The Bagwell Bunch

Still Here

2011-01-26T15:40:00.005-05:00

Wow! It has been a long time since my last post. I really don't know where to begin. The kids are doing great... well as good as can be expected :) Emma is almost 15 in a couple of months (that is crazy to believe), but at least I will have a driver granted she is able to drive good... Isaiah is 13 and playing baseball, and basketball really well I might add, Gracie is 10 now and very smart.. had all A's on her report card and can play a mean game of basketball so mean the other girls are scared... Ella is 7 and is also playing basketball and in love with our new puppy Martha Ann, Tessa is 6 and cheerleading and still the boss of the house, well except for Cameron who is now 2 and does a pretty good job of keeping everyone in line and in order to his belief system. Craig and I are still working at the church and loving most minutes of it. Ministry is sometimes tough, but there is no where I would rather be. God has truly blessed our family with our kids and even though times get tough we are so glad to have eachother and the wonderful friends God has placed in our life. I look back on the past few years and wonder how we have made it through some of the hard times we have endured and then I see the results from some of the hard things and see that God had a plan all along, I was just not understanding it at the time. I still miss my Mom & grandmother like crazy, but it is easier with the friends I have in my life. I do wish they were here though.... Anyway, here is an updated pic of us...

It's the most Wonderful time of the year!

2009-11-22T17:17:00.004-05:00

Wow! This life is so crazy, but exactly what I've always wanted. The kids are in full blown crazy acting season, with Christmas quickly approaching. They are wrapping up stuffed animals, and dressing up like Christmas trees for fun! We are not going to know the real presents from the fake ones. But, it's fun! Yesterday we went to Atlanta and hung out for the day... We went ice skating and rode the horse and buggy around town. It was funny because the buggy driver was trying to talk us into riding and we didn't have enough cash so he drove us to the ATM in the horse and buggy. Not sure how, but all 8 of us fit on a 2 seat buggy... and it worked and was tons of fun! Cameron is doing great, and fits right in with all of us crazies:) Except for the squealing every time he enters the car, he is perfect!
Today we decorated the Christmas tree and the ornaments get on very fast with 8 of us decorating... well, Cameron was taking some off but they got on in less than 30 minutes.... So here are some pics of our recent adventures...

Back by Poplular demand..

2009-10-27T11:20:00.004-04:00

well... maybe not so popular but a few people have been asking why I don't ever update this thing, so I will.
Life is absolutely CRAZY! But, in a good way. The kids are doing great! We all seem to be runnning in a million different directions a millions times per day, but that's life. Tessa is still dancing and wearing her crazy outfits to school, Ella is still trying to adopt every pet in the neighborhood, Gracie and Isaiah have took up wrestling 2 times per week (ahhhh....), Emma is becoming a teenager with all the "perks" of not really liking her parents and in the band playing the saxophone, Cameron is doing great, he is walking and running everywhere, climbing the stairs, and barks every time he sees his Dad and that is hilarious. I guess he thinks his Dad is a dog:)
Time is just passing by so fast. The week begins and seems to end all in the same day. It's funny how with age, time goes faster, things matter less or more, and you seem to appreciate every minute like it is your last. Well, most of the time.
When I was little all I wanted to be when I grew up was a Mom with a lot of kids. Well, I got that, plus a job I love, plus some really great friends who I never would have imagined I would run into along the way. Don't get me wrong things are not always peachy, well most of the time they are not. There seems to be a lot of drama in my life these days and a lot less sleep than I would like to have. I can't remember the last time I slept past 6:30 in the morning... But, all in all I got my wish plus some. This blog is starting to sound a little reflective I think... better stop now.
So, Halloween is Saturday and we are still in the works of costumes. So far.. Cameron is going to be a spider, Tessa is going to be a princess of course, Ella is undecided,Gracie is talking about being Dorothy, Isaiah says he is going to be a wrestler, and I'm not sure if Emma is dressing up yet... Should be interesting.
Hopefully, I will post some pictures of the little darlings in their costumes.. that is if I ever get time to sync the camera to the pc... Hmmm.. wonder if I can get Craig to dress up like Edward Cullen?

Life as we know it...

2009-08-09T15:34:00.002-04:00

Well, since our Summer has ended it ended with a bang! We got a new addition to our family about 5 weeks ago. We now have temporary custody of my 9 month old nephew which has definitely been interesting. The kids absolutely love him as do we. It is definitely new though packing up a diaper bag, changing diapers, and getting up all hours of the night. I wouldn't change a thing though we love having him.
The kids started school last week and are doing great. Tessa is in Kindergarten, Ella is in 1st grade, Gracie in 3rd, Isaiah in 6th and Emma is in 8th grade! I just can't believe they are getting so big! The 3 little girls ride the bus and Tessa packs the barbie jeep up every morning with backpacks and rides down to the bus stop and the other girls ride their bikes. Tessa's jeep has a radio so she turns it up loud and jams down the road, it is just hilarious. The hardest part right now is bed time, because they are not wanting to go to be at 8:00 and they need to since they are so hard to get up at 6:30 in the mornings.
Anyway, life is going good. I am definitely feeling older than my age this year, but I think we will survive!

We are HOME!

2009-06-09T20:36:00.004-04:00

We made it home! We had a nice trip home, all flights were on time and I was able to sleep most of the way.... Other than getting up at 3AM, I feel pretty recovered. We had a great time in Canada, but there is no place like home. Yesterday we went to Banf and the rocky mountains were beautiful!
I decided to check in on the kids as soon as we landed in Texas and Gracie was being taken to the Dr., she appears to have chicken pox only they are not... so who knows? Anyway, as soon as we got home Craig took off to Nashville to go get them, so they should be home sometime tonight.

Things I have learned while I was gone...
I love my friends
I have the best friends anyone could ask for
My friends will do anything for me
Even though they live in Nashville, I have amazing cousins who will watch my kids for as long as I need.
Shannon and Matt are going to be the best parents ever!! (Tessa had a blast staying with them)
Bob & Gwen take amazing care of Ella anytime I need them, and she still doesn't want to come home....
I am very lucky to have great kids
I really would like just one more baby....
Craig and I can still have fun together and we did!
Group trips are FUN!!
God is so Good, and always with me and if I will listen will teach me something every day....

Snow Day!!

2009-06-06T23:57:00.002-04:00

Wow! We woke up this morning and it was snowing hard!! Ofcourse, the downside was they had to cancel the festival and we got to take it all down in the freezing weather. We had a good day though, and got to spend some good times with some new friends. I talked to some of the kids today, and everyone is having a great time and no one really misses us all that much... I guess that's a good thing??!! At any rate, all is well on the homefront and even with all of schedule changes, cancellations and crazy weather this trip has been good and I'm reminded more every day of how God is in control and I am not...

37 degrees?

2009-06-06T01:33:00.003-04:00

Wow today was unbelievable here in Canada!! I think the high got up to about 37 degrees and poured down rain all day long. We did set up for the festival today, but it was less than uncomfortable. Once we had worked for a little this morning, we decided we should go to the second hand store to try and find clothes... since we all mostly brought shorts and t-shirts. We succeeded in finding some warm attire and I came back with a nice warm leopard head wrap which did great for my ears today. The rest of me... well was cold.
It really did amaze me at the people that came out today in the rain with babies and small children in tow.
Wow, I am so tired and my bones are aching from being frozen. All in all I think I was a pretty good sport and didn't complain too much about the weather. The people here really are great and I am enjoying meeting new people and making new friendships. I am hoping tomorrow will be sunny and a little warmer, but the forecast is calling for more rain and colder weather....

Here are some pictures from our nice SUNNY day yesterday...

Canada Bound!

2009-06-04T10:15:00.003-04:00

Well, we are Canada Bound!! After, plane issues with the weather, being rerouted to another airport, and the flight to Canada being delayed we finally made it Tuesday night. It was a good trip though, other than the fact that airplanes just don't give out snacks anymore. Can you imagine? I was about to starve to death.. Anyway, so far since we arrived in Canada, we have ate, ate some more. Today we are getting ready to go and work. We are going downtown today to help set up for a festival. I have met some really neat people so far, and we are staying in a bed and breakfast that has an awesome family running it. I hear pancakes are on the menu this morning! The time change is throwing me off just a little though, I actually woke up at 5:00 Canada time this morning... Ahhhh!!
The kids seem to be doing great with everyone they are staying with, everyone is taking such good care of them and they are having a blast! They are probably caring less that we are even gone. So, I guess that's all for now!

Infamous Pictures

2009-05-15T13:51:00.003-04:00

since the whole moving, no internet most of the time I have not been posting pictures but... I just had to share the ones from Easter. When it got time to hunt eggs, Gracie dressed up in her "Safety gear" and it was hilarious! We had so much fun spending time with our family that day, so here are some pictures!

Summer is here!!

2009-05-14T10:51:00.003-04:00

School is almost out.... I am excited to sleep late and for the kids to not have to get ready for school the night before... This year has gone by soooo fast! Everyone is getting so big.
The kids are loving our new house, there are tons of kids in our neighborhood so they stay outside all of the time, which helps the house stay a LOT cleaner. Craig and I are going to Canada in June for 7 days, I am excited and nervous all at the same time. We have never left the kids before for more than a day or two... It will be fun though, and the the kids love where they are staying while we are gone. The dogs are staying home though, so I'm sure they will miss us all very much...
Anyway, Baseball is coming to an end this week for Isaiah, and The girl's dance recital is this Saturday, and next week we have graduations, programs, and parties... And, it's all over. My babies are not babies anymore they are all growing up to be so big. Kindergarten and Middle school here we come!! One more year for Emma and she will be in HIGH School, this is Crazy. I never anticipated them all growing up.

Still kicking....

2009-03-19T12:00:00.004-04:00

Well... I'm still here. Since the last time I blogged we have moved out to no Internet land. Actually we are 5 miles from Kingston but for some reason no company deemed our area good enough to have Internet. So... I type this from my phone. Anyway, we moved into a subdivision and except for the drive we absolutely love it!! There are a ton of kids all ages for the kids to play with and for the first time ever they actually want to stay home, and so do I. The dogs also love it... So much that they escape all of the time to play with their friends. They have dug holes under the fence, little Ann jumps the fence and they have learned to jump hard enough on the back door to let themselves in the house if we don't make sure it's latched. Anyway, things are going great... Finally.
Ella had her 6th birthday on Saturday and is already acting so much older and I had my annual birthday on Tuesday.
Gracie was so excited for my birthday, I told her when you get old Birthday's aren't fun anymore to which she said Mom you are not even old, most people your age don't even have 5 kids.... Ok, I guess that makes me feel better?!! Anyway, I had a great birthday! I have the best friends and family ever!!! I got 3 birthday cakes, shamrock cookies, green chocolate delight, all kinds of candy treats and great gifts! I guess getting old with the ones you love isn't so bad after all....

Yummy!

2009-02-05T19:15:00.002-05:00

I saw this in the Southern living magazine at the grocery line today and decided to google it when I got home. We almost had all of the ingredients so I went for it! It was delicous. At the bottom I will tell how I altered it, but man you gotta try this!

Nutter Butter Banana Pudding
Prep: 35 min., Cook: 20 min., Stand: 30 min.,
Yield
Makes 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients
3 cups milk
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 medium-size ripe bananas
1 (1-lb.) package peanut butter sandwich cookies
2 cups sweetened whipped cream
Garnishes: peanut butter sandwich cookies, dried banana chips, fresh mint sprigs
Preparation
1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice. Place saucepan in ice, and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly chilled.
3. Meanwhile, cut bananas into 1/4-inch slices. Break cookies into thirds.
4. Spoon half of pudding mixture into a 3-qt. bowl or pitcher. Top with bananas and cookies. Spoon remaining pudding mixture over bananas and cookies. Top with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Garnish, if desired.

I didn't have nutter butters, so we used nekot peanut butter cookies broke up (yummy!), also I didn't have whipped cream, so I separated the eggs and beat the egg whites until they were thick, then added sugar and browned the top after it was put together. It was amazing!!

I'm still here...

2009-01-20T10:16:00.002-05:00

Well, yes it has been a while. Things have been busy lately. Basketball has started and along with dance,every night is packed full again. Not to mention our Saturday's are booked with basketball games. Yesterday, the kids were out of school and Tessa was on the rampage and decided to stick some tweezers in a light socket. She was fine, but the power was not. The den, tv's, hall and bathroom all went out for half the day. Luckily, Craig was able to fix it. Anyway, other than that things are going pretty good and no one has gotten sick lately except for me and Craig and we are both better now. Well, he's still carrying on....

Back to Life.. Back to Reality..

2009-01-03T20:53:00.003-05:00

We are finally home!! Thank goodness! We were in Cartersville and so close to home I could taste it, little did I know the surprises that would await us. We pull up to mail overflowing out of the box, and 9 days of newspapers on the ground, a freezing house (Craig turned off the heat), a dead fish (the house was smelling awful), and the cable and internet had been cut off. I guess we forgot to take care of a few things... Anyway after taking care of those few things we were off to get the pups. Shannon and Matt kept them for us while we were gone, and boy do we owe them big time! They had dug 2 wading pools in their back yard and tore up anything they could get a hold off. They were very sweet about it though, Shannon even offered for the kids to come over in the spring and fill the holes up for them to swim in! Really they were enormous!
Anyway, we walked right back in to real life. It was a good trip, minus the driving. We got to see lots of family and see many different sights, and the kids really enjoyed their cousins and great Aunts (My Nanny's sister's). But I can't wait to get into My Bed....

so far...

2008-12-31T12:09:00.001-05:00

Since Thursday, we have spent 1 night in Vicksburg, Mississippi, 2 nights in Louisiana, 1 night in Houston Texas, 1 night in Mobile Alabama, last night plus the next 3 in Orlando Florida. Today, we are in Busch Gardens and for the most part have had a good trip so far... Minus the over 2000 miles we have been in the car. Anyway, I guess that's the update since I am sitting right outside a very loud rollercoaster waiting for Craig & Emma to get off..

road trip day #1

2008-12-26T09:37:00.001-05:00

Well, we left yesterday afternoon about 3, and we arrived in Vickburg, Mississippi about 10:00 last night. With only 2 stops we did really well.. We checked in and slept 7 in 2 double beds. Not a lot of shut eye I must say. As I layed there listening to everyone breathe and snore I just couldn't believe they were all mine... Then, after much more breathing and snoring I was wishing we had gotten 2 rooms. Anyway, this night is over now and we are off to Shrevport Louisiana in a little while. We really are having a good time so far, especially since Dad and Joyce are with us until Sunday. It just makes it feel so doable! Funny thing Tessa said this morning, "this is almost our home". Well, kind of it is since we are all together..

2 nights before Christmas

2008-12-23T14:36:00.002-05:00

We have had a really fun holiday so far! Friday we went Christmas caroling with our Small group, and even though it was pouring down rain... We had a blast. The kids loved it and the people we sang to, well, most of them loved it!! Then Saturday, we had my side of the Family Christmas party and it was so good seeing everyone, we had a really good time. Last night, we went with Shannon and Matt and participated in the live nativity at Trinity. Shannon and Matt were Mary & Joseph and me and the girls were angels and Isaiah was a sheperd. Craig was the photographer. We really did enjoy it, especially the waving and laughing from good friends! So tomorrow is Christmas Eve with Craig's family, and Christmas night we are all headed out to Louisiana, I can't wait to see family! Then on Sunday, we are taking off to our next destination until the next Saturday... right now we are in between going to Colorado or Florida... Guess it depends on how I pack. Merry Christmas to all!!

Hope?

2008-12-16T19:03:00.002-05:00

A sweet friend gave me a cross with the words Hope across it. It is so beautiful, what made it even more special is that she chose it because she felt I needed some hope! Thanks Susan. Honestly, things are so crazy with the kids here lately and other family issues, a little hope was great to receive.
It seems Emma is embarking on her teens and is not very fond of any of us right now.... I guess that too shall pass though. Gracie... well if you've met her I need not say more. And, well everything just seems to be upside down and all turned around. Most days quite humorous I have to admit. We did finally get to see Santa yesterday, and they completely changed their Christmas list all around. Luckily, Santa just said We'll have to see.. which left it wide open for choices. Ella requested a real digital camera & a bible. Isaiah, threw it all off asking for a cell phone... yeah, we'll see about that one. Emma just stood as far away as she could, afraid her friends might spot her. Tessa named off all kinds of random things, and Gracie asked for a nintendo game and doesn't even have a nintendo... Who knows? Then, we proceeded to get 1 haircut and ended up with 4... It was bedtime before we made it out of the mall. Fun times are here, and once school lets out on Friday it should even be more fun!

I can't imagine...

2008-12-10T15:57:00.002-05:00

I can't imagine what my kids have been thinking lately. It's been like Dennis the Menis X's 4 here lately...
Anyway, we have been to the mall a few times lately and every time we go they want to get on that new bunji trampoline thing they have in the food court, since it's $6 a piece i always say no. Well, they were apparently inspired.. The night before last they spent a lot of time outside, I was loving it! Craig and I got some cleaning done with no disturbance. Later, we found out why... They were building a concoction... try to imagine this... They tied a very long dog leash around the poles of the trampoline and got bunji cords and bunjied a lawn chair to the leash, from there they took turns in the lawn chair bunji jumping in the lawn chair. They were so proud of themselves, we however were not! The same day they were trying to get the dogs on leashes to tie them up to the wagon and make them be the reindeer and they were taking turns being Santa... Wow, what imaginations! Good thing the dogs ran from them.... Don't worry about letting your kids come over, there will be no more bunji jumping...EVER!

It's beginning...

2008-12-05T13:22:00.003-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Santa is everywhere, Christmas songs are playing endlessly on the radio and We have a Christmas program at or for School at least once per week. Fun times are here again! Today, Isaiah's chorus group went around to the different nursing homes singing Christmas Carols. That is my favorite thing to do every year. They are so glad to see the children and the children love to love on them. It really was a great day for all. So, I'll leave you with some Christmas pictures of the kids this year so far!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We really do have a lot to be Thankful for... I am so Thankful for my kids, my husband, my Church, my family, & my friends. The last few years there has been a lot of loss, but God has really taken care of me by putting people in my life to help me make it through. I feel so blessed this morning at all that I do have, including all of the memories of my Mom and Grandmother. I look so forward to going to my Dad's this afternoon for Thanksgiving dinner with the family that I do have left, and that makes me Thankful!
Life here, is so crazy... but, I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. I always said I wanted 10 kids, and look I have 5 sitting right here in my living room watching the Thanksgiving parade, and it is just enough. It is amazing how God always gives you just what you need, Always.
So, we have the tree up, the house semi-clean and it is proving to be a great day. Up next... Christmas pictures!! One bath down, 4 to go...

XL Gives Back

2008-11-21T13:41:00.005-05:00

If you are reading this and you don't know this already... XL is doing an amazing project this year of replacing a family in need's Home! It has been an amazing process, with so many volunteers helping. Today is actually the first day I have been able to help, but I found myself laying sod in the freezing cold, My nose running, ears hurting and hands cramping... I'm not complaining though. After, I drove away it made me think about how many people coming together it has taken, and hours and hours of work to make this happen. And, come Sunday afternoon this family is going to have a fresh start and all the resources to start new! Wow, this is what God does for us when we ask Jesus to come into our heart.
Now, there may be some rocks in the dirt, and stumps in the way but Wow the end is the means! Today, I feel so blessed to have the few aches and pains I have to help this family to see God's love for them. And to all the real people who did all the hard Work to make it happen, You guy's and gal's Rock!!!

Happy Birthday Isaiah!!

2008-11-18T16:11:00.002-05:00

Wow! It's been 11 years since I had this precious beautiful baby boy, who had the biggest head i had ever seen on a baby. He weighed in at 8 pounds and 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. He had long black hair and chubby rosey cheeks. Perfect!! (except for his head, which was shaped like a cone) but that wasn't his fault..
Anyway, he has really grown up. He is sweet, caring, loves to help people, and very respectful for other people's feelings. I love this boy so much and I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. Happy Birthday Isaiah, We love you very much!!

New day..

2008-11-16T16:21:00.002-05:00

Ok. So I have a confession to make... On Friday the kids found a boot. I really wanted to say hide it and never speak of it again, but I told them to take it back. Since my last post "a neighbor" has called animal control on our dogs and I just can't imagine who did it..
Anyway, back to reality Tessa has been sick 4 nights this week & missed 2 days of school. We are going to try not feeding her to late & see if that helps.
Here are some things I am learning these days:
1. No matter how hard I try the laundry is never done
2. It feels so good to get all of the laundry folded
3. Some people you just can't help
4. The kids will probably never get along
5. It's hard living in 3 bedrooms with 5 kids...never quiet
6. I love to cook when the kitchen is clean
7. I don't like cleaning up the dishes
8. I can't worry about things I can't change, it is consuming
9. I really do have the best friends in the whole world!!
10. My husband will do anything for anyone, and that makes me proud

The day after....

2008-11-10T17:34:00.002-05:00

Ok... So get this, today after I got home the neighbor's kid came over to play. I asked Emma to ask him if he found his timberland low boot.. Guess what?? He found it, inside his house! Oh, the Dad wasn't so quick to come let me in on that bit of info...
Amazing, how when you have a gripe how some people are so quick to come stomping over in their hunting gear, but never so quick to let you know when they made a mistake...
Anyway, in other news Tessa woke up sick again this morning, on the way to school, when we got back home, and again in the car to pick everyone else back up (that one happened on Craig's time), don't worry he left the mess for me to clean up though...

Rant...

2008-11-10T06:08:00.003-05:00

So Sunday afternoon I am just minding my own business when one of our neighbors comes to our back door. I went out and he's standing with his arms crossed in his "hunting gear". I said Can I help you? and he proceeds to tell me that our dogs have carried off one of his timberland low boots and messed with his recycling. I was a little ill at this accusation, since his dog is always in our yard and our precious dogs just had surgery last week and have been staying in our yard, plus they don't even like shoes anymore. So I asked him, did you see our dog's take your shoes? ofcourse his reply was no. What I wanted to say is take your shoes in the house, or put them up... but I refrained. Anyway, First of all their are at least 20 dogs in our neighborhood and this is the second time he's come to our house with an issue about something... I think he just likes to see what we are up to down here... Cause our dogs don't even like shoes...
By the way this isn't the same neighbor who invited us to Church.
So, anyway being the nice neighbor I am, I said if I see it I will let you know... However, it looks like we're not going to be good friends....

The end of the week... I think..

2008-11-07T08:11:00.003-05:00

Wow, this has been another humdinger of a week. It seems like this week Tessa and I have been at it the most about what she is going to wear to school. Why should a 4 year old care? Monday she wore a green velvet Christmas dress complete with tights and black patton shoes... Tuesday is a blur... Wednesday a Halloween dress with a princess crown... So on Thursday was it to much to ask for her to dress normal for school? Aparrently it was, it caused 2 all out fits before 7:20 ever hit. It actually cracks me up how different they all are. Emma pretty much wears jeans and a t-shirt every day, Isaiah always wears shorts (even in the dead of winter), Gracie, well she has to be exactly matching and hair done accordingly, Ella wants jeans and t-shirt every day, even on Church day, and Tessa is just random one day she wears a tutu, another day she may wear a holiday dress but never wants to wear pants!! I guess it's good they are all so different, this must mean when I get old one of them will take care of me, I'm just not sure which one it will be at this point...

Finally...

2008-11-02T14:09:00.002-05:00

Finally, an update at Life with the Bagwell's. I would like to say it was just writer's block and nothing really interesting has been happening but it is just the opposite! Friday, I had a ton of things to do and I got a phone call from a "source" saying the police were looking for me... I was shocked, and couldn't imagine why. He asked me do you have a ticket you didn't pay or something? I thought.... OOOOh NOOO! I did! and... I forgot about it. So the police were looking for me, Great! Anyway, I went straight to the courthouse and $189 later, I am a free woman. Well, they didn't actually ever find me but... And, that is about how my entire week went. We have been on the run, again! Isaiah's team has now made it to the championships, which is very exciting. But, also means MORE practices! Add that in with basketball tryouts for emma, Dance for Tessa, Ella and Gracie and there you have another full week. I am sooo tired!! I don't really see a light at the end of the tunnel, but that is really ok. I didn't cook the entire week last week because we have been on the run so much, laundry is backed up, well they are washed, just in baskets and more baskets and are too overwhelming to fold. Anyway, this is life, gotta love it!

Friday

2008-10-24T10:50:00.003-04:00

This is how our dogs sleep on the reclining lawn chair, I just think it is so funny, how Little Ann thinks she is so small, sleeping on her back like that, she now weighs close to 50 pounds...

Well, this has been a whirlwind of a week. Just seems much crazier than usual, which says a lot. It seems like we are just running from place to place constantly and just trying to make it.. Anyway, I made a vow to myself today that I would stay home and rest. No kids, no distractions, just me naps and the laundry. Well, so far no nap, no laundry, just emails and phone calls... We woke up late, the kids were almost late for school, which just drives Emma in the wrong direction, not to mention it was pouring down rain. I get back home, to start my relaxing and a neighbor I've never met decides to knock on my door, to tell me my dog is in heat and invite me to church.... Wow what a combo! Honestly I think she was more concerned about my dog rather than if we were in church. However, it got me thinking... Here we have neighbors, we've never met who know nothing about us and we know nothing about them. How many people around my home have I invited to church? Well, not many. The hustle and bustle of life just kind of gets us off track and we are just trying to get where we are supposed to be on time. This is not the way I want it to be, I want us to have the time to meet our neighbors build relationships with people and stay close with our family. So, to those of you of my friends who have felt ignored or hustled by from our family, I am sorry. We are going to try very hard to make better, useful, quality time for the people we love. This hopefully can take place after football season is over.... This sport is relentless.... In other news, Isaiah's team has made it to the playoffs and they will play Monday at 6:00, this is a big honor.

It's time...

2008-10-17T09:30:00.002-04:00

It's time to get back in the swing of things, I guess... The kids went back to school on Tuesday and I still feel like I have been trying to avoid things. Keeping myself busy had been a real help I guess. Yesterday, was especially hard because we would always go in between dance to see Nanny, and Tessa was ready to go. She still keeps forgetting... So instead, we went to the Honey Moon Bakery and got a cupcake then walked around downtown while we were waiting for Ella and Gracie to get out. We went and looked at the dolls in Gingers which Tessa and I have never done together before. Nanny used to always take me there and I would always come out with a sweet baby doll. Tessa was amazed, "This is just wonderful" she said. She touched everything and couldn't believe all the pretty things. Unlike me, she was more interested in the crowns, and costumes, and lip gloss as to all I ever wanted was the baby dolls that looked like real babies. We really did have a sweet time together. Anyway, I wouldn't say things are getting any easier just more real. I more than ever want to make good memories with my children like my Nanny made sure she made with me.
In other news, Gracie thinks our dog may have a boyfriend... His Name is Grady and he is not very handsome at all. He has gray hair and a beard, he's really odd looking. She said I think Skittles and Grady are dating, and I asked her why she thought that and she says they always hang out together. Hmmm.... Craig is not going to be very happy if we have puppies....

We are back

2008-10-09T08:25:00.003-04:00

I woke up yesterday morning after a very restless sleep. I don't know I just worried all night long. As soon as I got up I called Craig's mom to see how Nanny was, she was taking care of her yesterday morning. She said she is still asleep quit worrying, enjoy your vacation. I said please just call me when she gets up. Within, 30 minutes she had called me back wanting to know what to do, and I knew she was gone. Just the night before, I had called my Aunt Joyce to see how she did for supper and she had said she didn't eat, she just wanted to go to bed at 6:00. She was very happy though. She just walked down the hall praying, she said I'm not sure what she was praying but I could tell she was praying. She tucked her into bed, and Nanny said Thank you so much. That was Nanny, always so thankful. Always, glad to see you no matter who you were or even if she knew you. We would walk in and she would always "oh there are my babies". "Aren't they beautiful"? "Are they always this good"? and "don't go, just stay". Oh how I wish I could hear any of those words today.
As I thumbed through her bible yesterday, she had written on almost every page, many times, many different times. Her bible is full of wisdom and love and she had even wrote a little about Elvis in it. My Nanny was a good lady, we shared many good times over homeade biscuits, trips, babies, sad times, she has just always been here, full of wisdom and unconditional love. I am going to miss her so much. She lived a good, holy life at 90 years old she really was a pillar of strength and wisdom. She always said, I want to stay in my own house and she did, and for that I am thankful.
I will leave you with this sweet picture taken last week, Tessa and I walked in, Tessa was asleep and Nanny held her hands out saying "Oooh give me my baby" and that's how they sat for more than an hour...

We are Here!

2008-10-07T18:09:00.004-04:00

We are here! We got here around 2 and couldn't check in so we caught the trolley and went downtown to Gatlinburg. It seemed like a good idea to get on the trolley but once half of us had to stand up and it it took forever, I'm not sure we will do that again. Anyway, we ate corndogs, candy apples, homemade candy, it was great! We walked all the way down the strip, with only one child who was non compliant...I'll leave you to guess who that was. Actually, the kids have been great. When we first got into town we went to the Bass Pro shop, they thought it was a museum, and best of all it was free and we really enjoyed looking at all of the dead stuffed animals. Our ride down was quiet eventful, we had already stopped 3 times before we made it to Dalton, one gas, one potty break, and one eating break. Then when we got back on the road another potty break. These kids really do have to potty a lot. Gracie has had a great Birthday so far! I'll leave you with some pictures of our day...

On the way

2008-10-07T09:41:00.003-04:00

We are on the way to Gatlinburg! We have made as far as Dalton on only 3 stops so far.... We are now at Cracker Barrell.
Today is Gracie's Birthday! 8 years old today, as I walked in with all 5 of them I just can't believe they are all mine! Wow! About 7:30 p.m 8 years ago I gave birth to this tiny, beautiful, brown haired girl. So sweet, she barely even cried. Wow, we have really been through a lot together. I can't wait to see what happens next.
So far, today has been good....

Priceless!

2008-09-30T22:25:00.003-04:00

Parking $5, Armbands for 5 kids $80, tickets for trying to be cheap and not buy the armbands $20, Food for 7 $40 Total $145, Not having groceries for the week.... Priceless!

But, Seriously we had a great time. The kids had so much fun,they loved the animals the best! The animal show was great. We saw monkeys, Zebra, birds, kangaroo, a baby jaguar, cows, pigs, oh and much more it was great! The rides were actually good too. The weather was wonderful, and it was so great seeing friends there. One of the funniest comments of the night was when we were getting ready to leave and Tessa said "I'm ready to go to the tooth fair to get my teeth pulled".

Busy Busy....

2008-09-26T11:25:00.002-04:00

The last couple of days have been much better.... I think. Tessa has bit one child at school because he spit on her, but that was about it since Wednesday. We have been running from here to there. Yesterday,they had stayed in after school care, to which Ella said "Well, I'm never doing that again" I asked her why and she said it was horrible, her and her best friend had gotten in a fight which they do every day and so she wasn't staying in after school anymore.... Then, Tessa, Ella, and Gracie had dance class which they are loving... then supper baths and bedtime and the whole day was gone. I got a call last night that everyone was running out of Gas so I headed to the gas station... I could not be stuck at home with no gas. Anyway, I got to the gas station and there was plenty of gas, a good thing.
This morning, we scrambled to get ready. I woke up to Gracie, Ella, and Tessa in the bed, one on the left, one on the right and one at my feet, Isaiah came in to wake us up and I said how many people are in this bed? to which he says "Well, at least you don't have to go to everyone's room to wake them up!" That is true... Anyway, we just couldn't get out of bed so at 6:50 we finally got up and Emma had to be at school by 7:30 to which we pulled in at 7:34. Good thing we have such a good system of getting ready. Now, you are going to think this is bad, but here's what we do. We get baths at night and go ahead and they sleep in their clothes for the next morning. This is a real timesaver! And, that parenting tip was free for those who read this....

Mad Cow??!!!

2008-09-23T19:33:00.002-04:00

Mad Cow disease?? Really this is the only thing that can possibly describe this, and by this I mean Tessa. She has been on and off sick for a couple of months, and now she is just acting plain crazy. So here's what she did today. She dumped Gracie's whole chest of drawer of clothes out on the floor, not only out, but threw them across the entire room, not only that, she has thrown every shoe they have out of the shoe bucket, and took the pictures of their names off of the walls and took the glass out of the frames. This probably sounds like I wasn't watching them, but honestly all this took place in the span of me trying to fix supper, wash clothes, put up groceries etc..... I don't know what to do. Right now, my heart is racing and I feel like I'm about to lose my mind! Is this normal??? Do these describe Mad Cow disease, or mad child???!! Please let tomorrow be better...

I'm Back

2008-09-22T18:53:00.002-04:00

I feel like I have been absent from the blogging world lately. Last week was a very busy week, and the weekend was about the same. Isaiah had a ball game Saturday and then me and the girls took off to Red top mountain to see some reinacting from the 1800's. It was very interesting, we got there kind of late so we missed some of the main events like cooking on coals and other things but we did get to see how they made shingles for roofs, and we got to see horshoe's being made from the hot coals. After that we ate at the lodge. Everyone had a pretty good time except Emma, but I think it's just the age. She practically found something to gripe about the entire day. Anyway, after that we went to a Birthday party for Isaiah's good friend Brandon, and then it was bedtime. Yesterday was nice, after church we had a relaxing afternoon at home, I did a little reading a little napping and then I got to go to XL and hold precious babies. Then today, we had staff planning and I must say it was very refreshing. Jarrod is an awesome leader, and he truly is doing what God is calling him to do. He is right on target helping us to help people to find and follow God's plan for their lives and I love that! I am really looking forward to tomorrow's planning day. We really do have the best team ever and I feel so blessed to be able to work with such Godly people, who truly care about eachother.
So, the night is coming to and end, we have had supper and are contemplating baking chocolate chip cookies.... If there just wasn't a mess to clean up after we make them. Aww, might as well the dishwasher is already empty how hard could a little cookie dough be??

allergic...

2008-09-16T17:54:00.002-04:00

So, today when I picked the kids up from school Ella say's "I'm not allergic to anything". I said, that's right. Then, she said "except Tessa's breath & Gracie". To which Tessa's say's "uh uh, my breath's on my purple toothbrush".... Now that was funny stuff!

On a side note, in my spare time I love sewing, reading, long walks on the beach, and going out with good friends. Now, where can I get some time to do any of that!!!

Cooking with Emma

2008-09-11T17:56:00.003-04:00

Well, I will spare the dramatics of the day because it was most like any other day just layed out a little differently. So, I will skip to the good part. When I got home from ballet with the girls, Emma had cooked pork chops, rice, green beans, and scalloped potatoes. Yummy! It was delicious... I think I may have a little chef on my hands, only thing is we need a clean up crew to come in behind her. But, that's OK I don't mind cleaning it up. It was amazing to come home to supper cooked, plates fixed and on the table waiting for us. Next, is bath, and bedtime coming very soon.....

It's Tuesday...

2008-09-09T18:32:00.003-04:00

Well, today has been a very trying today. The morning didn't start out great, it was hard getting everyone ready and out the door by 7:15. Isaiah has chorus on Tuesday's and Thursday's and has to be there by 7:30, which doesn't make for a happy morning for the little ones. I haven't really had time to go to the grocery store so we were scrambling for snacks. Then Tessa left her library book inside and we were already pulling out when she realized it, which made for a huge screaming fit for quite a while. After I picked everyone up from school I decided to do some quick grocery shopping at the Dollar general (you can get a great supper from here)... Anyway, Emma stayed in the car with them while i ran in and within 5 minutes Tessa had took her carseat apart, threw her shoes out of the window, threw her book bag, folder, and other things out of the window and onto the parking lot of the Dollar General. It was just ridiculous!! So, we get home and make supper while listening to them fuss and fight the entire time. On the upside, Emma scrambled the eggs, Gracie helped break the eggs, I fried the bacon and made homemade biscuits. It really was a delicious supper.
So right now, Gracie is dressed up like an army guy, Tessa is snow white, and Ella is dressed as Tinkerbell, they are at the table coloring and fussing over who's coloring what and I'm thinking it's about time for another time out for Tessa since she is coloring on everyone elses papers...

All is well....

2008-09-06T16:58:00.002-04:00

Tessa is all better today! Thank goodness, it must have been a 24 hour virus. We pretty much stayed home today, except for a quick trip to the outlet mall & to watch Isaiah play football this morning. Then, Craig decided to go to Athens to see Georgia play, without tickets... Isaiah didn't want to take the chance of not getting tickets so just Emma & Gracie went. They got tickets & are sitting in the stands cheering right now. I really do hope they have a good time, Gracie was already fussing about the 2 mile walk from where they had to park.....

Not again...

2008-09-05T15:50:00.002-04:00

We had a rough night last night. Tessa woke up sick again, I will spare you the details but we absolutely had no towels left after last night. The entire day has been about like the night. There was some good parts of the day. Craig went to the store this morning to get "supplies", and when he got home he made him and I breakfast and we actually sat down at the table by ourselves and ate. That was nice, along with all the help he gave with the washing of clothes and dishes. It was really a nice time spent together, I'm just sorry, Tessa had to be so sick today. She has just layed around the entire day today. Anyway, hopefully she will be better soon.

Lucky...

2008-09-04T18:53:00.003-04:00

Wow! I am really am lucky. Today has been a great day. Tessa, Ella & Gracie all started dance classes today. They did a really good job, but honestly we were there most of the afternoon for 3 classes. It worked out fine though, after the first class Tessa and I went to the grocery store while Ella and Gracie danced. It was so nice with just the 2 of us, the highlight of the trip was finding the Dora chicken noodle soup. Tessa thought it was gold! Anyway, after picking up everybody from dance we went home. Honestly, I was getting a little tired by now and dreaded coming home to a messy house and supper, I was trying to justify going out to eat. So we get home, and Emma has cooked supper... Spaghetti, corn on the cob, garlic bread and brownies! The kitchen is spotless the dishwasher is going and there are clothes in the wash and dryer. Amazing!! We, meaning us girls sat down to dinner, since the boys are at football, and ate together it was so nice. Now, as if that wasn't enough.... My niece called and said "What are you doing" I told her and she said I was just wondering if I could come and get the kids and take them somewhere for a little while and spend some time with them? I think I must have sounded a little weird when I answered, mostly because I just couldn't believe it. So within 10 minutes Tessa, Ella, and Gracie were gone. Emma stayed home to do homework and stuff. So, she said she would bring them home around 9:00. Wow, and on top of that my fortune cookie today said "I would bring sunshine into someone's life" (strange because other's have brought sunshine in my life) and the other one said "An interesting musical opportunity is in your near future" I have had that one before and it came true. I had to get 2 fortune cookies today because Gina and I had the same one about Sunshine so I thought we should have a take 2. I can't remember what Gina's other one said except it said something about a short man coming into her life, and that's where we started laughing so hard that I can't remember the rest. Anyway, it has been a good day. It is so nice when other's make you feel special, and that is just what I have felt today. Here are some precious pictures of my little ballerina's their first day of dance!

Weekend getaway...Emma

2008-09-01T19:42:00.002-04:00

This weekend Emma went on a youth retreat with the youth group to Camp Sydney Dew. She got back at lunch today, and was wiped out. I asked her did she have fun, and she said yes. As, the car ride home proceeded she said. "Man i am never going there again". I asked her why, I thought she had fun. She said "It was fun, except for having to walk 10 miles, sleep with bugs, burn slap up, being scared of the drill Sargent who was over the park, taking a shower with spiders, sleeping in a 3 sided shack.... Mom, you would never make it out there" She is definately right about that! However, She lost 3 pounds from the weekend, even so I don't think it would be worth it to endure all of that. Needless to say, she took a 3 hour nap this afternoon.

Last night

2008-08-30T13:32:00.004-04:00

We really did have a fun night with friends!!

Fireproof your marriage

2008-08-30T08:07:00.002-04:00

Last night we went to the screening of "Fireproof". The moving is amazing!! Go to www.fireproofthemovie.com to watch the trailer. Please, if you didn't go last night, go and see the movie on September 26 with your spouse!

ok, i take it back...

2008-08-25T17:44:00.002-04:00

So, my new "no" thing is not working out so much. I go outside and Ella and Gracie have put 2 carseats in the wagon and guess what they have in them? The dogs!! They are pulling wet dogs around in their carseats that I put in my car!! What are they thinking? Did it hurt anything? YES! Now they stink and have dog hair all over them. This house is crazy! Tessa has almost cut her hair, cut her dolls hair and cut a million peices of paper all over the house. Ella has changed clothes at least 3 times. They have all, except Emma been in bathing suits in the rain jumping on the trampoline. Gracie has took 2 showers since she has been home from school. Isaiah left his brand new tennis shoes out in the pouring rain, and built a fort right behind where we park our cars so that every time I back out I hit something. Little Ann, our dog keeps coming in the house (she knows how to open the door now). Emma keeps trying to order stuff off of ebay. THIS PLACE IS A NUT HOUSE!! It is pretty funny now that I write it all out though....

Why not?

2008-08-24T15:09:00.004-04:00

I find myself saying no a lot here lately.... Why? Mostly, because it's the thing to do, what will people think? Well, here's what I want to say. If it's not going to hurt someone or stunt anyone's growth, what does it hurt. Life is so short, We have all these rules, some I'm not really sure why we have. Why do the kids have to go to bed at 8? No reason really, they don't require that much sleep. What does it hurt for them to sleep in their clothes and some even their shoes? I don't see the harm in it, and we get ready a lot quicker in the mornings. Why do they have to eat all of their green beans? I never ate them when I was young and I turned out ok... well sort of. What does it hurt to eat dessert first? My Nanny always let me have dessert first when I was growing up and I still ate my dinner. Why can't the dogs come in the house? Oh yeah, that's because I don't want to clean up after them... I guess that's a good one. So, if you know me and you notice I'm not saying no a whole lot, Don't think it's because I don't care, it's because I do and it must not really matter to us!

Normal...

2008-08-22T08:25:00.002-04:00

Last night, we had a good night. Isaiah had football practice, and Emma and I cooked supper together while the girls played with the neighbors outside. It was really nice. Emma is getting so good at cooking now, I barely even have to help her anymore. Last night she made tacos and rice and it was delicious. That is her favorite thing to make.
Everyone had a good day at school, only one (who will remain nameless) got a note sent home. Emma, ofcourse it doing great on her grades. Isaiah, is doing great in the friend department, not so much on the grades. Gracie, seems to be doing really well in the socializing department. Ella, is doing amazing in the drawing department, I think she may be an artist! Tessa, got to be the line leader yesterday and did a great job, and took a good nap at school.
This is my favorite time of the year, it's finally getting a little cooler and it seems like we are finally getting on a good schedule. After next week, I don't know.... But for now it's very nice.

Thank you!

2008-08-20T16:12:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone, who prayed for Tessa, who called, brought us meals, brought Tessa gifts, kept us company, Kept our children... (Thank you Becki!!!), to everyone who took notes, remembered stuff for me, wow I could go on and on. I'm not naming names because there are so many!! Thank you all for being such good friends to us always, not just when we are in need. I love you all!!
On a different note, it is so good to get back to normal. I really do love this crazy life of raising kids, working and seeing what God has in store for us next.

Home!!!

2008-08-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

we are on the way home! Tessa's Mri came back good, and she is doing so much better. The doctor said it was probably viral inflamation in her joints. Whatever it was, she is on the home stretch and I am thankful for that!!

The plan

2008-08-18T21:22:00.002-04:00

We are still here at the hospital. After some assessment from a different doctor and discussion from the earlier doctor they decided since she wasn't walking any better, or worse they will go ahead with a MRI in the morning. We don't know what or if there will be a next step if nothing shows up. So we really don't know much, except she would rather lay in bed than try and walk...... If you know Tessa, this alone is suspicious behavior.

update...

2008-08-18T13:45:00.002-04:00

Here is the latest. The doctor came in around 11, watched her walk and we agreed she was walking better. Instead, of doing more tests they will watch her throughout this afternoon and if she continues to improve she will be released. If not, she will go for MRI in the morning. He said that she possibly has a viral inflamation in her joints. Who knows??!! She is however, still walking weird...

Admitted.....

2008-08-18T05:53:00.003-04:00

Tessa has been admitted to the hospital. The night before last, she started complaining of her legs hurting. I thought she was just having some growing pains. On Saturday the dr's office called and said her culture came back and she had a UTI. She was put on antibiotic. Saturday night marked the first night in well over a week she wasn't sick. Anyway, we got ready for church and she wanted to be carried, so I carried her to the car, and to her room where she pretty much sat until almost 10. When, I realized this I had her walk to me and noticed she was having a LOT of trouble. I called her Dr. and he said to take her to the E.R. They have done Xrays, catscan, and bloodwork so far. The only thing they have found so far is a spot on her hip which they say is probably nothing. They are supposed to do a spinal tap, bone scan & test for epilepsy today. I am praying she wakes up and is walking normal today.

Not again...

2008-08-16T08:50:00.002-04:00

Well, Tessa's bloodwork came back and showed nothing. The cultures won't be back until Monday. We went back to the doctor yesterday, and ofcourse she is fine during the day....

Although, she had lost 1/2 of a pound which I think is a lot for her little 35 pound body. Anyway, she was sick most of the night again, we have become accustomed to putting a stack of towels and a garbage bag beside the bed for our nightime rituals. Last night made night 12 of this mysterious sickness. Anyway, she is feeling fine this morning, but I'm not.... I AM SO TIRED.....

Results not in...

2008-08-14T20:00:00.002-04:00

This afternoon we went and had Tessa's blood drawn. She was very adult about it. She held her little arm out watched as the needle went in, watched her get 3 tubes of blood out, then said "Well that was great" in the most matter of fact way. It was hilarious. The lady who drew her blood was amazed, she said in 14 years she had never seen a child be so good about getting her blood drawn. As we were leaving she said "I like going to the doctor", (glad someone does since it is not my favorite thing).
So, other than that we have no news. They said the results should be in by the morning, on some of the test they are running. I am praying she will be cured by the morning.

Tessa

2008-08-14T11:14:00.002-04:00

Well, Tessa is still sick (only at night). Today is day 11!!! She went to the Dr. yesterday and they did a urine sample and found some bacteria & blood, also, they did another Test which won't be back until tomorrow or Monday. Last night she was very sick again, so this afternoon we are having blood work drawn. Just to look at her she is fine. But obviously something is wrong.

Does this baby look sick?

Update???!!!

2008-08-12T19:29:00.002-04:00

I don't know what is going on. Tessa has been sick for over 8 days now, on and off. It masks itself as a stomach virus but only happens at night. So far she has been sick last Sunday night, Monday night, Wednesday night, & last night. It is very random, but boy is she sick. I have made her a doctor's appointment for the morning since a person who's name will be unamed pointed out that I take my dog's to the vet quicker than I do my kids to the doctor. So, if she has another episode tonight we are definately going to the doctor in the morning. If not, we may hang tight a little longer.
In other news, everyone is doing well in school. Tessa has only got to attend a couple of days so far though, she may may be expelled before the second week (5 day rule of being absent) Today she fell asleep during lunch on the table, the teachers had to wake her up to eat. Ella is so excited to have homework, tonight she drew a self portrait of herself complete with earings and all. Gracie, well..... has picked up a bit of bad language which I am not thrilled at all about. Isaiah is doing good, this morning when I let him out at school I looked in my rearview mirror and I could see 2 little girls oohing and ahhing over him while he was walking in, he ofcourse didn't even notice which was even cuter. Also, he is playing football and is working really hard to get in shape. Emma, is excelling as usual she is just so smart... Just tonight I had to have her help us with Gracie's homework and she doesn't even have to think about it.... it's natural. Imagine that. I guess that's all of the updates for now! Time for baths, bed, and guitar hero.....

Ahhhh....

2008-08-05T22:23:00.003-04:00

After the last post Tessa squeezed an entire bottle of toothepaste out, had a field day with dental floss and pretty much tortured us until bed time..... Now she's sleeping.

NOT so good...

2008-08-05T16:51:00.002-04:00

Apparently Tessa is in retaliation mode from school. I'm not really sure what the problem is. She got out of the car this morning, turned when she got to the sidewalk and gave the little cute smiley wave and went on into school. When I picked her up, well something happened. She wouldn't get in her carseat. She wouldn't stop screaming and it took 2 of us to get her buckled. She then tells us about a story about how her teacher wouldn't let her go potty and how she got in trouble at school, but she doesn't know what for. Gracie says she saw her on the playground pushing someone. Then, we get home and she opens a new box of cereal, pours it on the floor and sofa and goes to stomping it like she's killing ants. After physically removing her from the situation and taking her to time out, she starts trying to kick the door in and screaming. What happened to my sweet little angel from this morning. I'm just not sure this school thing is going to work out...... I feel a little overwhelmed right now.

Great Day...

2008-08-04T18:55:00.002-04:00

Well, Tessa had to miss her second day of school. She woke up very sick with a virus around 2 this morning. Poor baby was so sick. I gave Craig the option of either him or me staying home with her and he made the choice.... Needless to say Craig wasn't feeling to well in the afternoon. It's funny though after I got home he had made a miraculous recovery..... and off he went with Isaiah to football practice. So, after rushing this morning. Washing sheets, washing more sheets, giving baths, then getting everyone ready for school we were almost late, but we made it. Only because I didn't wait in the car line for Emma to get out, I pulled through the parking lot to which she was mortified!! I hope it didn't cramp her image to much, you would have thought she was going to die right there in the parking lot..... Anyway we made it to all 3 schools by 8:00 on the dot, I might add. Then the air conditioning on the car decided to go out on the way to pick them back up from school when it was only 100 degrees!!! What is going on??? All in all it really was a pretty good day. Tessa is feeling much better. Emma had apparently forgotten she was mad at me from this morning, Ella & Gracie couldn't stop talking about their day at school, and Isaiah, well he never seems to remember what he did at school including what he had for lunch. Now come on, you gotta know at least what you ate....

School Days.....

2008-08-01T15:53:00.004-04:00

The first day of school went Great, except for a few minor details ofcourse..... Everyone was smiling when they got in the car, well everyone except Tessa. Emma had a great day, liked her teachers, couldn't open her locker again!! But had a good day. Isaiah, had fun and enjoyed their new playground and made lots of friends. Gracie made a couple of friends, and had a great day, she loves her teacher. Ella, cried at first, spilled her breakfast at school and ate it off the ground, made a couple of friends, and is very excited to go back. Tessa won't talk much about her day, except that a girl hit her and punched her in the eye and the girl got in trouble, oh and the rats in her class don't like her.....

I don't want a cramp....

2008-07-25T08:25:00.002-04:00

Last night Craig, Tessa and I were in bed going to sleep when Craig got a cramp in his leg. He started jumping around like a monkey and hollaring like something crazy. Tessa started whining and got as close to me as she could. I said what is wrong with you? and she said "I don't want that cramp to get me!!"

What a week...

2008-07-24T19:22:00.002-04:00

This week all of the kids are out of town except for Tessa. Emma, Isaiah, and Gracie stayed in Tennesee with my cousins and are having a blast (i'm not sure they want to come home...ever) and Ella went to the beach and is also having a blast. It has been so quiet at home. Since they have been gone, the house has stayed clean, the washing is bare, the grocery's (well I haven't had to go to the store), no yelling or arguing between Tessa and herself. It has been nice, but boy do we miss them. I can't wait for them to come home tomorrow. Honestly it has been a nice break, they have been gone just long enough but We are so ready for them to come home. God knew I needed a little break and they needed one too, at just the perfect time before school starts back and the summer has almost went on too long. Now we have 1 more week, to get to be together and finish our school shopping. Most of all I am so glad they got to spend time with family that we rarely get to see, so that they get a chance to know them. From this experience Tessa has been a little spoiled, the first night they were gone she wanted ice cream and birthday cake, so we settled for dairy queen and cupcakes. Then, last night she wanted crackers with her named spelled on them, in squeezy cheese. Today, she's getting a little more elaborate so i have had to say no just a few times today. She's missing her brother and sister's......

Too late...

2008-07-22T17:41:00.001-04:00

After much response the puppy is gone. Well, I think so anyway.... Don't worry, if you missed out on this special offer, keep watching for more mistakes made by the bagwell's. Our mistake could be your pet...

Free Puppy!!

2008-07-22T07:58:00.003-04:00

On the way home from Tennesee Saturday we stopped at a yard sale and got this adorable puppy. She is so sweet. We at first thought she might be blind but it turns out she just had never been away from her mom and didn't know how to eat. The kids wanted her so bad that I couldn't say no. Now we are home, and Craig's allergies are really bothering him. Upon, his instruction we are either going to have to put her in the pen with the big dog's or give her away. So I think the best thing is to give her away. If you are interested in this adorable puppy, she is yours. I even have a cage and food you can have. Her name is Rosebud, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if someone wants to change her name. You can commment or call me (if you have my number) or email me at mlbagwell@gmail.com. She is going to make a great addition to someone's family.

He will provide...

2008-07-14T20:30:00.002-04:00

So honestly, things are starting to get a little tight around here. The kids have been home and they eat a lot! It's funny, until this year I never realized how much they consume. Anyway, my prayer always is, God please just let us have enough. I don't care about having a lot of money, things, etc... I just want to have enough. Well, he decided to really show off today.
Yesterday, I asked the kids to go out to the garden to see if we had any tomatoes and we could have a tomato sandwich and they came back empty handed. There were no ripe tomatoes. I think it's quite hilarious that today, this is what was out there....... plus some.

Really??!!

2008-07-10T12:22:00.003-04:00

So, last night after choir some of us girls' decided to go to chick fil a. A much needed outing that I really needed... Anyway, Craig swapped cars with me and took the kids home. The only problem with that was that I left my purse in my car. No problem really, the girls said they would front my bill. After we got done, Valerie and I decided to "talk" which took a while because we had a lot to catch up on. At 11:00 we realized how late it was since John-Mark called to make sure Valerie was ok. Anyway, I was on the way home and was behind a police car. I was very careful, since I didn't have my purse and all. I had my seatbelt, stayed the speed limit everything. After just a little ways the police car moved to the other lane, and got behind me. Every turn I made, it made. I knew they were following. Finally, the lights came on and I pulled over. It was a lady, and she says liscense and registration? I didn't have it. Explained the story about the car swap and she proceeded to want to know what time i had switched cars with my husband? 8:30 I guess, I said. Then I asked her, why did you pull me over? She looked around, obviously trying to come up with something and said your seatbelt. I said, but I had my seatbelt on, i just took it off while looking for the insurance card, (which she was standing there for). Then she says well ok, when's your birthday? I told her and she went back to her car for more than 15 minutes ( i was about to run out of gas). She finally comes back and declares that i don't have insurance, which was a big mixup, now for which is straightened out. Totally the insurance company's fault. I told her to follow me to the house and I could get her everything she needed, since it was just down the road. Anyway, she didn't want to do that, and hands me a ticket for the lapse in insurance. So, I asked her again. Why did you pull me over? and she said I thought you didn't have your seat belt on. (yeah right!!) Anyway, now I have a ticket and a court date, and I am taking the court date for sure!! To this I'm saying "REALLY???"

What's happening...

2008-07-08T19:06:00.002-04:00

Well, since vacation. It has really been in overdrive around here. It has really been an adjustment since there are no more bible schools, no more camps, and no more days off. Craig is working 8 to 12 hours a day, on remodeling at the church plus cutting his yards. So when he finally does get home, he usually crashes. I am working almost everyday and either bringing the kids with me, all or part of the day. How much longer until school starts? With no childcare it is really getting tough around here. I can't keep up with the laundry or the housework or the cooking, tonight we just opted for a sandwich for supper, well Some had sandwich, some had cereal and Tessa had left over dumplings i made the other day. Most of my grocery shopping these days is taking place at the dollar general. Other than that everything is fine. We had a great time with friends at the fireworks on Friday. The fireworks were great, the music was good, and getting out of the parking lot was a nightmare. But it was nice, with Gina in the car to entertain us.
The good news is our Children are so smart, and I am so proud of that. Since, it obviously didn't come from me. Can't wait to see how Tessa does in big girl school this year. I am so excited that everyone will almost be in the same school. We will only be going to 3 schools, 2 of which are somewhat in the same vicinity, and that makes me happy. There might even be a bus ride in some's future.... We'll have to see about that. Well, I guess I will go since Tessa is scaring Emma, I see an attack coming on, so i think i will intervene...

We're Home

2008-06-29T07:22:00.002-04:00

We are home. Finally. It took a lot longer coming home than it did going, mostly because the kids were awake, hungry, had to potty, somebody hit them, thunderstorm, well you name it. Also, the 2 hour adventure at the Cracker barrell didn't help, and we were only 2 hours from home. It was a good trip, but I can wait another year or two before going on another one.
Here are a few things I learned on this trip.
1. Dramamine is a lifesaver (Tessa didn't throw up once, and mostly slept)
2. Nobody ever has to go potty at the same time.
3. Craig really loves to ride around.
4. Ice cream really is expensive.
5. The outlet malls are not cheap.
6. Don't leave town while your garden is in bloom.
7. I really like being home.
8. We can't fit all of our luggage in the car all at once (we were all sitting on something, had something under our feet and something beside us on the way back).
9. 7 people is a lot to travel with, people look at you weird when you get out.
10.I still wouldn't trade any of it.

Last Day...

2008-06-27T19:21:00.002-04:00

This is our last night here. We have had a pretty good day. We spent the morning at the pool, then headed for the beach. I decided to show Craig and the kids that I could get in the ocean, but I later regretted that. I tried to surf on the surfboard which didn't work out like I've seen it done on T.v. I actually ended up being dragged in several times before I could ever get up. Ofcourse everyone got a big laugh out of my near death experience. On top of that, while I was being swallowed by waves, I was bit in 2 different places by what I believe was either a jellyfish or a swordfish. Yes, I do have marks to prove this. I still don't think I have all the sand off, it really was a tramatic experience. Anyway, after we rested a while we went out to eat, to the outlet mall, and back to the go carts for one last ride. Now everyone is going for one last swim and to ride the waves, I am staying in by myself to pack and relax. We'll be home tomorrow!!

Still here...

2008-06-26T09:21:00.005-04:00

We're still here. The kids are swimming, the boys are fishing and I'm in the room, listening to them squeal as we speak. I bet our neighbors love us!! Good thing we don't know anyone here....

Another Day....

2008-06-25T18:45:00.003-04:00

Today was even better. It started off with us going to watch the blue angels air show, the only problem is we got lost and got there right when they were landing. Still, it was a sight to see. The museum was amazing and we ending up spending most of the day there, and staying for an imax movie. We really did have a great time there, it was like going back in time, which I always love. Anyway, then we did find the invisible beach. It was very nice, although we had to watch where we were walking there were so many jellyfish. The kids did get a lot of shells though. After searching for shells we were starving so we stopped at this seafood buffet place called Hazels. It was actually pretty good, and the kids loved it because there was icecream. After, all that we were so tired but went to the pool, the beach, the pool, the beach, then finally getting frusterated, to the room!!! We had peanut butter and jelly for supper and in about 30 minutes we are popping in a movie and heading down for the night. Isaiah and Craig are going deep sea fishing early in the morning, so they will need their strength for those big fish they are going to catch!! Just 2 more full days and we are BACK!!

Much better...

2008-06-25T08:32:00.002-04:00

Well, last night was much better. We went to eat at this great place called Lamberts Home of the throwed rolls. It was so much fun. The kids loved it and so did we. They came around throwing rolls, having racoons jump out at you, and fake ketchup being squirted at you when you asked for potatoes, I think I screamed about 4 times while we were eating. It was a lot of fun. Then we went to the racecar track, where I got completely soaked on the bumper boats.
Right now we are getting ready to go back to the invisible beach Craig has been looking for and watch the airplanes do tricks. This should be interesting!! I'm finally starting to settle in on this vacation. We got a lot of rest yesterday and did a lot of nothing until last night. Now that's what I'm talking about for vacation!
I called to check on the baby pups and they were doing great. Unexpected visitors let them out yesterday along with the morning and night ones who are letting them out, so they are very happy and well fed. Now our garden on the other hand might be quickly diminishing..... Everything would be ripe the week we leave.

So far...

2008-06-24T09:18:00.003-04:00

Well, yesterday was a whirilwind... I'm still trying to figure out why we call this thing a vacation. We checked in, went to the beach for about 5 minutes before they were ready to go to the pool. Then we went to the pool for about 30 then they were ready for the beach, hungry, tired, you name they needed it. We went to lunch, which by the way cost 45 bucks, then we went back to the beach, pool, room again. This time we ate pizza bites for supper, then off again we went to find this invisible beach, Tim keeps telling Craig about. We have looked for it 3 times yesterday, going 20 minutes each way to find it and never found it. So, we decided to get ice cream last night, and Craig passed 3 ice cream parlors before we could finally stop at one 30 minutes away from our place, does it sound like I'm complaining? Sorry. But we finally did get ice cream and it was delicious, except my digestive system didn't really appreciate it, for most of the night. Here it is morning now and most of the kids have been up since I would say 6 or before, arguing, fighting and best of all waking up all of our neighbors I'm sure!! They are ready to go swimming and I'm just ready for some advil or something I can't move my head in either direction, I have a horrible crick in it. Well, this is vacation so I might as well enjoy it. Right?

These were some of the happy highlights....

First picture!

2008-06-23T10:09:00.004-04:00

This is the early morning Cracker barrell picture, Emma was ofcourse "shopping", I think she's already spent most of her money at Cracker Barrell & Walmart this morning.

Good News, they let us check in early and we have internet so, I guess you will be hearing a lot more out of us....

We're here!!

2008-06-23T07:52:00.002-04:00

Well, sort of.... It is 6:56 a.m. and we just got through eating at the cracker barrell. I think we got in gulf shores around 3:30. I slept pretty much the entire way up until we stopped for breakfast. We can't check in until 2 p.m so right now the kids are playing checkers and we are rocking on the front porch of the Cracker Barrell. Craig is singing so he must be delirious from being awake all night. Anyway, that's the update! Oh yeah, I woke up at one point and he was fixing to head to New Orleans, good thing I woke up!! That boy has no concept of time or distance, much less gas prices!

Ok.... We are almost off!!

2008-06-22T20:44:00.003-04:00

It's Sunday night, and we are getting ready to pull out for vacation!! I can't believe it's finally here. We are choosing to drive at night, well... because it's pure torture during the day!! So, to make the trip very peaceful and memorable (in a good way) Craig is driving and we are sleeping. I got Tessa's dramamine ready in case anyone is wondering, she gets so carsick even when we drive across town. The dog's are double fed, the fish is fed, one died today so we just have 1 left. Several friends, and family are taking care of our precious puppies this week, so please pray that they are able to get them back in their pen once they get them out. They are getting better about that, well a little.... Anyway, if we have internet I will definately update if not, just imagine us with 5 kids on the beach, living it up, soaking in the sand and listening to the waves crash. Wow!! They are loading up now so I guess I better hop in.

Little Dancing Poodles

2008-05-25T22:07:00.002-04:00

Here is a recap of last week's dance recital. All the girls' did an amazing job. Their first dance, they were little poodles jumping through hoops, then they were elephants. We all had a great time watching them. These really are the good times!!
Here are some precious pictures of them!!

unsensored

2008-05-04T15:43:00.002-04:00

*This blog is an unsensored conversation between me and Tessa.
Tessa turned 4 this past Thursday, since then her vocabulary has really taken off...

Tessa: "I think I made a potato poop"

Me: "gross"

Tessa: "It's not gross, it's FABULOUS"

There you go... I think I have a pooping prodigy!

I'm just sayin.....

2008-04-24T17:38:00.004-04:00

Today we went and ate chinese for lunch, here is what my fortune said:
"An interesting musical opportunity is in your near future"

Here is what Craig's said:
"You will make many changes before settling satisfactorily"

I mean I'm just sayin.....

Good times

2008-04-24T07:56:00.003-04:00

I'm a little late on updating but it has been a crazy week! So last Saturday, after much begging from the kids for a puppy, we went to collinsville. We got there and as Tessa calls it, it was a "Pet Yard Sale". There were animals everywhere. The kids had the best time, every animal they saw they wanted. We toured the entire place before making a decision and we decided on a beagle. She is so cute! So we finally got the puppy we were looking for and headed out, well on the way out this guy says "You need a puppy?" and you guessed it we got another one. well, it was free you know. This time being a Australian shepard mix. So puppies in hand we head on out to find vegetables which they had a ton of for cheap. All in all we had a great trip, except for the 3 times Tessa threw up on the way (she gets carsick). The weekend went great the new pups, except for the fighting over who would hold them. Then Monday hits and they get there first trip to the vet. You guessed it they were sick, they had worms and some kind of cocksitius or something disease. So they are on multiple meds and I think they are actually gonna make it, THank goodness!! THe vet bill though, now that's a different story. Let's just say we could have bought a full bread something for the vet bill. Anyway, guess you have to pay to play!

Zoo Adventure

2008-04-11T07:59:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I went on a school field trip with Gracie to the Zoo. We got to the school and got our assighnments and who we were going to chaperone and that we were to follow the bus until we got to the zoo. After about a 45 minute drive to cartersville I decided to drive thru Bojangles, not a great idea because I was about #6 in the line to order. Still, I thought that I could catch up. Well after getting to down town Atlanta I hadn't caught up so I decided I should put the pedal to the metal. Not a great Idea because as soon as I did, the blue lights were flashing. I tried to put on the charm, explained to him what had happened but he just didn't really care. After taking his sweet time he gives me not 1 but 2 tickets,1 for speeding and 1 for not having a current address on my drivers liscense (who does that??) Anyway, I finally get to the Zoo and guess what? The parking lot is full and there is no where to park, so I had to drive about 3 blocks down the road and park in someone's neighborhood. I finally get there and Gracie and her friend were having to wait at the main entrance for me. I was so embarrassed. The day actually turned out very nice but it had a very Rocky Start.

on location

2008-04-07T20:16:00.001-04:00

So after supper Craig talked me and the kids into going on location while he cuts grass. They are on the playground and I'm sitting in the truck listening to music currently, You make me feel like a Natural Woman, which makes me laugh. It actually turned out to be a nice evening, I actually feel like I am relaxing. Anyway I guess we are fixing to load up its 8:25 now, goodnight!

I am tired...

2008-04-07T12:28:00.002-04:00

I was drivng this morning and I was thinking why am I so tired. Then I remembered. I wake up every day by 6:30 I take Emma to middle school, then Gracie and Isaiah, to a completely different elementary school, then Tessa & Ella to preschool, by the time I get through dropping everyone off it's almost 9:00. I go to work, Then after school we have 2 different ball practices, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, dance on Thursdays, and by the time we get home it is late and we either have to pick up supper or I cook and it's at least 9 or so before everyone get's into bed. By that time I'm completely spent and I don't even watch my favorite shows, I guess it's a good thing the writers are all still on strike, well I guess they are. What's my point? I guess I don't have one, I just want to justify why Gracie says my eyes look tired. Anyway, I guess it may sound like I'm complaining and I probably am, but I wouldn't want it any other way. Right?

Happy Birthday Emma!!

2008-04-04T10:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Emma. 12 years ago today, the most beautiful baby girl was born, she weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces, and had tons of black hair. We are so lucky to have you in our lives, you are so smart, helpful and have the sweetest spirit about you. I appreciate you so much, I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for being who you are. You are the best big sister ever!!!

Love,

Mom

Friends

2008-04-01T19:49:00.003-04:00

I just want to say I have the best friends ever! I have friends who I talk to every day, friends I talk to only sometimes but it's like there is no time lapse, I have friends who call and check on me when I'm sad and they don't even know they have made me feel better, I have friends who give me great advice and ones who just listen, I have friends who love my kids as their own and I know I could call on for anything. Most of these friends do all these things for me and don't even know it!! I just want to say I love you all, and you all mean so much to me and you know who you are.....

New Shoes!

2008-04-01T11:15:00.002-04:00

Ok, I have a parenting tip. I always have trouble getting Gracie up in the morning's for school. Yesterday she helped me out with some house work, so we all went to the dollar general to get a prize, she picked out flipflops with sequins. This morning when I called them to get up, she was the first one up with her flip flop's on ready to go. So here's what I'm thinking, if I get her new shoes everyday she will get up on time......

I vote YES!

2008-03-26T22:20:00.003-04:00

So, what's all the hype? I have been shown time and time again who my pastor is. Here is my story, I was tired of church. I felt guilty for having my kids out of church for so long, so I decided to give West Rome Baptist one more try. We came in 10 years since the last time we had been there, knowing this would be the last time. I came in to a different pastor, different music, and by different I mean wonderful, and different people. We were all welcomed with open arms which was a great relief because at the time my mom was dying. I was made to feel like I mattered, people cared we were there, and we could see God all in the Church. We could see Christ through the people who loved on us. Not long after we had been coming, Jarrod, Tiffany and girl's showed up at one of the kids ballgames (who does that?) it was amazing to me that people would care so much about our family, just to treat us like we were part of theirs. Needless to say they have come to many ballgames, loved on us, suppported us and they may not even know it but it was at a time, I was feeling all alone since I didn't have my Mom anymore. So, yes my vote is yes on whatever needs to be changed to move forward, I don't really care what it is.... All I know is Jarrod has been called by God to lead people to Christ in Rome Ga, and I trust him. We don't have much time left in this crazy world so I say let's just quit wasting time, and get to working on what we are called here to do, and that my friend is Love on everybody, and lead people to know God! That's all I really have to say about that!!!

Egg Hunting

2008-03-22T11:33:00.003-04:00

The kids had an easter egg hunt for Tessa and Ella's school out at Berry, the weather was beautiful, except for the small detail that it was FREEZING! We had a great time, Tessa was very diligent but didn't find many eggs, Ella ofcourse whined and didn't find but one because she was hanging on my leg the whole time, and Gracie ended hunting with Ella's basket and filled it to the brim, ofcourse then Ella was pretty happy! I'm not really sure what happened to all of the candy but I haven't seen it....

It is 11:30 and I have already finished cooking lunch for tomorrow after Church. I feel so accomplished, now if I can just get the house cleaned. Our family is coming and I am so glad to have everyone over, even my nanny said she would come. I asked her to come to church with us and she said "You know I'm not baptist, why can't you go to a methodist church tomorrow?" Anyway, she is coming for lunch, it really is hard for her to get out, especially for a long time (she's 91 now), so i'm excited.

If you are reading this today, and you want to come to an awesome Easter service tomorrow, come to West Rome Baptist 10:30, and the dress is casual!!!

Going going gone...

2008-03-14T17:53:00.002-04:00

So we have had the van for sale and after 2 days of being on the church lot it is sold! Of course there is a story behind it. I go to mee t the guy who is interested who by the way has a lot of kids. They make me an offer, I refuse. I get almost home they call me back and we make a deal so I turn around to go back. I get there and he wants me to go to his house to get the money, I was a little nervous but by that time Craig got there and we went together. When we get to the house he insist we go in (boy am I glad I didn't go alone). Anyway, I did and Craig hung around outside, everything went fine he just wanted to count out the cash to me but I really thought something was fixing to go down and all I had with me was a screwdriver and my cell phone which the battery was almost dead. It was fine though and there was like 7 kids in the house so that was right up my alley. Anyway, so I go to leave and I get to the car and I had left the car running and locked the door. So there sits my keys locked in the car. It all worked out though luckily we had an extra set of keys at the church so the guy drove us back to get them. However, usually the extra set of keys is in my purse which was in the car, so this was a good day.....

Happy Birthday Ella

2008-03-14T08:03:00.003-04:00

Today my sweet girl turns 5 years old Wow!! Time has really flown by. 5 years ago, this beautiful 7 pound 2 ounce baby girl was born with tons of black hair, I knew then from the sound of her crys she was going to be different from the others and she is!

She wanted a real live dog for her birthday, so instead she got about 6 stuffed dogs, she seemed happy with that and I am very happy with that (nothing else to clean up after).

Happy Birthday Ella, I love you!

Gina's Mom

2008-03-11T16:53:00.002-04:00

So Gina's mom came this week to visit and she was hilarious!!! The first thing she said to me when I met her was "Have you ever been arrested?" I knew I was going to Love her...

Top thing I learned today

2008-03-08T12:03:00.002-05:00

It is not fun garage saleing in the snow!! Actually, the most fun part was making fun of ourselves trying to yard sale in the snow.

More Dancing Pictures!!

2008-02-23T16:18:00.002-05:00

Dancing Day!

2008-02-23T15:16:00.004-05:00

Today was the girl's very first Dance recital, it was awesome, they did an amazing job!!

Pie update

2008-02-16T17:21:00.001-05:00

So, that was not the right recipe it sort of tasted like a lemon quiche', not quite what I was aiming for!! Definately needed to be more creamy and less eggy.

Lemon Ice box Pie

2008-02-15T17:00:00.004-05:00

Everytime I start really missing my Mom (I always miss her), I try to cook something she used to cook, I wish I'd watched her better when she was trying to teach me. Anyway, I have been thinking about her lemon ice box pie for a while now so I decided to try it today. I didn't have the recipe and I knew it had sweetened condensed milk so i did a google search, it doesn't really look like hers but maybe it will taste like it. I kind of cheated by using lemon juice out of the fake lemon instead of juicing my own, so we'll see. A while back I started trying to make chicken n dumplings like she did, now that took quite a while to master but now they are delicious, well Gracie says they give her gas but other than that, they are a real hit. I hope we are making those great memories in the kitchen like my mom made with me. Anyway, if anyone has the correct lemon icebox recipe send it my way. The one I used just has lemon juice, condensed milk and eggs, which seems a little too easy. So, that's what's cooking today......

This is the truth

2008-02-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

Becki sent me this, and it is so true so I thought I would post it. Well....., to give a little insight to those who might need it.....

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they believe they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes, if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of "nothing.")
(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when she will punish you for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says "Thanks a lot" - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say "you're welcome" ... that will bring on a "whatever." (Refer to #8)
(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying shut up and get lost.
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.

I'm Back!!

2008-01-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

I'm back! I had a great time in Orlando but I missed my family so much. I missed Tessa playing her first basketball game and all the cute things she did at the game, like holding hands with her oponent and running down the court with her. I missed Craig so much! To that I want to say Thank you to him. I got home, and the house was spotless, all the clothes washed, everything sparkling clean, new closet shelves put up, the van washed and vacumned and a new door handle on the van, WOW!! I was amazed, also there were candles burning and candy hearts laid out welcoming me. The house smelled great! I am so glad to be home. I learned so much this weekend, a lot about ministry, a lot about me, and a lot about what God is doing in the lives of children all over the world. I am excited to get back and get started!

Also, Happy Birthday Craig I love you!!