First Day at the pool

I love the pool in the summertime. When it is 90+ degrees outside I just don't see any other options for being outside. Luckily the kids feel the same way and never tire of going. They always find a friend and everyone is happy. We get into a routine of lunch, naps for the younger one(s), pool, dinner, bath and bed. The summer I was pregnant with Carter, we went 67 days in a row. The night before my c-section we were...yes, at the pool. (his b-day is Aug. 23.) All the kids are little fishes and that's just what we do. This year I was a little worried about having 2 non swimmers at the same time and not knowing how Anna would feel about the water. The first time we stayed at the baby pool only and she did fine. I can't say she was as enthusiastic about the pool as the others but she has asked to swim again and Ithink she will be just fine. The second time we did our normal taking turns in each pool so everyone is happy. My kids know that we have to spend time in every pool and take turns and they get that this is the way it goes. So now I'm feeling less anxious about it and am looking forward to another summer swimming.

Thankful Thursday

Through someone else's eyes

My father in law came in from Ohio and spent the weekend with us. The kids are always so excited to see him and he feels the same way. I know some people have certain feelings about their in laws but I love this man and always enjoy having him around. He is a very laid back guy and so easy to spend time with. Papaw is always welcomed at our house with arms open wide. Now that he is retired, we hope to see more of him.
One thing I became acutely aware of while he was here was the noise level in our house. You know how your everyday life suddenly looks different when you have a guest in your house. I noticed first when he had to go outside to talk on the phone. Now of course I know it tends to be a little on the noisy side here but wow, my kids are LOUD! Even when they are playing happily together, it's loud. And just as I am about to enjoy everyone getting along, someone starts crying. Brian and I call it "controlled chaos" but I am beginning to wonder exactly how controlled it really is. Oh well- I'm not one for a boring lifestyle, I mean, what would I do all day. O.K. I could think of a couple (or a ton) of things to do but for now this not so controlled chaos of mine is just the way I like it.

The kids with their Papaw.


Just one example of how things get loud- wrestling! And funny that we have this great playroom in our house but where do the kids play- the front foyer.

This was Papaw's first time meeting Anna. How could he resist this smile.

I just have to add Carter's picture because his smile is the best one out there.

It's Summertime

We've had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. It's very hot and sunny, feeling so much like summer. The kids are loving the outdoors and we are spending lots of time with family and friends. I love this time of year.

Carter kicking off the summer with the classic watermelon and hot dog combo.

Anna sporting her sister's shades, hence the enormous grin. Her sister's face was not near as happy!

A friend of our built this in our backyard this weekend. I'm hoping it adds to the outdoor things to do at home this summer. The kids had a great time and mom will work on not freaking out about sand coming in the house.

And because I wasn't ready to be with the crowds this weekend at the pool, we got out the blow up pool. Again, happy kids!

Anna, Carter and our friend Ella.

Somewhere over the rainbow.....

Dreams really do come true.
The night my mom got out of the CCU and moved to a regular room, we had a brief thunderstorm followed by sunny skies. As I was taking Anna up to bed, I saw this out the window. We rarely see rainbows here. I even woke Callie up and let her get out of bed to come see. The kids were so excited to see this huge, beautiful rainbow. I can't help but think that this glorious beauty was God's little sign to us that my mom was going to be just fine.

Last days of school

I always get emotional this time of year. It marks the end of yet another school year gone by which somehow makes me think my kids are just getting older at an alarmingly fast rate. Everyone had wonderful last days of school and we are excited for the summer months where we typically live at the pool.

Callie finished preschool and will move on to Kindergarten next year. This was such a big year for her in terms of maturing and going from a preschool girl to one that is ready for elementary school. She is the type of kid that will hit the ground running and I can't wait to see how this spitfire continues to grow.

Callie with her teachers- at the best preschool in the world!!!

Callie and her best friend Ava. Sadly she is not going to the same school next year but luckily she is right down the street so the girls can play anytime.

Callie and her friends at an end of year picnic.

And then there is Jack. How is it possible that I have a kiddo who will be going into 3rd grade???I think he was a little excited about today.

Jack and his teacher. He loved her and this was such a great year for him. On a side note, his teacher and the class followed our blog for our trip to China each day we were there. The class was so excited and he received so much attention and support the entire time. When we came home everyone was waiting to meet Anna. It was amazing to see an entire class of kids fascinated by her and following her on the playground. She was a star and had a whole school waiting to meet her. I love Jack's school and they were all such a wonderful support for us. The kids, parents and staff couldn't be any better.

Jack and his best friend Grace.

So another school year passes and summer begins. Bring on the festivities!

Giving Praise and Thanks

My mom was taken off the ventilator yesterday and remains stable. I truly believe it is a miracle she survived. When I was calling my friend last night on my way home giving her the good news, she said "half the world is praying for her." Between family and friends, asking their family and friends, and so on and so on, so many people have had my mom in their prayers. The outpouring of love and support and prayer for this woman brings me to tears and sometime down the road when we are past this, my mom will know how much love and prayer were given. It's been an incredibly emotional journey but I am so happy to just sit in a heap and cry tears of joy, and relief. She is going to recover with time and I can BREATHE.
Thank you to all who have offered prayer and support. I appreciate all the blog comments and every ounce and word of support has really been so kind and taken to heart.
When things like this happen, you get the opportunity to reflect on so much. I know this sounds strange but this time away from Anna has actually helped me work on our relationship more and have more patience with all of my kids. Anna has had a lot of daddy time so she is slowly starting to trust him and feel comfortable with him. So while it has been so hard for me to be away from the kids and hard for the kids to be away from me, everyone is fine and we are all seeing how the time we have together is precious.
I'm off to the hospital for the day. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the prayer and support. ALLELUIA!