to get a parking place. School doesn't get out til 3:15. I usually take a book or even the laptop to be productive while I wait for the 20 minutes once I get there.

Once we get back home around 3:40, it's a free for all. Homework, chores, craziness. Supper is usually on the table by 5:30 or 6:00, so depending on that prep, I work on that.

If we happen to have an evening home, we try to hang out as a family. Like last night, we watched a movie. Evenings are kind of a blur, I guess. Probably because it's so rare to have one at home. :)

That's a general day at home. Of course, I don't get those often. :) It seems I have to make trips to town more than I think I should. And often we are 'on the road' at some point in a week so there's extra laundry and packing.

Since it seems life moves in seasons, I thought I might like to look back a year from now and remember when..... :)

uh, duh

2008-12-04T09:54:00.003-06:00

Robin's best friend this year is a little guy we hear much about, nearly everyday. I've met him and know who his mom is and am happy she's found a good friend in Kindergarten.

The fact that Konner is the opposite gender gives reason for others to have fun with this one. But we're keeping things low-key at home.

After asking her why Konner is her friend, we had to laugh though. "He's so funny. And he has cute hair. And cute clothes." Mitch asked what she knows about 'cute'. Her reply - "Dad, I've seen cute people before" with that 'uh, duh' look every kid can give.

blogging tradition continues

2008-11-29T20:56:00.001-06:00

A couple new bloggers are on the block...

http://craftychick98.blogspot.com/

http://colorchick.blogspot.com/

a mountain of cushions and kiddos

2008-11-23T15:15:00.004-06:00

So it's been just us gals this weekend. Here's what night number 1 looked like for them (i slept in my own bed, thank you very much). These are ALL the couch, loveseat, chair cushions they could muster. Then all the pillows and blankets off their beds. Fun stuff. I did pray that they wouldn't suffocate in the night. They were fine.

daddy's princess

2008-11-13T19:14:00.001-06:00

Today Robin was wearing a dress (not unusual) and down on her hands and knees with a dustpan and a wet rag, cleaning my kitchen floor. (not really sure why but it totally needed it!) Anyway, she randomly makes the comment, "Mom, I'm still Daddy's princess no matter what."

First of all, be still my heart. Secondly, what a revelation. Even if we're scrubbin' floors, we are still our Daddy's Princess.

red ribbon week

2008-10-30T07:57:00.003-06:00

The theme is to be 'Drug Free'. My kids are showing their commitment....

It's 'groovy' to 'lei off' drugs so go 'color your world' drug free. Public school silliness. ;)

Who's not afraid of the camera?

Sweet, hippy little Chandler

Totally disappointed she didn't have a grass skirt but I think she got over it.

And today it's time to "Sock it to Drugs"....

school work

2008-10-23T21:11:00.004-06:00

School projects are always the funnest, yes?

Jaci's piece of artwork - landforms

Columbus Day masterpieces by Chandler

A couple of Robin's pieces - gotta love the hat!

God & Me!

2008-10-12T20:33:00.002-06:00

I gave the girls each their own devotional book today. I guess they were a hit since the big girls have each done over 10 lessons! Robin hasn't got quite as far since she needs help. I'm thankful my girls are digging into God's Word - very cool!

Robin and Rico

2008-10-09T20:52:00.002-06:00

Robin's class has a guinea pig. His name is Rico. And Rico came to visit us over the past weekend. That's my kinda pet. One that stays for a couple days to love on and then disappears indefinitely. No cages to wash out. Minimal poo on my floors. Yay.

Robin had a blast pampering Rico for 48 hours.....

parent teacher conference

2008-10-07T19:13:00.003-06:00

Some comments written by the girls' teachers today...

"What a sweet girl!! Chandler is always polite and friendly to myself and others around her!"

"Chandler works very hard on completing assignments on time and neatly!"

"Jaci is a delight to have in class."

"Jaci is such a blessing to have in class! She is always asking how she can help, and a breath of fresh air with her positive attitude."

about Robin "friendly to everyone. doesn't let small problems bother her."
"she is quite an artist."
about her classroom behavior, "excellent!"

Makes me one proud mamma!

raising your kids to be leaders - a good book

2008-10-02T16:58:00.003-06:00

Braggin' on my kid - because that's what THIS blog is for. ;)

Jaci got invited to an all-day Leadership Seminar at a local college! And that's because she's on Student Council this year which I don't believe I've blogged about but it's a pretty good story.

If you want to be on Student Council, you write a small speech and give it to your class - then they vote. In 3rd grade, she did that {very nervously} and was heart-broken when she didn't win. In 4th grade, we talked her in to trying again but she ended up being sick at home the day they gave their speeches. THIS year, she came home one day and said "I made Student Council". Wow, we didn't even know the vote was coming up or that she was getting a speech ready. You go girlfriend!

Anyways, her leadership qualities are maturing and being noticed. I'm very proud of my girl!

that's the way, uh-huh-uh-huh, I like it

2008-09-18T18:14:00.003-06:00

It's easy to post about those times my kids drive me crazy. When they are sooo naughty (read previous post on the pen and pillow issue). But I thought I'd reminisce on last Sunday.

Mitch left around 8am to travel to a different church for the day. I was left to get kiddos and myself to church early. So I could not only preach, but manage the morning service and all that entails. Worship leader quirks, sound and multi-media issues, taking offering, announcements, blah blah blah.

Let me say that the kids were FABULOUS that morning. They got ready for church well and quickly, even Little Bird, who is prone to dawdling. They didn't get crazy in the hour and a half they had before church even started. In fact, Little Bird prayed with me for a while.

Then after church, I had given them the choice what they wanted for lunch {fully expecting to go into town to eat}, they chose noodles. Which I made and everyone ate. Jaci gave her leftover birthday candy bars {which have been in the fridge since July} to her sisters {and me}. Chandler wasn't even going to ask since last time Jaci about tore her head off when asked to share. This time Jaci said, "That was before. I'm generous now." Halleluia.

Thank You Jesus, for times when everything DOES go right.

it's a bumpy road, but someone has to travel it

2008-09-12T21:22:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a pretty bumpy day. I won't go into all the details, but when I heard the prophetic word that was spoken over my husband while he was away last night, I thought, "wow, this must be why we were battling hell here".

ONE of the many little bumps in the day was finding out from Jaci that Robin had written her name, IN PEN, on one of my couch pillows. I thought she was joking. Uh, no.

Can someone tell me WHY a 5 year old, who has NEVER done anything as permanent as this in her toddler life, chooses to do it now? She was disciplined, without a crack of a smile from me. Later though, I smiled as I thought how we will most certainly laugh at this in 10 or 20 years. Mainly because she told me the reason she did it is so people would know that it's ours. Huh? Whatever.

76 trombones...

2008-09-10T23:00:00.003-06:00

OK, maybe just one, not 76, but we do have a trombone {and eventually, a player} in the house now. Jaci, as a 5th grader, is in Beginning Band. And what does my tiny little 10 year old choose? The largest instrument a 5th grader can chose, of course. :) She's doing great so far though.

And Mitch and I were very blessed when we heard all her friends had chosen flute, yet Jaci didn't 'go with the crowd' but made her own decision. Maturity is becoming to you, my girl!

double digits

2008-08-15T18:53:00.003-06:00

As well as yesterday being the 1st day of school, it was my oldest daughter's 10th birthday. Yay for birthdays!

Jaci Taylor was born 12 days late, at home. My hubby, my mom and a good friend with lots of home birth experience helped me labor this child into the world. Her birth was rocky but we had a good doc on the phone who talked us through some stuff and everything ended fine.

We celebrated the last ten years with a big pool party a few weeks ago. We had given Jaci a Webkinz at the end of July because it happened to be the "Pet of the Month" so she needed to get it registered before August. Her highlights were her other gift from us and I did those Monday evening. That left the gifts her sisters bought her {with their own money} to be opened yesterday before school. A bike basket and scrapbook paper. Goooood.

Our tradition has always been that the birthday celebrater gets to chose a place to eat out {or a meal for mom to cook but trust me, we usually eat out!}. Jaci wanted Applebee's. She's grown quite fond of mozzarella sticks and I'm a dumb enough mom to let her eat them for her meal. ;)

Jaci is a blessing to our family. She's cute and funny, crafty and witty, ambitious and responsible, and loves to sing and teach. She's been prophesied over that she will be in worship ministry and that she will be a little evangelist. She's a good friend and loves to bless others. I'm so proud of the beautiful young lady that God entrusted us with!

off they go

2008-08-14T10:12:00.004-06:00

Today is the day I've been dreading for a couple months now. First day of the new school year. It's not so much the school part but the 'end of my flexibility' season. But God knows my path and I guess it's best to trust Him. Here's the happy ladies ready to start another year...

The birthday girl - starting 5th grade!

My joy heading to 2nd grade. Quick story: This morning I made cinnamon rolls (don't get too excited, they were Pillsbury) Chandler was eating hers and Jaci commented that she "didn't feel like a cinnamon roll this morning". Chandler answers, "That's because you're not one!" What a goof!

The Kindergartner. I'm not sure what was up with waving with her fist but she did it for about 10 minutes. Whatever.

Even though it's blurry, I love this photo. All my girls, on their way to school. Sigh.

Jaci with her best friend. I'm not sure what they are chatting about, but it must be shocking by that look on her face. :) You can also see Jaci's newly done highlights. Not too shabby for her rookie hair dresser - her mamma.

We don't look too miserable do we? ;) Oh, on our way into class, we found out that Robin's preschool teacher from last year is now the para in her K class. What a blessing!

honestly

2008-08-12T21:37:00.003-06:00

Nothing too major right now since I really ought to be heading to bed but....

School starts day after tomorrow. All 3 girls will go this year. My Little Bird is ready for Kindergarten. How did this happen?

I hope to take {and post} pictures of the whole first day of school thing.

Even though I have to confess, I'm totally dreading it. It just doesn't seem right that summer is already over and I have to live by a schedule again. Honestly.

Also happening on Thursday is my oldest princess's 10th birthday. Yikes. Double digits. She's really disgusted that she has to go back to school ON her birthday. Heck, I would be too.

Happy Birthday, Baby

2008-08-01T21:58:00.003-06:00

My little Robi bird turned 5 on Tuesday! We've had some serious celebratin' happening this week and I HAVE taken some photos. But I'm just too busy to post them right yet.

So for now, Happy Birthday to my baby. All grown up and ready for kindergarten. {sniff} This gal's got some serious spunk and passion packed inside. And it's been a riot these last 5 years.

I'm committed to storing recent memories of her going around with her 'magic wand' asking "what do you want to be turned into?" Um, maybe we've gone a little overboard with Disney's Cinderella? Anyways, life just wouldn't be the same without my 3rd born child!

100th post tribute

2008-07-19T14:35:00.004-06:00

This is my 100th post on this blog! Yay me. I thought I would dedicate this 100th post to my kids and give tribute to each one and their God-given little personalities.

Jaci Taylor.... will turn 10 in just a few short weeks. Jaci means beautiful - and she is. Her middle name means maker or creator and she does have a passion for creating. Most will tell you that Jaci is the spittin' image of her mamma. And she is. Though, she will argue with you til the end - that's her competitive side. :) She is responsible and takes initiative to get things done. Jaci has very high expectations of herself and of life. (hmmm, wonder where that comes from?) One of Jaci's callings is in the area of worship. I believe that deep in her are the leadership abilities to lead hundreds in worship of our King. Jaci's sense of style is quite eclectic and she shocked me when she told me she would like to dye her hair jet black with bright magenta highlights!

Chandler Hope.... is 7 1/2 years old - my only winter baby. Put together, Chandler's full name means light of hope. She was born at the beginning of one of the most difficult years of our lives. She was our hope in the midst of hard times. Chandler lights up a room with her goofy personality. She loves to make people laugh, or at least put a smile on their face. She is the compliant, easy going, middle child, striving to please Mitch and I. She is definitely 'Daddy's girl' and is often found cuddled up in his lap. Chandler is extremely generous, often spending all her {infrequent} allowance on others. She has gifting in the prophetic and is sensitive to supernatural things. Someday I'm sure she will minister right alongside her daddy, speaking God's intimate words of knowledge into people's hearts.

Robin Danielle.... will be 5 in just a week and a half. More than meaning little bird her
name means famous. And that she is - at five, she has more friends than I have had in my lifetime. Her middle name is the same as mine, meaning God is judge. Robin is what you call a free-spirit. She is flighty, sassy and dramatic. She makes me smile....and pull out my hair. :) Robin brings color to our world. The word PASSIONATE has described her since she was in my belly. I swear she never slept. And when she was born, she was the fiercest eater I ever fed. Robin is content playing by herself for hours on end - serious imagination. Out of that imagination comes songs, lots and lots of 'make it up as I go along' songs. Robin's giftings include worship and dance, two things you will always find her doing.

So those are my babies. My daughters of Mitch. Each uniquely individual. Yet, you could pick them out of a crowd as sisters. Our lives wouldn't be the same without one of them. They bless me, challenge me and keep me crying out to Jesus for wisdom.

I often feel so incompetent as a mother, though I know God has given me the task of stewarding and discipling these ladies for His glory. They belong to Him. Who they are now and what they will become. I only pray I can equip them for the journey God has called them to run.

kid's project

2008-07-08T22:11:00.004-06:00

So while My Beloved and I were putting together our new grill, the kids found themselves another project. Do you know how big the box is that a grill comes in? Big enough for a car for 3 small-ish girls!

They used utility knives, pocket knives, screwdrivers, a drill, pvc pipe, styrofoam, duct tape, and anything else they could find in daddy's workshop...

...including house paint!

Lookin' good sis-tahs!

What you don't see is the finished product. It has pedals, a steering wheel, door handles and all kinds of stuff. (I'll have to take another pic) Jaci was even asking Mitch if he had an extra light switch laying around they could use!

And lil' sis found another use for the leftover styrofoam....

Girly robots get pillows....

....and blankets!

See how happy she is!

Oh, how creative little brains are!

celebration of Independence

2008-07-06T15:28:00.006-06:00

Our 4th of July actually began the evening of July 3rd. Our little town has a yearly kiddie parade that was moved, this year, to the evening before. My kids usually participate in that and this year was no different, though I was really hoping we'd be out of town so I didn't make any preparations for the parade. My creative eldest daughter, thought up a cute (CHEAP & EASY) idea, so they participated for the 4th year running.

Here are the 'Beach Bums'! (someone asked if they were the Beach Babes - that woulda been smart but nah, they're the bums)

walking down to the starting block from our house

every beach bum needs their drink of choice in a cool cup

digging into the stash handed out to all the entrants at the end of the parade

Following the parade, was an incredible fireworks display put on by some guys from our church. Just a couple guys who enjoy throwing THOUSANDS of their own personal dollars into a pile to be burned up. :) They don't light anything by hand but wire everything and then flip switches. They do a tremendous job and it's REALLY LONG. Way longer than any big city display, I would guess.

The youth center of the town brought out the concessions including, cotton candy, nachos, chili dogs, pop and candy bars. (great way to come off a fast!) I hope this 3rd of July deal becomes a tradition because it was a fantastic evening! And left us free to enjoy the 4th of July in the town next door - posted about HERE.

picnic day

2008-07-02T09:13:00.007-06:00

Yesterday, I needed to make a trip into town so we took advantage of the beautiful day and picnicked at a little park. I think it's more of a walking trail with some grassy spots in between. We had a nice little hour of mommy/daughter bonding time!

Our picnic of meat and cheese rolled up on tortillas (or are those pitter patters?), grapes (for Mommy coming off her fast), goldfish crackers and chex mix. Oh, and the girls conned me into Jones soda for them.

Robin's got a cheek-full.

Someone did more talking than eating.

Smiley gal!

The view from our table....which I think we 'stole' from another family. Oops.

Off we go!

See behind them, where there's no railing? Robin freaked us all out by standing right on the edge for a while. She's a wild one!

Gotta climb the tree! And thank goodness, what they trekked through to get to it, wasn't poison ivy!

round & round, here we go again

2008-06-24T09:06:00.002-06:00

Takin' some time for fun in a busy weekend!

family ministry

2008-06-12T17:17:00.002-06:00

When Mitch and I headed out of KC late last night, the kiddos decided to stay at camp. They called earlier in the day and wanted to leave with us, 2 days before the camp ended - that was the original plan anyway. After visiting for a while, they both decided they would like to finish the week out. So we went to buy some undies and a couple cheap-o Wal-Mart clothes to get them through the next 4 days. (Four days because our friends are bringing them home when they come here on Sunday)

Amazing things are happening with my little ladies. Visions and God's voice in reality are their experience this week. They are being equipped to continue on this journey God has for them. More concentrated and intense than we can do as a family in many months - all happening in 5 days. I believe God's power and anointing are being imparted into our girls' lives this week. It's evident that the work God is doing in us, is not only for us as the parents, but that God is wanting to use our family in this season.

Anyhoo, here's the girls on Monday, ready for the week.

happy campers

2008-06-10T08:21:00.003-06:00

The girls -the big ones- are off to camp. Their first camp experience. Chandler seemed a little worried when we left but not too bad. By the time Mitch ran into them at the prayer room at 8, they were totally pumped. I can't wait to talk to them and see what they've been doing. But that's going to have to wait because Mommy & Daddy get a play day - we're headed to World's of Fun to celebrate 11 years of bliss! More about that over HERE real soon.

you won't get this unless...

2008-06-09T01:14:00.002-06:00

....unless you've watched the Florida Outpouring.

This afternoon, we went to minister at our friends' church. Mitch had finished praying for all who wanted a fresh touch or healing from God and was 'layed out' on the floor, basking in the glorious presence of Jesus. Robi-bird walked up front with me and was looking for Daddy. When she finally spotted him, she asked, "Oh, did Dad bam himself?" Uh, yeah. I guess so. ;)

the last 24 hours

2008-06-03T20:15:00.008-06:00

Last night was Chandler's first and only 'played in' baseball game of the season. The last 3 that she could have made were rained out. So, thankfully last night the weather cleared so they could play. The next 5 or so games, we will be on the road so she won't be playing in any of those either.

Right before the game, she panicked because she had only been to 2 practices (and that was back at the beginning of the season) and she really wasn't confident in what to do. With words of encouragement from Mommy, the coach and her teammates, she headed to the field, still pretty terrified. But she did great and even slid home for a score!

Then today, since I have a whole list of things to do before we head back out on Thursday - oops tomorrow, hubby just scheduled another service tomorrow night 1 1/2 hours away. Anyways, regardless of my list, I decided to head to the zoo, 1 1/2 hours in the other direction. Besides my three girls, I had my little sister (8 yr) and Robin took her buddy. Me and 5 kids. That is a sight you aren't often to see. :)

And now, I think I'll drive off with this rig. I'm gonna need it this month!

wonderful teachers

2008-06-02T19:51:00.005-06:00

Here's a few photos of the teachers that blessed our lives this year. Every year we pray for the girls to have the right teachers for them, individually. We have been blessed!

Chandler with Mrs. S from 1st grade

Robin with her own Mrs. S in preschool

And actually we missed Jaci's teacher so here's her with a piece of artwork from the year. ;)

read aloud

2008-05-27T20:37:00.002-06:00

I had the girls agree on a 'big book' for me to read aloud to them this summer. They chose Little Women. This wouldn't have been my first choice right now but they all agreed. So it's a good choice. We started today. I pray for consistency. ;) (The Hobbit is still sitting by my bed, bookmarked at like chapter 3)

last day of school

2008-05-21T20:33:00.003-06:00

WooHoo! I don't know who's more excited, me or the kids, but today is the last day of school for 3 months. Yippee. I'm so ready to be able to stay up late and NOT have to be up before 6am. Not that we will be lounging all summer but changing up the busy is good!

I always have lofty goals to accomplish every summer and rarely accomplish much but nonetheless, this year is no different.

*The girls will rotate kitchen chores weekly. Those chores include: lunch helper, supper helper, table setter. I may relieve them of the unloading of the dishwasher for the summer....or maybe not.

*I want to teach the 2 older kids to do laundry. Not that I want them to fully take that job over but I want them to know how to do it.

*I want atleast Jaci able to bake a cake from a mix and maybe some other baking. They've never done any sort of baking by themselves. I know, bad mamma.

*Computer time will be limited to 30 minutes a day. They can break that up into 2 or 3 slots but no more than 30 minutes total.

*Scheduled reading time - on their own and together. I'm going to have them pick a book of the Bible to have finished by August, as I will have the entire Bible read by then. :)

*Another fun thing I thought of.....I bought them each a notebook to write down their "See what God will do" moments. This is a mantra burning in my life right now. I want them to remember what they see God doing in these days.

I have a feeling we'll be doing a fair amount of traveling most of the summer so these things will fit into life however and whenever we can. Hopefully. Yay for summer schedules!

kindergarten is looming

2008-05-13T22:00:00.004-06:00

We found out today that Robin will have the same Kindergarten teacher that Chandler had - Yay! We so love Mrs. S and her para Mrs. R. Amazing, fun ladies. Robin is going to have a blast this fall!

"Step Up Day" is on Monday. The older girls will visit their new classes for the last hour of the day and Robin (and us) will go in and explore her new classroom. Fun times. I will have a Kindergartener, a 2nd grader and a 5th grader in '08/'09. Where does time go?

catchin' up with the kids

2008-05-11T13:52:00.004-06:00

I'm horrified that I haven't posted here in almost a month. Being a mamma has been a hoot these last weeks. The best time was when we were at DisneyWorld last week and watching the girls' faces. Especially Robin's. They had so much fun. I felt like a credit card commercial. Disney for a day - $350. Food for the day - only God knows. The look on my 4 year old's face when she saw Cinderella - priceless.

Right after we got home, Chandler had her end-of-year field trip, which I was scheduled to go on. We took a hike down a local nature trail, which really wasn't as boring as I thought it might be. Here's a few photos....

Picnic lunch first

It's nice to have good friends you can be goofy with!

Pretty purple flowers

It's the wise old owl. And our guide, though very environmentalist, was fantastic with the kids.

Yeah, that's my brave baby, touching the nasty ol' snake. I didn't get anywhere close. :)

It is a pretty place.

birthday glory

2008-04-15T20:10:00.005-06:00

I'm going to continue reveling in my 30th birthday glory for another minute over here too. Sorry.

My kids each bought me a gift 'from them'. They were excellent choices. Each one.

Jaci bought me jewelry. Black necklace and black and silver bangle bracelets. With them, a card. In it, written: Thirty is great. It is the beginning of a new life. Your eldest daughter, Jaci
She's 9.

Chandler bought me scissors. (mine disappeared a while back and this indeed, was a fabulous gift) In her card? Thirty is good. Thirty is a birdy. From your middle child.
Have a told you what a nut this one is?

Robin bought a candle. A oh-so-yummy-smelling fruity, gel, jar candle. She didn't have any amazing words of wisdom, just I LOVE YOU. I'll take it!

I know I was sick but, man, I was tearing up, feeling totally blessed, when they piled into my bed, bearing gifts that morning. Here's me and my 'middle child', helping me be happy at my surprise party.

all growed up

2008-04-05T17:49:00.005-06:00

My baby just went on her first sleepover last night. (sniff, sniff) I wasn't home.

She's stayed at Memo's (my mom's) lots of times and also a couple family friend's houses, while Mitch and I were away. But that was with her sisters and was instigated by mom and dad.

Last night was her staying - with a friend - by herself. I guess she's all growed up now. I also know this because her daddy just saw her swinging outside. And she can pump all by herself. Sigh.

And while I'm in this mommy mode, can I recommend to you an amazing book that will make you cry? A teacher showed me "Let Me Hold You Longer" a couple weeks ago - she warned me to grab the kleenex. Yep, I needed it.

My Robi-bird (12/06)

Easter 2008

2008-04-01T17:29:00.003-06:00

Me and my crew

My princesses

It's nice to have an 'acting big brother'
(a great friend from church)

It's the eggs - that horror of horrors, I didn't quite get HARD boiled. Soft-boiled easter eggs are not so resilient and quite messy to clean up after a lively easter egg hunt.

random photos from the last couple weeks

2008-03-21T22:04:00.003-06:00

Super Sunday! Chandler with a friend.

My little Robi-bird with baby Phin (belonging to this hip chic)

Jaci with her student teacher who left a couple weeks ago. (she called Jaci her little twin)

one heckuva man

2008-03-11T17:34:00.004-06:00

I've been blessed the last few weeks while observing My Beloved be Daddy to his girls. He has taken over taking the girls to school 2 mornings a week. Those 20 minute morning drives are filled with Daddy and his girls talking to Jesus in their 'tongues'. He told me their focus right now is our finances. Bless God.

And then lately {like the last 2 days} it's been really nice outside. Mitch and the three girls have been playing baseball in the front yard. Looks like they all have quite a hit when Daddy pitches to them. I've heard about more 'homers' in the last 48 hours than I have in my life.

Oh, one more. I had a Ladies Night at church last night. Mitch made chocolate chip cookies with the girls. And just know, the kitchen is not Mitch's natural habitat. The few cookies that actually got baked - they ate most of the dough - were pretty stinkin' good.

I am blessed. My girls are blessed. We got ourselves one heckuva man in this house!

just plain weird

2008-03-05T16:07:00.003-06:00

A few years ago, when I had three children 5 and under, I dreamed of even 20 minutes alone. It seemed like 'me time' was non-existent, as it probably was.

Today, I'm home again, though just for an hour, by myself. Mitch is still at work and the girls at an hour long after-school class at a church (not ours). This is after 2 kids were in school all day. One was at preschool for the morning. I had bible study so technically, I wasn't alone this morning. But my point is this, I never dreamed I would have so much 'alone time'. If you would have told me, in the midst of diapers and 'juicie', that I would have a quiet house with no little people chattering, in just a few short years. Honestly, I would have laughed.

Now some would say it's wrong or selfish to have the kids gone for multiple hours during the day. Some would be rejoicing at activities that keep the kids away and the house quiet. I just say, it's weird. It's not good, not bad. Just plain weird.

no photos

2008-02-29T22:12:00.003-06:00

If I was a good mamma, this post would be full of photos of our venture to the Children's Museum yesterday. Alas, no photos. But we really did go to the Children's Museum - which we have a yearlong pass to {complements of my parents} - and we had a great time. I love a place that can keep all three of my girls {ages 4, 7, and 9} busy. We even got to chill and read a few books together on the book-reading mat. Good times.

Daddy-Daughter Date Night

2008-02-16T13:18:00.003-06:00

Last night Mitch took Jaci and Chandler to a Youth Center-sponsored date night. They had a nice dinner, made a craft or two and danced the night away....well for a couple hours anyway. Robin and I fell asleep on the couch watching Man vs. Wild!

A couple photos of the lovely threesome....

the pigeon is a hoot

2008-02-12T17:45:00.000-06:00

If you want to read some great, fun, fluffy, no lessons-learned books to your kids - I recommend any of THESE books by Mo Willems. I was introduced to the 'pigeon' last year when my middle baby was in Kindergarten. Since then, we've added several of Mo's pigeon books to our little library. And I've laughed with my kiddos a little bit more. Well, maybe a lot more.

birthday bab-ay

2008-02-03T15:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Chandler Hope! My middle princess turns 7 today! Chandler (Andi, for the first few years of life) is truly a 'light of hope'. She was born at the beginning of the roughest year of our lives. (church remodel, {extended} family trouble....) She brought joy in the midst of pain.

She still is our little joy bringer, the nuttiest of our girls. She makes us laugh constantly but is also the biggest snuggle-bug of the house. She's definitely 'daddy's girl'. Not only does she love on him constantly, her personality is practically identical to Mitch's.

A willing helper. A giver of MANY cards and gifts. A brilliant reader, writer and illustrator. Often the highlight of my day is reading her journal page from school - with illustrations at the top. A couple of examples....

"On Sunday my little sister pict (puked) on me. On Thursday my grandma came over. On Friday I went to a resepshen (reception)."

I'm sure the teacher loved this one. The illustration was, of course, of the puking sister.

"I need many things. I need air so I can live. I need a home so I don't get cold. I need a cat so I am not lonly."

This one was written at a time when we were contemplating getting rid of the cat. I wanted to throw up when I read this - as opposed to a good mamma who would be brought to tears. The illustration on this one? Her saying to the cat "I love you" and the cat purring back. Puh-leez. :)

She's a collector of turtles so that was our theme this birthday....

it's on my list

2008-01-28T21:44:00.000-06:00

We took the kids to see "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" tonight. Very cute. I'm a Veggie Tales fan. Even since they 'compromised' by not only doing bible stories. For my 16th birthday party - I had a houseful of friends all watching "O Where is my Hairbrush" and the like. :)

Chandler's new line? "It's on my list." Ya gotta see the movie.

I am blessed when....

2008-01-23T08:57:00.001-06:00

....my 1st grader gives my 4th grader a practice spelling test to help her study.

.....my 4 year old belts out spontaneous songs to Jesus.

.....my oldest creates something very nifty with her art supplies - no instructions needed.

....I get an email from my {almost} 7 year old to see how my day went. Or when I find she's emailed good family friends to love on them.

.....I find my two oldest ladies at the table with their own breakfast when I pull myself out of bed at 6am.

....my girls all pray in 'their tongues' together with Mommy and Daddy to get closer to Jesus.

kids' homepage

2008-01-13T21:09:00.000-06:00

Have you all seen this? kid-surf.com

My kids are on the internet pretty much everyday. They go to the veggie tales site, noggin, and a few other sites. The older two each have a yahoo email address and email frequently. They get on our family calender and check off their chore lists, as well as check out the schedule for the day.

So this discovery has me pumped. Using kid-surf as their homepage, they can only go to the sites I've put in for them. You can even set a timer to shut them off when their time is up. The kids haven't got a chance to see their new set up because it's past their bedtime but I'm thinking this deal is a good'un...for all of us.

cheap(er) popcorn

2008-01-12T22:19:00.000-06:00

So the first week back to school is now behind us. The kids are getting back into the swing of things and I'm trying to. :)

The big girls brought home their report cards and I was blessed. The girls continue to do well and that makes me very proud and way happy. Thank God for His grace to walk the path for us.

We decided that a trip to the movies, well, namely THE movie called 'The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything' would be reward for good grades this time around. So we'll watch for that to come to the nearest little theater around. Meaning we won't go to the city this weekend but wait for it to come 'round to the bigger little town 15 minutes away.

Yippee for A's and for proud mamma's and for pirates (that look like cucumbers) and small theaters with cheap(er) popcorn!

it's back to school for the booga's

2008-01-07T22:34:00.000-06:00

After 2 1/2 weeks of pure freedom, it's time for the kiddos to return to the daily ritual called school. They haven't complained and I know they're ready. Being home and goofing off is fun only for a while, then boredom sets in.

I, personally, am terrified. We haven't had a bedtime/wakeup routine for 2 1/2 weeks now and my body clock isn't ready for this so I'm SURE their's isn't. They did do good about heading to bed at 8:45 and I do believe every one of them was asleep by 9. Whew. Now just getting up in the morning.... God help us.

a lullaby of love....

2007-12-23T21:47:00.001-06:00

The kids sang a few Christmas songs this morning. They did a great job - standing nice, singing nice and exiting nice. Of course, we had a nose picker or two but you just can't have a kids' event without that can you now? :)

If you're thinking we have an abnormal amount of black children for a tiny town right in the middle of the US. You're right. We are quite multi-cultural for Hick-ville, Nebraska! It's awesome.

If you haven't guessed from seeing other photos - my two older girls are in the back row. Chandler at the far left in the back row. Jaci is fourth from the right in the back row. Robin is second in on the left in the front row. She just commented on how she got to stand between her two best friends. And so she did.

me an' my girls

2007-12-22T11:28:00.001-06:00

See our pretty nails? After taking off work an hour early so I could pick the kids up on their last day of school before Christmas break - we headed to the city. The salon I get my acrylic nails done at, polishes young girls' (6 and under) nails free. So for a whole $18 I got my fill & polish and my 3 girls' nails polished. Not a bad price for 3 (well, 4) grinning princesses!

I decided to go all out and took the girls to Cold Stone for some fantastic ice cream (hello, Mudpie Mojo!) before heading back home to Daddy. We even stopped and picked up pizza on the way home. I think this could become a 'tradition' - if we actually had traditions in our family. {Ya see, we're liquid. We don't do things the same twice, ever. We kinda f-l-o-w through life. Really. It's my husband's fault. ;) }

Anyhoo, the fun has begun and will continue for 2 whole weeks while the girlies are stuck with Mommy, all day, everyday!

4 year old conversation

2007-12-19T22:09:00.000-06:00

As I was taking my 4 year old and her little friend to preschool the other day, this is the conversation I overheard. Mind you, they are FOUR -not fourteen!

Robin: My Dad is WEIRD! Not my Mom. Just my Dad is weird.

Friend: Well, my Dad AND my Mom are weird!

I tm'd hubby to let him know the news. He disagrees. :)

generosity with a selfish twist

2007-12-08T21:59:00.000-06:00

The girls all took some {hard-earned} money to Dollar Tree last night and bought gifts. Jaci and Chandler bought for our immediate family and then a friend or two. Robin bought one gift for a little friend and a pair of high heels ( you know the cheap, plastic kind) for herself. But today, while everyone was wrapping gifts, she decided those shoes should go to another one of her friends. Because, "OTHER people are supposed to buy me stuff, Mom". Very generous of you 3rd born daughter - even if there was a selfish twist to it.

So here's the kiddos holding their self-bought and self-wrapped gifts, that they are DYING to give NOW, in front of our tree - bought today in 16 degree weather (probably with a negative wind chill). Fun memories.

good golly

2007-12-03T17:03:00.000-06:00

I already have to holler at my 4 year old (NUMEROUS times) to TURN DOWN THE RADIO. Good golly. What is it going to be like when she's 14?

photos of the rooms

2007-11-22T17:29:00.000-06:00

JACI'S NEW ROOM...

CHANDLER & ROBIN'S NEW ROOM

you're killin' me

2007-11-05T18:26:00.000-06:00

Have I said how much my kids crack me up?

Mitch and I have been in discussion about getting rid of the cat. She's gotten really big since these days and she's pretty much a nuisance. The only child who would probably mourn this loss is Chandler. Tonight Mitch asked Chandler what she thought about letting Jane go live in the country, in someone's barn. (wink, wink) Chandler wanted to know "Why?"

"Because she's kinda a pain in the butt"

"Well, sometimes Robin is a pain in the butt." Implying that we would never get rid of little sister just because SHE was a pain in the butt. HA! What a smartie.

our church's annual Harvest Party

2007-11-01T17:13:00.000-06:00

Jaci is 'Kim Riley', an amazing woman from our church, worthy of being admired. She brought some of her own duds for Jaci to borrow for the night

Chandler is....Pink Panther. My creative bone amazes me (ha!). Chandler decided unwaveringly to be Pink Panther about 2 weeks ago. I'm glad the look didn't require too much ingenuity from me.

Robin wanted to be Cinderella. I'm glad that dress from a 'gently used' kids clothes store was her pick for a Cinderella dress. Throw in a tiara we already had and some new church shoes she needed anyway and wala, it's Cinderella!

So, my kids are brilliant at costumes. Pretty much everything I had to buy can be used in everyday use too - pink sweats, church clothes, pink headband (minus the foam ears)..... Yay for us not spending $20 + (each) on stuff we'll never wear again.

Oh, I even 'dressed up'. A camouflage shirt ($5 at Wal-Mart) with some jeans and my camo ballet flats - oh, and a black stocking cap. I was the Enemy's worst nightmare - secret agent style. Hehehe.

intercessor in training

2007-10-24T20:05:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's my 4 year old. Tonight we prayed through our church. It's been a wild last couple of months and things were honestly beginning to feel a little defiled. Call it Halloween evil spirits in the air or just intensified demonic activity in our region but we needed some Light to cut through some darkness and heaviness.

So we met with our 'elder' and his wife and prayed through the church. I decided to touch and pray over every 'door post' - each doorway. Robin tagged along. She mimicked me as I prayed over the first door, then the second. Then she took charge. Praying that bad people couldn't come in and mess up our church, because it's OUR church. Praying that bad people wouldn't come in and use our kitchen stuff, because it's B.C. (our town). It was awesome.

She ended up praying over every pew (yes, pews but chairs will be ordered soon, God willing!). She prayed over the offering plates with us. I'm not sure of all the pleas to Jesus but I do know one was for the football team. (maybe she has some prophetic insight?!?!)

It's such a blessing seeing your kids pray more than just over the food or the day. I encouraged her that Jesus heard her prayers and that He can make things happen when we ask Him to be involved. Yep, it was one of those 'blessed-to-see-signs-of-a-legacy' moment.

classic moment

2007-10-18T17:41:00.001-06:00

If you have never seen The Pink Panther - like the one with real people (as my kids say), you won't think this is the slightest bit funny. If you have seen it - you know where I'm comin' from...

The other night we were at Wendy's eating our dinner off the dollar menu. Chandler (6) started talking about compound words, so the family started listing a few. Mitch says, 'hamburger' with that true Steve Martin accent. So Jaci spouts off, "I have got two dam-bugas in my pocket." I about spewed my Coke. It was truly a classic moment.

businesswoman in the making

2007-10-16T21:31:00.000-06:00

The name of the book my 6 1/2 year old is reading aloud to her Daddy is "The Purple Cow". Though this sounds like a children's book, it is not. It's about being remarkable in the business world. She's learnin' young!

progress reports

2007-10-09T20:07:00.000-06:00

Today was parent/teacher conferences. We weren't too concerned since we stay pretty 'in touch' anyways. I love our school system. I know we're extremely blessed and it's not this good some places (OK, most places) but God definitely has His hand in our schooling decisions. Jaci's teacher has been at that school 14+ years. And Chandler's teacher has been there 24 years.

Chandler is the little star student, excelling in everything. She is very attentive and extremely neat in her work. (That spirit of perfectionism will challenge her character in years to come) The only thing that wasn't off the charts was her ability to do push-ups in Gym class. Darn. :)

Jaci is doing fabulous. Last year started off with her having to play catch up a little, after homeschooling the first years of her life. I'm amazed at where she is now, a year later - reading, spelling, writing - all things that she somewhat struggled in last year, she's got an 'A' in! She is very driven in her desire to excel. (Keep up the drive, baby)

I'm so thankful that God has placed us in this area. Our principal is a Christian, the superintendent is too, as well as many of the teachers. The environment at the school is very peaceful and I can be as involved as I want too. Actually, just today I was asked if I was interested in being a substitute 'para' for the teachers. (teacher's aide) For sure - I like doing life with my kids.

furry nose

2007-10-01T19:25:00.000-06:00

Robin's exclamation tonight...

"He did it! Dad's cutting the fur out of his nose!"

if the shoe fits

2007-09-30T19:17:00.001-06:00

My kids really do crack me up on a daily basis. Even on days (like last night) when I want to tie them to the couch because they are soooo 'outta control' at Wal-Mart. But thank God, we live through those moments to indulge in the next 'melt mamma's heart' moment.

A crack me up kinda moment... Chandler put a sign on her door. It says, "If the shoe fits.... tie it". What?!?! Apparently, they have this sign at school. And she wanted a replicate on her bedroom door. Okaaayyy.

I suggest....

2007-09-19T13:29:00.001-06:00

Robin had preschool this morning which meant she needed to get up at the same time as the big girls. Last night, as I was putting them to bed, she told me, "I w'gest you wake me up." Very good suggestion, darling.

my kids make me laugh

2007-09-11T08:22:00.000-06:00

After this post and the last you'll think I'm a completely heathen mamma...

This morning on the way to school, the kids were pretty wound up. Chalk it up to Daddy coming home tonight or something.

Chandler sings, *"Move your body nice, and smooth and saucy..."

Do you think she's seen 'Madagascar' too many times? I'm sure I won't laugh near as much in ten years if she really is moving her body nice and smooth and saucy but today it was doggone funny.

* That's her exact words. I'm not sure of the exact lyrics, really.

dirty little secrets

2007-09-05T17:07:00.000-06:00

I pay my kids a dime each day for taking a vitamin.

cold lunches

2007-09-04T20:10:00.000-06:00

I was going to comment on the comment on the last post and figured it probably would be too long. So, though I have no real ingenious ideas, here's what goes into the lunch boxes of my girls....

Sandwiches - turkey, cheese, pb (no j for my picky kids)

Pasta Salad - toss leftover pasta with some italian dressing and that makes my girls happy. you could throw some chopped veggies, diced cheese, pepperoni, diced ham or whatever they like.

Meat, Cheese, Crackers

Lettuce Salad - this is a rarity, but sometimes Jaci wants salad. she doesn't like anything extravagant so it works for me.

Cold wraps - anything you put on sandwiches can go in a tortilla. Chandler has had me melt cheese on a tortilla and wrap it in foil with hopes it would still be warm at lunch. I don't think it was, but she didn't mind. of course, now maybe I could squish it into a thermos, eh Cindy? :)

Speaking of thermos... We bought cheap thermoses this year (and may have to upgrade) but that does open up a world of possibilities.

Ramen Noodles, Soups, cheesy burritos....

My kids don't like chips and salsa but if they did, I'd do that. I don't buy things lunch-box convenience-packaged very often (we go through LOTS of snack-sized baggies) but every once in a while I let them pick a Lunchable.

We have a rule, they have to take a fruit or veggie. Usually it's carrot sticks or apple wedges. I dip the apple wedges in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown before lunch. Sometimes, Chandler will do a banana or grapes. They don't like canned fruit, otherwise you could do cute little fruit cups. :)

They usually throw in pretzels or chips. We love string cheese around here. Sometimes (rarely) I get fruit roll ups or fruit snacks. And right now I have a case of pudding in the cupboard from Sam's Club.

I bought little drink bottles that they filled with yucky Country Time powdered lemonade last year. This year I vowed to cut down on sugary drinks. They do water bottles (I splurged on the Aquapods) or juice packs because they don't drink milk really.

Kraft has a Lunchbox builder website. To me, it's basically a different spin on the same ol', same ol' but sometimes that's all ya need!

how's school going?

2007-09-01T16:02:00.000-06:00

We all seem to be acclimating well into the school year schedule. You'd think the girls have grown up all their lives in this school, the way it's all so natural to them. Even with new teachers, it's all good. So, what does our day look like since I'm no longer a homeschool mamma? So glad you asked. :o)

5:50 - I'm up and to the shower. I can rush and be ready in about 30-40 minutes but I like having a tad of time to sip a cup of coffee while applying my 'face'.

6:50 - I wake up the big girls and they have a 'gourmet' breakfast of a bowl of cold cereal or {the latest fave} a frozen Eggo.... with juice.

7:00 - I like to wake Robin up a little later so I don't have THREE kids barking breakfast orders. So after Jaci and Chandler are happily munching away, I bring the third child to the table.

While they munch, I've been reading the first verse of the Proverb of the day. We discuss what it means and how it applies to them and hopefully their day.

After they eat, it's off for clothes, hair and teeth. I'm already seeing that someone better move to the downstairs bathroom in the not too distant future because even three young girls in one bathroom is a trick!

Hopefully they're ready in time to feed and water the cat before we head out, otherwise she's left in daddy's care. To save time in the mornings, they pick their clothes out the night before and pack lunches the night before {if they don't like the hot lunch menu for the day}.

7:40 - We load up to pick up the other little chica who goes to preschool with Robin. Then we head east, their school is 18 minutes away...taking the interstate. (If we're running late, we take the dirt road - it saves us 4 minutes)

8:05 - We've dropped the big girls off and now I have 20 minutes to kill before I can drop the preschoolers off. Sometimes, I stop and get a cup of 'Jamaican me Crazy' coffee. It's good! Since, it's nice out, we usually play at the playground for a few minutes or take a little walk before going into preschool.

8:30 - Now, that I'm child-free, I head home. This is where my schedule gets fuzzy. Here are my 'intentions'....

Monday mornings - spend with hubby. It's his day off so we've declared it 'date morning'....after he returns from Romania anyway.

I'm hoping to spend that 9:00 hour with Jesus the rest of the days. Then I'll have a little time to breeze through some housework before heading to work at 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Robin gets home from preschool around noon. So we eat lunch together and then do whatever's on the days list. Of course, now I'll be working some so those days are different....

2:40 - Time to head east again. The girls get out at 3:15 but I like to actually find a parking place so I like getting there around 3.

3:40 - When we get home, the girls have a snack and work on homework - which has been very light so far. (yay)

5:00 - I begin supper prep (oh yeah, I'll have to cook again since hubby's done with his fast) and we eat between 5:30 and 6pm.

8:00 - The girls begin their 'next day prep' {lunches, clothes, backpacks} and then get into pj's so they can mellow down before heading to bed about 8:30. If it's before 9, I like to read to them from a 'classic' and we started "Little Women" but haven't read for a week or so. The version of Little Women I started, I hate. It's huge and intimidating to ME so I'll either find the original or maybe move on to something else.

I forgot how nice it is to have an hour, or two, (or three...) to wind down before heading to bed myself. My PLAN is to work out after the girls are down - either jog (while it's still nice outside) or pop in a kick-boxing video. We'll see how this goes.

So there's a quic...er, a somewhat detailed version of what a day looks like at my house!

a little somethin' we do

2007-08-24T19:18:00.000-06:00

Last night, we took the girls to McDonald's (their choice). It wasn't on the agenda but something happened earlier in the day to warrant the trip to the fast food joint of their choice.

See, My Beloved made a commitment to them YEARS ago, that.... when we get comments from strangers on their good behavior (NOT how cute they are, that would drive us to the poor house :o>) that we will bless them. They are a blessing to others - we bless them.

Yesterday, as I was leaving their school after eating lunch with Chandler and then hanging out with Jaci at recess, one of the teacher's aides (or whatever they call them these days) came up to me and said, "I just want to tell you have DELIGHTFUL your girls are....and I don't just say that to everyone."

Ah, that warms a mamma's heart, ya know?

emotionally unattached mom...

2007-08-18T07:11:00.000-06:00

...Yeah, that's me. I think there's something really wrong with me, like I don't truly love my kids or something. I mean, shouldn't a mother who is sending her baby off to preschool feel sad or something? Shouldn't I be sent into emotional turmoil and mama bear claws of protection flare?

But no, none of that happened yesterday. I wasn't one bit hit with a nervous stomach ache as Robin boldly walked up to the preschool door. I was just....happy. Not happy that, WooHoo, my life's my OWN now. But just happy for this next chapter in life - for all of us. And, sheesh, she's been soooo excited about starting preschool, it would seem a shame for me to be sad when she is so stinkin' happy. I'm happy for her. I'm happy our lives extend beyond ourselves into the community.

So, if being happy that my kids have this life of school makes me a bad mom then, I confess. But if rejoicing with those that rejoice and strategically launching my arrows into our planet (with MUCH prayer) is OK, then maybe I'm not such a bad mom after all.

at the edge of my seat

2007-08-16T09:35:00.000-06:00

Jaci, ready for 4th gradeChandler, ready for 1st grade

So, today...first day of school! Our morning did not go as well as this lovely families did yesterday. But we made it. Everybody got up in time and was ready but at the last minute it started to rain which meant we needed to take the interstate instead of the gravel road. Which meant we should of left 5 minutes earlier. And when we finally did head to the car, Chandler needed to go potty first. And as I was finally the last one out the door, I realized their lunchboxes were still in the fridge. Yeah, chaos. But, like I said, we made it.

This year is number 2 in public school. Last year was our 'big change' as the older two girls went to public school for the first year. I'd home schooled Jaci from pre-school up through 2nd grade. And just started Chandler on some pre-school/kindergarten stuff. I'd felt God stirring in my heart about not home schooling since mid-year of the last home school year and then last August we took the plunge.

God confirmed that we were obedient through the entire school year and wow, it does a heart good to know you're living in obedience. The kids will continue in the same public school this year and then, as we said from the VERY beginning, we will take one year at a time. (My Beloved said that about kids too - we didn't set a number or not set a number if you please -he said, we'll take them one at a time. And so we have ....three.)

Anyways, this week brings yet another transition for our family, as little Robi-bird will head to preschool for 3 mornings a week. I've never sent any kids to preschool before. Never really thought I ever would. But after living a year in an only child mode, Robin seems to be a prime candidate for a pre-school (as in, pre-kindergarten) life. There's something about how a mother bonds with her last child that may make life more traumatic when the last one 'flies'. And this seems like the best way to make August 2008 a bit more bearable for her and me. She's pumped and has been asking WHEN she starts, for months. Tomorrow can't come fast enough for her.

I'm not sure what this year is going to be like. We still are believing for some radical changes within our ministry - life would change drastically for me then. I'm at the edge of my seat though, waiting for whatever God opportunities 2007-2008 will bring.

9 years ago...yesterday

2007-08-15T13:43:00.001-06:00

Yes, 9 years ago yesterday I had just birthed my first child (in the comfort of our own home). After about 10 hours of easy, slow labor and a few more hours of hard, real labor - our first girl had arrived; 7 lbs. 2 oz. and lots of dark hair, she was a beauty. Well after her very-cone-shaped head turned into a nice little round head. :o)

So yesterday we celebrated the 9 awesome years of Jaci's life. She wanted a carnival theme so we cooked up some delicious, fatty, high-calorie, high sugar foods and invited 3 families over to party with us. We put up some outdoor games that she got as an early present from her grandparents so the kids had some outdoor fun while the adults mostly chatted within the air-conditioned haven of our home.

From this angle, the cake almost looks like a hot air balloon, but it's not. Jaci was pretty adamant about having a ferris wheel cake. So even though I told her I didn't think it would be the most fabulous-looking cake we've ever done, she still wanted it - so that's what she got.

This is what we got her. A 'craft bag' filled with scrapbook supplies. She lives up to her name which is 'maker of the beautiful' - Jaci Taylor.
The most unique gift she got was 4 snails... like real aquarium snails. What do you do with snails?

This is Jaci and her aunt. Yes, not her cousin, but her 7 1/2 year old aunt. I told you we were a crazy big family. :o)

Happy Days, Jaci-Mace! We're so very proud of you!

we live too close

2007-08-08T12:43:00.000-06:00

So we surprised the kids. At the beginning of summer I had made some plans to make sure the summer didn't pass without us doing something 'out of the norm'. We got in a few crafts and the kids did a gob of reading but most of the plans that required finances - got duped. Except....the Surprise Day which was last Monday.

The kids have been looking forward to this surprise and have had no idea what it could be. We took them to a hotel in the city just 1/2 hour away. And this is why... We stayed in this particular hotel a few times before we moved to this area and the kids dubbed it our hotel. Since we moved here a little over 2 years ago, the kids have asked numerous times, "When are we going to stay at our hotel?" And our answer? "Never. We live too close."

Well, we decided to fulfill their desires and book a room. They didn't have it figured out until I actually went in to get the key to our room. Score for mom's secret behavior! They got to swim as much as they wanted, ate out twice, and got to have Belgian waffles in the lobby for free. All when we could have just driven to our house a mere 30 minutes away. Fun times in the life of a kid.

Even for my hubby and I, it was fun to escape a little bit from the mundane. Of course, we can never use the "We live too close" line again. Dang.

black pieces of poo

2007-08-06T08:27:00.000-06:00

In a home of 3 little ladies, you can bet that 'playing house' is top on the list of things to do. They often have every doll and stuffed animal out, thus each having extremely large 'families'. They play what they see - everything as 'real life' as possible.

So, last night I notice Robin cutting smallish bits of black construction paper. Didn't pay much attention. I'm used to her itty-bitty messes. Next thing I see is her pulling a diaper off a doll with...the black construction paper stuffed in it. Hmmm, if only real poopy diapers were that easy to clean up. She did all the antic of a messy, smelly diaper though. "Ew, gross, baby, you stink."

I'm sure that one was a learned trick from her big sisters and, wow, aren't they creative?

'can't forget' phrases

2007-08-05T15:59:00.000-06:00

It is really funny to hear a 4 year old say, "Ah, that's gotta hurt." But yesterday, while watching a 'biggest splash' contest at the pool, that's the phrase from Robin's lips. Later that day, it popped out during some show about sharks.

She's learned it from the pool this summer. Too many big kids doing wild flips from the board and too many little kids learning to dive -and not quite making it. Funny stuff.

my baby is 4

2007-07-30T13:25:00.001-06:00

Here's the birthday queen! Robin turned 4 yesterday. Yes, my 'baby' is now 4. Talk about a new page in life. I've never had a 'baby' who was 4. My other 2 each stopped being the 'baby' at
2 1/2 yrs. Wow.

We went with an 'under the sea' theme after seeing some cupcakes at Sam's Club with crabs, seahorses, etc on them. I found this idea online. I also made Mock Sushi. (I guess this link is for the 'how to' video. somehow they deleted the actual recipe. And of course, I forgot to take pics.) Very cute. And yummy too!

For some reason, Little Bird asked for an alarm clock for her birthday. Maybe because she is starting pre-school in a couple weeks? Not sure. But I figured I'd make her day by spending the $5. :o)

A little story about the child who was born on July 29th... When I was pregnant with my first child, I was 'confident' I would go late. My mom was always late, my grandma delivered twins 2 weeks late, blah, blah, blah. So, no surprise when Daughter #1 showed up 12 days late. Crazy enough, Daughter #2 was also 12 days late. Now with Robi-bird, being my 3rd child, I was just SURE that I would go on time, maybe even early I thought. (I also thought she was a boy) But even if she wasn't 'on time', I could not possibly go over 12 days late, right? Ha. This child was 1 day shy of being 3 weeks late! In case you're wondering what insane doctor let a woman go that long in this age - I had a great doc that I saw through the pregnancies and then delivered at home... all three girls. That to say, we tend to do things the old-fashioned, natural way in my circles.

So she arrived, finally, at 9 lbs. 2 oz. A beautiful, full head of dark hair, big baby. Some said she looked like an 'Indian' baby (like really from India). And with that weight, kept up the pattern of each of my children being one pound heavier than the last. THAT, my friends, is why we have 3 - not 4!

It was soon obvious that this child was blessed with passion. In her infancy, it was mamma's milk she was passionate about. I've never had such an aggressive nurser. 4 years later, her passion comes out in different ways (though she still likes to eat!). I don't want to damper that passion, just direct it towards Jesus and His ways. She is my free-spirited little bird - flitting where she may!

ah, yes GRACE

2007-07-28T09:09:00.000-06:00

Funny that my last post was titled 'Grace and more Grace'. I have child who was in need of it for the past two days.

Thursday we had a picnic in the town the kids go to school in. Chandler (6) ended up taking a library book up to the picnic tables. I told her it probably wasn't the best idea but to be sure to get it when we left. Well, wouldn't you know, heading down the interstate to the big town for the afternoon, she discovered she had left it there. Ugh. We don't live in that town, so I had no one I could call and ask to pick it up. Double ugh.

We decided to phone the library and ask them to pretty please go and get it and hold it for us. They accommodated. Thank You Jesus.

Then Friday morning.....the girls were up and ready for summer school early so they had time to play for a while. When it was time, I hollered down for them to get their shoes on and get in the car. They obeyed...so I thought when I saw them both in the car. We head down the gravel road a little ways when Jaci pipes up, "Chandler doesn't have any shoes on." I'm thinking, like she took them off in the car? Ah, no, she didn't put her shoes on before she got in the car! Now, we are typically a barefoot family. It's pretty normal for the kids not to put shoes on if we're just running to the church or something so it's understandable, sorta. But incredibly frustrating when we're headed to school and have to turn around. Sheesh.

I can't say I handled either situation perfectly but probably better than I would have 2 months ago. Sigh.

grace and more grace

2007-07-25T13:10:00.001-06:00

I just finished reading Grace Based Parenting...again. My inner-parenting-self so resonates with the heart of this book but so many times my parenting does not reflect grace. Here's a few notes, which I may have blogged in the past but obviously I needed another reminder.

Humanity's (thus, children's) 3 driving inner needs:
1. A need for security
2. A need for significance
3. A need for strength

Grace doesn't fit well with stricter models of parenting. Grace often contradicts parenting plans that want to distill roles down into checklists. Grace-based parenting is a heart-activated plan that takes its cues from a daily walk with Jesus Christ. Because of this, grace and strict parenting textbooks will never find themselves in agreement.

Grace based families are homes where children are given:
1. The freedom to be different
2. The freedom to be vulnerable
3. The freedom to be candid
4. The freedom to make mistakes

Grace helps you find the balance point in a world of extremes and keeps you from investing your energies in a long list of things that don't matter.

Legalistic parents maintain a relationship with God through obedience to a standard. The goal of all this when it comes to their children is to keep sin from getting into their home....When these children do sin, they are punished more for allowing the sin to happen than they are for the fact that it happened.

Grace-based homes are not homes without sin or regrets. They are just homes where, no matter what, you can't be written off.

water fun

2007-07-24T09:41:00.000-06:00

While visiting my family this past weekend, we spent an evening at my aunt's house, swimming. I had a ball playing with my 1 1/2 yr. nephew who is fearless in water! The girls had a blast, jumping off the board, trying to dive and just rough-housing with their uncles and aunts (most, there own ages).

Little Robi-bird started jumping off the side with no flotation devices (usually she wears 'water wings') and kicking her legs like a pro to get the 4 foot over to the steps, head under water! Go Rob-head!

insult or compliment

2007-07-19T21:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Robin told me my hair looked like Jimmy Neutron's. When I answered, "What?!?!" She said, "The MOM on Jimmy Neutron. It curls up like hers." I asked if that was a good thing and she said Yes. Well, that's good. I really don't like being insulted by a {almost} 4 year old, but if that's a compliment, I'll take it!

don't get me wrong

2007-07-18T21:42:00.000-06:00

I'm going to tell you that my girls have really played together well this summer but don't get me wrong - they still fight sometimes, it seems like non-stop. But really, they are incredibly creative when it comes to playing dolls, house, church, school, library, store, etc. They will go into the basement or sunroom or their bedrooms and I can be left in my own world for literally hours.

Dense mother that I am, I asked my husband if this was really a GOOD thing. I think he was, like, 'duh, enjoy it girl.'

The only problem with their creativity is the MESS that it brings. And I have a hard time with messes. I'm really trying to loosen up but sheesh, (I'll let you in on a secret) I really like a picture-perfect house. (How's that for transparency?)

So the girls and I, we have an unspoken compromise - they can trash the house while they play but they have to pick it when it's time. So far this week, they've done really well with our deal - and I think I have too.

So we're enjoying the last drops of summer vacation around here. School starts in, what, 4 weeks I think. I haven't accomplished near as much 'training' as I had planned with the girls but I think I've decided oh well. What's a summer break for anyways? Playing house and trashing the real house, of course.

birthday parties

2007-07-15T21:05:00.000-06:00

The big girls are each invited to a birthday party this week. Actually Jaci has already left, hers is an overnighter. Chandler goes on Tuesday for the afternoon. Fun times.

The girls and I will visit Memo & Papa (my parents) this weekend - three hours away. While there, we'll get to attend an anniversary party for our friends/pastors from our home church. Ah, summertime.

personality test

2007-07-12T22:16:00.000-06:00

In the same frame of mind as I posted in my other blog, I found this FREE kids personality test. They are recommended for ages 7-12 but I did one for my 6 y.o. too. Though I don't think it's as accurate as the results for my 8 1/2 y.o.

I'm a freak about personality quizzes, love languages, gifting profiles, etc. It actually helps me be a little more understanding with people's 'quirks' (and by that I mean, what I perceive as quirks because they are different than me!)

Anyways, it was fun to do THESE for my kids.

cocoa bean

2007-07-09T21:20:00.000-06:00

This is our little CocoaBean! She will turn 4 in just 2 short weeks. She was dubbed CocoaBean by a black woman in our church who noticed how tan she is getting. You can't tell by the picture but she is DARK! We love looking at her tan lines - and her 'white butt'. So funny. She wanted this bandana tied on after I (being silly) put it on earlier tonight. But Jaci's (8 y.o.) comment was, "Well, atleast she's the right color for it!" Yeah, I guess so. Daddy called her Jemima. :o)

july news

2007-07-08T17:55:00.001-06:00

Chandler-bean lost her second tooth yesterday! "I was just twisting it and it fell out."
Now she's searching her mouth for any other hint of looseness.

In other news... This is the pile of candy the kids 'bagged' from the big 4th of July parade in our 4th of July City! Thankfully, they are pretty picky candy eaters so we eliminated a portion of it...after I picked out what I like!

And oh, since I'm working backwards anyways....Here's the chicks in their cheerleaders get up. They won the "Husker Fan" Division (my eyes are rolling because of the SIXTEEN categories). They did get $10 cash instead of a gift card though. :o)

they are thrilled

2007-07-03T07:38:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow's the BIG day. The kids parade here in our tiny little town. This is our 3rd year of participation. To some families here in town - this is a BIG deal. Like a Little Miss pageant, they spend way too much money and time on a float and dressing their kids up for the 3 blocks (or is it 2?) they coast through downtown.

Anyways, our idea's are usually pretty thrown together. Number 1, I'm not terribly creative. Number 2, it's a KID's parade, down 2-3 blocks with MAYBE 100 people watching, probably more like 50. And number 3, I want this to be FUN for my kids. I don't want them to have to endure phsyco-neurotic mom for a month because I'm 'getting the float ready'. (plus with SIXTEEN judging categories, everyone wins (a $10 giftcard to WalMart).

Wow. I guess I have some pretty serious issues about this deal. I feel better. :o)

All that said, my kids are being cheerleaders . I bought cheap little white skirts, cheap little red tank-tops, and cheap little white shoes for girls that needed them. My splurge? Little mascot tattoos for their cheeks. And they are thrilled.

Oh, in other news....Channer-bean has just about mastered riding her bike, sans-training wheels! The only practice still needed is the starting part. Yay for my 6 year old!

a regular post

2007-06-28T07:32:00.000-06:00

I started to comment on the comment on the last post and it turned out quite long (as a comment) so I'll turn it into a regular post....

It was a grace filled day. The kids did really good with the food limitations. My middle one (6) even did fruits and veggies only all day until about 5:30. If you knew our family, you'd know this is quite a feat.

The other 2 just cut out sugary things, including the beloved 'pink lemondade' which is actually koolaid, ya know. Again, a pretty big deal for them.

We had a good prayer time in the evening and I prayed blessing over them, using their name meanings as a reference. Pretty cool!

Now we just stand still and see what the Lord will do....

in the middle of it all

2007-06-26T21:41:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow has been dubbed an all church day of consecration for our local body. My Beloved has called people to fast - however they feel led - and then come for a time of prayer in the evening. Of course, in our home, this filters down to the kiddos.

We discussed tonight what they would do. I know their little minds don't fully grasp the 'fasting principle' - heck, I don't think I do. But we all know we are giving something up to show Jesus that we love Him more....more than our favorite ________. (For me, every type of physical food is my favorite so I have to give it ALL up. :o>)

So, I'm praying for grace. For me. For the girls to experience God in a real way, a way that their short years will know Him as reality. I believe this will be a sacred day in the life of our Body. Not that we've never spent time seeking Him in this way before. But, this is a NOW moment for us. And I want my girls to be right in the middle of it all.

lest parents of boys think....

2007-06-23T13:40:00.000-06:00

.....that parents of girls don't get the 'gross out' moments. A story for ya...

Today I was doing some much needed housework. After our week of swimming lessons and VBS'ing - the house was in dire need of some tender loving care. (the fact we're having 2 families over for lunch tomorrow didn't have anything to do with it - ha!) Anyways, I was doing some housework and noticed a couple windows on our french doors into our sunroom were pretty smudged so I grabbed the Windex and knelt down. As I approached the window, I realized what the smudge was - BOOGERS! Oh. my. Gosh. Of course, it was the doing of the 3 y.o. She grabbed a kleenex and 'got it'. Yeah, right. I did some serious scrubbing with Windex and papertowels to get that smear off. Deee-scus-ting!

cowboy lapse

2007-06-21T21:15:00.001-06:00

The girls, especially the older ones, have the worst sunburns they've probably ever had. They never really burn beyond pink cheeks and shoulders but 8 hours in the sun over 2 days did them in.

Since we don't have swimming lessons tomorrow, we're going to lounge around shirt-less and watch movies tomorrow. (well, I don't have a sunburn so I'll keep mine on!) No swimming lessons also means we get to catch up on sleep a little before tomorrow night's VBS finale. Wah-Hoo! (click the link to understand why I just had a cowboy lapse)

$15 total

2007-06-19T15:24:00.000-06:00

This was the first day of swimming lessons because of rain yesterday morning. The 2 older girls were signed up and ready to roll. I had decided against having Robin take this year because I wasn't sure she was tall enough and she was OK with not taking.

Well, we found out all her friends were starting up this year so she (and I) decided to give it a shot. She LOVED it. She has one of the most passionate personalities of anyone I know - and the lifeguard's got a taste of that today. Makes me giggle.

Tomorrow this foursome of 3 and 4 year olds will jump off the diving board for probably the first times in their little lives. Robin's pumped. (we'll see how pumped she is when she gets out there tomorrow) Fun times.

I love our small town pool. Our family of 5 swims all summer for $50. The 3 kids take 2 weeks of lessons for $15 TOTAL. How great is that?

little athlete & a clear picture

2007-06-17T21:42:00.001-06:00

(just mamma's ramblings here. for documentary purposes.)

Jaci had Volleyball Camp last week. Four afternoons. She really liked it and apparently did pretty well. She earned a certificate that they didn't just pass out to everyone.

She also is in the middle of softball season. This is only her second year but she enjoys that too.

This opposite-of-sporty mamma has herself a little athlete in the making. I'm proud of her.

_____________________________________________________________________

In other kid happenings....

Last Wednesday Jesus chose to reveal Himself to my girls in a very real way. We were at prayer and the kids were doing their own thing. No problem so far.

Earlier in the day, the youngest 2 were playing at the neighbor's and I told them NOT to get wet. (the wading pool was out)

So back to prayer. Jaci came in after prayer, soaked and said, "I accidentally got wet." Yeah, right. I, evidently, wasn't clear on my non-approval and she went back and continued playing in the water.

As we are just about to get in the car, Chandler comes over, soaked. She KNEW the no-getting-wet-rule so this was in the spanking realm. I gave the needed warning and we headed home.

They were both sent to put pj's on and wait for discipline. That minute I got a phone call. The neighbor, taking full blame for them both getting wet. Now, it was not his fault they got wet and I contemplated carrying out full judgment. BUT I got a Holy Spirit nudge to use this as a picture of Jesus.

They were both guilty, deserving of punishment. YET someone else was accepting full responsibility for their wrong doing. What a clear picture of the Gospel, eh?

totally unscripted

2007-06-12T17:04:00.000-06:00

This happened a week ago (june 3) but I don't want to forget...

We were sitting visiting with a couple guys after our 20-somethings group, and Robin all the sudden ran and jumped on Mitch's lap. She whispered in his ear, "I wanna pray." And so she did. She prayed for the guys and our family and that was that.

Totally unscripted, unprompted, but beautiful.