This is a day that the Lord has made.....

We were planning on guests for the day when they had to cancel (insert disappointed face here). I was already in the throws of preparations when we got the call so I completed the meal, dessert, new bread recipe and the soup I was taking to both new mommies in our neighborhood. Changing course from relaxing with friends, we opted to enjoy an early meal together with Greg's amazing whole grilled chickens which just happens to be something the entire family loves and then hang out together outside. When I delivered meals, one precious baby boy was placed in my arms and my oh my, is there a better feeling in the world than that of a newborn in your arms? I was in my own little heaven! We spoke with both sets of our parents and I even had a phone conversation with Kristin.....IN COMPLETE SENTENCES!!!! We accomplished a lot but mostly just enjoyed this day.

Zoo Day!

We had a perfect day at the zoo today. We had the place to ourselves and the animals were actively entertaining us. Ty called all of them "Brutus" and Kate was too busy playing with Shelby to notice much of anything! The tortoises were even moving around and eating branches from low lying trees. The giraffe drooled right in front of us while moving his tongue all over his face. Ty imitated that and grinned!We caught the tiger training session and the lions were perched right along the edge of their rocks providing an excellent view. All in all, it was a great day to enjoy the zoo.

Reflection

So I've held my first garage sale... Theresa had a garage full of things she needed to sell and living in the country does not make a garage sale profitable. So, we jumped in on the community garage sale bandwagon. It was a decent money maker given the threat of rain and how little I had to contribute. I was a little sad seeing all the baby clothes Ty will never wear again lined up on the table. The dishonest few surprised me though....why on earth is integrity getting so difficult to find? We had a few things stolen. Anyway, throughout the course of the day I had a friend ask me if Theresa was my daughter and another neighbor thought my mother was my sister.....I wish I had been surprised.

Who is that old woman looking at me in the mirror? I honestly get caught off guard sometimes when I catch a quick glance of myself. I have aged so much in just a few years. Our last family photo will be four years old at the end of the month and I think I look at least a decade younger in it. As I think back I realize that I grew through a lot of challenging life circumstances where I allowed God to carry me. The journey was so overwhelming that I had no choice but to fully rely on God. Now that life is more "settled" and we are only dealing with daily annoyances and smaller life issues, I tend to think I am taking it all on myself and waiting on the big stuff to have God take off my shoulders. The aging process shows that system isn't working out very well for me. I remember being told that I looked like I had joy in my life when I was balancing Greg's ongoing medical needs after his accident while caring for a newborn, three year old and five year old. I don't see that joy reflected anymore. I can only work on my heart and hope to finally allow God to take the reigns (Let's all just pretend this is a new idea and not a re-run theme in my life!) As for my faith in others, I am trying to find balance in boundaries, love, grace and truth.....it's also a journey.

My parents came down on Friday for Dad's birthday so we had homemade mounds bars and spice coffee cake....mmmm. Birthdays are sweet!

Look what we did!

We inherited a "less than pretty" dining table with three chairs from my sweet friend, Cherie who had acquired it with her current home. The condition was rough to say the least. Fast forward countless hours and about $100 in materials and we've got a brand new, gorgeous dining set that will seat 8!!!! Our old set no longer fit our family with seating for 6 so we are truly delighted with this hand me down! Thank you so much Cherie! I hope you don't want it back now!!!!

Good Morning

Winds of Change

I love the fall....really love it. I love the brisk mornings with a good cup of tea, the cooler evenings that require a sweatshirt for the start of my evening walk, the gorgeous trees that make the mundane errands an event and the bright pumpkins that pop up all over town in between mum and straw displays. I just love it. A friend of Erin's wrote an article for her high school newspaper this week that talked about how much she fights change. It was very well written and I was left agreeing with her. I also am very much a creature of habit and don't care to have my world change. It is typically in a season of change that I grow but I tend to enter it kicking and screaming! But,the fall is always welcomed as I am ready for the routine school offers after a lazy summer, the crock pot comfort meals, baking without roasting in my kitchen and the ease of jeans and long sleeved tee shirts. It just fits me. Casual, comfortable and colorful. We finally got the cool front I have been asking God to send. I am drinking in as much fresh air as I can this weekend as we are expected to be in the 90's again this week. Just the sneak peak refreshes me. It had been a week full of unwelcomed changes here though.....Erin's 8 month relationship with Brad ended and she isn't pleased with the decision. They were so mature in the way they maintained the relationship so I expect we'll be seeing him again in the future. They are both responsible, intelligent and driven kids. The intensity of this school year so far has made all social aspects difficult to balance. Erin's dealing with a few underwhelming teachers. Tenure should not mean crazy people get to stay employed where they can impact the lives of 180 kids per semester. I am working with a chiropractor three days a week to get my back straightened out. The x-rays were a bit frightening. I have arthritis and degeneration in my lower spine. It was likely caused by pregnancy and babies on my hip. Given that we are still in the "baby on the hip" phase of life, I will be continuing my treatment despite the cost! At this point, it is costing me to go to work....grrr. So, back to a few blessings.....

Ty was busy moving rocks from one landscape bed to another. Kate was thrilled to have temperatures low enough that she could wear her new fall outfit....We snapped these before heading out to get Erin from work. She had to teach makeup classes for three hours yesterday morning since the gym will be closed Monday for Labor Day. Afterward, we headed out to find her some shoes and stopped at Aldi for oatmeal...just a quick stop....right? Now, a little background. I didn't want to renew my cell phone contract given that I don't need it, we are trying to cut expenses and frankly, don't like having a "tracking device". Well, Greg's safety wisdom prevailed when he pointed out that I will be leaving for work in the dark on cold mornings while he is on his way home from work. If I were to have van trouble, he wants me to be able to reach him. Since the van will be 8 years old next month, he is right. I don't like losing but he's right. So, I renewed my contract this past week and got a new phone because the old one had blank screens and could only be used in limited capacity. (Note: cellphones may make good teethers/distractions for a minute but it is not good for the phone) Anyway, I left my cell phone at home on the charger because it was more likely I would need it for church later when Greg and I touch base between services about where to meet with Ty's check in information. Enter Aldi again....I left Erin in the van with Kate and Ty since it was only going to take a minute. They requested the radio be left on. It was a gorgeous day so I left the windows down and let them listen to the radio. Aldi was busy so it took a few additional minutes. When I returned, the van would not start. I spent 25 minutes trying. If I had a cell phone, I don't know who I would have called given that Greg sleeps through a ringing phone (Typically a good thing). We were trying to formulate a plan, trying to remember ANYONE'S phone number when God sent an angel in the form of a lady from church. She loaded us up in her car, stopped at Walmart, and then took us home where we were able to wake Greg and get back to Aldi. It failed to start. Ty was exhausted, hungry and tired of being confined to his seat. We headed to church to teach when I ran into Jennifer and she took my kids into church, covered my class and offered different jumper cables. I literally prayed the entire way back to Aldi, where the van finally started. Getting back to church we found that others had stepped in to help comfort Ty by giving him milk. Greg took him home to nap and I took my class back. It is fun to look back and count all the ways God watched over us but as Greg said, "it is always something"!

The whole world is a science experiment

This has to be my son's approach to life right now....

What will happen if I hit my sister over the head with this toy? What about that sister? What about this other toy? Oh, time out in the pack n play....how hard can I shake this thing? How many times do I have to run into the street before Mom will let me? If I smack the dog with my book, what will he do? If I throw food, will I get to eat what I really want? If I throw my pacifier out of the crib, can I get out to get it? How can I make other people's shoes fit my feet? How fast can I unload the book cases? How many times can I throw coasters before they break? What about sippy cups? Can I make it to the top before they realize I'm on the stairs? How many pieces of dog food will fit in my mouth?

This is not a comprehensive list as his energy and curiosity are endless.

Ty went from two teeth for five and a half months to getting four more in one week! It was a bit rough this time around. He has been a little fussy and had a couple of restless nights. Overall, he's still rather happy and full of smiles.

I've done something to my back and have been limited in my mobility since Saturday. By Monday, Ty had figured that out and when I'd attempt to remove his latest toy weapon, he'd sit square on his bottom so I couldn't reach him! It's a good thing he is so cute!

Did you know?

Did you know car stereos are not like Juke Boxes? Apparently slipping quarters into the CD player will prevent the radio from working.....we have no confessions, just a 25 cent tip for Greg who found the reason for the short in the van stereo.

Super fan!

Erin loves cheering for Floyd Central and specifically #63, Brad Sims. This shot was in our local paper after Friday night's game vs. Providence. The cheering section Erin is always hanging out with made up their own cheers....."free tuition" was being chanted at one point since they were in the lead the entire game. "God's on our side" was the favorite since they were playing a Catholic school and winning.

"The best birthday ever"!

We spent the day at Theresa's to celebrate Brennen's 6th birthday yesterday. Everyone had a great time and we were even able to sneak a few quick photos. Brennen loved all the attention, the amazing Monster Truck cake and declared this to be the "best birthday ever"!

School day #10 and "finally" painting

Lauren says she needs glasses to be "smartical".

They are 3D glasses from a movie this summer with the lenses popped out. She's unusual but we love her!

Dads are Great

I had Lauren write a paragraph about a grandparent or older friend today. She first wrote about me! She failed that assignment! After all the laughter subsided, she handed me her real paper and it was written as follows:

My Grandpa Dale is funny, strong and never stops moving! He can still walk on his hands around the pond and he's going to be 71 this year! November 10th is his birthday. I know that because that is the day Justin Beiber is in concert in Louisville (Mom, the tickets are on sale now). Anyway, he still rides his Harley around and takes us on tractor rides. I have fun spending time with my Grandpa Dale.

I was chatting with a friend yesterday about our childhood pets and specifically my guinea pig, Danielle. I remembered the day my sweet dad took Danielle to the vet because she was sick. As an adult, I love the fact that he'd do whatever  it took to assure me all had been done for her. She died within days and he made her a coffin....real wood that was even sealed with grout! What a guy!

"Hey Honey, (insert sweet voice here), is tomorrow your late Saturday shift?" Greg replies, "yes, I'll be off around 6". "Hmmm....don't donuts sound good? It's been awhile...." "Please Daddy!"
 Yep, we're getting donuts in the morning! Whoo-Hoo! 

When Kate has the camera.....

• Well, it's official, Ty really did need the haircut and apparently his face washed

• Ty's going to be escaping soon

• Kate likes herself and Curious George 

• And our neighbors are crazy! The last shot is Paige and her mom on their way up to borrow a glue stick. I would have walked, but Paige and Dana are able to add a little spice to most everything they do!

Smooth moves

Ty thinks he's dancing when he swings his arm like this. And...doesn't every house have a basket full of assorted balls in the living room?

13 months

Ty turned 13 months on Friday. He needed shoes for the third time this summer and sadly, our supply of hand me gowns didn't include this latest size in wides so we went shoe shopping this afternoon. He ended up with 5 1/2 wides and thoroughly tested each pair of shoes he tried by running out of the shoe department. By the fourth pair, the clerk commented that I must have a built in work out program...ya think?
Greg and I tackled his second haircut this morning as well. He wasn't as easy to distract this time but ended up looking as handsome as ever! I'm glad we invested in longer clippers so it isn't as short as last time.
He's still working really hard to cut his top two teeth. It's been months of watching them swell and then recede. It's rather surprising to have a 5 + month gap in time between new teeth. It's also wild to watch him eat everything in sight with only two bottom teeth!
We've finally convinced him to drink out of a sippy cup! He loves carrying around water. I don't allow the milk yet since he also likes to play with it. It's like finger painting to him! He isn't staying hydrated enough with it just yet so we are still using bottles for milk. I hope to break that in the next few weeks.
Greg installed the cabinet locks this weekend. All it took was Ty dumping salt on the floor during HIS watch to make it happen. Just saying......
Ty's trash can obsession transferred outside yesterday morning. It was mild enough at 8am to be outside (please God send a cold front already!) so we headed out to explore for a bit. Ty drug his trash can with him and filled it with landscape rocks....He also had to test each and every bush by smacking the branches to see how they'd bounce. I suspect he'll be outside as much as possible by next summer. I had him all afternoon in the stroller or car seat but just minutes after we returned Greg headed out to take Erin and her group to church. Ty was quite determined to go too. We think he's trying to say "go".
Under the heading of new language, I am trying to teach him "all done" since his current form of communication has him throwing food when he's finished eating. Thursday evening was so bad that I literally turned his high chair to face the wall and therefore lose his audience. Within seconds, he giggled and threw the food over his head! He was dismissed...which was exactly what he wanted! This is why God made him so cute! We adore and enjoy him but he keeps us on our toes.

"Is it different?"

I'm asked this all the time and yes, it is different. Boys are different from girls. It starts immediately. Ty is content and happy, praise God because the idea of doing something because it will please me has not occurred to him. The very idea that I have feelings hasn't occurred to him either! The urge to get into the trash, dump cream of tarter and salt on the floor or smack his sister in the face is just too strong to ignore despite how happy mommy would be should he surrender to obedience. No matter how many times I redirect his activity, he finds his way right back into said "no-no" which left Greg asking one day, "do you think he's very smart?"! Yes, I think he's smart but I think he's just so darned determined that we are going to be hard pressed to convince him that some risks are not worth taking. Therefore, we've got baby gates, cabinet locks, closed doors and empty end tables. I had to eliminate the decorative table altogether because the urge to knock it over several times a day was just too much for him. In the check out lane at Meijer today, he broke the debit card machine! The only good thing was I had already used and it and could make a quick escape after embarrassed apologies! What goes on in that little head of his? I know we were able to reason with the girls. A simple "no-no" with redirection was enough for my mommy pleasing little girls until they were old enough to back talk. Is it premature to hope he won't back talk in exchange for this busy phase?

Organization?

Ty's latest fascination includes a lot of re organization. He has always had very different ideas of where things ought to be ....spices and seasonings on the floor, Tupperware lids in the laundry basket in my bedroom closet, dishes on the floor or in his room, etc....so, as his latest hobby has presented itself, I am left wondering, "is he normal?".  His current favorite game is pulling his trash can from his bedroom into the living room where he sorts his toys. Some stay in the bin, some go into his trash can and others are tossed to the floor. He is so serious about each decision as though he is really working out a system. I can't figure it out but it keeps him occupied. I just have to keep his trash can disinfected! Kate says he wants to grow up to be a trash man.

Speaking of organization, I am enjoying my new job. I am part of a team that sorts merchandise off the truck at 6am. We pull 1700-2200 pieces each morning and have them sorted onto skids for each department in about an hour. We then head to each department where another team has pulled full skids to the floor so that we can further sort each box into the proper areas. By 8am when the store opens, the floor is cleaned up and  we are ready to fill the racks. I am also responsible for making the clothing lines look appealing, scanning for back stock or reorders, customer service, cleaning out the shoe department (the first part of the job I've found that I don't appreciate much) and will be running the registers as soon as things slow down enough for me to be trained. There isn't any down time and we are all pulled multiple directions all the time. It's a lot like being a mom!

I called home during my break yesterday to have Kate tell me she doesn't want me to work because she misses me too much. Greg said Lauren was going to call me because she was upset with him for going to bed without waking her to take care of Ty. She didn't remember it was his day at home so that he was just waking up too. Roles and responsibilities have been assigned and she is taking hers very seriously after a shaky start last week. I called home on Friday to find chaos and in the end, everyone was grounded. By the time I got home I found a real spirit of cooperation among the kids. I suspect Daddy had a firm discussion with everyone about making this transition as easy as possible for one over-stretched momma! Speaking of stretching....school starts tomorrow!!! I am looking forward to the routine of school, but not the work load! Erin will catch the bus 6:40am again this year but she's thrilled the middle school kids have their own bus this year....it was too crowded and loud last year. I only work until 10am on Wednesdays so I will be here to start our day a little later than I'd like but we should be fine with some additional tweaking of the routine. Lauren will be an 8th grader, Makenna will be a 5th grader and our little Kate is starting Kindergarten! Adding her will make the hands-on portion of my day a little longer but she is anxious to start and spent most of her summer writing and drawing. She is eager to read and tell time.

I think that updates us! I am grateful for all that God has so graciously provided us. Here's another beautiful display of his awesomeness! This sunset was last Thursday.

Cuddle Time

Ty and Kate were curled up together with Ty's big fleece blanket this morning as a thunderstorm blew through. This was the view just seconds before that storm. I love stormy skies, but couldn't help thinking about the windows I cleaned last week!

Entering Erin's World

After a longer and more physically demanding first day of work than anticipated and spending a bit of time waiting on the pediatrician to find and correctly update Erin's shot records, I fed the kids a quick homemade pizza (I have to highly recommend Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day for the recipe and many other favorites) and took Erin and Ty to high school registration. I was able to pass on this glorious tradition last year since Ty was too sick to go along and needed his mommy at all times. I'm glad Ty is better but boy oh boy can the schools learn a thing or two about simplicity! We were there for a couple of hours and didn't accomplish all that needed to be done. This momma is finished regardless. If it really matters, I'll hear from them. BUT, seeing Erin in action was a bit enlightening! The photographer took a second shot because she wasn't happy with her first one. He let her set up a second and choose her favorite. Keep in mind, we didn't order any. This is just for the yearbook and her student ID! Next we waited forever and a day on her counselor who moseyed in and out of his office several times but never called anyone back. So, the third time another counselor asked if there was anyone waiting to see him, I suggested he could make a quick schedule change for Erin if that was allowed. He gladly took us and found himself being worked over by Erin. She mentioned that she is friends with his daughter and would like to have classes with her. She then requested a study hall in lieu of Child Development, which she conveniently needed first period instead of the scheduled P.E. class in that time slot. In the end, she was able to dump two teachers she didn't want, got to have classes with friends and drop gym first period. She did all of this with a smile and "innocent" chatter. We toured the beautiful building long enough for her to find her locker and classes. She's excited to start her sophomore year next Wednesday.