This can't be December...

I just started thinking about how December is halfway over and I can hardly believe it. I blame the beautiful weather. It's tricked me into thinking it can't really be December. I mean last Tuesday it was 72 degrees! We went out walking with no jackets or sweaters... it felt really weird. Especially when my sister called to tell me she'd just been snowboarding in negative temperatures. Yikes, baby it is not cold outside here. People here keep trying to convince me it's cold outside but sweater weather is not cold. Come on people. I think when we travel to see family over the holidays I am going to freeze!

Over the past few weeks we have spent a lot of time at home together. Not because the weather is bad, but because the boys have had colds. We had about a week where they were both feeling well with no runny nose. It was like I didn't know my own happy children. It was wonderful. When they are happy, I am extra happy I think.

The boys have been playing together more and more as Russell gets older. I really love watching them explore and play together. Sam seems to enjoy teaching Russell everything he knows, good or bad:)

I couldn't resisit a few photo opportunitites of them playing together.
In the car the other day I turned around to see this...
Sam said Russell was scared of my driving, so he was holding his hand so he wouldn't be scared.

Helping with the dishesn a.k.a. playing in the soapy water...

(pants optional, I guess)

Playing in the cupboards...

One would get in and the other would close the door for him. Sam said they were playing house. I think Russell thought they were playing peek-a-boo.

Helping me bake goodies...

We've got to taste test things, right?

Some sweet Russell moments...

The boys favorite past time...wrestling with Dad.

As the days fly by we are preparing for our trip to see everyone and we are very excited! This may well be our last big trip "Home" for the holidays. Maybe next year we'll live a bit closer,(within reasonable driving distance) and we'll get to see everyone a bit more. We look forward to it.

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Give Thanks...

Dear Mister Turkey,

We have a lot to be thankful for. Your smokey goodness is just one of the wonderful things we enjoyed today.
On the menu:
-Our beautiful smoked turkey(courtesy of Ryan who started smoking it last night at midnight)
-Sugar glazed sweet potatoes with pecans
-Brussels sprouts with lemon and walnuts
-Cornbread stuffing
-Rolls
-& Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie!

Yes, it did taste as good as it looks.

A full plate of goodness

It is hard to say what I enjoyed the most, but it was probably a toss up between the turkey and the pie!

I love Thanksgiving. The food, yes, that plays a major part in it's loveliness, but the opportunity to reflect on the many wonderful blessings we enjoy makes for a wonderful day. I love to eat breakfast while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's a tradition I acquired from my mother who also loves the parade. My favorite part is when Santa makes his appearance. It always marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations for me. I see Santa and I can't resist getting out the Christmas tree, putting on some Christmas music and scheming the gifts I'll be making this year!

Sam was so excited about the tree and was very helpful as I set it up. His enthusiasm is unending! He really likes to turn all the lights off in the house, except the tree lights, and gander at the tree all lit up.

There may have been some confusion about "stockings".

And although Russell did this most of the day...

(Being sick is tough when you're 18 months old)
We really enjoyed ourselves.

Now that the kids are in bed and my kitchen is finally clean again:), I just want to stop, take a moment and make sure I write down those big blessings that make my life so beautiful.

-Does my husband know how amazing he is? I don't tell him enough. Ryan, I love you so much.
-Do my kids know how much I love them? I hope so. You fill my days with all things perfect and troubling all at the same time. My greatest struggle is trying to be the mother you deserve. I love you.
-I have an amazing extended family who is all things supportive and loving. What would I do without you?
-My understanding of life and the vision of a plan for my family through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to have it in my life.
-Great health is a blessing I'll never take for granted. To feel good is wonderful. For my family to be happy and healthy is a blessing indeed.
-
Where do these blessings come from? A loving Heavenly Father, to whom I am deeply indebted. I hope to live worthy of these tremendous blessings.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...

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Bubbles, big boys, and Bulldogs...

No matter how many times I remind myself to check on my 3 year old, I guess I can't always keep him under a watchful eye. He knows this and he will take advantage of those small moments where I think he's doing something he's supposed to do, but he is actually getting into trouble.
"Wash your hands after you use the bathroom." I say. Behind a closed door, this is what is going on...

"Mom, I have a beard!" Sam says. Well, at least he's using soap.

Every few weeks we have to cut the boy's hair...again! I got one before picture of Russell...

And here is an after the following day before church. He was all dressed up and it makes me wonder where my little baby went...

Saturday night we took a road trip out to Athens, Ga to go to a Georgia vs. Kentucky football game. Doctor Pruett (director of Ryan's residency program) gave us the tickets and we are so grateful! We had a great time going out for pizza and cheering at the game!

The seats were really good and the weather was amazing! Georgia rocks some awesome winter weather! The kids only lasted till half time before they got too tired to enjoy yelling and eating candy. Kickoff was at 8pm, an hour after regular bedtime! So we headed out and made it home before midnight.

I am really looking forward to this week. Ryan is off work, but on call. So hopefully there aren't too many dental emergencies this Thanksgiving. It is going to be our first Thanksgiving spent as a family. We've either celebrated with family when we lived closer to everyone or spent the day with an "extended" family of friends:) Man, we miss everyone! But I am looking forward to the smoked turkey Ryan is preparing and I think the day will be relaxing and yummy! I've got triple chocolate pumpkin pie on the menu!

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In need of a little R&R...

I woke up today and for the first time in over a week, I could breath through my nose. *Sigh* It was wonderful!

When I lay in my bed my view out the window is limited to a small eve jutting out from the neighbors roof. For some reason the angles really appeal to me and I love to lay in bed and stare out the window. I've memorized the light and how it looks outside that window when I have to get out of bed. I can usually tell what time it is by looking out at the lighted eve. Oh, 7:30 again...

This morning it was raining. It was the first thing I heard when I woke up this morning and I am thankful that I woke up to it instead of a crying child. The past week has been full of upset stomachs and pounding head colds. No one has been exempt from the atrocities, Ryan included. Luckily the vomiting lasted only 24 hours(at different times ) after the kids got it and was weak enough that Ryan and I just felt under the weather. I didn't feel any different(with nausea) than I have over the past few months so I felt fairly unscathed when it came to that bug. The simple truth about having a cold during pregnancy is that it is hard not being able to relieve simple symptoms like congestion with a magic pill or a gross syrup of sleep inducement. Mix that with sick kiddos and I feel sort of like I'm on a newborn schedule:) of awake every couple of hours. Good practice right?

So, the wonderful blessing of a clear nasal passages was a gift indeed. No matter, it was followed by a surprising find in Russell's room. Vomit, a lot of it, everywhere in his bed. He must have slept in it most of the night. My eyes stung at the smell when I opened the door to his room. Poor baby! Why didn't you let me know?! Oh, What a way to start the day.

Another troubling moment of the day was when I was buying my groceries. After finishing through the checkout with all of my groceries I realize to my horror that I do not have my wallet with me. *Oh Dear!* At least I live close by.

The day gradually got better and better and now as I sit here listening to my favorite George Winston CD, it all seems to meld into one unpleasant distant memory. I know we are over the worst of this illness and I am glad to see it go. Now is not the time to dwell on the rest of the cold and flu season to come (with no vaccinations to be found -anywhere-). *breath-in, breath-out*

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Little Helper in the kitchen...

While rolling out a few rolls the other day the boys were right there by my side. Sam most willingly offers to help every time I bake and then does his best to make my mess even messier! Before I realized what was happening Sam had gradually pushed at least a half cup of flour over the edge of the counter for Russell to use.

I don't mind so much when the messes are this cute.

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Happy Halloween!

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Sisters, sisters...

There were never such devoted sisters.

When I consider the word sister, this song is always what comes to mind. That and the scene in the movie White Christmas where Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye perform the Sister's song together. (Ha Ha)

I've been blessed to have 2 sisters. Both older and wiser than I am(most of the time:) I speak to them daily, about nothing and also everything. It's scary to think that these people probably know me better than anyone else, because they see me at my worst, most of the time. Especially lately, as I've dealt with illness and life at home with two young children. Things have been rough and they are the ones who have dealt with the daily stresses and misery's I couldn't seem to keep to myself(misery loves company right?) Well, I can honestly say I never would have made it without the constant support. Thank you for your kind words and sympathetic ears. Thank you for distracting me while I tried to make dinner or changed another dirty diaper. Thanks for calling me in 5 minutes so I could be sick alone while it was happening(again) but not after when I wanted to cry and feel sorry for myself. The list is endless...

Any who, how lucky am I that just this last weekend I actually got to have one of my sisters come visit me?! I had been looking forward to it for weeks, all the while praying to feel well enough to actually be fun to hang out with! Well, my prayers were answered and the nausea stayed at bay just enough to have some fun! Rachel came to visit for an entire weekend and we tried to do as much as possible. I tried to show her around my favorite parts of Augusta and we even took a trip to Savannah together. Gee golly, miss molly we had a good time!

Here are a few of the highlights:
-Playing at the park.


We do have a lovely library and park nearby, so we took the kids to play. Sam quickly learned that Aunt Rachel was much more fun than Mom! Russell took a few days to warm up to her but by Sunday, they were friends too.

-Pumpkin picking, at a local Church. We plan on carving ours tomorrow when Dad can be home to carve with us!

-Forsythe Park Fountain in Savannah, Ga. We took a day trip down to Savannah to see the sights together. It was so beautiful! The weather was warm(a little too warm for me, ah pregnancy:) and although I cut our day a little short due to being over tired and a bit ill, I think it was wonderful.

-This is the line we waited in to get our names on the lunch reservations for Paula Dean's Lady and Son's Restaurant. We only waited 30 minutes and it was worth the wait! Yummy traditional southern cooking. Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken pot Pie and a blackened tilapia Sandwich with potato cakes! I'd wait again, and for longer if I had to. It was a fun part of the tourist side of Savannah. Our other food stops included, the candy shoppes on River Street where we had yummy bear claws(Chocolate covered caramel with nuts) and Raspberry and Key Lime Gelato! Oh and lets not forget the huge cinnamon rolls from the nostalgic Back in The Day Bakery. Those we took home with us because there was no way we were fitting in more rich foods that day!

- A great view of the Spanish Moss that covers the trees everywhere you go.

-My other favorite stops were a few places to shop- One Fish Two Fish, a great design shop, La Paperie, I have a love for all things paper. and Alex Raskin Antiques, 4 floors of antique furniture in an old southern mansion. We loved it! There's more but these were my personal favorites. Before we left I made sure to read the Savannah City Guide from Design Sponge( a favorite blog of mine) to make sure we didn't miss anything! It was however a day trip so, there's more to explore I am sure!

I feel like there is so much more to remember about the days she was here but it all seems like a blur it went by so fast, too fast. Rachel has a great top 10 list on her blog about her visit Here. She mentions a few more things about Georgia and our trip that are fun and unique. We loved having her here. Especially me, she is amazing. Fun, easy going and so helpful! My house was clean every night while she was here! (clean freak:) I love her. Thanks Mom and Dad for giving her this trip to see me as a gift for Her birthday. It was a gift to me too!

And to all those who may like to experience our part of Georgia for yourselves, come on over Y'all. We'd be glad to show ya around.

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To emerge from my temporary cocoon...

I went to the doctors today and they told me everything was looking wonderful! So, I am pleased to make the official announcement that:

Ryan and I are expecting a baby.
I am 17-18 weeks along in the pregnancy.
The baby is due at the end of March.
And the baby is going to be a Girl! (Yes, you read that right) GIRL!

Wow, I think that may answer any questions you may have. Especially maybe those as to where I've been hiding these past few months. In general I like to write a lot more about what we are doing and use this blog as a journal. Besides having nothing to write about, because, we literally have done nothing for a while now, I think I have chosen until now to write anything on the subject because it's something I just couldn't put into words.

So for future reference I would like to say a few things about my experience the last few months...

I have been sick.(A well stated understatement)

Although, I am still sick I have been doing MUCH better the past week or so.(An early Christmas miracle)

My hesitation to talk about being ill spawns mostly from my ability to see the blessing of pregnancy. Plus, the pain I see in others who may never be able to experience this in all its wonderful and sometimes awful forms.

It's not really possible to describe what it is like to be nauseated constantly for a long period of time. Add in other ailments such as intense reflux and bodily exhaustion and the impossibility to find the right words intensifies. A good example of how I was feeling may be found in my conversation with my doctor during my first appointment.

Doctor: "So, how have you been feeling?"

Me: (with hesitancy) "I am pregnant right?"

Doctor: "Yes, you are."

Me: "Oh good, I thought I may be dying."

And so the journey began.

Most anything I put in my mouth, found it's way back out quickly thereafter. My doctor prescribed a fancy little drug that helps keep food down(some of it), but neglects to ease the nausea enough to provide any real relief. By week 8 of my pregnancy(3 weeks of nausea) I started to realize, this isn't just physical, it's emotional too. My days became individual mountains to climb. My family started to subsist on crackers and instant foods I swore I'd never feed them. Little by little my ability to perform my daily tasks was becoming increasingly impossible. By week twelve, 4 weeks later, I pretty much wanted to kill myself. Am I exaggerating, Yes, ask me then, No. I was miserable, it was miserable.

Because I can say with much glee that I am now emerging from the nausea fog(without knocking on wood). I couldn't be happier. I am sure my children and husband are feeling even more happy about it. Ryan has taken such wonderful care of us. His job/school has been incredibly demanding and so he's been gone, a lot. But, when he can be home, he's helpful and sympathetic. It's been a time of serious struggle, for everyone involved.


But today my ill feelings seem to pale in comparison to the excitement and gratitude I feel for this...

and this...



and this...



And so I emerge from my temporary cocoon, not exactly transformed or morphed into something incredibly beautiful or new, but maybe with a better understanding and gratitude for good health and sweet blessings.


A girl, can you believe it?!! Obviously, I am still shocked...

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Because sometimes happiness is only found between the lines...

It's obvious to most that life isn't always "a day at the park" even when you do manage to get to the park. I was feeling very unlike myself the other day and I had to make myself stop for a bit to "smell the roses".

Poor me, I have two boys who are always full of energy and ready to play. The nerve of them, wanting my attention all the time. Can't they just make their own airplane out of play dough or put that shape into the shape sorter by themselves this time. I just can't figure out why they follow me everywhere, a closed door to them just means knock until Mom opens it and if you can't find her, just yell her name until she answers. If I didn't know better I'd just assume they hated my cooking because most of it ends up on the floor. I'm such a mean mom, expecting nap times to be actual sleep time and little boys not to pee in their pants. Isn't it obvious I'm not interested in the dead bug you found or cleaning poo from the tub, again? Come on little people, I can see right through those alligator tears...

It's a good thing I get to stay home and take care of you guys, because if I didn't I would miss out on so much. Playing with you is just about the funnest thing I've ever done, mostly because I love to see you smile and run around with pure joy. My model building skills are really top notch after hours of sculpting(everything) and it's so fascinating to see you come up with the next big idea. Please don't get mad when the star shape won't go into the circle, sometimes things don't make sense until someone shows you why it has to be that way. I appreciated your unending love, especially when I've shut a door behind me for a moments peace. It always makes me feel better when you tell me between knocks that you just want to give me a hug. Yelling Mom really loud is only really annoying after the 10th time you yell it, and only after I've answered, twice. My friends tell me my cooking is really quite good, so I don't believe you when you tell me you don't like it or throw it on the floor. I'll keep feeding you anyways because, well, I love you anyways. Thanks for taking regular naps, most of the time. The 2 hours you spend sleeping, I spend resting and getting ready for the rest of the day to come. Most bugs, just aren't my thing but I'm glad your excited about it, go show your Dad. I think I would have just sat and cried instead of cleaned out the poo from the tub but thankfully Russell kept trying to eat it so intervention was necessary, Oh and Sammy the pirate, thanks for helping me "Let the water out, Arghhhh!" You guys are the best.
P.S. I respond to tears, sometimes even when they're crocodile ones. And remember, I work for smiles, hugs and kisses and my life is truely happy, even though sometimes I have to look between the lines.

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The Rocket

Ryan went to the store this week and on the list was a new car toy for Sam. He lost his Lightning McQueen during the move to Georgia. He's convinced that all we need to do is go see Eli, his BF from Columbus, and he'll know what happened to it. So since I know Eli doesn't know where his car is, I thought it would be good for us to replace it. However, when Ryan got home from the store, instead of a new car he had bought a rocket. A Rocket Kit to be more exact. Sam was ecstatic, to say the least. He talked about that rocket constantly, and reminded me about every hour that he was going to build it with Dad when Dad got home from work.

Hard at work.

Painting the rocket.

Getting ready to fly.

A cute audience

The flight was successful. Twice, but my attempt at recording them was not. One, I took the video sideways, oops, and the second was a false launch with baby attack:

So, maybe next time I should push the launch button instead of the record button, if Sam will let me.

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Look who's walking!

My sweet baby finally decided he would join the world of walking! He's been playing at it for a few weeks now, but this last week he finally decided he would try to walk all the time. It's so fun to watch him toddle around so proud of himself.

The video isn't great but it's the best I could get for now. Russell has had a cold this week and so has been very ornery with me. All of the other videos I took he is walking around complaining that he's a goober face to whoever will listen:)

Other stuff:

It's been a few weeks since I've written but things are in slow motion around here. Ryan has been working hard. His days start early and we usually don't see him until after 7 pm. It's been tough having him gone so much but we are surviving.

Sam is really enjoying school and it's been so wonderful to have some time with Russell. He plays so well by himself, who knew?! Ha, big brothers are meant to pester right?

My favorite time of day right now is 7:00 pm just before the kids go to bed. Russell always snuggles with me for at least 5 minutes. I savor it. Sam is usually acting sweet so he can stay up a little longer, it usually works:) Oh I love it.

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"This is true love. Do you think this happens everyday?"

--Wesley; from the movie "The Princess Bride"

Today is our 7 year anniversary.

When I got married I realized I was marrying someone completely crazy. We made a good match, he and I, but I had no idea my life would be filled with so much laughter and love. I was hoping, but I never could have imagined how wonderful life could really be. Thank you Ryan, for giving me that life. I love you.

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Ah, the Joys of Joy School.

This week Sam started school. He was very excited and only slightly confused when he didn't actually leave to go to school. I was the teacher this week. So therefore, the kids came here and we started our rotation of Joy school. I was a bit hesitant to teach because my few talents don't lie in the same category as teacher, especially to a group of 3-4 year old's. But, I was lucky enough to be able to choose my own subject and I chose Art Appreciation. Yes, I did choose my favorite subject in school, and yes we did have a fabulous week! The kids meet Tue/Wed/Thur from 9 am to 11:30 am. We have a set schedule we go by. Circle time, alphabet time, snack time, play time, lesson etc. I had a hard time deciding which artists to highlight and what type of art to introduce to them. Then I realized, it didn't matter. So I printed off some pictures of some famous paintings and sculptures and art appreciation week began.

We looked at Art and talked about the paintings. We tried our hands at mimicking a famous artist's work, painted a mural and we even attempted sculpture.

Sam and Ben made towers every day out of the alphabet letters after alphabet time.

Asher and Stephen loved playing with the magnet animals, choosing different outfits for their super hero's!

Starry, Starry Night. Black paper makes a great night sky, and we used chalk to draw our stars.

With out even planning it, the hit of the week was "A" is for airplane! They wanted to make airplanes everyday out of their favorite colors.

Snack time!

Sculpture! I made white play dough, so they wouldn't stain their clothes. I was going to let their sculptures harden overnight so they could take them home the next day but then after trying unsuccessfully to get them to not destroy what they did make, I just sent them home with the play dough to keep.

Hard at work.

Alphabet time activity. Recognizing letters in their own names.

I think the hit of the week was painting our mural. This one, I let the kids do on their own. It was wild and fun, and I think the kids liked this project the best. Who doesn't like to make a big mess? and no one got in trouble for painting the wall today!

I hope the kids had as much fun as I did. They did awesome! I look forward to the next time I get to teach. It was crazy having all those kids around at once(even though 2 of the kids were absent this week!). I don't have to teach for a while and that's probably a good thing because I am worn out! To all those teachers out there-You rock! Teaching is tough stuff.

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