By the Way......

um, wow- just noticed that this didn't post!!!!

Most of you are Facebook friends.... or family, so you know already:). Sorry that you've been left out of the loop blog only folks.

Our Snowflake is here!!!!! Yea!!!!! I am one happy unpregnant woman and blessed, and doubly blessed momma! There are pictures on Rex's Facebook profile. I'm not there yet. I still have some 6 back pages of emails to answer but right now ( i have now lost count of my backlog!), I'm snuggling the most adorable and beautiful miracle I've ever seen and doing school with the most amazing big brothers and sister a mom could ever want.  That's my limit for the day. Round One of end of year testing is coming up in 3 weeks. Then I'll get to breathe a bit before Round Two in May. Maybe I'll get caught up on all the posts that I've felt too crummy to do since November!!!!! Believe me, I do have pictures galore to share..... and some stories to tell too:).

Quick update:
-We got interviewed by the local news at National Pancake Day at IHOP! (I have a video link but no pictures.)
-We finished Upwards basketball.
-Jaja came to bail me out when Snowflake was born last week and Nana is coming this week .... she's gonna help me get ready for testing ... sigh.... bless her. She's lacing up her running shoes!
-I still have Christmas pictures.
-Our amazingly wonderful church family has blessed us abundantly with a shower (pictures coming), prayers after prayers after prayers and food fit for a king this week!!!!!!! They are celebrating our new princess as much as we are. I am so humbled by their support!
-Rex and I had a Valentine's date this year complete with pictures of me big and fat:)))) yep- i'll post. Looking at it now, I can tell just how badly I felt! WOW! I say it 10 times a day, I didn't know how badly I felt until she was born and I felt so much better?!?!? (She was sooooooooooo worth it though! Don't think I'm complaining in the least! I'm REALLY not! I'd do it all over again to get this sweet little bundle! We're smitten!)
-Rex and the kids rototilled the garden and began the "planting season" ... movie line alert:) who knows it?

Now- the news of the day:) Sunday March 6 at 8:18am Khloe Joy made her grand entrance in dramatic fashion and was delivered by a precious midwife friend from my homeschool group. She weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. and was 20 in. long. She is smiley, alert, snugly, adorable, cute, and a great sleeper! She's been sleeping midnight to 6 am for several days now.... good thing since momma is not really taking a break from school... just pared down to test review and reading the Bible each day. Though we did get math and grammar done today as well. She is adored and admired by all of her siblings and Oreo is anxious for his turn at sniffing the new toy. He has not earned his gentleman wings yet so he's spending a lot of time in his "box".... I should get a picture.... it's pitiful.

I promise pictures..... one day.

If this doesn't break your heart, you're not human.

http://renslow.blogspot.com/

The Very Best Pie Crust EVER!

This post is a work in progress unless you are reading this after I've finished at which point I will remove this tag.. :D and post the pictures to go with.... if you're reading this, check back.

Dad is here..... with PEACHES! a mondo basket of sweet, juicy, yummy South Carolina peaches.... it begs to be made into pie. and cobbler. and smoothies. and eaten standing over the sink. um, yum!

I've known this friend for going on 11 years now. I treasure her and her family for many reasons. The most important one is HER PIE CRUST! :D Trust me. And her chocolate chip cookie recipe... I'll post that later.

I'm no Pioneer Woman. And the wife of a food photographer whose pictures have graced the cover and pages of Food and Wine more than once should be able to do better...... but I've got pie to eat:)

By the way, I'm posting about it because I'm continually trolling her blog looking for her post about it. She did it in 2008 so it takes me a while to find it every time. My recipe box keeps eating the card?!?!?1

New Blog add!

I just added some friends to our sidebar... check them out! They are friends made through our homeschool group eons ago.... and, they are rabid Bama fans!

Oddly, I have noticed that there are many Bama fans 'rounds these parts! Yeah, yeah, there's a hand full of those Barners up here too. :D There's enough of us around here to have a right fine tailgate party too when you toss in the obnoxious Michigan fans. ;Q

More pictures for ya'

Well, I am beginning the "mourning process" over this summer. I blinked and then looked at the calendar and we start school in 2 weeks. AGH! I am NOT ready to start at all. The school room is still a pitiful mess (though I've been working on it all summer) and I haven't finished getting everything into ready-to-go lesson plans yet. You'd think that after 10 years of homeschooling that I'd be more on top of it but the truth is.... well, not so black and white.... more later :)

Now, about those pictures..... in the days and weeks following Snowflake's arrival, testing for our homeschool group had to get done... I've posted about past years' tests HERE. This year was a major accomplishment for many reasons.

When all was said and done, Electron and Glitter took top honors and Ondepenya and Warrior had to settle for the second tier prize again BUT considering that Snowflake was only 4 weeks old, a trying last few months of pregnancy, I had been working up until she was born and she had thrush and weight loss after birth..... well, I was proud of them.

They had energy to burn! Rex was very sick that night so I didn't get any pictures of the closing ceremony itself. :( But my class was as cute as any 4 yr old class could be, each of my children's classes were very well put together and I was so proud of every class on the stage! I really do love our group.

More catch up updates coming..... at some point our back-up files will get added to what we have downloaded and I'll be able to show you all of those pictures too. And we've had 2 birthdays and 1 this week so that is coming.... 

We've also had to say goodbye to Oreo........ he was really good with Snowflake but after she came he simply could not adjust. He had been getting better but he required more than what we could give so we found a wonderful home with some trainers who had border collies. He went to them wholeheartedly and is very happy in his new home. Here is a picture of the day we said goodbye:

He really did love us and we him but without a fenced in yard and his penchant for snipping at visitors.... we feel we made the right choice for all of us even though it broke everyone's heart. By the way, this is as close to a family picture as we've had!? UGH! I am hopeful that one day soon we will have a picture with everyone in it. :)

YEA!!!!

Rex downloaded our camera so I can post some pictures of the beautiful little precious that has stolen our hearts, captured our fascination, and completely wrapped us all around her adorable little fingers!  Yep, she's the center of our universe and we are all very happy about that!

They let me out of the hospital around 11:00 at night. After the obligatory stop for a beach club sub at Jimmy John's, we made it home at midnight and promptly woke Glitter to meet her sister. Sadly, due to the flu epidemic, the big children weren't allowed to come to the hospital so this was their first meeting. It was magical.

The very next morning, the big children were off to our homeschool group after racing upstairs to get their hands all over her! The squeals of pure joy and fascination are forever embedded in my memory. oooohhhs  and aaaahhhhhhs and, "How tiny!" were precious. She smiled so big when she heard their voices.... she recognized them already.

Daddy is lobbying hard to steal her heart........ I assure you, the fight is intense around here! :)

Snowflake and Ondepenya.... she STILL holds his finger with an iron grip every time he is near. It is cute. He is in love and so is she.

Warrior is sooooooooooooooooo enamored! He is so sweet with her, careful, in awe. He loves to play with her and lay on the floor with her on her play dome. (Please excuse the books. We were studying.)

She's a bit older here but rest assured that he held her day one too. He is her ultimate protector, constantly watching to make sure she is ok. He has an eagle eye out for any danger or off kilter things (like when her blanket gets over her head and scares her.... she can't yet get it off herself. They've all come to know THAT scream. )

Mommy Jr. in action. The beautiful bond between the two is priceless. She is anxiously awaiting my return to work so she can have "her baby" all to herself. hahahaha She is sooooooooo amazing with her. I couldn't ask for a better big sister. Ever. She is going to be one amazing mom when her turn comes. She reads her books and talks to her and changes diapers and snuggles. She is a quick study!

One morning I couldn't find the baby (a rather common occurrence I might add!) and lo and behold, Glitter had snatched her for some "sissy time". Snowflake was watching her first princess movie! She lights up whenever Glitter is around!

Jaja came to visit the day we came home. We've already posted the picture of him with Snowflake but I wanted to post this too. Our homeschool group had a special tribute to WW2 the Friday after Snowflake was born and Glitter had a special part in the "USO" show...... Jaja had to go with us. (Yes I really did take a 5 day old baby?!?! Hey, she's gotta learn early that she's a part of a big family!)

We had a wonderful time with Jaja. Bless his heart, he spent the whole visit quizzing kids for their upcoming test! Thanks Dad. You kept me sane. Here's Glitter on stage!

Next, Nana showed up! God bless her. She cleaned, she tested (the kids), she dealt with me (Snowflake and I had thrush?!??!  She was not gaining weight. I was a neurotic mess and poor Rex was out of town. ugh!) She rescued me BIG TIME. She and her amazing best friend Vickie Russell (LOVE YOU MRS. RUSSELL!!!!!!!!!!!) decorated Snowflake's room from Alabama and Mom put it all together when she got here. Check out how WONDERFUL it looks!!! It's my favorite room in the whole house.

And now.... all of my favorite pictures...... enjoy!

I love this one! You can tell we've spent a lot of time all piled into bed together watching movies and just plain hanging out......... Snowflake gets squished.... alot. By the way, this onesie says, "I'm kind of a big deal." Yep, she IS. :)

Yo, diggy dog, just hangin' with my peeps...... you gotta problem wit dat?

What does one do for dinner on July 8th????

Weeeeeeeeell, of course?! YOU EAT MOR CHIKIN!

baby cow included.... Daddy cow was behind the iphone..... but he was a "bull" not a cow he says:)

Happy Cow Appreciation Day, Chik-fil-A!


By the way, YES we now have our computer back BUT our camera isn't yet downloaded so Snowflake pictures will have to wait just a bit......... in the meantime:) can YOU tell which one is Snowflake and which one is Glitter??????

Adoption fundraiser for a precious little girl!

My friend AMY is having the CUTEST!!!!! fundraiser for her adoption fund for their daughter, Lilah Grace. Take a moment to go check out these great custom made hooded towels.... they are super sized!

Oak Creek Canyon Sedona Arizona

BABIES and KIDS R US!!!!!

Thanks Caroline!!

My dear cousin, who loves to cook and is my baking inspiration and obviously does not want me to EVER fit back into my britches...hahahaha, sent me this link.

It MUST be shared with the world. I will not share the sinful thoughts that filled my brain when I clicked on said link.... I'll let you think your own sinful thoughts. (This is how you know I love you. I'm sharing my chocolate.)

Dreaming of White Chocolate

Seriously, if you are reading this DO NOT EVEN THINK about not clicking on this link. I'll find out who you are and hunt you down for insanity and blasphemy. This kind of chocolate reverence must be respected.

:))))) By the way, if you're curious, Snowflake has settled in for the long summer and is hibernating. She is -amazingly- comfortable in there and is not choosing to emerge. Odd, she's totally cutting her own path. I have high hopes of a real, actual, bonified laid back child! I hope she can handle the high strung lifestyle we lead around here.:) God's plans always amaze me!

Hey Aunt Trish!!!

Here's the baby's picture when she was measuring 18 weeks:

:D As soon as I can get the scanner to cooperate, I'll post the new ones! xoxoxoxooxox

Special post!!!

This is a very special post link. It's for my very sweet friend from high school who is in the process of adopting!!!! Clink on the link and read about her fantastic art and creativity (yes, I know she's an Auburn fan but no one's perfect! hahahaha).

My heart has been so touched through the years by the children that my friends have adopted. They are at the churches I've been a part of, my homeschool group, my blog friends..... they are every where! I find myself falling in love with each and every one of them. It has always been a dream of mine to adopt one day or be foster parents like Rex's mom and dad so I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to a  blog friend that is at the end of her journey and will soon have her son in her arms for good!!!

So, without further ado.......... please go to Poppy Lane and read all about it!

New Year's Resolutions

The Fantastic Four enjoying the wonders of a white Christmas!

I realize that I'm posting this before Christmas pictures... surely you are used to me being backwards by now, right?

Well, this is what's on my mind and as I found that actually saying it (my Christmas not to do list) out loud and putting it in print just adjusted my attitude SO MUCH for the better, I think I'm going to be proactive in my approach to the New Year. Ideally, I'll get the kids in on the gig too! I'll post what they come up with later.

So here is Melissa's list of my 2011 priorities:

1. Stay on task with school and finish by the end of April so that testing can be done in May and we can have a long wonderful summer.

2. Keep my priorities with school in order so that I don't get fixated on #1 too much and forget that the biggest blessing/joy/privilege of homeschooling is to cherish every single day with my precious little ones -no matter how big they are.

3. Stay on task with our posted list of daily responsibilities and my own daily-to-do's so that weekends are Daddy time and family fun without guilt.

4. Recognize that we LIVE in our house and Martha Stewart does not, And if she comes to visit..... it better be for the company and not to make sure that my house looks like a magazine cover...... I live here, work here, play here, and rarely do I do all that alone...... life is messy when it's fun. As long as it's clean, organized, and sanitary... I WILL NOT demand perfection.

5. I will start walking the dog every morning once Snowflake is here and I can walk again. He needs it, I need it. It starts my day off right and better. I will probably expect the kids to do this with me.

6. I really want to finish reading the Bible with the kids this year so that we can start it again in 2012 but I won't get bent out of shape if we don't. Perspective, balance, breathe. :D I care more about hearts than checklists.

There are more things on my mind but this is what's really important...... balancing life better. Having a goal but accomplishing it while minding the heart of the matter and not the checklist and by doing so, to instill in my kids the right attitude about diligence and responsibility. I also want to facilitate a real and deep relationship with the Lord that shows my kids what His heart really is...... and hope they follow His example, not mine. If their relationship with Him is built on what Mommy says and does, then it is shallow and won't stand the hard test of life. They must be strong with Him on their own. They must stand on the Rock for themselves......

Happy New Year folks.... I'll get Christmas break pictures together soon!

Check out how deep our snow is!!!

My "NOT TO DO " List

Ok, stealing another post idea. This time from my friend Deanna.  Who, I believe, stole it from someone else..... love how this works.

Her not to do list gives her permission to let go of the guilt of the "shoulds" and "didn't get around to its" and focus on what is truly important.

God has gifted me with some serious perspective this year (that's another post... might skip it though, it's kinda heavy.) and so I have actually done a much better job this year than last.... but I'm still very human and very much under the influence of the "super mom" ideal....... so I love Deanna for this encouragement and grace check!

Here's my list:
1. I will not grouch at myself when taking the time to "do the right thing" makes me late for "doing the have to" thing. (Sorry kids for grouching about traffic yesterday.)

2. I will not feel guilty for not doing ALL of our list of activities.... we've done so much and we've done the ones we really wanted to and we've done many things on the spur of the moment that were so much fun! I'm tossing the checklist out the window!

3. I will not feel guilty for using a month's worth of butter in 2 weeks because the end result was lots and lots of yummmy cookies and biscuits that we've eaten and shared and loved...... and I might even go buy more so I can make more too! :D

4. I will not allow anything to steal the sense of joy and love and peace I have when I sit and marinate in My Father's Presence knowing that He alone understands me fully, created me 'specially, and adores me completely........ and He feels that way about each and every one of my "babies"(I do know that they are technically too old to be babies.... cut me slack on this:D), so much more than I can even imagine! And I LOVE that He has gifted me with a glimpse of the depth of what drowning in His love means!!! WOW! I hope I never come up for air.

5. I will NOT stress about the state of my house.... NO MATTER how unkempt it gets on Christmas Day... giggle, giggle and NO MATTER who is coming that WILL notice the details I miss tomorrow as I clean! lol You know who I'm talking about :) hahahaha, We'll eat, we'll talk, we'll enjoy each other's company.... check the guilt with the coat at the door!

6. And finally, I will not forget the precious faces, stories, and footprints I have met and fallen in love with this past year....the butterflies spending their first Christmas with Jesus and the mommies and daddies that are walking around in the fog I was in last year, the ones whose hearts are ripped to unidentifiable shreds..... I remember. I love. I bring your names before the Father everyday with tears. I also remember and diligently pray for each rainbow on the way... all of them. I countdown to your due date with you, I celebrate with tears every healthy birth and adoption.... and yes, I pray as diligently over every adoption in the works just as I pray over every rainbow in the works. I may not say it out loud a lot.... but my heart and mind NEVER forget. EVER.

Love you all.... Have a Merry Christmas full of God's best for you, the deepest drenching in His Presence that you have ever known. I hope you all create your own "not to do" list! And find forgiveness and grace and peace in the midst of the insanity and chaos that can be a part of this year!

LOTS of love to you, Deanna, for sharing this!!! :D

Homeschool blog that totally rocks!!!!

Anyone who teaches elementary school or homeschool WILL fall in love with this blog!!!!

This godly woman is ridiculously creative, amazingly organized, and insanely talented!!!! This is where I got my binder/pocket idea from... but i REALLY love her workbox idea (use the search box in the top right corner). I wish I had the space for it. I just might have to see what I can come up with this summer.

Her ideas are just too cute and too fun.

Lord, help us!

next photo photo by Yahoo! Games/- - December, 7 2010

ANGRY BIRDS -- Portable gaming has gone to the birds -- the angry ones. Though this iOS blockbuster was technically released in December of 2009, its incredible story was written over the course of an amazing 2010. Perched atop the App Store for months, the addictive tower-smashing game became the runaway iPhone hit of the year, selling over 10 million paid copies and leading Finland-based developer Rovio to port it over to other mobile devices.

 

 

 

If you are confused as to why this headline caught my attention..... see here . Heaven help us all.... they've invaded the world.

I'm in love........

sighhhhhhhhhhhhh, (I'm looking dreamily off into space.....)

Click on THIS and see just why I'm starry eyed ;P

Some one else enjoys lists as much as I do. I'm thinking I LOVE this idea more than my laminated checklist! I'll never spend the money on something this expensive but maybe my ever so crafty hubby who is so awesome with tools will make me one???? After all, it IS Christmas and this would be a cheap gift under the tree..... right?

This just looks like SO MUCH FUN! I could even borrow THIS idea from Suzy (you are too cool of a mom, Suzy!) and make it even more fun......  hehehe. I'm loving the idea of "fun cards" added in.  I'm always looking for ways to make life more fun! We NEED fun ... we do.

Speaking of love.... here's our Christmas picture..... this is an entirely different kind of "in love" and we are drenched in it!

I tried to upload the black and white - which is much better.... but the card says, "Do you hear what i hear?"  love it!