A Trip Home

Last week my family and I made a trip back to California to celebrate Erik's Great Aunt Doris' 100th birhday.  We were able to connect with a lot of family that we haven't seen in years.  It was great!  It made us all a little bit homesick.  The last picture is with Erik's sister, Tammy, and her family (Steve, Paige, and Rees) and Erik's dad (Al) and his wife (Sharon).

While we were there, we took the girls to Santa Cruz which is where Erik and I met and we showed them some of the things that we love about it!  We took them to Mission Springs Conference Center (which is where Erik and I met) and then into Santa Cruz to the Wharf and the Boardwalk.  Then we drove out to Davenport, CA to take a picture at the city sign.  And finally, to Natural Bridges, my favorite beach in the world!!!  It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever stepped foot on (not to mention the fact that this is where Erik brought a picnic dinner for me).  When I told the girls about that, Alyson replied, "Ahhhh, how romantic!"

Looking at the Boardwalk from the Wharf

 The Davenports in Davenport, California

 The conference center where we met

 Natural Bridges Beach

 Natural Bridges

Erik's dad and wife, Tammy and family, and our family

Hello! Have you missed me?

Goodness!!!  Where does the time go?  A whole month has flown by and I haven't even blogged once.  You'd think that now that all my kids are in school I'd have LOTS of time to blog several times a day.  A good friend of mine recently told me on the phone before hanging up to "put my feet up and relax" for her.

I have to admit that I was a little (and I mean very little) offended by that.  I guess she figured that since I have no kids home during the day, I don't have an office to go to work to, and my house is in perfect order (hahahaha!  If you know me or have been to my house lately, you'd know I don't really mean that last one) that I could just sit back and relax!!!

Well, the joke's on her.  Somehow, I remain very busy and rarely have a chance to sit on the couch and do nothing.  I did take one day a couple of weeks ago when it was raining to do that and it was great!  But then I got bored.  I don't do sitting around...alone...in quiet...alone...with nothing to do...alone...very well.

So I know you're dieing to know then what it is that is keeping a stay at home mom with no kids at home busy?

I can tell you!  Even though I don't go to a place of work everyday, I do work.  I type for Southern Reporting (depositions for lawyers), I substitute at my girls' school, I volunteer in my girls' classes, and I have this house to clean up, every single day.  I also do have the pleasure of getting to hang out at restaurants or coffee shops with very cool people when time allows (I often make the time for that).

There you have it!  That's how I stay busy!  Now, I've got to get off this computer and go clean!!!  Bye!

First Day of School

I know this is a little late in coming, but now that things have settled down some, I can put these thoughts down.  This school year is a special one for a couple of reasons.

1.  This is the year my last born starts kindergarten.  I am officially kid free during the days.  Weird.  Good, but still weird.

and...

2.  This is the ONLY year that ALL four girls will be in the same school.  In fact, it just may be a record at HEC to have all four kids from the same family under the roof at one time.  Who really knows though?

I have looked forward to this season for a while now, and here we are.  I feel as if I am being rewarded for 10 years of being home with my lovely daughters.  It has been worth every sacrifice to be home with them.  And now...

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!!

It's almost that time!

School is just around the corner!  One more week!  My kids are not ready, but this mom is!  We have had a great summer, but I am ready for some routine and normalcy.  Highlights of our summer:

Going to the summer movies at Regal!
A visit with my brother and niece (Charlestone and the water park at Fort Jackson)
Atlanta to see two very good friends (one from way back to 5th grade and the other a friend from SC)
Many, many overnights both here and at other friends.
Swimming, swimming, swimming!

BRING IT ON HE CORLEY!!!!  THE DAVENPORTS ARE ABOUT TO INVADE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited!!!!

I have the BEST parents in the whole wide world!!!  Thanks to them, we get to go on one of these:




To a place that looks like this:

It's like the honeymoon we never had.  Can't wait!!!

45 Years!

 Forty-five years ago today, a man and a woman changed the course of a little girls life.  Carl Sweatman married Meg Saul on June 25, 1966.  What they didn't know at that time, was that a woman in Wisconsin would find herself pregnant in about 8 years.  And when she would give birth, she would give that baby up for adoption.  That sweet couple would take that little girl to be their daughter.  It was a life changing decision, not just for the couple or for the mother, but for that little girl.

If it weren't for Carl and Meg Sweatman adopting me, I may never have known the love of God.  I may have lived a much more difficult life.  I would never have found Erik and had the four little loves of my life.  I wouldn't be living in this little town in South Carolina amongst some of the nicest people around.

So on this day in 2011, I want to thank my parents for getting married 45 years ago.  And, I'm even more thankful for the example you have set for Erik and myself (not to mention our children) as to how to stick it out even when things get tough.  The dedication to one other is a legacy you have set for years to come.  Thank you for making your home a place that is focused on the Lord.  You have passed that along to me and I pray that I do the same for my kids.

I shutter at the thought of what my life could have been if you had made other decisions along the way.  I love you both so much.  You are a treasure to me.

Happy 45th Anniversary!
Love always,
Carla

Another Hannaism

Last night when Hanna was getting ready for bed, she used the bathroom.  While sitting there she proclaimed, "Ahhhhh, that feels good.  Gooder than I ever thought it would."

Time Flies

This is Hanna on her first day of preschool.

 

 This is Hanna near the end of preschool on Zebra Day.

I cannot believe that in the blink of an eye, my baby is about to finish up preschool and be a kindergartener.  Hanna is quite a bright girl and I can't wait to watch her develop her writing and reading skills next school year.  Next year will be a monumental year in our home.  It will be Hannas' first year at HE Corley and Alysons' last year!  All 4 girls in one school.  I can't even imagine it.  But, I will enjoy it, knowing it will be my only sane year.

I love you Hanna banana!  I am so proud of all you have learned this year.  I have enjoyed every moment with you while your big sisters were in school.  I will miss that time for sure!

Where does she come up with this stuff?

Easter Sunday, we went to my parents for lunch.  My aunt and uncle were in town visiting as well.  We had a terrific lunch and then retired to the living room for some relaxation, easter egg hunts, and just some good ol' fun!  At one point, Hanna says, "Oh!  I farted!  I'm going to wear out my pants!"

Two Birthdays!!!

Oh my!  Where does the time go?  Since the lat time I blogged, we have had two birthdays in our family.  So, here is my tribute to both of these special people:

Erik:  He celebrated his birthday on the 19th.  The poor guy's day was spent working and then when he got home, I left for worship practice while he took care of one very sick Alyson and the other 3 girls.  Not exactly the way anyone should have to celebrate their special day.  Well, he got to go to Myrtle Beach to celebrate a couple days later, so I think it worked out just fine.  So, babe!  If you're reading this, know that I love you.  What an honor to get to celebrate the day you were born!  Next year, I promise to make it more memorable!  Besides, it will be your ___th birthday!  Love you!

Alyson:  So, who would have thought that her birthday would EVER land on Easter Sunday.  I sure didn't, but this year, it does.  She is very excited to share this special day with hers'.  On top of that, she is entering double digits!  It's her tenth birthday.  Oh my!  I can hardly believe it.  Alyson, you are growing up way to quickly.  I am not prepared for all the changes that are going on around us, but I won't let that stop me from figuring it out.  You are a beautiful young lady and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you.  May year 10 be as wonderful as you.  I love you!

Need a Change

I am not even sure what to write at this point, but just need to change my blog so I don't see Hanna's sorry picture below.  It just makes me sad.  So, the update on her is that she is one tough, amazing little girl!  She had her top 3 teeth out today and came through with flying colors.  Last step will be to get her stitches out on Wednesday.  Then, on to healing.  Thank you for your prayers.  That was one of the most traumatic events we've had in our family and I am glad we are on the other side of it and hoping it never happens again!

Have a happy day!

Hanna's Accident

March 24, 2011 ended not quite the way I thought it would.  We were all prepared to head to church.  Meghan was waiting in the van while we waited for Alyson, Kelli, and Hanna to come back from up the street where they had been riding bikes.  I was sitting in the front seat looking up the street as I saw the girls come over the hill.  I said to Erik, "Hanna is bookin' it!"  I was wondering how in the world she was going to slow down, and just assumed she would continue down the street until she slowed and then she would turn around.

As she went behind the van, I turned my head to watch her continue down the street and instead, I caught a sight that I hope soon leaves my memory.  Instead of continuing down the street, she came up on the driveway and slammed into the side of Erik's parked car.  It was awful.  She immediately began screaming as I was rushing to find out what she had done.  Immediately, blood was pouring out of her mouth.

And, here is the part that I really wanted you to read and the reason for the post.  At about the time we were trying to figure out where the blood was coming from, our UPS driver was making his way up our driveway to deliver a package.  This man has been our driver ever since we moved into this neighborhood almost 7 years ago.  He has always been so nice to our family.  In fact, when Alyson was 4, she shared with him that she got new underwear!  He didn't even miss a step.  He congratulated her with a big smile on his face!

Back to the story!  After leaving our package on our front steps, he came back and gently put his arm around Alyson (who was crying and scared) and told her it would be ok.  He stayed for several minutes until it was obvious that we were about to get in our car to leave.  He told us he'd been through a similar situation and knew everything would be just fine.  I was so grateful for this man, a virtual stranger, who stopped to console my child during a time when I really couldn't attend to her.  Thank you, UPS, for hiring such a man!

A huge shout out of thanks goes to Amanda and family for letting us drop the girls off so Erik and I could both go to Urgent Care with Hanna.  You are a life saver!

So, after 4 stitches in her upper lip and a trip to the dentist, she is doing quite well.  We are waiting for the swelling in her gums to go down so 3 of her teeth can be pulled.  Not exactly how I thought we'd get the tooth fairy to visit our sweet Hanna.  Thankfully, that is all that is wrong and she is still with us.

The older 3 girls' were very scared and upset, but the love and concern they showed their little sister just melted my heart.  It is truly a gift from God to see how much they all love each other.

A Copy Cat Post

My friend, Tara, just wrote a post about her son and being a ladies man.  As I read it, I thought of a similar story with my own daughter.  I figured I might as well share my story via blog.  So, here it is:

Yesterday, Kelli came home from school and told me that she told a boy in her class that she liked him.  Now, if you know Kelli at all, she is very reserved and quiet.  I was surprised she told him that.  Pretty bold move in my opinion.  Then she said she asked him if he liked her and he said he kind of did.  Wow!  Even more bold!  Then she asked him if he wanted to ride bikes after school, but he couldn't because he won't be home after school.  By the way, this boy lives down the road from us.  So, they made "plans" to ride bikes Thursday after school.  Does that constitute as a date?  And, if so, did my daughter just ask a boy out?  That's even more bold!  Oh, my!  Totally not prepared for this...

Hannaisms

This morning was worth a blog.  Here are a few stories all revolving around my sweet Hanna!

1.  After returning home from dropping her sisters off at a school, I sat on the couch in our former dining room (yes, former, not formal) to read my bible for a bit.  Hanna came over a while later, grabbed the bible and began looking at the maps in the back.  She asked, "Mommy, show me where our house is."  After explaining that our house wasn't on those mpas, she asked what they were for then.  So, we discussed what they were for.

2.  She continued to look at my bible, turning page after page.  As she was doing this, she began preaching.  This is what it sounded like (please be forewarned and forgive her crudity):  "God gives us our pee and our poo.  He gives us the song in our head.  He gives us joy in our heart."  So, I laughed at the pee and poo part.  She repeated it a few more times.  It began to lose its' funniness (is that  word?) so I didn't laugh anymore.  She said it one more time and then under her breath I heard, "That's not funny anymore, sooo, He gives us our joy..." and on and on.

3.  I was saying goodbye to Hanna and she asked me where I was going.  I told her I was going to meet with Pastor Scott and Paige (our worship leader).  She replied, "Ohhhhh!  You're going to go worshipping!"

What a random child!  But, I love her.  She makes me laugh so many times throughout the day!

How it All Began

Sixteen years ago today, I married my best friend.  Here is how it all began:

The summer after my freshman year of college, I decided to join 2 of my friends and work at a conference center called Mission Springs in Scotts Valley, California (near Santa Cruz).  My friend, Abby, had already worked several weekends there and knew some of the year round staff.  She swore she was going to marry the red head, so naturally, my objective would be to help set them up.

I got a job working as an assistant cook in the main kitchen.  For  those of who know me, don't let the irony of that escape you.  I arrived at the end of May 1993 for orientation where I was introduced to Abby's friend, Erik.  Now I knew who the target was.  I was in luck too, because Erik would be training me.  Opportunities were boundless!

There was one particular night, that several of the staff were headed to the beach for a bonfire.  I drove

up to Frontier Ranch (the kid camp) to pick up a guy named Chris.  He was talking to Erik and I said, "Time to bust a move, Abby!"  Turns out, Chris was asking Erik to join us, which he did.

Fast forward to the beach now, where everyone is sitting around the fire and goofing off.  Erik was rather quiet and I was trying to figure out how to get Abby and him closer.  He hadn't spoken much all night, but when he did, I did a double take.  Erik's first words to the group were, "So, why did you guys come this summer?  To just have fun or to get closer to God and serve?"

What did he just say?  Who is THAT guy?  This was the beginning for me.  From that point forward, all the time spent with him was different.  I found that I was beginning to like this guy!  Problem!!!  Abby and I had always said we would never let a guy get in between us, so I was determined to not pursue anything with this guy.  Only thing was, Abby knew me too well and she could tell I liked him and she let me know she knew.  I had her approval to move forward.

That was the best summer of my life.  I really thought once I left Scotts Valley and headed back to college that it would be the end of everything.  I wasn't looking for more than some summer romance anyway.  Reality was, that when I had to say good bye, I really didn't want to.  I had fallen hard for this guy.  We then went from seeing each other every day, to a long distance relationship and it was the hardest thing ever.

We continued dating long distance until we could no longer take it.  We were engaged in December of 1994 with plans to marry in a year or so.  By March of 1995, we were done!  Not with each other.  Don't make assumptions.  I went to visit Erik on March 17th armed with places to call for weddings.  I called a retired judge and he had an opening...THE NEXT DAY!  When Erik got off work, I asked him, "Hey, you want to get married tomorrow?"  "Sure!" he responded.  Done deal!  We were married by a retired judge on March 18, 1995.  Then, I went back to live at my parents for another month until I could finish out my quarter of school and transfer to San Jose.

So, there you have it.  That is our story of how we met and married.  Today, we celebrate that.  Thank you Erik for 16 years of fun.  You are still my best friend and I love you more each day than the day I met you.  I didn't think it would be possible to love someone more, but it is.  Happy Anniversary, babe!  You rock!

Happy Birthday!



Meghan is six!

Happy birthday to my favorite tomboy!  I am so thankful for my precious girl, who is so tender hearted.  I love your laugh that always, always makes everyone else around you laugh.  You are quick to forgive and a great playmate to your sisters.  You are quite the little girl.  I hope you have a fabulous birthday today.  I love you sooooo much!

A New Book

Meghan has been hard at work at school making a book about her new dog.  Or at least, that's what I thought.  Yesterday, she brought home her book.  Here is the title as she wrote it:

My now dog (My New Dog)

rit by me and ilusratd by me (written by me and illustrated by me)

Inside is a one picture on each page.  Her sisters were looking at it and one of them said, "Why aren't there any words?"  Meghan's response?  "Because dog's can't read!"

Guess she really wrote it FOR the dog, not ABOUT the dog!

Happy Blogaversary!

Wow!  Oh, wow!  It's been a whole year of blogging!  I decided to look back at previous blogs and discovered that I have been at this for a whole year.  Where in the world did it all go?  It was interesting to read back to a year ago and see what I wrote.  It is really amazing that I have forgotten a lot of the stories that I wrote about.  I have been wondering if this is something I really wanted to keep doing, but after going back and revisiting previous posts, I am refreshed and sure that I will continue this.  I had a good laugh at the things my kids have said and done.  Had I not written them down here, I never would have remembered.  So, I guess this is the best way to document the little things in life that normally go forgotten.

Until next time my friends!

Barnyard the Beagle

This is Barnyard.  The shelter we got him at gave him that name because he was found at the local flea market called The Barnyard.  We like to call him Barny.  Meghan, well, she likes to call him Buddy because she says, "He makes a good buddy!"  So, you may be asking, "Why did you get a dog?  Are you crazy?  Four kids, 2 cats and now a dog?  Well, yes, I probably am a bit crazy.  Here is how we came to get Barny.
Sunday, I was talking with Erik and made the comment that I wouldn't be opposed to getting a dog but it couldn't be a puppy, it had to be housetrained and some obedience training.  And, we both preferred a smaller dog that would be calm.  On Monday, I began looking at different websites for shelters and the dogs that they had.  So many cute dogs, some with very sad stories.  I found a dog that seemed to be a good fit, but of course we would have to see it person to determine that for sure.  On Tuesday, I said to Erik, "Let's go to Pets, Inc. and just look at dogs.  He said ok, so we picked up Hanna and her friend and off we went.  Unfortunately, the dog I had found the day before had already been adopted.  Erik immediately fell in love with a sweet female beagle mix and I fell in love with a sweet male beagle.  We continued to look around at different dogs, but most of the family dogs that were housetrained were also big.  We ended up right where we started with the beagles and next thing I know, Erik is saying we'll take the male beagle named Barnyard!  He seems to be a pretty good family dog, although, at times he does shy away from Hanna, so I am keeping a close eye on the two of them.  He follows me everywhere and wants to snuggle every time I sit down.  No accidents in the house...yet!
Oh, and as far as how he is with the two cats, well, Mr. Putty doesn't seem to care much at all.  He kind of looks at Barny like, "What are you?"  Socks on the other hand, hides most of the day now.  I just found her on top of the books of our bookshelf in the office.  So that's our story!

Troubles in our Lives

I have been taught over the last several years that tithing means less troubles in life.  The question was often posed this way, "You wonder why you have car troubles?  You wonder why you don't have enough money to cover the bills?  Could it be because you aren't tithing your 10%?"  This often left me feeling guilty, especially when money troubles crept in.

I've been reading Job lately and my eyes have been opened to a whole new idea.  Job had many trials in his life.  He lost everything!  He lost his family, his wealth, everything!  But he remained faithful to God, even in the moments when his own friends tried to tell him that he must have some unconfessed sin in his life that made God take everything away from him.

The fact is, not everything bad in our lives is a result of sin.  We live in a fallen world.  I have a Life Application study bible and here is what today's notes were:

"Job's friends assumed that troubles comes only because people sin.  People make the same mistake today when they assert that sickness of lack of material blessing is a sign of unconfessed sin or lack of faith.  Though normally (but not always) following God leads to a happier life, and rebelling against (but not always) leads to an unhappy life, God is in control.  In our wold invaded by sin, calamity and suffering may come to good and bad alike...The next time you face trials and dilemmas, see them as opportunites to turn to God for strength.  You will find a God who only desires to show his love and compassion to you.  If you can trust him in pain, confusion, and loneliness, you will win the victory and eliminate doubt, one of Satan's greatest footholds in your life.  Make God your foundation.  You can never be separated from his love."

So, I challenge you (and myself) to look for God in the tough times.  Be humbled by his love for you!  He allows evil for a time although he often turns it around for our good (Romans 8:28).  When I tithe, it won't be to make sure I don't have car trouble.  It will be out of a heart that WANTS to give back to God because he gave to me first.  When bad things happen, I will TRUST in the one who knows what's best for me and WAIT on him!

Christmas 2010

So, I've been trying to add some pictures to share on the blog, but for some reason, the button doesn't want to let me do it.  So, for now, I'll just write and if I can ever upload the pictures, I will.

On Christmas Eve, we asked the girls to write a note for Santa.  The each wrote a note on a paper plate complete with a special treat for him!  Here is what each child wrote on their plate:

Alyson:  Dear Santa, I hope you like our homemade cookies.  Please be VERY quite!!!  Have a safe trip!!! Love, Alyson

Kelli:  Dear Santa, I can't wait to open the presents at Grandma and Papa's house and at my house.  Don't forget that the true meaning of Christmas is that baby Jesus was born to save our sins.  Hope you like the cookies.  Love, Kelli Davenport

Meghan:  Santa I love you!  Thank you for my gifts.   Meghan!  Look on the back win you r finched eating the cookies.  (BAck)  Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas

Hanna:  Dear Santa Claus, I hope you bring a mororcycle that goes in the back yard.  Be quietand don't eall all the cookies or you will be too fat.  Love, Hanna

While we do have fun with the Santa Clause and reindeers, we spend as much time as possible to make sure the kids understand that we celebrate Jesus' birth because without, we wouldn't have a Savior to celebrate at Easter.  It's great to see that they are getting it!

Hope you all have a fantastic year!  We plan on it!