Alacrity

Back to 2011

2011-02-04T14:02:00.006-05:00

I promise I know what year it is! I thought I would write about our year in review last month and missed the opportunity. 2010 was such a BIG year, full of BIGNESS in every way that I may just do a flashback every month. Now, onto 2011 --

This January we were plagued with quite a few unwelcome bugs and some snow, which has kept us more grounded than usual. I have secretly liked it. The time home has helped me to understand how Mom maintained a beautiful home and had delicious manly meals every night of my wonder years. The secret? She stayed HOME. Ohhhh, is that how it happens? I'll think on it. Done thinking. My poor mom!

We started the month off with a trip to "Chuckie Cheese-Its" with Grammy.

Jackson loved this bicycling helicopter!

Poor Caroline couldn't get it to move! Brought back an awful memory of being in a bumper car and getting slammed by other kids, because I couldn't get my car to move.

Obviously, still traumatized.

Jacks' favorite outfit these days. Cannot get him out of that old sweatshirt to save my life!

Why he's on the chair? I have no idea-

Our sweet baby turned 6 months old! More on her to come!

One lovely snowy afternoon I *treated* my family to a homemade, gourmet peppermint shake

with the leftover peppermint ice cream from Christmas.

We were totally psyched, especially since I added peppermint oil

(that was supposed to make my hair grow in nice and thick, but I digress...).

MISTAKE.

This turned out more like lactose-infused peppermint schnapps!

Too darling for words, even with a dried boogie on her face.

Can you spy Jackson?

Jackson's teacher Ms. "Ali Dora" says, "He is a very physical little boy."

Here he is with his buddy Eli on "P is for Pajamas" Day.

I don't think Eli ever saw it coming.

Princess Caroline with her Word Study. Look at those big girl teeth!

Jacks is quite into anything "fireman" these days...

...and multitasking.

The Return of Caroline's Crazy Hair Day

This is all Karis could come up with for such an event.

10-4 good buddies!

January 2010

2011-02-03T17:15:00.000-05:00

January last year...

Caroline was learning to read! Love this -- The "princess" reading a Tonka Truck book.

Doing her best John Travolta moves in her modern day leisure suit!

The 100th Day of Kindergarten and Jackson's snack -

This was hillarious! Nope, not a gold tooth wanna be, just a stuck raisin.

Crazy Hair Day

Looking quite productive!

Good reminder of all the snow 2010 brought!

Making Headlines

2011-01-12T23:04:00.001-05:00

We've had a couple of lousy days on this end. The kids are battling a whopper of a virus. The bonus is we've been able to hunker down and not leave the confines of our petite home since Saturday. Saturday. However, we do have much to cheer about! Let's see, the top stories making tonight's headlines...

1. Proud momma reporting that Karis Elizabeth is now sitting by herself for a good 20 seconds or so! That is until she topples backward. I remember as a little girl trying to sit my baby doll up and she would fall back just like Karis does now. Makes me laugh! Same perfect posture with her little bent arms out to her side. She is such a doll.

2. JERRY JOHN
And I debated about putting this first, because we are SO excited -

Jerry John is now a part of our family!! Doesn't his name just make you smile?! I knew Donald would love his name too. My hubby with the WVA roots who halfway teased this want-to-be Southern Belle about naming our son Jimmy Don.

I am very embarrassed to say we have talked for too long about sponsoring a child, though this one year anniversary of Haiti's earthquakes did our hearts in. The kids and I got a call this morning from Donald to chose someone, anyone, but to do it. So we threw open the laptop and prayed that God would hook us up with just the right child. After pages of too precious, extremely adorable faces Caroline was quick to point out the only photo we had seen with a red heart in the corner. We had found our someone.

The red heart meant the child had been waiting for over 6 months for a sponsor.

I still can't get that out of my head. I have a hard time thinking people have been passing his photo for 6 months. I have a hard time thinking we've waited so long before taking action on a constant pull. It breaks my heart to think of children all over this globe in such dire need -- of clean water, attention. I really dislike how tightly I've been clinging to the few tens we'll be sharing each month, as if I can look back and say they made any real difference in our lives. I really, really dislike how easy it is to be informed, feel horrible, and still ignore.

BUT! I really like to imagine how Jerry John and his parents will react when they learn they finally have a sponsor! I really like how thrilled our kids are to be helping someone they've never met, picturing Jerry John wearing his school uniform for the first time, perhaps a healthier year for him, easing his parents worry, the kids writing to him, watching him grow through photos taped to our fridge, praying for him. Julie Andrews singing "My Favorite Things" is floating through my head, but with different lyrics. I wonder what he looks like sleeping. Now, I can watch the news about Haiti with Jerry John in mind. It's personal now.

Our New Friend Jerry John

http://www.compassion.com/

Jerry John. Jerry John. Jerry John. I keep saying his name. Makes me smile!

1-1-11

2011-01-02T00:24:00.003-05:00

It was a great 1st day! Extremely average and when I am in mid-year feeling rather middle aged with an average life I want to remember how truly remarkable that is.

Let's see, today...
-Jackson crawled in bed with me while I cuddled my 5 month old baby saying he wanted to sleep with me.
-Donald slipped back in from being "in the woods" because he forgot something, but in the process he fixed me a pot of coffee and Jackson his oatmeal.
-my big kids brushed their teeth without hassle.
-I used new hair products that made my post pregnancy, fine, thin hair feel a bit bigger. Trying really hard to focus on the fact that I have some hair.
-Karis hung out virtually fuss less.
-I was able to call my mom and sister to wish them a great new year.
-Caroline wrapped a few gifts I have to give to folks at church.
-Jackson and Caroline played with his new train from Grammy and my old doll house furniture in her castle for at least an hour.
-I made some awesome banana nut bread and got around to delivering it to a new neighbor 2 houses down that I have actually known for a few years!
-Jackson and Karis napped at the same time for a couple of hours while Caroline read her Bible among other things. I am not lying, I promise.
-a couple of old friends sent me some very sweet messages.
-my favorite uncle and I are now FaceBooking.
-the kids and I visited an even older friend and exchanged Christmas gifts.
-we arrived home at the same time as Donald who had pizza in hand.
- we played "Don't Wake Daddy" with the kids.
-I snuggled all of my kids to sleep.
-I am currently having my fair share of peppermint ice cream with a picked up house, some laundry in process, and may I repeat, sleeping kids.
-Donald just walked in the door safe and sound at midnight from saving his parents and their dead car battery.
-our needs and an awful lot of wants are taken care of.

I realized even after moments of laziness, procrastination, frustration, loneliness, exhaustion, awful comparison that I am loved, lavished, happy, happy, happy and blessed beyond my deserving. And I'm thinking if you're reading this, you probably are too.

Signing off very happy to be average.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:42:00.000-05:00

Thankful to give 2011 to the big hands of an even bigger God!
Looking forward to this new year!
Hope it's a great one for you.
Love,
Kristin

"But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way,

who can't see where they're going.

I'll be a personal guide to them,

directing them through unknown country.

I'll be right there to show them what roads to take,

make sure they don't fall into the ditch.

These are the things I'll be doing for them—

sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

-Isaiah 42:16 (MSG)

Caroline and The Backseat

2010-12-30T23:25:00.003-05:00

Today Donald and I took the kids to the mall to make our Christmas returns and enjoy some Christmas money. He took them and I shopped! Caroline hung with me for a bit in her big girl dress coat and "Ugs". We had so much fun trying to decide how to best spend the $1.79 that she brought in her fairy purse. She carefully chose a necklace with a "C" charm after her wise momma declined a menagerie of lip glosses and nail polishes. Gotta love Claire's. It was a great afternoon topped off with a run into Starbucks with my little miss. This afternoon I was acutely aware of how she has grown.

On the way to the mall Caroline announced that she and Jackson are "BFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFs!" How does she know what BFF means? Regardless, that was music to my ears, especially since these two sibs don't pronounce their love for one another often. It got me thinking about how I've heard some of the most treasured comments and surprises from Caroline float forward from the backseat. Almost as if I could plot points of her growth on the wall of our minivan right next to where they happen. For instance, in the fall of Caroline's kindergarten year she climbed into the van and announced that she met the boy she is going to marry, like she was announcing that she'd like jam on her toast. I was shocked that the thought had even occurred to her! Since then she has decided that she's going to marry her brother instead, which suits me just fine. At least I know the boy!

From the dark depths of the minivan there have been so many moments, and questions, and songs, and temper tantrums... But here is a memory that is especially dear to me. About a month ago she climbed onto the backseat and just happened to mention while buckling in, "I made someone a Christian today." Poor thing didn't know she was going to get an inquisition. I was shocked, tickled, scared, proud, amazed. My 6 year old, sitting at the cafeteria table had shared her heart with a girlfriend, then prayed with her to ask Jesus into this little darling's life. Still in awe. I don't have the guts to even find out what some of my more ambiguous friends believe.

No big deal, Mommy. I am just making an impact and planning my wedding with my BFF.

Indeed, you are, little girl! Impacting your momma and her driving in ways you know nothing about. Needless to say I'm looking forward to 2011's backseat commentary from my little miss!

Caro and her "BFFFFFFFFFF!"

Amoeba Love

2010-12-08T20:34:00.003-05:00

I told Donald the other day that I have "amoeba love" for Karis; the kind of love that could just wrap itself around the unsuspecting, little edible and swallow it up whole. Yep, that's how I feel about my little babinski. She's such an EASY baby and smiles, smiles, smiles. PRECIOUS.

My Amoeba Love

At her 4 month appointment Karis weighed 14.13 pounds (75th percentile) and was 24 inches long (50th percentile). Her head was a whopping 90th percentile. I'm afraid she comes by her big head naturally. (Some of you will get that -)

Let's see, Karis slept through the night just before Thanksgiving, rolled over on Thanksgiving Day for the 1st time, and can completely delight herself by pondering her fingers. She also loves to grab her toes and smile at me with a look of sheer accomplishment. We adore her!

Caroline and Jackson are super big-sibs:
          -holding her until she squirms --not a long wait
          -making silly faces
          -jiggling whatever baby contraption she is in (Jackson)
          -reading to her (Caroline)
They are a HUGE help when I need a diaper or burp cloth in a pinch, which seems to be often. As we say in the south, they have taken to her like bees to honey.

I would be remiss if I did not also mention "Dad of the Year". He is still getting up with Karis when she wakes to change diapers, reassure her, or bring her to me when we cave at 3:00 AM. He is pretty incredible in the waking hours too.

More Amoeba Love

Fall Photos

2010-10-11T20:09:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe it's almost mid-October! Karis and I had a virus for a couple of weeks which has thrown me way out of whack. We did make it to Connie's photo party last Thursday where these pictures were taken. It was a gorgeous afternoon at Pleasant Grove! http://www.jennymphotosession.com/Fields/

Wanting to do some blogging catch up this week if and when I find the energy!

Thanks for checking in!

If I Could, I Would

2010-09-15T15:07:00.000-04:00

I had the best time the other morning answering "If I could do anything regardless of time, money, ability I would..." on a blog. It was hard listing only three answers. I'd love to know what you, my three friends who read this blog, would do. Remember this has nothing to do with regrets and should be somewhat realistic.

If I could, I would...

1. Be an avid runner with a swishy ponytail

2. Travel the U.S. in a luxury RV and hike all the national parks, especially Yellowstone/Grand Tetons

3. Secretly plant daffodils and tulips all over... Wouldn't the spring be extra awesome?!

4. Be the person that gets to name things: roads, crayons, lipsticks, ice creams...

5. Adopt lots of orphans

6. Raise my kids without ever loosing my patience (probably falls into the "totally not possible" range)

7. Be fluent in sign language

8. Have one of those decorating TV shows redo my entire home

9. Work for an impactful ministry like LPM

10. Collect & sell antique china, linens, jewerly in a Victorian town like Cape May, NJ -- minus the NJ part

11. Ride in a hot air balloon

12. Be happy to have my hubby hang deer antlers in our family room -- This should be a "I would if only I could..." Ha!

13. Travel

14. Have a large, flat enough yard so when you lay in the grass you can see the curvature of the atmosphere

15. Raise my kids on lots of land with an orchard and some chickens

16. Speak a foreign language fluently -- probably Spanish

17. Paint landscape portraits at the beach and have a seafood restaurant sell them

Still thinking of some...

Bone Marrow Drive

2010-09-11T22:18:00.014-04:00

Melanie and Trystan

OK, perhaps my last blog was a bit dramatic. My friend Tracey kept it real by reminding me, "It is only a cheek swab." Ha! So yes, the registering was very easy, andI am glad that I registered in person rather than mailing in the kit for a handful of reasons.

First, Melanie was there and so tickled to greet us! It was like a party in her honor. In fact, later that night she FaceBooked saying, "It was the party I always wanted to have." She is amazing and a beautiful example of living from the perspective of Christ's truth for her rather than being stuck in earthly facts.
Second, I was really touched to see the support. We were there for maybe 45 minutes for a 10 minute process due to the amount of people registering. Yay!
Third, I learned some BIG time facts, which can explain my emotions in the last entry. Turns out I was believing a lot of misconceptions and assumptions. I am very relieved I acted on how I was led rather than what I thought to be true.
Fourth, it was the most meaningful date night Donald and I have ever had. We left feeling even more grateful and with deeper compassion for people.
Last but not least, I loved being contacted by a handful of people I reached out to that have already registered as donors. I learned a lot and was touched by their humbleness!

It may have only been a cheek swab and I may never get the call to save a life, but sending those cells to a Petri dish felt better than I ever imagined!

"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that." -Eph. 5:1-2 (MSG)

Melanie

2010-09-08T15:15:00.002-04:00

Last spring I met my 41 year old, elementary school counselor neighbor Melanie and her incredibly gorgeous 3 year old daughter at a playgroup. A couple of weeks later Melanie discovered that she has Myleodysplastic Syndrome/pre-Leukemia. A few days ago I found a flier with their photo in our postbox asking for help with finding a matching bone marrow donor. Without any hesitation the flier states, "Melanie's continued state of wellness, actually her survival, depends upon her receiving a bone marrow transplant." I have not been able to shake the gnawing thought of what if I were in her shoes? What if she was my sister, my good friend, my mom... ?

Tomorrow there will be a drive in Charlottesville to join the Bone Marrow Registry. All it requires is a simple cheek swab and I could be the one to save a life. To be completely transparent, I am not 100% certain I will be there. If I knew it would be just for Melanie, I would be a lot less hesitant and selfishly so, because the likelihood of being a match and actually going through the donation process would be almost null. But upon entering the registry you agree to donate to any patient in need. The thought enters my mind again; what if it were my sister, my good friend, my mom.... ?

Melanie and I ran into one another a few weeks ago in the library parking lot and I prayed with her. So often the Lord allows people to be the answer to prayers. How often have I felt so incredibly blessed and casually looked for ways to give a little. I think I am being invited to put action to my words, to be actively engaged rather than usually passive, to be like the Savior who got His feet dirty for me. Hard choice, because I know I don't have to -- but I get to.

JOIN THE BONE MARROW REGISTRY

Date: Thursday, September 9th
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Courtyard North by Marriott Hotel (behind Toys R Us)
Phone: 866-301-4650 x7385

You can also have a swab kit sent to you directly.
1-866-301-4650 x7385
http://www.bethematch.org/

"But look! A king will rule in the right way, and his leaders will carry out justice.

Each one will stand as a shelter from high winds,

provide safe cover in stormy weather.

Each will be cool running water in parched land,

a huge granite outcrop giving shade in the desert."

-Is. 32 (MSG)

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-07T23:15:00.007-04:00

"Come to me all those who labor..." If Jesus didn't come to save us from our soul's labor, I'm not sure why He came. Goodness knows my mind has travelled back and forth to twisted land this week over a close loved one's turmoil while dealing with a 3 year old boy who wants to disassemble nearly every household assembled thing. There are bigger worries in the world, but when it rains in your little corner it pours. I am so thankful God is true to His Word and in His perfect timing brings refreshing when trusted for it. This weekend my family had a ton of fun and I needed it.

To start the weekend off Jacks and Caro went to their first Fluco football game with Donald and Grandpa. Caroline's favorite part of the evening was when "the team we were cheering for got two home runs." You catch her drift, I am sure! Jackson liked the blue boy with the blue hair that waved the flag. Caroline tells me this was the mascot. I'm guessing a "Flying Fluco" is up for interpretation.

Fluvanna vs. Madison

Saturday Caroline had her first Upwards soccer game which was SO FUN! I never played soccer. I was a total ballerina. In fact, the idea of kids kicking at my shins never really appealed to me, so I was especially proud of Caroline for getting out there and going for it. She reminded me of a sheep dog bouncing off the ground outside the mess of kids on top of the ball, hollering and pointing in the direction they should be moving. My favorite quote of the weekend came from Caroline about what she and her pal were doing on the field: "Talking about nothing for no reason."

Saturday evening we went to the Valentines' annual Labor Day cookout. This is no ordinary cookout. This is an all out event with a hundred people at least, professional bouncy houses for the kids, frozen drink machines, food, food, food! This year's theme was a luau and it was delicious! It was especially great to catch up with old friends from Central Elementary. There was a moment when I thought how fortunate I've been to spend the past 15 years sharing life with the same people.

After a great morning at FUBC on Sunday we took naps then moseyed up the street to a neighborhood block party. The kids had a ball sledding down the Hersmans' dirt hill!

Jackson, Ben, Bella, & Caroline

Monday afternoon we headed to Fredricksburg to surprise Mom. One of our highlights was pulling over in Orange to watch the skydivers land. I really think I'd like to do that some day. In fact, I've planted the idea for Donald and I to take the plunge on our 40th. Someone hold us to it!

Mom is one of the unfortunate laborers who is fortunately employed that had to work on Labor Day. You should have seen her face as Caroline surprised her and her clients! It was something between sheer delight and utter terror! Priceless, and I wish I had been prepared with my camera. While there my undemonstrative Donald plopped down on one of the leather sectionals on display and the words "Stop it!" rolled out of his mouth like water from a fire hydrant. It CRACKED me up. I've never heard him react that way, but apparently it was pretty comfortable. After spending some time with Mom, doing a little sales shopping at Khols, and eating too many rolls at Ryans we rode home into a beautiful sunset --feeling refreshed.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." -James 1:17

Big Happenings Around Here!

2010-09-03T21:28:00.006-04:00

This was another big week of firsts for the Fields Family!

Karis had her 1 month appointment (at the tender age of almost 6 weeks old). She weighed in at 10 pounds 5 ounces, which is a weight gain of 2 pounds 5 ounces. She also grew 2 inches and is now 22.5 inches long. If you are a stat fan that places her in the 75th percentile for length and 50th percentile for weight. She took her shot like a trooper; didn't even accept the lollipop her big brother suggested as a reward.

She still sleeps through most of the day, but will hang out for an hour or so in the morning and a little longer in the afternoon and is most happy in our arms. She does like to fuss right around dinner time until she's down for the night. She sleeps from 9:00ish to about 1:30 a.m. which is her longest stretch, but I have the darnedest time putting myself to bed which I suffer for later. After her 1:30 feeding she usually wakes up at 3:30 and 5:30.

I love her big eyes. They seem to open so big and bright, but maybe that is in direct relation to her sweet cheeks getting rounder and rounder, pushing up on her eyes. Ha! Someone told me last night that she has my eyebrows which is kind of funny considering you can hardly see hers and I have to pencil in mine!

Let's see some things I especially love about Karis right now: how her hair fluffs after I wash it, her extra soft baby hands, how the bottom of her toes look like baby peas, all those baby sounds (nursing, sleeping, waking up), how I can take her anywhere in her car seat and she sleeps, and when she protests about being in her swing she cries in sync with the motion of the swing... My girl has rhythm!

Six Weeks Old

One Month Old

Wednesday Jackson had his 1st field trip. His preschool class met at Fruit Hill Orchard and everyone picked a peck of apples. He was so excited and ate more than his share, that's for sure! We had a great time and learned how apples grow too.

Our good buddies from church also go to school with us. Momma Kat is a national superstar. You should check out the show she produces with her husband: www.redarrowtv.com/pics.html

That very same day...

Caroline came home with another missing tooth! It fell out on the bus ride to school. She wrote the Tooth Fairy a letter asking for "sum mashic dus." The Tooth Fairy was apparently all out of magic dust, but she did leave two Sacajawea coins this time!

This One Is For My Friend Erin...

2010-09-02T16:28:00.000-04:00

Know what today is?

902010 !!

Gotta love fashion!

Kisses From Katie

2010-08-21T21:14:00.000-04:00

I am so humbled my heart hurts. Sometimes my eyes need to refocus on something other than my place in the world. Tonight I am left wondering how else I could be, should be, want to be spending my blessings and the minutes of my life -- http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Lord, have mercy.

"Toof-less!"

2010-08-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

While I was saying my goodbyes to friends at our Wednesday night church dinner, Caroline ran to me and threw her little chin up in the air to reveal a huge smile with a great, big gap! Her eyes were as wide open as her mouth, and her hand was high in the air carrying her front baby tooth in a plastic bag like a new trophy. It took me only a second and then I realized what a big moment this was. ...The first day of kindergarten, first kiss, off to college, wedding day, loosing your first front tooth -- all biggies in my book. When I asked her how it happened, she blurted, "Jackson knocked it out!!" which made it all the more fun. Apparently Jackson was running toward her and landed with some body part in her face, and voila! Of course the Tooth Fairy was prepared and left a shiny Sacajawea coin under her pillow. We're loving the new whistle her words have taken on as well as her new look!

New Sister, First Grade, 6th Birthday, Lost Tooth...

It's Been An Exciting Month

First Firsts

2010-08-20T15:08:00.002-04:00

Whizzzzzz-- Watch out, there life goes! So much to catch before it wiggles away...

After a hearty breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes our little miss started her
1st grade adventure.

Can you guess which parent dressed which kid?

It was a family affair!

Daddy went to work late and even Grandma joined in the fun.

Here we are making the trek to the bus stop at 7 a.m.

(Jackson might be afraid of my postpartum early morning look.)

Big step! No big tears for Mommy this year, just a big tug on the heart strings.

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to school I go! Delighted to be sitting next to Bella.

Super start to a fresh season!

Grammy picked Caroline up from the bus stop and said the first words out of her mouth were,

"It was awesome!" =Whew!=

Caro's favorite part of the day was telling her teacher that she's a Christian,

and having her teacher reply, "I am too!"

Jackson's 1st day of preschool was the 13th.

He was sooooooo excited to go to school and have a big boy backpack!

Kissing Karis good-bye.

Flying Jacks to the "vinvan".

Jackson's first hook experience caught on film!

Time for me to leave. I can do it. I think I can, I think I can...

Jackson said he really liked school.

He played with planes and looked for "Bailwee" from VBS most of the time.

Ms. Allie said he was very good with playing play dough and is really creative.

(I got a chuckle out of that.)

Ms. Allie is the big sister of one of my former second grade students. How is cool is that?!

Happy 6th Birthday, sweet Caroline!

2010-08-18T22:31:00.002-04:00

August 17th, 2010 was your 6th birthday!

Grandma walked you to the bus stop and tied a Cinderella balloon to our front door for you.

After I read to your class in the afternoon,

we left school a smidge early to find your old friend Avery waiting for you at home!

Surprise!

Your Menu Requests:

Hamburgers For Dinner

Lemon Cake With Lemon Sherbert For Dessert

Making a Wish!

You were thrilled to get your Princess Zhu Zhu Pet.

Your sudden interest in the solar system has won you a PINK telescope!

Great Grandma Barber sent you some "fun-ds"!

Grammy wrote you a letter asking for a special date to go toy shopping

and a promise to end your time together with a sweet treat!

A day later we celebrated 1st grade style with mint brownies and grape juice boxes.

(Chocolate and wine go together, right? You are a little young for that so we compromised...)

Look how much you've grown and changed in a year, little miss.

Your momma's heart just wants to bust at the thought of how precious you are!

You amaze me.

"I love you more!"

Laughables From Today

2010-08-16T22:52:00.004-04:00

After singing "Old MacDonald" today, I asked Jackson what he would have on a farm...
     "Butterflies.
     pause
     "PJs"
     pause
     "Portipines, and a TRUCK!"

Laying in bed with Caroline tonight I was showing her how she would be 5 "fingers" old for only a few more hours. Then grabbing the teachable moment I flashed my 5 fingers 7 times plus my pointer finger to show her how many 5s there are in my age, stressing how she will be 6 tomorrow and I will be 36. (I was shocked myself at how many times my hand had to open and shut to get to 35!) She then said...
     Caro:  "You're not young, " with a bit of an exasperated sigh and smile.
     Me:     "No, I guess... not."
     Caro:  "Wow! That's like a 'Heads up!'"

"IT"

2010-08-04T00:25:00.002-04:00

Karis is two weeks old today! I am still amazed at how elusive time is. I wish I could just grab it by the collar and hang it on a hook for a bit. I have treasured these 14 days the best a woman on prescription narcotics can.  With perfect timing my head is slowly coming out of the clouds as my body is trying to get a grip postpartum. It has been really, really easy for the most part. A few nights in the hospital accompanied by lots of loving visitors and doting nurses, then onto a week at home with my very attentive and loyal Dunk'n Donuts patron of a husband, not to mention all of the TLC from my nearest and dearest friends and family. A big thanks to the hubs who has helped keep the house maintained and kids entertained too. I have been showered and powdered for company, and even made a large grocery run with all 3 kiddos (and my dear mom). But, it happened today.

"It" would be that brick wall that made its appearance. I ran smack into it while being whooped by the up hill battle of getting everyone dressed, fed, and just doing the usual morning chores while the minutes ticked closer to noon than I liked. When at that time what to my watering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and -- oops, that tricky pain medicine!  ...When a really good friend (who looked so calm and together) brought us a delicious chicken pot pie with all the fixings.

I had to laugh as I was caught partially dressed, baby in arms, kids looking halfway homeless, and laundry piled high after only a day!! It was my disloyal mind's fault too! My own mind betrayed me these past two nights powering up auto pilot and flying into the land of list making and conversations (that should actually be held with another person) until the wee hours of the morning.  Making it worse was wondering how my beloved husband on one side and my precious newborn on the other could sleep so well while me, the Queen Bee, struggled to catch a wink. Thus, I hit that brick wall pretty hard.

If only I had remembered at that crucial moment that God has encouragement lined up and ready to march into the trenches with me. Hence, my really put together, sweet smelling, even kinder friend who providentially brought the pot pie by at just the moment I needed a happy diversion. She was so gracious and reminded me that, "This is life."

Ah yes, this is life and I am happy to be caught in the middle: in the middle of my beloved husband and precious 2 week old baby girl, in the middle of two bigger kiddos wanting their mommy, in the middle of being loved on by my loved ones, in the middle of blessings and purpose and laundry piles. I believe I can see that brick wall crumbling and a few zzz's awaiting me. Whoohoo!!

Ten Things About Karis

2010-08-01T12:04:00.004-04:00

I just heard Karis giggle for the 1st time! She was sleeping in my arms and woke herself up. Be still my heart!

Number One: Shake A Leg
Throughout the last couple months of my pregnancy I would feel this spastic vibration for a couple of seconds every now and then. I wasn't sure what it was, but now I know for certain. Her little leg likes to give a shout out to the world without notice. It's pretty cute. Let's just say she has a head start on the Hokey Pokey.

Number Two: Barn Yard Phonics
I think her favorite letters are "N" and "Short E" -- She likes to remind us of their sounds whenever she feels the need for a little attention. That and since day one she has had this cough that sounds like a duck's quack, unusually loud!

Number Three: Sweet Cheeks
Karis has the most adorable, teeny, tiny bumm! Must be a gene from generations ago.

Number Four: Ice Cream Diet Only, Please
She is not a garlic fan at this point, but there is always hope! Until that day I guess I'll just have to tough it out with my Breyers. Poor, poor me.

Number Five: Favorite Place
She loves the outdoors! Nature is baby Valium in my book.

Number Six: The Eyes Say It All
Karis goes out of her way to let me know that she loves to be held by me. I feel like a million bucks when I pick her up and she calms down instantly, focusing on my face like I am her hero! Then humbles me the next second as her gaze wanders to my bangs and her little brow furrows as if to say, "Mommy, second day hair just doesn't work for you."

Number Seven: Speaking of Hair
She thinks so highly of her daddy that she dons his hairdo!

Number Eight: Ear Prints
The tops her delicate ears have these little dents like someones fingertip rested there for awhile. Too darling for words!

Number Nine: Darling Digits
Piano playing fingers and tree climbing toes! There's nothing more precious than your baby grasping your fingers and her toes curling at your tickle, wondering where in the world they will go.

Number Ten: Sweet Dreams
She must have the best dreams! Little coos and ahs along with crooked grins and wide smiles. Oh, to sleep like a baby!

She's Here!

2010-07-27T22:10:00.007-04:00

Karis Elizabeth

Karis is one week old today! Our sweet baby girl arrived as scheduled at 8:13 a.m. on July 20th. She weighed in at 8 pounds flat and 20.5 inches long. To our delight Karis earned the reputation of being a very mellow baby in the nursery. YES! On the day we left the hospital a nurse even welled up as she said goodbye to her. Of course, I welled up too, as in, I really have to leave this little haven??

How has this week turned into a beautiful memory already?! Leaving behind the thoughts of a sore body and weepy eyes, I'll (hopefully) only remember lots of snuggling and visiting with loved ones in the days to come! I'll think of funny instances too like when Caroline repeated verbatim the lactation consultant's instructions for encouraging "let down" and when Karis tinkled on my sister's hand as she was ooing and ahhing over her teeny bottom. Of course, my heart is busting with moments like watching Caro's and Jacks' enamored faces, Donald whispering in my ear upon delivery "You got your Karis," breathing in her baby breath nose to nose as if we're in our own little peaceful bubble, and those first sleepy grins with the miniature quivery lips. I could go on and on. Ahh, sweetness.

Naturally, her name has sparked some interest, so here's the inside scoop. Karis is pronounced like "Paris" and is my best second grade phonetic spelling. Charis is a Greek word which is translated grace. Basically, when you read the word grace in the New Testament it was penned charis. I suppose in my heart there is something about the thought of Paul, for example, saying and writing that word 2,000 years ago under the direct inspiration of Karis' creator Himself that thrills me.

If you're still curious, grace is interpreted to mean a free, undeserved gift, most specifically Jesus' sacrifice of Himself for us, and the empowerment of God given to every believer in Jesus as their savior. On a less inspiring note, Elizabeth is my middle name and means "an oath of God; a worshipper of God". Wow. Now that I have thought that through her name could seem very religious. Eww, Lord, let it not be!! Our precious gift of grace is named out of my sheer love and delight for Jesus. That and I could not think of another middle name in all those 9 months!

June

2010-07-02T22:50:00.000-04:00

Despite my holey swiss cheese moment and Caroline's 24 hour bug, June was a fun month!

Caro and I had a fun girls night out to celebrate the end of a very accomplished kindergarten year. She dressed in her favorite new dress, fanciest pearls, and Cinderella slippers. Her momma was lucky to slap on some mascara and find her flip flops, but the owner of the ice cream shop was so taken with Caroline's beauty that he gave us a free sundae! Love my girl so much!

Making a Father's Day frame -- It was "fun" keeping them painting on their designated sides of the frame.

We made a chain to help us countdown "Sandwich's" arrival on July 20th!

The kids drying off at home after playing in the sprinkler at Reese's 2nd birthday party. Notice the big boy underwear? Yes, the seemingly impossible has happened! Jackson is officially potty trained. Yes, yes, and YES!!

We had a lot of fun at our church's Vacation Bible School. Here Jackson is receiving his 1st certificate! Next to the reward of seeing my kids celebrate and grow in God, I had the joy of being the snack lady, so I was in charge of organizing stations of M&M's, mini marshmallows, and chips to name just a few goodies for theme related snacks. Tough job, but someone had to do it.

Aimee and I picking out potential boy middle names. You can tell by the way I'm holding my book that we got far.

Amy gave Tracy and I a joint shower from our church. These ladies are so precious to me. From my point of view they are the real gifts. They are generous with their love and encouragement!

Here's the belly at 8 months pregnant. Looks like it's made out of Silly Putty. My sister exercising her Bionic Woman hearing.

The kids are over the top with excitement!

The Millers had a BBQ to celebrate Brent's 30th birthday. Watching Donald coach our little man was a highlight. Seeing Jackson throw a football was a first for me. Of course, Donald is holding strongly to the hope that Jacks will be 6'4, weigh a ton, and play for the 'Skins, right D?

These kids have spent HOURS together through the years, from the church nursery to get togethers. They are like cousins. Only wish the rest of the crew could have been there.

Regardless of Caroline's sinister look, it's this doggone Easy Bake Oven that is evil. Caroline was so eager to make her daddy a "cookie" in it for Father's Day. Between you and me, I am so eager to help this lovely gadget find it's way to the trashcan a little prematurely.

D's Father's Day was a little defunct. He wanted to nap and watch the College World Series but then I was able to do the same, which made a quick trip to Lazy Land. We made up for it the following evening by making him a surprise dinner. Just want his quote to be recorded for all time, "This is the best meatloaf you've ever made!" Whoo-hoo, way to score with a loaf of meat!

This is the desk set the kids made for Donald. The picture was taken on Father's Day, so it made the frame. It rather cracks me up. I'm as proud as a peacock!

Father's Day Kiss

I found an afghan my family used as a kid. Guess where? Yep, in a box in the basement! My grandma made this. To accessorize Caroline or the couch?

While digging through the basement I found a ton of teaching material! We had fun with a M&M Counting Book. A good reinforcement for shapes, colors, pattern, counting for Jackson, and adding, subtracting, multiplying for Caroline. Notice the monster trucks made a visit.

Here they are on a bit of a high afterward!! I hope the math skills sunk in as much as the sugar.

I don't make homemade treats very often so these were a big deal. My momma would be proud... Blueberry lemonade popsicles.

We had a power outage for about 12 hours after a big thunderstorm. I jokingly told my friends it was like I had post traumatic stress disorder when the lights first went out. My memories of 3 days without power this past winter rose like the mercury in our thermometer. I must have fired up every candle we owned. I’m sure our house would have been 5 degrees cooler if I had just gathered a flashlight or two. The next day Caro and Jacks kept us entertained with Caroline's dancing to Jackson's piano accompaniment.
Shocker of the month: My friend Melissa sent me flowers out of the blue for ZERO reason other than to love on me! When the delivery man came to the door before I even said hello I asked if he was sure he had the right address. Then I went on and on to Caroline about how sweet her daddy is! Even today it makes my heart smile. (Donald still counts as sweet too. He says he's taking notes from Melissa.)

The basement family room is under way! Sheetrock was completed today!

The last days of June were gogeous -- low hunmidity, tempts. in the 70s!! I savor having my quiet time in the morning on my deck before the kiddos get up. So thankful for this gorgeous weather!

Swiss Cheese Soul

2010-06-29T02:16:00.016-04:00

It's 2:30 in the morning and I haven't slept a wink. I believe I am suffering from a Swiss Cheese Soul at the moment. You must know what I mean. When you're soul has taken a lot of hits during the day, and you're the one who has poked out most of the holes. Allow me to illustrate -

Hole #1:

I wrote my "To-Do-Before-Baby-Arrives" list and am totally overwhelmed with how I am supposed to redecorate, contact every long lost friend, and dust my basement in the next 21 days. And yes, I am partially serious. The dry wall men came today and did a fine job of hanging the walls downstairs. However, they did not hang plastic to protect the rest of the area. In the process we developed a lovely coat of fine white powder on everything from laundry room to wreaths, not to mention however much will move in upstairs with us.

But wait! That's not a very good example. Let me try again to explain SCS...

Hole #2:

I emotionally barfed over friends today while revealing a tad bit too much of how I was feeling at the moment about one or twenty or so situations.

Hole #3:

Ah yes, here's a big one -- I spontaneously handed over my quasi loved-hated position of leading my Sunday School class in the heat of a discussion. This ultimately should be a relief, but I am feeling more like I gave my puppy away. Will it miss me? Will I ever see it again? Pathetic!!

Holes #4, 5, 6 & 7:

My belly is so big it almost hurts to turn over in bed, my feet feel dry and no amount of lotion is helping, everyone in the WORLD is sleeping but me, and we have no more ice cream!!!!!!!!

Guess who is the center of her universe at moment and apparently has her fingers in a few holes?

Lord, please shine Your light through these goofy holes and fix what I have poked out. Better to be a window with your character shining through than just a blob of stink'n smelly cheese.

Dad's Stuff and the Dreaded Basement

2010-06-23T16:16:00.023-04:00

I can count on one hand the number of friends who have actually been in our basement. It's usually under tight security and off limits for fear someone may suggest us to that TV show about hoarders. With our baby making the big debut in mere weeks, my husband and I have grown a few wild hairs! The craziness has driven me to finally clear out stuff, and the few hairs you might find on him have caused a giddy momentum which will end in the form of a playroom. (Are those angels I hear singing?!)

I remember thinking I was the bomb riding behind my dad on this.

Just picture little Kristin with knee socks & a long pony tail flying in the wind!

You are going to think I am nuts, but my dad's 1977 Yamaha motorcycle has been sitting in our unfinished basement for nearly 12 years. I know it's rather pathetic, but I couldn't junk the thing and I actually thought my sister and I might make a few tens if we sold it. As an executor of Dad's estate or even more likely, the proud owner of a once empty basement, I took in this childhood memento and "project" of my dad's thinking it would find a new home soon. I never dreamed I would get so used to it that it would not even register on my radar when I scanned the basement. Makes me wonder what else I intentionally overlook in my life?? Hmm... Another topic for another day. All this to say our friend David has HAPPILY adopted my daddy's motorcycle! Yay!! No tens in hand, but Dad would be happy and I can now rest in peace. (I know my highly organized friends are rolling in their graves!) Haha -- OK, I'll stop.

My sister also spent Saturday afternoon with me pouring through boxes marked with our names or "Dad". We purposefully avoided this job due to the tremendous amount of papers to go through -- boxes and boxes. It's been easier to avoid than tackle. However, enough time has passed that finding my dad's infamous "to-do" lists in his handwriting, calendars, awards, certificates, information on our childhood homes, etc. was actually fun! We even found dozens of our homemade cards we had created for him. To top off the treasure hunt, glazed ceramic bowls carefully engraved with our elementary school pencils surfaced after years of being shrouded in newspaper. My dad was so sweet to keep those on his dresser all the time they were in his possession! We sorted through boxes of books, found my sister's childhood diaries (talk about a HOOT!!), but the most tender part was finding Dad's pipes. Amazing how a smell can open the flood gates. The aroma of Captain Black's pipe tobacco brought back a ton of memories from camping trips to sitting on the front porch with him.

The hours spent sorting and pitching, sighing and laughing were a good thing for Aimee and I to do together, especially during Father's Day weekend. It even made all the storing worth the procrastination!

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3683474792695095974&postID=5632492534937743078

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T21:02:00.001-04:00

Mommy, Caroline Grace, Jackson, and "Sandwich" love you so much, Daddy!

We are thankful for you!

"Sandwich" was nicknamed by the kids about 4 months ago when the baby was the size of a sandwich!
We don't know if it's a PB&J or turkey & cheese just yet.
We'll find out in 30 days -- July 20th!

Here is one of my favorite love letters: http://www.fathersloveletter.com/video.html

My Life and My Men

2010-06-15T22:01:00.005-04:00

I had two dates today! Nope. It's not my birthday or even my anniversary, and they did not include my mom, thank you very much.

Date #1:
After my youngest boyfriend and I hit the specialty stores in the metropolis of Fork Union, he suggested we have tacos for lunch. Voila! There we were moments later looking at one another eyeball to eyeball in our cowboy themed booth just the two of us. I taught him how to handle his taco and eat over his plate, and he taught me that he can count to 5 in Spanish! Who knew?! Mucho gracias, Dora! My little Jackaroo and I need to get out more often.

Date #2:
You know you are (a) in a rural area, (b) desperate to get out, and (c) a parent in need of romance when you and your sweetie eagerly head to the Ruritan Lodge to hear a dentist speak, and you call it a date night. Picture the scene -- little concrete building, old fan from the '40s whirring in the background, ancient newspaper articles framed along the wall... The secret life of a lodge! Donald and I had the best time laughing at ourselves! The dentist is actually a dear friend and a significant number of beloveds from church are members of this Lodge, thus the invitation. Our friend Jay did a beautiful job presenting his practice and I'm really inspired by all the Ruritans do for our community. It was wonderful and thankfully, we didn't have to wear moose horns to get in. Donald and I nudged knees under the table, I had the company of the county's most handsome elderly men, all with a free ham dinner ta-boot! Always fun to feel like you've stepped into a novel of some kind.

2010-06-15T14:19:00.003-04:00

SURPRISE! I've had over a year's hiatus and I have to admit I have not missed blogging. What I have missed is looking back on the past year and remembering all those precious details and highlights that fade all too quickly to the back of my mind. I can see where keeping a blog is a personal gift to moi, so I am trying desperately to get back into the groove of digital memory keeping.

It's funny how heart felt conversations can turn resistance around pretty quickly. I was sharing some serious convictions with good friends about how blogging can portray the facade of a perfect life. I am certainly guilty of putting my best out there and leaving the junk behind. I suppose that would be the point! If I kept an old fashioned album my sticky pages would not be holding the photo ops from my worst days. So that gave me some freedom to start up again. But, then I realized I only became a touch sensitive or maybe even competitive, thus my "convictions", when I spent too much time reading complete strangers' blogs and measuring myself to them. Oh Nelly!! I was allowing this trap to rob me from a personal joy. What a sucker! I do confess to enjoying my friends' blogs when I take a moment to indulge, but that's because I enjoy my friends and know their hearts. Anyhow, I am getting sidetracked...

So I have given myself some reasonable goals for diving in once again, mainly to stay on top of archiving our memories and capture this very important upcoming season in our lives. I also knew I was ready to write again when I couldn't sleep due to all the lists and comments and stories I wanted to record just from that week.

Ready, set... I'm jumping in!

Snow Day!

2009-03-02T19:36:00.011-05:00

Today was such a blast!! We woke up to a good 9 inches of frozen fluff outside! I love the silence and brightness that fills our home when we get a good snowfall. The kind that makes you think you're living in a cloud. To make our day complete, my darling stayed home from work to play with us, and get this, stayed outside almost 2 hours longer than the kids and I to finish his snow tunnel. We did all sorts of snowy day things like make hot chocolate with too many mini-marshmallows. D made chocolate chip cookies too. (Is he the best or what?) Jacks and I had fun walking in the snowplow tracks on the road. Miss Caro made snow angels and did experiments with measuring the snowfall. (Can't help it; I'm a teacher...)
The highlight though =drum roll= was my SNOW ICE CREAM! Whoo-hoo! I am still so excited about it! Now, my Moms Club friends will be thinking, "Seriously," because we have had so many of these recipes float through our posts for years, but my little people and I have never taken the plunge. So today was the day, and friends, if you need a recipe this is THE one! If you can get past the mashed potato look to them and think in terms of eggnog, you may be in line to be just as delighted as me! The Snow Ice Cream Recipe

2½ cups milk

2 beaten eggs

1 ½ cups sugar

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Cook until a slight custard is formed and then cool.

Pour the custard over one gallon of fresh, clean snow and stir until thick.

Side Note:

This is an excellent way to squeeze in the all important life lesson on yellow snow.

Jack Jumps Over His 2nd Candlestick!

2009-02-16T19:55:00.016-05:00

The line every parent has in their handbook is, "It goes by so fast!" There are some days this could be meant as a polite encouragement to hang in there, but on days like today it is more of a lament. Two years ago this day our little guy arrived with lungs singing as clear as the truth ringing through that phrase. I admit, those all too familiar words are causing my joy to sting a bit this evening. Today was one of those treasured days I would love to capture. I was extra aware of how my little baby boy has somehow slipped into little dude-hood. As I cleaned the bright red, lipstick polka dots he added to our blase tan couch this morning, I tried to remember him like this...

And later in the afternoon as I scrubbed his very fancy signature a la Sharpie Marker from our floor, last year's birthday-cake-smeared smile came to mind...

My friends and I were saying there is something to this "terrible two" phenomena. It is "terrible to" see a momma sweating the small stuff and forgetting this is what little boys are made of, because time does seem to fly. The poem that comes to mind says something about "puppy dog tails"and "snails," which is a detail I never really cared for, but shouldn't the author have found a way to include the word graffiti?! Oh! And how could one forget cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, boats.... To me, my little boy's complete fascination and awe of anything with wheels blows my mind.

I am truly amazed that he can correctly identify every motorized sound in our little part of the universe. So of course, to make his day complete I wanted to give my little darling his very own dump truck birthday cake. Voila!

Humbly, I apologize for the envy my very sophisticated, state of the art Caterpillar centerpiece may cause. Maybe we should legislate to ensure that every tot has his own collection of construction trucks construed with glitter and bling for special celebrations. =Oops. Momentary slip.=

I may remember Jackson's 2nd birthday not as the truck birthday, but more like the sports gear birthday! Another fun reminder: Bye-bye stacking rings and hello balls! (I had no idea baseballs come in all sorts of sizes!) He was so tickled!

Grammy and Grandma are two of my favs who like to remind me of "how fast" our babes grow. There are so many exciting moments ahead!! But I would still like to put a bookmark in time every now and then.

Last night's family birthday party for our little dude would be a great place to revisit once in a while. Or today, a one of a kind strand of moments smooshed between newly decorated furniture and flooring. (Albeit, they are one of a kind now, just like my little guy!)

Happy 2nd birthday, precious Jackson.

Your silly mommy loves you so!

Local Transportation

2009-01-19T16:53:00.005-05:00

This beautiful beast was parked right next to my friend's spot at the Fork Union Post Office the other day. Gotta love living in a rural county! Now hold your horses because here is something to ponder: I was driving right past this very post office on Saturday, and smack in the middle of the busy two lane highway was a dead chicken. Guess he didn't make it to the other side. (=Couldn't resist!=) Is it me, or does there seem to be an unusual amount of farm animals out and about in these here parts? Love it!!

Thanks, Liza Jane! http://elizabethmiller.blogspot.com/

Favorites in 2008

2009-01-01T21:12:00.008-05:00

Happy New Year! We just spent the evening with our babies on our bed and a big bowl of popcorn, watching home movies from the past year. It has been the highlight of 2009 so far!

Favorite things from 2008:

Caroline (4)
making projects, anything princess related, chocolate milk, dance class, writing her name, playing dress-up, Treasure Hunters youth group, Joey the Puppet, Monkey Joe's, pink "night-night" blanket, Daddy's "Once upon a time..." stories, Mommy's versions of The Three Little Pigs, finding a Christmas tree, Snow White, Spring Creek's Art Camp, VBS - twice, roasting s'mores especially with strawberry marshmallows, pirates, ballet birthday party, hot chocolate, drawing hearts, Dora umbrella, new big girl bed, Christmas caroling, preschool, Chuck E. Cheese's, riding on Granddad's four wheeler, Mary Poppins, painting her toe nails sparkly pink, Chapstick, her very own CD Walkman, playing in the sprinkler, playing in the rain, and last but not least - dancing with Daddy

Jackson (1)
Elmo, playgroup, walking, kissing, throwing balls, sippy cups that are not his, playing in Grammy's birdbath, Granddad's puppies, the thrill of a tent, trucks, cars, airplanes, choo-choos, helicopters, "trac-tors", smearing cake on his 1st birthday, construction in his backyard, cookies, "night-night" blanket, climbing everything, being outdoors, "Big Buck" = all deer, Chuck E. Cheese's riding toys, the word no, ball popper toy, "doing the Jackson" - his very own dance move, climbing up slides, the vacuum cleaner, pushing strollers, blocks, riding in his push car, his big belly, Eskimo kisses, big sister LaLa, second helpings, Dada

Moi
hearing my kids belly laugh, watching Donald play with them, time at Mom's house, Wanda's mac & cheese, HOME (Mom) group, teaching the young couples class at church, Bible study, new friendships and fantastic older friendships, family trips to Wilmington, NC, camping, visiting Aunt Leni in Lakeland, keeping up with Grandma in California via email, playing on the beach in the rain, surprising Mom for tea at Keswick Hall, Book Club, visiting Laura in GA, road trip to Deeper Still conference, visit from the Rollins, creamer with a little coffee, "Good Will'n" with my sister, Guadalajara, watching Caroline dance in ballet class and sing in the kids' choir at church, answers to prayer, apple/strawberry picking, Pee Wee's BBQ in Scottsville, the hours spent on Mom's John Deere this summer, American Idol (minus the beginning shows), http://www.grocerygame.com/, my love-hate relationship with blogging, reading my friends' blogs, meeting our friends at the playground, tutoring Emily, teaching "school" to Caroline, how Donald folds back my side of the bed each night, and I could go on and on...

The Big Kahuna
camping, family trips to Wrightsville Beach, Spring softball champs, building our backyard, teaching Caroline to ride her bike, wrestling with the kids, building blocks with Jackson, cooking big breakfasts, hunting season, UFC, 24, Christmas caroling with Caroline and her friends, playing with our kids at Lake Monticello, Cabella's catalogue, R.U. Alumni baseball game, serving our church, the Cowboys, golf, The Oceanic Restaurant on Wrightsville Beach, funnel cake, Kite Day at Pleasant Grove, pool volleyball, When We Were One, Under the Overpass, carrying the kids on his shoulders, sweet-sweet-SWEET tea, a cold beer after cutting the grass

Here's to your favorite things in your 2009!
(Thanks to Erin for this great idea!)

A Sweet Reminder

2008-12-27T21:28:00.003-05:00

I was surfing around and found this paraphrase. It was just what I needed at the end of a long day. I hope it blesses someone else out there in Cyberland!

I made her. She is different. She's unique. With love I formed her in her mother's womb. I fashioned her with great joy. I remember with great pleasure the day I created her. (Psalm 139:13-16)

I love her smile. I love her ways. I love to hear her laugh and the silly things she says and does. She brings me great pleasure. (Psalm 139:17)

I made her pretty and not beautiful, because I knew her heart and knew she would be vain. I wanted her to search out her heart and to learn it would be Me in her that would make her beautiful and would draw friends to her. (I Peter 3:3-5)

I made her in such a way that she would need Me. I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be, only because I want her to turn to Me in her loneliness. Only because I need for her to lean to and depend on Me. I know her heart. I know if I had not made her like this she would go her own way and forget about Me, her Creator. (Psalm 62:5-8)

I have given her many good and happy things because I love her. (Psalm 84:11 and Romans 8:32)

Because I love her, I have seen her broken heart and the tears she has cried alone. I have cried with her and had a broken heart too. (Psalm 56:8)

Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone, only because she would not hold My Hand. So many lessons she has learned the hard way, because she would not listen to My Voice. (Isaiah 53:6)

She is mine. I made her then I bought her because I love her. (Romans 5:8)

I have to reshape and remold her, to renew in her what I want her to be. It has not been easy for her or for me. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I want her to be conformed to My Image. This high goal I have set for her because I love her. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Believe it and be blessed!

Happy Christmas!

2008-12-26T15:26:00.011-05:00

Caroline's Christmas Pageant

Avery, one of Caro's dearest friends & her sweet momma, joined the performance.

What a shock and thrill to be surprised with what they memorized!

(Check it out on the short video below.)

Merry Christmas! Perhaps a calendar day late, but I am as excited as I was yesterday morning. As a Christian my heart just busts open at the thought of Jesus Christ leaving Heaven, wrapping Himself in a suit of flesh, and the great "I AM" - omniscient, all powerful, perfect love - taking on a name just to reach the hearts of little ol' humanity. Choosing to be born in poverty to outcasts, visited by social misfits and the powerful alike, so as to leave no person out through the expanse of all time; to destroy the power of guilt, shame, death, religion, and replace everything false with lasting, uncircumstantial joy, peace, and truth through relationship with Him. As many of you know, when you get to know HIM life is so much better!

Whether you celebrate Christmas in faith or out of tradition, I hope it has been a great celebration of sheer joy for you! Certainly what you believe about Christ is between you and God. Whether you know Him as Savior and friend or just a historical figure, there is no denying His existence! Shoot, pretty soon it will be 2009 A.D.!!

"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today... As for me and my family, we'll worship God." (Joshua 24:15)

Much love to you.

To You; Love, K.

2008-12-21T23:25:00.004-05:00

Not much time these days to catch you up on the activities around here. I'm hoping to pick up my Christmas cards before Christmas, and I won my mom's Ebay auction: $2 and change for a Barney shaped potato, from my mother. Ha! We really are having a ball around here; very busy! Just wanted to give you this before I hit the sack for the night: www.theinterviewwithgod.com. My gift to you--
With love,
K.

2008-12-01T10:11:00.001-05:00

Heads up everyone! My mom has listed the perfect Christmas gift for any toddler or food connoisseur out there. Check it out! LOL!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Barney-the-Dinosaur-Potato-Head_W0QQitemZ330290960718QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1469QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Must Thank or Will Bust!

2008-11-27T20:41:00.022-05:00

C's preschool class sang for the parents before their Thanksgiving Feast.
She loved being on stage next to her dear buddy "Roo" of course!
They are like peas and carrots.

What would a Thanksgiving Feast be without a few feathers on your head?!

While his big sis chowed down, J scoped the ladies while leisurely enjoying his animal crackers.

We celebrated at Mom's the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Here J was darting from Aunt Mimi's friend, showing him who's boss and all.
I am sure he was trying to race Chris to pumpkin pie and whipped cream,
or was it whipped cream and pumpkin pie?

Feeding Duncan.
"See Caroline. He likes carrots. You should too!"
(Child psychology...)

We had to make yet another hat with feathers. Maybe I have turkey envy?

OK, this is where Thanksgiving gets hard.
We always take a family photo before we destroy Mom's beautifully decorated table.

In the making however, there were mashed potatoes on the spread before us and a row of desserts behind us. Can you see it in our happy faces:

"Put a fork in it, and let's eat!"

Today was the day.

(I'm not going to share the deep stuff, y'all. No condemnation, please...)
We stayed in our Pj's all morning and watched the Macy's Day parade, while sweet Daddy watched the brush all morning for a gobbler with Grandpa and froze his 'tookus' off as is the family tradition.

I then studied, and I mean studied the Black Friday ads like it was life or death.

Quick! Ask me where you can find the cheapest, yet most fashionably acceptable men's jeans.

(Yes my dears, 'tis WalMart!)

I think if I happen to wake up at 4 a.m. I will buy my darling a pair.

Then off to the Fields' Thanksgiving where sadly the turkey came from Kroger yet again.
Caroline did manage to capture a few hugs from this tender bird though!

Most of the evening was spent on the floor having so much fun!

Caroline had her chocolate milk in a special, very fancy, very big-girl glass which made her night!

And to conclude the mad dash through our Thanksgiving festivities, the cousins crossed the finish line with big bellies and happy hearts!

Grateful-
K.

Love, Your Daughter...

2008-11-21T15:15:00.024-05:00

Today is my dad's 63rd birthday! Hard to imagine my dad with gray hair and an older man's pot belly. When my dad passed away unexpectedly 11 years ago I remember in the midst of shock and deep grief how sure and certain I was to have been blessed to be his daughter. I knew even then that I would have rather had a shorter amount of time with him than a longer amount with an average father. He was such an adventurer: pilot, avid sailor, hiker, camper, he would spend entire days bicycling around the D.C. area, always exploring or tinkering. Growing up with him had no shortage of trying new things that enriched us all. What a gift to have had a father who did not feel limited in life, although he faced major health issues from his 20s onward. He was a humble, honest person known for his integrity. His quick laugh was often coupled with a crooked smile that I'm certain endeared him to all of his childhood teachers. My dad was the kind of father who took a day off of work, travelled hours, and helped clean the house my college roommates left me with at the end of a lease. The smell of a pipe, trumpet solos, peanuts, and all of the D.C. sports teams remind me of him. He was a California boy who grew up playing cowboys and grew into an investigator protecting the innocent for the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. As a Naval officer he settled on the east coast, but could never quench his thirst for "real" mountains and lakes. He had a gifted intellect and loved long conversations especially good debates. I remember when he passed wondering, "Now who's going to keep me informed?" My dad really challenged me in my thinking and understanding of my beliefs. He was a natural philosopher and seeker, and to tell you the truth, I'm not sure exactly what he believed. However, our discussions are still a gift encouraging me to mature in my faith with not just my heart but also my head. I am thankful that the spiritual truth of a loving Creator or heavenly Father is not an unreasonable thought because of my dad's devotion and love for his girls. Now over a decade later I no longer feel my "loss echo inside of myself" which I shared at his memorial service. I can see clearly the amazing man he was and God's fingerprints all over our lives. He would have been such a fun granddad, but I know his legacy will stir the imaginations of our children in a special way. Certainly to honor my dad and thank the Lord for him on his birthday is a privilege I treasure.

"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." Isaiah 64:8

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort." 2 Cor. 1:3

Compulsive Catch-Up

2008-11-16T16:19:00.030-05:00

Alas, my love-hate relationship with my blog continues. I love it when I am on a roll and I feel as though I have successfully documented every cute photo and monumental moment in our lives, but am so frustrated when compelled to catch up on the past two months! It reminds me of all those stray diaries and scrapbooks I come across occasionally with only 3 entries. However, I am returning to Blog Land once again and before the holidays! Here is a quick jaunt through my favorite October memories.

Erin and Kenny came to visit! They moved to San Diego close to 5 years ago, and can't you tell?! Look at those boots, my friends! No one is near hip enough to get away with those in our little town! Erin, Kim, and I taught together at Central and became fast friends. These two are precious to me! We were having so much fun catching up that I could have camped out for a week.

Our nephew visited on the 18th. I especially love to watch these kiddos play together! It's so fun knowing they will be friends for life. (Tidbit about moi: I didn't have a single cousin until I was 12!)

Mom had an amazing bon fire on the 18th to celebrate the season. Her boyfriend Jimmy brought his crew, so we got to meet "the family" for the first time which went really well. We were also able to hang out with Laurie, a dear family friend, who is nothing but fun. So in short lots of food, good music, goofing around, and again lots of marshmallows!

On the 22nd we went to a local jogging trail and picnicked with Grammy. What a great way to spend the afternoon!

Caroline and Jackson climbed a tree while there. Is this a no-no? Kind of like swimming after eating; you're supposed to wait a half hour or something? =Just kidding.=

This is one of my artsy shots from the trail. I could not stop taking photos of the foliage this year. It was gorgeous! (Unfortunately, the geese that usually banquet here were already on vacation the day we visited.)

And yes my friends, this is yours truly "jogging" on the trail.

And this is my little miss helping her momma finish the course.

FUBC had their annual Fall Festival which is always so much fun. We have an amazing puppet ministry that C absolutely loves. It's all about Joey the Puppet! One of the best parts of this afternoon was the cake walk. Little Miss walked away with a plate full of chocolate Rice Krispy treats. It was neat to watch elderly people using walkers along side daddies holding little people learning to walk all gallivanting around the cake walk. Nothing like sugar to unite the generations!

Oh my, and there was this afternoon...

I was chatting on the phone and wondered why J was suspiciously quiet. I walked into his room and this is what I found! As if an alien had politely set him up for a portrait. Little Dude was quite content and very proud of himself, although check out his look: "Busted.

FYI when you marry a southern boy breakfast is no longer about eggs Benedict and French toast. It becomes all about the biscuit. A good morning (some may even argue any good "meal") will have biscuits, but a great morning of course includes the gravy. So true is this tidbit that my sweet hubby made himself this delicacy one morning before work! (Was he gearing up for a good or bad day, I don't know.) That morning I figured I could no longer keep my children from certain evils in the world so I inducted them into the life of being biscuits & gravy connoisseurs.

Below reflects C's point of view on the tasty vitals.

The next photo says a 1000 words. Looks like there is a biscuit and gravy gene! J even went so far as to dip the biscuit in the gray matter, not to eat it but instead to lick the gravy off of his fingers.

And the grand finale of October...

My very own Raggedy Ann and Andy!

Happy Blogging Birthday!

2008-10-20T22:20:00.005-04:00

Ahhh! I missed my blog's first birthday! I am such a horrible blogger. I think I'm supposed to write how much "I love bloggin' with all my heart, bloggity blog blog..." Isn't that what the most talented and dedicated bloggers do? Alas, Face Book and wee children have captured my attention these past few weeks. I will so make it up to you, my big 1 year old blog!

Happy blog-ing to you!

Happy bloooog-ging to yoooooo-uuuu,

Happy blog birthday to you, Alacrity 101!

Bit o' Blog Trivia:

I named my blog after my dad's sailboat.

(Better the blog than one of the kids!)

Baby Book Blogging

2008-10-04T21:41:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to write about this!!
Warning: If the heart of a mother gets on your nerves, stop reading now.

This past Monday I was saying goodbye to my family for the evening and Jackson said something that sounded like "love you" back to me!! I think I opened and closed the door a few more times just to say goodbye again. And Caroline started sounding out (on her own) consonant-vowel-consonant words the same day! Big day for my wee tots and my over flowing heart.

Here's another cute story while I'm using this as my baby book. Tonight I was singing the routine "Jesus Loves Me" to Jackson in the dark during our bedtime routine. The sweet thing grabbed my cheeks and said, "Momma!" He went to kiss me and instead laid his sweet, runny nose in my mouth. Haha! I know, I know, I warned you!

Also, this afternoon I came to the realization that I am not Kate Hudson and my children's daddy is not a rock star therefore, our 19 month old son could no longer get away with having long hair and I CUT IT! Do you know within minutes of doing so I noticed how big his little feet are and how mature he has become. I think I have officially changed my shades from baby vision to toddler lenses, albeit a little reluctantly. He does look mighty cute though!

If you are still reading this, consider yourself family!

The Best Day EVER!

2008-10-03T14:52:00.005-04:00

Yesterday may have been quite possibly the best day of Jackson's young life! He slept in, woke up to discover his daddy was home and there were "trac-TORS" in his backyard! After an early morning of climbing the excavator we headed over to Palmyra Fire Department where he climbed the fire truck and explored the fire house. Tractors, trucks, fire engines, Daddy... What could be better?

Work Attire

A Picture Says a 1,000 Words

Jacks was over the photo ops at this point.

Mesmerised by the lights:

Jackson - the fire engine, mommy - the flashbulb.

Homework at the Tender Age of Four!

2008-09-29T14:19:00.004-04:00

Caroline and a 15 year old friend of the family were discussing homework last night, and I got such a kick out of Caroline's response.

Caroline: "I have homework too!"

Jes: "Oh yeah? What do you have to do?"

Caroline: "Feed the cats and help Mommy fix peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!"

Treasure!

2008-09-27T21:02:00.004-04:00

Today was our community yard sale day! The highlights of my findings are: a like-new Coach purse for $1.00!! and a Sm'ores Maker. We tried the latter out tonight and it's kind of like roasting a marshmallow over a candle, but it has porcelain bowls if you're into accessorizing your puffed sugar. I really bought the kit for Caroline because I know from a certain amount of experience just this past week that you can make a fine sm'ore in the microwave, but this little find made for another action packed Saturday night at the Fields'. Must peel the kiddos off the ceiling now...

A Perefect Ten

2008-09-24T19:25:00.028-04:00

Ten (at least) "sh'mores" (as Caroline calls them) per family member over two years old.

Nine o'clock p.m. and our sleeping bags felt heavenly!

Eight times during the night I hovered over my kids to make sure they were warm enough in the 40 degree temps.

Seven hundred times I must have thought, "Sherando Lake is so gorgeous!"

Six (at least) mammoth sized crickets were determined to serenade us into the wee hours of the morning. (We must have camped on their space. Personal vendetta, I'm sure.)

Five visits with our very gregarious forest ranger.

Four perfect hot dog/marshmallow skewers carved by my manly man.

Three hour early morning, FABULOUS field trip to Starbucks and Super WalMart.

(This should be a new Girl Scout badge!)

Two nights in the wilderness,

One very HAPPY family,

And ZERO curling irons, y'all!

Who would've thought a flashlight and a dark tent could be so much fun!

Camper Caroline and Her Coloring Crayons

Caroline was thrilled to find PINK marshmallows at the camp store -- Super WalMart!

It was so nice not to worry about manners or dirt!

Dig break! You never know what you may find!

Be still, my heart!

Our Little Mountain Climber

A Sweet Moment or Two For Momma

35 Years Ago Today...

2008-09-18T13:13:00.010-04:00

Happy Birthday, Donnie!

We treasure and adore you! I am so proud and honored to be your wife. You are an amazing husband and father full of integrity, wisdom, equipped with a servant's heart, an easy laugh, and always ready to have fun. I'm so thankful and excited about going through life with you. I love you more.

Out From Under The Dell

2008-09-17T21:49:00.006-04:00

Yea, I did it! I fasted from Face Book today with the exception of 10 seconds upon which I accepted a friend's invitation to be her friend. See, pure goofiness.

It did help that my day was packed. I "did lunch" and birthday shopped with my friend Elizabeth (http://elizabethmiller.blogspot.com/). What a hoot it was to share life between the Red Robin balloon bouncing beneath our faces and shouts of "truck" and "S'cuse me, Mommy, s'cuse me!" thrown in between. Elizabeth was a trooper though taking Caroline under her wing and even shopping (although from afar) the men's department at Sears with me. Let's just say "she was there in spirit" while she and Caro hung out in the Lands End section. As a side note, does the thought of The Men's Department at Sears bore anyone else to tears?

Moving right along, my fam and I had a homemade dinner with a load of friends and other special folks at our church's Family Night. If someone had told me 10 years ago that Family Night at a church would be a highlight in our day, I would have absolutely rolled my eyes and laughed, probably abused the Lord's name and prayed that it would pass! Oh, God does move mountains!

Then to top off my day of real-live relationships I ran into my friend Cindy (http://hersmanfamily.blogspot.com/) at Food Lion and we perused the coffee creamers together. It was great to have her unexpected company during a last minute, mundane errand. It's so true the simple things in life bring the greatest joy! She even stood by me when much to my embarrassment I realized that my driver's license was not present at checkout. I was there but not my only viable piece of identification which did not work as a credible excuse with the cashier. Does this strike anyone's funny bone or have my natural highlights gone to my gray matter? I admit I have this bad, bad habit of putting these things in my back pocket then forgetting where they are when I change my clothes.

So this ends my experimental day of getting away from the Dell and out there where my darlings are! So glad I did.

Face Hook

2008-09-16T17:03:00.002-04:00

"Face Hook" would be a better name for Face Book, don't you think? My goodness I have just spent an hour AGAIN being sucked in. What a waste of time! Not good for a gal with addictive tendencies. This is going to take some discipline. I feel like I've been fishing in an empty well. No doubt it's been intriguing and has satisfied some curiousity, but more than anything it has dredged up chunks of the past that are better left under the muck of old memories. I'm just confiding in you, my tens of cyberspace friends, that this is proof we live in a society that is excellent at building loads of relationships that are about an inch thick in depth. Time for me to get off the computer, stop typing at myself, and make a phone call to a real voice or better yet make plans with a friend! Anyone free?

"For real though!" (Anyone ever say this?)

2008-09-11T13:32:00.003-04:00

My latest portrait...

Just keeping it real, y'all!

We did it!

2008-09-09T13:31:00.015-04:00

This morning could have been a disaster: 8:00 a.m. portrait appointment, shots for Caroline, rain...

But we were on time for our photo shoot! I can hear my nearest and dearest clapping for me now. Brook did an amazing job, especially considering it is a hazy, very-humid-bad-hair-day kind of a day! Thank you so much, Mrs. Robinson! http://www.brookphotos.blogspot.com Caroline would like more chocolate chip cake with Anne Charlotte too.

From there we were in town and found a mattress cover for Caroline's new big girl bed, lickety split. I was amazed at all we had accomplished by 9:45! Is this how everyone else with tots lives?

Then onto Caroline's dreaded 4 year old checkup where she was given 4 immunization shots, for goodness sake! I was amazed and relieved at how well it went. Whew! Then onto Chandlers Bakery for sugar cookies and Guadalajara's for lunch with Donald. And now my darlings are asleep and I'm going to make a run for the sheets myself!

Gotta love hazy days!

(I took more photos of Jackson because I have similar pics with Caroline near the same age.)

2008-09-08T21:04:00.003-04:00

Hi friends,
I just heard psychologists believe there are over 2,000 defined fears. However, we are born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Interesting, huh. Here's another bit of trivia: The Bible has 365 commands to "fear not." One for every day of the year on our western calendars. Works for me! If all but two fears are learned, how much time we must waste learning to be afraid and practicing fear! One fear I deal with is being outside in the dark. Here's my banner these days in those moments: "You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light." (2 Sam. 22:29) With God on my side what's the darkness!

So here's what I'm curious about, what are some of your fears? Don't be scared...

Blessing on Aisle Three

2008-09-07T21:40:00.014-04:00

We had a very relaxing weekend for which I am so thankful. Caroline recovered quickly from a stomach bug =whew=! Jacks started saying "thank you." Donald was loving the football games on prime-for-TV-watching, newly arranged couches. I in all of my brilliancy went to Food Lion early Saturday morning in sheets of driving rain certain the weather would only get worse. Of course, it turned out to be a brilliant, sunny afternoon. So we made a family trip to the library and to Dunkin Doughnuts. Does it get any better?!

Yes in-deedy! Today was awesome, too. We had a great time with friends in our Sunday school class, awesome worship, lunch at The Village with friends, a 2 hour nap, then back together with family. Let me explain why Sunday school was so good though. First, you have to understand that I am the teacher. OK, enough said. Now, I so desire for my friends and I to really "taste and see" (Ps. 34:8) just how good the Lord is, as in experiencing Him in real life not religion, that I just could not hold back from sharing a recent God-story. You see, yesterday I was strolling through my other home, our lovely Food Lion when something glorious caught my eye. I nearly caused a stroller calamity by screeching my buggie to a halt. Being a little taken aback by the vision before me I overcame all doubt and praised the Lord for the dark chocolate peanut butter by my side! Lo, not only dark chocolate, but white chocolate and cinnamon raisin swirl, too!! So today I took my peanut butter to church, and we all had a taste of the good stuff! God is so awesome; way better than dark chocolate peanut butter! Hope your weekend was as blessed as ours!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-01T22:16:00.001-04:00

Labor Day weekend was a great family time for us. I think that's the ideal title for the weekend too. You know, planning fun for your family is so much easier than actually toting the crew to and fro! Although this momma did have two labor free dinners! Beyond not having to cook, there is something special about sharing a meal with family and friends. It was so fun to see old friends from my days at Central Elementary. Here are some photos from the Valentines' (www.bouncingaroundamusements.com) annual barbecue. (Our friend Brook took these pcis. http://www.brookphotos.blogspot.com/ .)

We also went to the Steam and Gas Engine Pasture Party in Orange County. Jackson was on cloud nine with all of the things that went "vroom!" I don't know who was cuter, Jackson or all the happy old men in bibs. Well, I do know... Take a look-

We went to this event to also support Emmett. He is the son of a friend from State Farm and is an amazing philanthropist at the tender age of 9-ish! He has raised thousands of dollars for area charities by selling slices of pound cake that adoring women bake for him at the drop of a hat. He raised $359 for Sheltering Arms on this day alone! He even has a physically debilitating disease, but it obviously has not affected his heart! We are certain that some day he will be mayor! Go Emmett! Vroom!

On Monday we went to Fruit Hill Orchard which so beat our peach picking experience on Carter's Mountain. They were making apple butter too. The entire atmosphere smelled like a giant Yankee Candle. Jackson had a ball picking his apples off of the ground. He was using those problem solving skills to figure out how to get them all into the wagon without losing one. They were like wiggly puppies in his chubby little arms. Caroline knew just how to best put her people skills to work. She sweet talked her charming prince into a shoulder ride which helped her reach the highest apples in the kingdom.

I have to say I LOVE my job!

Oh! You'll love this... I took Caroline to a birthday party two weeks early. Yep. I know, I know... I'm laughing with you!

Testing...Testing

2008-09-01T16:52:00.004-04:00

I'm especially in love with these photos today, so I wanted to share them. The joy of parenthood! Remember, our Father is closer than we may realize!

Word From the Wise or To The Wise?

2008-08-29T23:59:00.001-04:00

Word from the wise, don't force your tots to climb a mountain or even a mere tree searching high and low for the ripest peaches in all the land at lunch time. For goodness sake, ya think we would know better by now. They did have peach doughnuts and ice cream that we thought would suffice. Points for us! Not.

Here is Jackson's favorite part of our big outing:

Here is Caroline's:

(By the way, Donald and I used to live in those apartments in the background.)

Here are Donald's and my highlights:

So again, Confucius say...

Do you know the Mullet Man?

2008-08-29T22:30:00.006-04:00

=Drumroll= I am officially announcing Jackson's first haircut. For those of you who know me, you realize that this is a huge mile marker! I have no clue as to why. You'd think I gave birth to Samson by the trama cutting his hair caused my heart. And I had to do it, and there had to be photos -- of course. Do I need to add that my sweet Donald pretty much made me do it. The kid had bangs past his nose! I am still grieving. HOWEVER!! I have the victory! I did not have to cut his precious, darling, amazingly perfect, baby blonde curls adorning the back of his little neck. So I left them. And now my son may possibly have a mullet. As long as he's not wearing camo it will be OK -- for a little while. I'll let you know when I conquer this one!

Caroline's Fourth Birthday

2008-08-28T21:42:00.005-04:00

Caroline Grace's 4th birthday was August 17th. We had such a blast! She had a ballet themed birthday party at her dance studio with ten of her nearest and dearest. Forget the plies and tondus, these girls were doing the YMCA and chicken dances like they meant to rule the next wedding dance floor. Considering these little girls' ages I'm guessing there are some serious closet kitchen dancing mommies out there. This kitchen dancing momma loved it!

Thank you, friends!

2008-08-19T15:13:00.004-04:00

I just spent a great morning talking on the phone and visiting with a whole bunch of my girlfriends this morning out in the sunshine. I'm thinking of old friends and reading distant friends' blogs too. It is so what I needed after a very busy, very absent few months. If you are my friend, you are a treasure to me whether you're near or far, know you are close in heart! L.Y.L.A.S.

"...a sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Prov. 27:9

2008-08-15T21:16:00.004-04:00

Ta-da! Here is our little miss on her first day of preschool! As you can see she was just a little bit excited. Grammy stayed with us a bit this week since Daddy was out town. I'm so glad my mom was able to be a part of her big day.

Now, getting information out of Caroline about her day is another job all by itself. So far she is excited about doing jumping jacks, snacks, and her good friend Ruthie.

God bless you, our little scholar! Your momma loves you so!

2008-08-15T20:41:00.003-04:00

Caroline's good buddy Cassie turned five this month. She had a circus themed birthday party which was a blast! Here Caroline is modeling the latest in balloon wear.

The best part, when you live in the country, you don't have to be a celebrity's kid to have a pony at your party!

We're still here!

2008-08-15T20:36:00.002-04:00

We are alive and well! It's been a nutty summer for us, but so much fun. Lots of travel 0f Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina a FEW times!

May 2008

2008-07-31T16:31:00.001-04:00

2008-05-22T22:41:00.004-04:00

My heart just breaks for Steven Curtis Chapman, his son, and his family in the loss of their five year old daughter. Father, comfort their hearts.

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Ps. 34:18

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/thismoment.htm

In Honor of Fellow "Word Nerd" David Cook

2008-05-22T21:05:00.005-04:00

Caroline and I had a ball last night watching "The American Idol," as she likes to call the show. During the Donna Summer tribute she was just jamming away singing,

"I need some pas-ta baby tonight

I want some pas-ta, baby this evenin' "

Gotta love innocence!

(Just to reassure some of you, last night was a special occasion.)

Some other funnies that she said this week:

1. As I was walking out the door to run errands, I was reminding Caroline to help her daddy by being a good hostess to her company. She reassured me that she would be "the most-est." That's my girl! The hostess with the most-est.

2. While at youth group rather than chiming in with amen at the end of the blessing, she joyfully closed with "Man!"

3. Over the past few days she has been over-enunciating her L's in every word that has one. Don't know what that's about but it's quite cute.

Super Fudge! (Do you remember that book?)

2008-05-16T21:17:00.005-04:00

My sweet friend and neighbor Cindy just surprised me with pumpkin fudge! Love this stuff! Thank you so much for the gift, girlfriend!

Cindy's Pumpkin Fudge:
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup melted butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 (12-ounce) package white chocolate morsels

1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow crème

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir together first 6 ingredients in a 3 1/2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer registers 234° (soft-ball stage) or for about 12 minutes.
Remove pan from heat; stir in remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour into a greased aluminum foil-lined 9-inch square pan. Let stand 2 hours or until completely cool; cut fudge into squares.

April 2008

2008-05-15T16:37:00.001-04:00

2008-05-14T22:32:00.002-04:00

April 30th, 2008

Caroline's First Ballet Recital

Woody Cracks

2008-05-14T20:50:00.003-04:00

Nope, not a comment about an old Cheers episode. Just wanted to share that while peering into her mother's super-magnified-eyebrow-tweezing mirror Caroline noted that her eyes are "woody" and have "cracks." Translation: She has the most beautiful bright brown eyes, and if she has cracks then her momma has canyons.

Mother's Day Recap

2008-05-14T08:20:00.013-04:00

We spent Saturday at Mom's place in Bumpass, which is affectionately known as "The Farm," all five acres of it. (Yes, Bumpass is the correct name of the "town" too.) Of course, it's not really a farm. That would mean cows and stuff, but Mom does have two Jack Russels and a fledgling garden so maybe that counts. But for we three (Mom, Aimee & I) ex-NOVA-ites, it's a farm. We had a wonderful time! Mom has an amazing gift for making every celebration beautiful. She also bought us barbecue from a locally famous barbecue pit, and we ate outside under an ancient oak we affectionately call Molly. (I guess we're into naming things too.)

Aimee and Chris inspecting Molly's nose.

On Sunday Caroline couldn't wait to wish me a happy Mother's Day with a huge smile spread across her face. A sweet surprise as she is not one to usually greet the day singing! My darling hubby fixed my favorite breakfast, French Toast, and at my request lots of coffee. After church I took a really long nap and watched a movie from Netflix that I have had for six months! (Oops.) My fam also surprised me with two rose bushes and a white porch swing for our front porch. Can't wait to sit on the veranda sipping my java with an excessive amount of French vanilla creamer! Lastly, we headed off to the Fields' where my sweet Daddy-in-law grilled steaks and strongly suggested that we could not have gotten a better dinner anywhere else! (Maybe because we were supposed to meet them out for dinner, but that's a different story.) Oh, and let me not forget that Donald's mom makes amazing potato salad! It was a really nice visit. I especially liked listening to David recount stories of his grandmother and his experiences of growing up in the coal fields of WVA.

This is what the kids made for their Grandmas.

To top off the day, my darling stayed up late with me to watch the movie 27 Dresses! I love my man! Thanks darling, for giving me such a special day. I know that behind this "great" mom stands an even better dad.

Divine Nobodies

2008-05-07T15:10:00.002-04:00

I have a new favorite book, Divine Nobodies by Jim Palmer. My friends in book club loved it too. Very entertaining and thought provoking -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pODiiU2q0UY

A Moment of Brilliance

2008-05-07T14:51:00.006-04:00

Just have to pass on this tidbit of domestic diva hood. When baking in a bunt pan do not pour batter to the brim, even if there is some remaining. Doing so will be taking your cake and your oven into your own hands. Somehow my gray matter didn't make the connection between the similarities of using a muffin pan and a bunt pan, or any other baking pan for that matter. Shoot! They probably aren't even called "pans"! (Opted out of taking a photo of this lovely mountaintop experience.)

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OK, just signing back on to say I cannot pop my mini bunt cakes out of their mini bunt nonstick, sprayed molds. Nice.

Caroline just asked me if the piece of overflow cake she was eating had bones in it. Really nice. Apparently she had a crunchy piece.

I am now realizing that my last baking disaster, A.K.A. "Playgroup's Brown Sugar Pound Cake" was also made in a bunt pan.

Anyone want a bunt pan?

Some Big Moments

2008-05-07T12:48:00.012-04:00

It's been an exciting few weeks for The Fields.
Here is a list of our latest milestones:

Caroline Grace
1st dance recital

She was such a graceful butterfly, crooked wing ta-boot!)

Jackson
New Vocab: "tractor" and "kitty cat"

(He's repeating all sorts of words but is not quite ready to use them. Maybe because his mommy caters to his every whim.)

First Big Boy Boo-Boo
(Happened with Daddy and the grandparents. No one seems to know what occurred.)

Bearing His Battle Wounds

We started brushing his teeth. All 10 of them!

Mastering all sorts of new skills from waving to drinking from a cup.

Mommy & Daddy
We're pretty run of the mill these days. Donald has been brushing his teeth for awhile now and I'm still working on my pirouettes.

Treasure Found

2008-05-07T12:36:00.004-04:00

I've been dying to show off my find from the Meals on Wheels yard sale -- two sterling silver bracelets for a whopping total of $1. Whoo-hoo! I usually skip the jewelry at yard sales too, but having arrived extra early and not wanting to appear overly eager I decided I could afford to slowly peruse the jewels for a bit since they were the first exhibit. I'm so glad I did, although the lady in front of me at the checkout found a brand new, still wrapped in plastic Cuisinart ice cream maker. Lesson learned: pride cometh before a yard sale loss!

Ta-da! Stamped 925/Mexico

Stop The Presses!

2008-04-18T22:39:00.002-04:00

Donald has succinctly laid down the law in the Fields household. Fresh from the peanut gallery, it is clearly the sound of a truck that Jackson is making. (Like I said, "...a Ford.")

Major Mile Marker -- Motor Mahem

2008-04-18T21:55:00.008-04:00

Jackson is now kissing his ever-loving momma! Love, love, love, ah sweet love. He puts my chin in his mouth and tries to bite it for all it's worth, It's a kiss. End of discussion.

Without a doubt our babe has learned to make motor sounds. Donald announced this manly accomplishment by proclaiming that his brawny boy can now make the sound of a Ford. Well, not verbatim, but it might as well be.

Unfortunately, I had to break it to my honey that it is really the sound of a Hoover.

No Love for the "BIKINI"

2008-04-08T19:55:00.005-04:00

While we were eating our zucchini tonight, my darling Miss firmly announced, "I don't like bikini," in a most sensitive, polite, whiny three old way. Of course, her renouncing of bikini filled my heart with complete and utter joy, and in overwhelming agreement I gave up my desire to align with "bikini" too. Of course, my bikini had the faint scent of coconut oil and sandy grit to it; however, I stand with my girl! There are just some things you cannot like.

March 2008

2008-04-07T17:02:00.001-04:00

2007-12-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

Halloween 2006 and 2007!

2007-12-29T16:17:00.011-05:00

Dad came home early from work this Halloween, and we had a blast getting our sweethearts dressed. We had one ferocious dragon or dinosaur (we can't decide)crawling around while trying to wrestle an excited 3 year old into her Care Bear ("Jackson Bear") costume. Our tradition is to hit the grandparents' home first because they always have loot for us, and then move onto the local church's Hallow Him party. We also visited a couple of our neighbors' homes. One being that of D's cousin Tammy who always gives out "life size" candy bars. Care Bear made out with a rack of Starbursts. At the end of the evening I had fun picking through the candy to make sure it was all safe. I might have stashed a few candy bars away, for Caroline, for later (of course)!

"Punkin" Picking

2007-10-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

We had such a great weekend! Saturday we headed to a pumpkin patch in Orange County that's sure to be a family destination each fall. They had a super petting zoo. It looks like Caroline Grace has a little Dr. Doolittle in her. She and the lamb nuzzled quite a bit. And true to his boy-ness, Jackson was most interested in climbing the gate of little lamb chop's stall.

We've been asked if we picked our pumpkin. My quick reply, "Of course we did!" That's why you go to a pumpkin patch, right? Well of course, it does depend on your definition of picking. We absolutely perused an acre or two of orange; however, mostly from an anchored stance. After posing and primping and positioning our precious tots on the most photo ready of the patch, we then proceeded to pick our pumpkin albeit out of the bin by the checkout stand. That counts, right?! (And I got a ton of quite cute pictures in the patch, but that's beside the point.)

Let the Blogging Bonanza Begin

2007-10-17T21:33:00.000-04:00

Ta-da! The Fields Four have made it into cyber-space! I have to admit I chose this font because it has the word "grande" in the title. I'm thinking so much of what we're given each day is grand! From the skunk (who was mostly pure white) in the front yard last night to my caving in and eating two Almond Crunch Ice Cream bars tonight. Daddy's grand entrance from a business trip with a little wooden airplane in tow. Let me include my grand concern for my sweet momma's health and the loss of a Fields' family friend as well as the father of friends passing this week. Grand. It's all grand. Grand amazement. Grand delight. Grand frustration. Grand heartache. All of us sitting protected, secure, loved in the palm of an even grander hand.