Nothing...

I needed to change my post because it's not Alyson's birthday anymore. But I really don't have anything to say. Nothing funny stands out to me to write. I have no morsel of encouragement. Many of my friends have very profound, life lessons to share. Sorry, I have none of that either.

I guess I feel sort of...speechelss. I've been thinking for days about what to write. This is what I came up with you.

Hope you have a fabulous rest of the week!!

It's Alyson's Birthday!!!!!

Today is Alyson's 9th birthday. In fact, as I write this, she really wouldn't have entered the world yet. Here is what I remember from that day.

Alyson was born April 24, 2001. It was a Tuesday. The Friday before, I had an ultrasound (still not sure why they scheduled one, they had not given any reason), where the tech asked me if I knew the baby was breach? I said, "No!" and began to worry as any new mom who had never been through this would do.

The doctor checked me and said, "Yep! That's definitely a butt. I can see why they thought it would be the head, but it's definitely a butt." Funny now, then, not so much. So, my options were to try and turn her (I was full term and this was not recommended) or to schedule a c-section. We opted for the c-section, although, this was really the last thing I wanted. Then we prayed for 3 days, that she would not arrive on her own. I really didn't want to go through an emergency c-section.

On Tuesday, we woke up at 5:30 to get ready to go to the hospital and meet our baby. We didn't know at the time if we were having a boy or a girl. I was so nervous and scared and excited. Such a weird combination of feelings. So, the doctors and nurses prepared me for surgery. They were able to start early and at 9:08, my beautiful daughter entered the world, all 8 lbs. 2 oz. She was my smallest baby of all 4 girls!

Being that Alyson was my first full term pregnancy, I had nothing to compare it with. After my pregnancy with Kelli, I realized how different Alyson's movements were. I realized that I only felt her movement right under my left rib cage. I though that was normal. Turns out, she was basically folded in half, with her feet by her head! Had I gone into labor before having that ultrasound, she would've tried to enter the world behind first! I can't imagine that would be a good thing. God's hand was definitely all over that situation.

Alyson loves people and it doesn't matter what the age is. She befriends children and adults alike! She has a way of making those connections so easily. Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a change in my daughter. She has definitely matured and is handling the tough, disappointments in life with grace and understanding. It is wonderful to watch her grow into a young lady, who is learning what it means to live for God. I am excited to see what God is doing in her already and look forward to all that He's going to do in the future.


Happy Birthday, Alyson! I love you!

Whistle

A few days ago, Hanna was whistling. I didn't know she could do that! She's 3 by the way. I asked her where she learned to do that and she said papa taught her.

So, I told her to go show daddy. She ran off to show him and was unsuccessful. She came running back to me in tears and declared, "I ran out of whistles!" I laughed, she cried some more, I consoled, she tried again, and what do you know! She found more whistles and was able to show daddy!

On a side note, last night I asked my dad if he taught her how to whistle and he said no. So, where did she pick it up? Your guess is as good as mine.

Some days are just like that

Ever have one of those days when you just feel like you've been through the wringer? For me, it's been a day full of some highs and lows. Thank goodness it was mostly highs. Tonight, we celebrated Erik's birthday again and added Alyson's birthday, with my parents. The kids were loud and rambunctious, but we had fun anyway!!!

I do have to say, that even though today had it's rough moments, my girls definitely brightened my day. Hanna and her one liners kept me laughing all day. And, Alyson's sweet smile and attitude lifted my spirits.

So, all I can say is that, when you've had "one of those days," repeat after me...Some days are just like that!

It's Erik's Birthday!

By the time most people see this, it will be Erik's birthday! Now, he may not be as excited as I am, but who cares. I love to celebrate people's birthdays! I love for people to feel special, because, well, they are! So as a tribute to my man, here's what I love about him:

Erik, first and foremost, is a man of God. Everything he does, is for God' glory. He is a spiritual leader in our family and desires to be right where God wants him. Through every trial, Erik has been my rock. His trust in the Lord is truly authentic and when he's struggling, he is honest about it.

Erik is the hardest, working man I've ever met. He puts everything he has into any job he ever does. Even folding laundry! Do you remember those days at Bethany, Erik? He just doesn't give up on anything.

Erik is one awesome dad! People used to tell us we would have beautiful kids and they were right! Erik loves those girls and adores them beyond words. I love watching him when he is watching and interacting with the kids.

Erik is my sidekick and my extra set of hands. He is always willing to help with things around the house. He is one of the funniest guys I know and he makes me laugh all the time.

He's not afraid to kick the cat off the bed so he can be comfortable. This is something I have not mastered and probably never will. And, Erik loves me despite the stupid things I do.

Erik is my forever guy! I know with him, that I will always have someone to come home to. He sure puts up with a lot from me.

I love you Erik and I hope you truly know that. You are my best friend. Have a happy birthday!

Lessons learned this week

So this week, I subbed for three days in a row. I was reminded of why I have so much respect for working moms. There are very different pressures for moms who work outside the home. I, being a stay at home mom most of the time, have not mastered those pressures. I do not know how to juggle housework with my job. I have not learned how to be with children all day, and then return home to deal with more of that stuff.

And on top of those obvious pressures, there are the ones that we don't often think about. Now, I realize that not all working moms are teachers, but being that this is the arena I am currently in, my thoughts center around moms who are teachers. How do you give so much all day long, only to come home and continue to give until your precious kids are snuggled in bed, and then most likely have planning and more school preparation for the rest of the night.

I have come home all three days, exhausted and just wanting to sit on the couch while the laundry pile (more like mountain) grows. I've been told that you build up endurance, but that still doesn't change anything in my eyes.

So for all those working outside of the home moms, I have the utmost respect for you. May God bless you in your careers and your families!

Things I love...

As promised, here is my list of things I love...

I love hearing my children play with and laugh with each other. It's absolutely priceless!

I love when one of my children apologizes for something they did and I really love it when it's completely thought of on their own and not because they were instructed to ask for forgiveness.

I love my friends. I love how they can be honest with me and take time for me. I love being able to call them when I am completely frustrated and I can tell them exactly how I feel and they still love me. I love that a simple phone call from someone can brighten my day and turn even the most tense situations around.

I love relationships. I guess that sort of goes with the above. I love spending time with people of all different backgrounds! It energizes me and it gives me insights that I don't always see otherwise.

I love my husband and the wonderful family we have built together. He makes me laugh all the time and I love that. I love hearing him laugh at the t.v. over something stupid. Half the time, I'm laughing not because of the show, but because of him laughing. I can watch the same show by myself and not laugh at all.

I love my kids teachers. A couple of them have become not just the kids teacher, but my friend. I don't think that happens very often and I am so blessed to have them in my life. I'm a better mother because of them. Weird, I know! But, they have taught me so much in discipline and how to help my child learn.

I love what God has taught me over the last year and how my relationship with him has grown so much. I am not the same person I was a year ago, thank goodness!

I love my church family, old and new. God has placed those people in my life for various reasons and I am so grateful for that. You will never know how much you have meant.

I really could go on and on, but for now, I will stop here. Now, that was definitely more uplifting than my little rant last night.

Things I hate...

I hate having to swap out winter and summer clothes for four girls. It's complete insanity! The piles of clothes waiting to be put away continues to sit there.

I had such grand ideas for spring break! Since my two older girls were home, I figured they could help sort and put away the clothes. Did that happen? Oh, no! Now, they are back in school and I am left with this monumental task. And, to top that off, I am working Wed., Thurs., and Fri. this week so there is no chance it will happen this week.

I also hate spring time. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind the blooming flowers and cool temperatures, but I really hate the pollen. And, the cold mornings where my girls freeze because they pick clothes for when they are coming home in 80 degree weather. It's crazy!

I hate school projects. I am not a very creative, artsy person. I do not like playdoh or art projects and I really do not like having to help with school projects that require me to use that part of my brain. That is why, tonight, I was so elated that my sweet husband stepped up to help Alyson with her school project. What a blessing! I have never enjoyed being the one to give 3 little girls their baths, than tonight.

I guess this hasn't been the most uplifting blog, however, I just really needed to get that off my chest. I think tomorrow, I'll look for all the things I love!

Big sister/little sister...

Yesterday, my dad gave all four of the kids sleeping masks. Two of them used them last night. Today, they were using them as blindfolds and trying to walk around the house. But, the funniest moment was when Kelli, who was sitting on the couch, was playing a "game" with Hanna. I wasn't paying too much attention to what they were doing when I decided to listen in and see what this game was. Hanna would have her blindfold on her forehead and say, "Now what, Kelli?" Kelli would name something. For example, one time she said, "The fireplace." Hanna would quickly say okay and pull the blindfold over her eyes. She would then make her way to the fireplace, bend down, and (gently) bang her head on it. Then she would run back to Kelli and the conversation started all over. I watched as Hanna proceeded to hit her head on the wall, the stairs, the table...I think you get the picture. And, every time Hanna did something, Kelli just sat there like a big sister and laughed! Priceless!

Spring Break

We are almost half way through a school less week. I always marvel at how I dread breaks in school and think it's going to be torture only for it to fly by! It's been fun to watch Hanna be able to play with her sister's. I've enjoyed sleeping in until 8:00 (or later) and to hang out with whoever we want and not have to run off to pick up someone from school.

Tonight, when saying good night to Alyson, she asked if spring break was good so far and I had to say yes! And it's not over yet. We still have hair appointments, a trip to the zoo, a trip to Charleston and who knows what else.

I've been reflecting this week about how blessed my family is. We have some of the best friends anyone could have. I am so very thankful for all of those people out there who love my kids like family! Meghan's 5th birthday party consisted of several of her friends but mostly adults that love her. Alyson's birthday is coming up soon and I figured she would want a slumber party (mostly because that what's she's told me) instead, she told me she wants a birthday party like Meghan's. What almost 9 year old kids says that?

I love that we have found friends who want to be friends and who desire to grow together and not just be Sunday friends. Friends who love to hang out and play games and talk...

Okay, how did I get on this. I was talking about Spring break. Ha! I shall end this now and wish everyone a fantastic night!

Happy Easter!

In honor of today, I decided to change our picture to the Easter photo. What a glorious day it was! It went sooooo fast. I hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did. Until next time!

She Did It...

So, here's the story if you haven't read my Facebook status today. I was lucky enough to get away for the night at my friends! After going to sleep at 3:30, I am woken up at 8:00 in the morning! Not one bit happy!! Then, I hear the sweetest voice saying, "Hi mommy! It's Meghan. I'm a Christian now!"

I am in utter amazement. She is 5 years old! Wow! What a great Easter blessing!

How did this happen? Kelli and Meghan share a room. They woke up this morning and were looking at the calendar. They began talking about Good Friday and what it meant. Next thing daddy knows, he's being awakened by these two. Kelli tells Erik, "Daddy, Meghan wants to know how to become a Christian." So, Erik talks with her and they all pray. My 7 year old daughter, led her little sister to the Lord (with the help of daddy of course)! What a great way to wake up.

Now comes the part where we get to help Meghan understand about this relationship and what that means. Thank you, Lord for the privilege of raising these 4 girls in Your knowledge.