SHOW HOPE and see Cinderella

Those of you in the Nashville and surrounding areas have a great opportunity to help orphans and celebrate little Maria's too-short life! Steven Curtis Chapman, along with many talented others, is going to do a one night performance on May 14th of Cinderella. Click the link for a discount code.

Eric just bought tickets to take our little dancer, Lael, on a daddy-daughter date. Sounds like such a good event, I would love to tag along!

Christmas Favorites

I've taken a ridiculous number of photos in the past week (900+) while we had ALL of Eric's immediate family together (both sisters and their families, plus his parents!). The last time we were all together in one place was 7 years ago when I was pregnant with Dean and we were in California for Christmas. Seven years ago, there were 12 of us, now there are SIXTEEN. Wow. Getting an early Christmas present from Eric (a new lens!) only added to my shutterbug tendency.

So in jumbled order, here are the highlights:

Dorothy learned how to really work her way around an iPhone this week. She swipes, she makes calls.... I guarantee that Mom and Dad won't let her get away with as much as Uncle Aaron and Aunt Becky!

Eric and his dad

Rockin' out on New Year's Eve (before everyone hit a wall and fell asleep at 10pm)

Look at our little Drummer girl!

Tisra and Lael having tea at Homestead Manor Plantation with all the girls

Angie and Mom at Homestead Manor for tea. Brrrrr cold!

the most extensive tea menu I've ever seen.... hundreds!!! So hard to choose, but I went with Almond and Lael went with Snowflake (meant to taste like sugar cookies).

What??? No pinky extended? :-)

Pinkerton Park on a cold, cold day!

tire swings and me playing around with shutter speed

Little trouble maker (cute trouble maker!)

cousins at play!

The Dean

bundled in my Ella Roo carrier on a walk to the skate park. Dorothy slept her entire nap in this thing and I love, love, love it for its comfort. I feel pregnant when I wear it... carrying extra weight, but nicely distributed. (I think with it under my coat, I looked pregnant, too!)

Eric was the favorite uncle that night- he brought dry ice home from the grocery store.

Sisters on Becky's birthday "picnic" at the winery (with freezing temps, we camped out in the enclosed tent near the gas heaters)

Cousins! Lots of them!

Christmas dinner on Boxing Day (due to flight delays on Christmas Day)

our family of SIX. (still weird to say at times) :-)

Christmas dinner. Becky and Aaron.

Christmas morning hugs with Grandma captured by Papa

Dorothy's first Christmas presents with her FAMILY! (assisted by Grant at first- then, she needed *no help* and began tearing into presents that didn't belong to her! Ha!)

Favorite gift to the boys this year- Tony Hawk Ride.

Christmas Eve fondue.

Chocolate fondue

30th Birthday, Part 2

So, we left the Field Museum and made our way to grab some lunch and pick up our bags at the hotel. Though our time was brief and we were headed to the airport, it had been a lovely trip to Chicago.

We arrived on time to O'Hare via train and made our way to the gate.

Remember those low-lying clouds I thought were so beautiful?

Delayed flight. We called and let Tim and Angie know we'd be later picking up the kids. Delayed flight again. Later still. Then- Cancelled flight. Eric called Tim and Angie again and spent a good deal of time on the phone with them discussing the fact that there were no more flights that evening and that we'd be forced to spend the night and make our way out first thing the next morning. They were really on the phone a long time and I could see Eric doing lots of gesturing. Finally off the phone, I asked him if there was a problem with them keeping the kids overnight. He kind of brushed me off and we joined the line to have our flight re-booked.

At this time, I'm a bit disappointed that I won't see my kids on my birthday. I'm tired and frustrated. Then, Eric lets me in on Surprise #3. The phone call had been to address the very large group of people that had planned on being at our house for a surprise party once we drove home from the airport! Apparently, about 50 people were going to be showing up, the house was decorated, and carrot cake (my favorite!) was waiting! And we weren't going to be there. The thought of seeing all my favorite people on my birthday, after an already wonderful celebration, was fabulous and I got teary knowing that it wouldn't happen.

When we finally got to the front of the line, the Airlines helped us book a night at a local hotel. Another phone call later, and the "surprise" party was re-scheduled, with a smaller group of friends, for the next day after church. After Shuttling to the hotel, the kind receptionist upgraded our room to a suite for my birthday. The room was huge. Not as nicely appointed as the Knickerbocker, but it had a desk and a wet bar and a whole seating area with two couches and a large bed that I was dying to crash into! We ordered in to the room from a restaurant down the road and watched Austrailia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. I completely fell asleep on the ending, which was fine because the movie wasn't that great and we had to be up at 5:00am to catch the shuttle again and board our new flight.

The airport and flight were uneventful, thankfully, and we made it home on time. Angie had been making a huge breakfast for the kids so when we picked them up, we joined in also. Cinnamon rolls, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns. Sooo good. So good to see my sweet kiddos again.

We finally came home after breakfast and the house was perfect! My amazing sister-in-law, Angie, had cleaned and decorated while I was away. Balloons were hung, some of my clutter had been shuffled to less conspicuous location, and banners were up to greet me. They had thought of every detail. Seriously.

The actual party was so sweet. Good friends celebrated with me, kids played, and the cake was awesome. :-)

I feel so spoiled and loved.

Really, it was a team effort. Eric's sister, Angie, came up with the idea of flying somewhere for the weekend and they worked together on all of the details. From my wardrobe, to the cake, to seeing a show, to inviting guests. Had it not been for the flight cancellation, the whole thing would have gone off without a single snag! Two weeks later, I still feel humbled and stunned that it happened.

Eric's got 10 years think about how to top this for my 40th!

Eric's beautiful sister with her sneaky look. :-)

Yes, they really made me blow out 30 candles.

Our sweet neighbor, Julie.

Our whole dining room table becomes the "kiddy table" with this many people.

My dear Lael.

30th birthday, Part 1

It's all been lies, lies, lies around here!

Dear friends, neighbors, and even my husband- all liars! And they pulled it off.

I'd been preparing for a surprise date night for my 30th birthday for the past month. I gave Eric the parameters, and he had full permission to work out the details of a birthday celebration night without me knowing the specifics. I told him I wanted to be with him, friends would be nice, and that I wanted to dress up. But that's all I knew.

Since Eric and I had plans for Saturday, Angie wanted to take me for breakfast on Friday. We went to the famous Pancake Pantry in downtown Nashville that I'd never been to. Apparently the line wasn't terrible- we only had to wait 30 minutes (many times, it is out the door and around the corner of the block... at least an hour!) The kids had these crazy sugar dusted, M&M and chocolate chip pancakes (Bears in the Snow and Polka Dot pancakes) and I enjoyed "Chocolate Sin"- crepes filled with chocolate ganache and covered with raspberry compote and whipped cream. Oh. My. Goodness. So good.

We were taking care of the tab and I suddenly feel arms around me. Eric! Angie just looks at me and says, "goodbye". What?! Surprise #1. She stays with the kids and I depart with Eric.

I'm just in so much shock that I don't really know what to say. We drive and drive and drive and then pull into the airport. He laughed. I nervously laughed. It could have been a diversion to confuse me except that we pulled a ticket and parked in an overnight parking spot. Bags? He packed them! And it was at that point that he revealed to me that we were flying to Chicago for the night and had tickets to see Jersey Boys. No stinkin' way! Still in shock. Looking back, I feel a bit bad that I may not have reacted in an elated, gleeful way- I was simply stunned. Surprise #2.

I've had a few friends tell me that they would be nervous to have their husbands pack for them. Let me tell you that Eric got *everything*. Make-up. Dress. Shoes. Jewelry. Undergarments. Everything. Hair rollers. Even my perfume.

Our flight took us into O'Hare, and then we rode the trains into downtown to our hotel. Eric booked the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. Such a cute hotel. It's old and has fun little details like a multi-floor mail slot (you can actually watch the envelope slide though the clear chute between floors when someone drops a letter). But the rooms are nicely appointed and modernly decorated and the bathroom had us brainstorming a re-do in our own house. Anyway, there was just enough time to get dolled up for dinner and the show. Perfect timing.

I found the dress on sale at Dillards on a shopping trip with Angie. It's silk, with silk lining and a raised velvet-ish design on it in black line. The modern puff sleeves and cut had me thinking this needed kind of edgy shoes. I found some great ones on sale at Dillards, too- Calvin Klein open toe patent leather high heels in black with suede wedge heels. Yay for sales! Jewelry is Target. I'm not a put-together fashion person so this was really hard for me. I'm not a sweatsuit kind of mom, either, but I don't often think of the details like belts, handbags, accessories. Costume jewelry- I don't really own any. I wear the real deal, usually, or nothing. It would appear that I've turned into my mom.

When I was little and getting my ears pierced, I wondered why mom mother wasn't having more fun with her jewelry. As a twelve year old girl, I was imagining the possibilities of matching earrings with outfits and my mother often wore the same gold and precious stone studs for a week at a time. Now I realize, it was a matter of time, or comfort (and allergy... some of the non-gold stuff itches!). But this shopping excursion did have me thinking I should put more effort into my ensembles on a regular basis because it felt nice to consider every detail. Watching my friend's Savvy Outfit of the Day also proves it's not about the money.

Anyway, we grabbed a cab and made it to Rosebud on Rush for a nice Italian dinner. The Stuffed Mushrooms appetizer we split was the best I've had, and my Eggplant Parmesan was fabulous. So filling that I insisted we walk to the theatre even though it had become quite cold and windy. the walk settled my meal and gave me a chance to breathe in the city. I love Chicago.

Eric and I made it in perfect time to the show. It's so funny that I really knew nothing about The Four Seasons walking into the theatre. I wondered if I'd even know some of the music. I didn't really care since so many people had said it was a good show and well worth seeing and I love theatre. Let me tell you- I knew almost all the songs! We probably all do. If not through the band themselves, through jingles or movies (Earth Angel?- Back to the Future!). Such fun. The story was well told and enjoyable. Wicked is still better- but I really enjoyed it. ;-)

The following day, we went to The Field Museum. When we came to Chicago in June, it was one of the museums we'd hoped to see but ran out of time. We saw Sue, the most complete T-Rex ever found, and the Pirate exhibit, and the man-eating lions of Ghost in the Darkness fame. By no means did we see all there was to see, but we had to get moving so we could grab a quick bite to eat and head back to the airport.

Leaving the Field Museum, I saw one of the most beautiful sites ever. The lake was filled with frozen slushy "icebergs". Mini icebergs. It was magnificent and the stillness, paired with the crunchy creaks of the ice was breathtaking. Top that with the low looming clouds and it was magical. God put on a show that morning. All for me on my birthday.

More later... I've far exceeded my blogging time for now.

this shot is my favorite

the handsome man I get to be with always

at the Knickerbocker... that dotted chair was way too cute

Sue, the world's most complete T-Rex skeleton

The Field Museum

overcast skies... can't even see the tops of the buildings! (I love overcast weather... so this was perfect for me)

icebergs surrounding the field museum

Date Night

Last night Eric and I had a wonderful date.  He has been through (through?!  I think he is still *in*...) a rough season at work.  There have been countless late nights, worked weekends, and even a few all-nighters for the department he oversees.  This has been difficult on our entire family- the kids miss seeing their dad, I'm worn out from carrying the load solo, and our marriage is a bit ragged from simply not being together enough.  But, when we do get the chance, we make the most of it!  So, while my husband is at the office on a Saturday right now, we can say that we enjoyed an amazing date together and we are as madly and deeply in love as ever!

We dropped the children off with their amazing, wonderful Aunt and Uncle for a sleepover and headed to downtown Nashville for dinner at Zola.  This is my favorite Nashville restaurant!  The cuisine is really fabulous (and we all know I'm a snob after my Gramercy Tavern experience!).  I had their Brie pizza starter with mushrooms and almonds and truffle oil and the Bleu Cheese Halibut entree.  For dessert, creme brulee and Eric had a Lemoncello layer cake that was gone in the blink of an eye (I had a bite, but seriously... he loved it because it disappeared super fast!).  We talked and talked and talked and did our best to make up for being apart from each other so much as of late.

Next stop was the movie theatre for Quantum of Solace.  No spoilers, but I was less than thrilled with all of the revenge.  Unsettling.  But, I can say it was a well done action/spy film.  Eric liked it and that's all that matters when viewing action movies.  I love him, what can I say?

We came home and stayed up late and woke up when our bodies told us to.  With no kids in the house, that was about 8am.  Fabulous, fabulous rest!

Taking full advantage of the lack of little ones in tow, we dressed and left for breakfast for two (not 5... TWO!) at Franklin Mercantile Deli.  Okay, their breakfast is soooooo good.  I had a mushroom, spinach, feta omelette, croissant, fruit cup, and freshly made cinnamon roll.  Oh.  And a caramel latte.  All while staring into my sweetie's eyes and enjoying the crisp fall scenery through the window.  And, the deli is so cozy and well designed.  We don't eat out for breakfast very often- but I declare that that is exactly where we should go from now on!

Revitalizing and lovely.  Can't we just do that more often?!

Okay, now for fun (and because my husband is at work and it's Saturday and... well, I have some time to burn), I took one of the photos from last night and tinkered with it in Photoshop Elements.  My super nice husband, who tries to encourage my creativity, bought me Elements years ago so that I could play with my photographs.  I'm not the first to say it- Photoshop has a tremendously large learning curve.  It is not an intuitive program.  But, when someone offers up a step by step tutorial on how to do a particular thing, I figured it was high time I tried more than the basic red eye reduction or cropping or blending.  I followed this tutorial.

Here, is the "before".  You will see that I am in The Green Dress again.  I'm a housewife with three kids and have no need to extend my "fancy" wardrobe too far, so while its only the third time wearing it, the ensemble has been caught in quite a few photographs.  Beside the point, though, right?  You will see that the image lacks depth (the flash on my purse camera isn't fabulous), and we both have red eye.

The "After" image has a magical glow, the red eyes are gone, and the color seems more balanced and rich.  I'm really pleased and encouraged to find a few more straightforward tutorials (anyone have tips?).  Try it yourself.  It's easy!

Now that I've told my dad....

I guess I'm ready to announce to the internet that I'm sporting ink.

Really.

Yep.

Saturday, after over a year of thinking about it, Eric and I went to Billy Joe's in downtown Nashville and had our designs tattooed.  Eric on his left arm, and me on my lower back.  It was a great experience.  I cannot recommend that shop enough- clean, friendly, knowledgeable, and wholesome (we took the whole family... including the kids!).  Nakota did Eric's tattoo first, and then mine.  It hurt, but not as bad as I thought it might (I guess after giving birth naturally 3 times, I'm less of a wimp than I thought I was!).  Mostly, it was irritating (although there were some spots I did have to breathe through and really focus... spots where it burned or felt like I was being cut... but they were over pretty quickly).  Then again, I didn't sit in the chair for hours... mine took only about 30 minutes.

I selected a flower and leaves design that came off of a hand-painted jewelry box which was my mom's.  It reminds me of her.  Additionally, there are 6 leaves and six stamens on the flower and I feel like it symbolic of the family we've made... even if that 6th member is only known in our heart and not fully realized yet.  While being feminine, it is "artsy" and contrast-y and all done in black line (slightly Asian or islands inspired).  It's quite pretty.  I'll happily show those of you who are close enough to me.  I'm not posting it to the world wide web, which ensures that no copy-cat will find it while googling floral low back tattoos and ask their tattoo artist to do the same thing.  :-)

Eric has a wonderful, simple, manly symbol and I love it.  He selected the Chi Ro- a Christian symbol that predates the cross, and represents the starting letters of "Christ" in Greek.  Encircled in black line, the chi ro is also flanked by the symbols for Alpha and Omega ("beginning and end").  A strong statement of faith.  And it looks great on him.  

Ooooh! A new *FUN* experiment!

So today the kids and I made a simple syrup solution and are in the process of creating "rock candy".  We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.

But, that's not the experiment I'm talking about. 

And a few weeks ago when I decided not to use the microwave... that's not he experiment I'm talking about either!  (by the way, I *have* used it occasionally now, but not much- mostly coffee, and once or twice with leftovers)

Ohhhhh nooooo.  We're pulling out the big guns around here!  The NEW.  FUN. CRAZY.  experiment is that the kids are Unplugged.  (Mary, your idea for a sarcasm font would fit nicely right here).  I kind of, selfishly, don't want to do this experiment.  But, Eric and I see no other choice.

We are taking away video games, computer, and TV for two weeks, maybe more.  Our children are acting spoiled, a bit ungrateful, and are squabbling more than we'd like.  Most of the time, the entitled attitude, the bickering, and the less-than-respectful behavior rears its ugly head after being "plugged in".  Hopefully, by eliminating one, we'll reduce the other.

One of the advantages of homeschooling for us right now is character training.  Seeing the attributes in our children that we want them to have is the result of being fiercely focused parents that are feeding them God's wisdom and perspective and encouraging an "others-centered" view not a "me-centered" view.  Frankly, when the kids are "plugged in" they only care that *they* get the same time to play a video game as so-and-so.  And when they are watching a show, they want it to be a show *they* picked, not their sibling.

Whew.  This is not easy.

My kid's don't watch a lot of TV (especially with TiVo!), but they do do something electronic each day (probably and hour- although some days more... like when we have a house project that needs getting done).  I hardly know how to shower with a highly active three year old without putting Dora or Kai Lan on!

But, that's about me, isn't it?  And that's the point!  I need to lay down my self (be self-less) in order to create self-less kids.  Wow, what a concept! 

Harder still is that I am keeping my niece and nephew this week (4 days/4 nights) while Tim and Angie go on their anniversary trip.  Do I have the ability to stay on target with 5 kids, or do I cave?  I'll be honest, I might cave while they're here... but in extremely limited amounts. Stay tuned to find out how I cope.

Chicago

It's unbelievable being married TEN years.  I can't even begin to imagine what the coming 10 will hold!  I love you, Eric.

outside Wicked on our "fancy night".  We LOVED the show so much that we bought tickets the next day for the matinee.  Also bought the album on iTunes and can't stop singing the music!

Millennium Park

Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park

Anniversary toast in our original wedding flutes

Rainbow after the Shoreline tour out of Navy Pier

Marina city- just one bit of the architecture I fell in love with in this city!

lunch at Fox&Abel- soooo good.

statue we passed every day

lighting fixture in the Shedd Aquarium

view from the John Hancock Observatory

architectural detail on one of the bridges over the Chicago River

my sweetie, lying in our perfect spot near Museum Campus

I cannot gush enough about this trip.  Perfect.  Perfect.  Perfect.  We took in so much in just four days and it will remain better in my memory than words or pictures could ever explain.  For my sake, though, I'll list some bits to keep it all in my mind nicely.

4:30am rise

"Once" on the plane

diamond necklace

Macy's 

Shedd Aquarium

Riding the "El"

Planitarium

Navy Pier

Architecture boat tour and downpour

reversal of the river

John Hancock Observatory, ears popping on elevator

Sears Tower

sore feet

bike ride

Wicked

Catch 35

Art Institute of Chicago

shakes at Ghiridelli's

Get Smart

Oak Park and Frank Llyod Wright

Love