Feeding time

I think it still amazes me that Abigail understands what I say and sign. Abigail was sitting in her booster seat yesterday, eating her fruity snack of bananas, pears, oranges and peaches, when I handed her one of her dolls. She made eye contact with me so I signed "baby eat", saying it out loud as I signed and then pointing to her doll. She picked up a piece of her fruit and slowly put it into the doll's mouth. She thought it was so funny that she kept doing it over and over again, fruit being squished all over the doll's face. A messy, but fun moment.

Moo...look at all those cows!

Chick-Fil-A declared this past Friday as Customer Appreciation Day. They agreed that if you came to any of their stores dressed as a cow from head to toe then you would get an entire free meal of your choice! We saved over $15 (three combo meals - and got free ice-cream!). Thanks to Jennwa, we made cow masks from her example and then cut black spots and hooves from construction paper.


I didn't take my camera with me to CFA because I went with all three kids ALONE...I didn't need any more weight upon my body. I managed to take these pictures at home before we loaded up. Once there, the boys had a blast approaching the cashier while quielty moo-ing. She smiled and gladly filled our food requests. I looked around and noticed that we were the only bovines in the store. I kind of felt silly but at the same time felt quite smart! As we were leaving, a few teens walked in with their noses and cheeks painted. My boys were glad to see there were others in on Mom's crazy game.

Trains, trains, and more trains

Andrew can't get enough of his toy trains and track. He is always making some sort of railway and asking for battery repair when a train runs "out of gas". Making tunnels and bridges is his favorite thing to do during train-time until his little sister comes along and pretends to be Godzilla, stomping on all the tracks, demolishing the depot, and crushing the passengers.

Choo-choo! All aboard!

Playgroup

I hosted playgroup at my house yesterday and it was so much fun. Some might think that since summer moves at a slower pace than the school year that we would have an easier time getting together during the week....but it's been so hard to get everyone's vacation schedules together so we could meet regularly. This week seemed to hold the most hope for a playdate so everyone, except Angela (on bed rest at 32 weeks prego) and Holly (out of town), came over.

Can you count the number of heads you see (answer = 9)? The funny thing is that there are four kids not pictured! Our playgroup is growing!

Also, I've decided that I am going to do a a better job of finding other alternatives to lunch rather than sandwiches. Sandwiches are fun, tasty, and make for an easy/quick fix but I/we need some variety. I made some chili chowder for them today and they gobbled it up. I must give credit to one of my friends, Chrissy , from whom I stole this recipe. My boys loved the chowder and so did the other moms at playgroup today. I barely have any left for lunch tomorrow.

You can play around with this recipe. You really can't mess it up. Just add as many cans of chili or corn that you'd like.

Chili Chowder

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups rice

2 cans of chili (of your choice)

one can of corn (UNDRAINED!)

Recipe Procedure:

Pour the prepared rice in a large mixing bowl (prepare rice by using instructions on rice box/bag).

While it's hot and cooking, add butter and salt.

Add chili and stir

Add undrained corn and stir

Pour into a bowl and add sliced cheese on top and scoop with spoon or cracker.

Oh, it feels good to fill other people's stomachs. I hope they're happy.

Little gal 'o mine

Just had to post a picture of my sweet girl in her cute yellow dress.

Chapmans on Larry King Live, Aug. 7

Another big announcement from Jim Houser, Steven Curtis Chapman's business manager:

Now able to confirm that Steven and Mary Beth, and possibly the Chapman children, will be appearing on Larry King Live on August 7th. They will be guests for the full hour.

This iconic journalist's interview show is seen nationally and internationally by between 1 and 2 million nightly on CNN, the Cable News Network.

Another major announcement tomorrow....

Neighbors

We have really enjoyed our summer with our next door neighbors. As a single mom, J has lived next door with her teenage daughter for the past year. At her invitation, her three neices from Oklahoma are here for a summer visit. The girls are all a wee bit older than my kids but they get along great and have fun times playing together outside in the water or in the street. One of the girls had a birthday party this past Sunday afternoon and they asked if we would join them for dinner and cake.

My boys really feel at home in J's house. We are thankful for friends.

My binder is gone

I have been clipping coupons since March and saving bookoodles of money since. I even went out and bought a nice three-ring binder with baseball card sleeves to organize them all. Shopping for groceries was fun as I would go through the flyer and plan my menu and trip, stacking coupons with the BOGO (buy one get one) deals, circling items that were free after rebate, etc.


Well, as of yesterday afternoon, I am starting all over again....from scratch. See, what happened was....as I was loading and unloading items from the trunk of my van, I set my binder on the top. I told myself to make sure to remember to come back and get it. Nope, I forgot. Later that afternoon, I took the boys over to a friend's house to go swimming. It wasn't until I returned that I realized my mistake. I even got back in the car and retraced my route but found nothing.

Well, whoever finds it will be blessed with many wonderful savings. I just hope they use them and save lots!

Our new bunny

We have a permanent resident in our backyard. Almost on a daily basis, we spot this little bunny outside eating grass or birdseed dropped from our feeder. It's fun to watch the kids tip toe to the window, get tired of waiting to watch it move, and then start pounding. Poor bunny....poor windows!

Do you want some freebies?

Thanks to Gina, here's a list of today's freebies. Just click on any of them to go to their company website to sign up for the free item(s). These offers should be good for a week or so.

~ Nature's Bounty Free Sample of Power V
~ Free Sample of Hygienic Cleansing Lotion
~ Free Sample of Nivea for Men Extreme Comfort Balm
~ Free Sample of Old Spice Body Wash
~ Free 1-Year Subscription to Ebony
~ Helly Hansen Free Stickers (Worldwide)
~ Free Samples of Dove Hair Therapy
~ Free Sample of GoodNites Sleep Pants
~ Vera Wang Free Sample of Princess Fragrance
~ Nature Made Free 14-Day Supply of Liquid Softgel Vitamins
~ Free Book by Greg Laurie (US & Canada)
~ T.G.I.Friday's Free Appetizer
~ Free Subscription to More Magazine
~ Betty Crocker Free Sample of Warm Delights Minis
~ Free 1-Year Subscription to Southern Boating
~ Free Sample of Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloth
~ 10 free Issues of More Magazine
~ Sun-Maid Free Healthier Eating Recipe Booklet
~ Free Sample of Tena Serenity
~ Stayfree Free Sample of Ultra Thin Pads

Sketchswap

I am now officially an addict.
Can't get enough of this site.
I even let Andrew do it a few times...he loves it!
Sketchswap!

Chapman family on GMA

Jim Houser, Steven Curtis Chapman's business manager, has posted new information about the Chapman family:

We've just confirmed that Steven and Mary Beth, and potentially the Chapman children, will appear on Good Morning America the week of August 4th.

Seen nationally, ABC's morning tradition, Good Morning America began airing in 1975 and reaches a huge audience of approximately 8 to 10 million each morning.

Let the redemption of this tragedy begin. : )

Abigail turns one!

Happy Birthday!

We celebrated Abigail's first birthday yesterday, one day early. She did extremely well all morning long! It helped that she had an hour nap just before her party started. She sat in her high chair to eat, chow down on birthday cake, and open presents....never complained. It was a very calm party (much different than my boys' first b'day parties....hmmmmm). There were lots of friends and family in attendance and it made my heart swell to see so many people in our life that care for us. Anyway, on to what you really want to see...the pictures.

My sweet friend, Tera, made the delicious cake. Isn't it cute? Oh my, it was heavenly! Back in February, I picked up some cute pink and red heart paper products on clearance the day after Valentine's. This is what I used for Abigail's party.

Happy first birthday, Abigail!

One year ago today...

One year ago today, we were packing our bags early in the morning so we could be admitted to the hospital for a scheduled c-section. Abigail was due to make her arrival around noon. Before leaving the house, we hugged the boys and took a picture with them. Their babysitter for the day, Anna, was just the person they needed to entertain them since Mom and Dad would be out of sight for quite some time.

After being admitted, I chatted on the phone with friends and family, filling them in on what was about to happen and how I was feeling. Goofing off just seemed normal.... I mean, aren't I normal?

Finally, a little after 12 o'clock noon, Abigail made her debut into our world. Happy parents cried.

God is indeed good.

Our Independence Day celebration

As a family, we've spent the majority of our Independence Day celebrations with our church family. This past July 4th was no different. We gathered to swim, play ping pong, grill out, race cars, hunt "creatures", and swing together. Here are a few moments captured on film ...ummm...camera.

Luke loves the water but spends all his time in the pool just hanging out on the steps. He's getting braver, though. Can't wait to see what tricks he'll be doing next year in the water.

The diving board is Andrew's favorite thing about going to the pool. He just finished swimming lessons and has a new love for the deep end.

You can't let July 4th pass by without a little watermelon juice!


For those of you who weren't aware, Luke is already committed in an arranged marriage with A.C. They have been known to sneak a few kisses when in Sunday School or MMO together. Please save the date of fall 2030.

My "baby's daddy" with our little one. R.M. enjoys hanging out with his Daddy, too.

Looks real, huh? Nope.....pure plastic. However, I was the one who discovered it just a few feet away from me while pushing Luke on the swing. I nearly lost my breath for a second until I realized that the type wasn't indigenous to the U.S. Andrew then proceeded to chase me with it.

Go Speedracer!

The towel was so big that they both wrapped up in it to dry off and stay warm.

Free Nibbler sandwich at Zaxby's MONDAY

Our family loves eating at Zaxby's. My first experience with this restaurant was in college when it was originally known as just Zax's. I remember my college roommate, Libby, lovin' the Kickin' Chickn' sandwich. My favorite item there is the sauce. I dip every piece of food on my plate in that good tastin' stuff. Oh, and they also have another favorite of mine.....crushed ice in the little pellets that are easy to crunch.

So, join me (in mind and spirit) this Monday, July 7, as I go get a free Nibbler sandwich at Zaxby's from from 2:30 - 4:30 . Click here for more details.

Thanks to Freebies 4 Mom for the "heads-up" on this offer.

A day in our life

Just some random pictures from one day this week.

First, we went outside where Andrew spotted the guy from the gas company roaming around the neighborhood on his Segway, checking house meters. This is the real picture of the guy in our neighborhood. Don't you know I ALWAYS have my camera strapped around my neck? HA! Anyway, Andrew was amazed. He is asking for one for Christmas. Yeah, right.

I decided to make peanut butter banana and honey sandwiches for lunch. Yummy!

After dinner, I started washing dishes. Look what I found floating in the bowl in the sink? A fish! I had to take a picture. How cool is that? It's like looking up at the clouds to find shapes except you are looking down into the wet sink to spot marine life. Can you tell what we had for dinner?Yep, spaghetti...can't you see the tomato sauce ring around the bowl and fish? I bet you can if you click on the picture. Ewwwww!

Our baby with her baby

Only one year of age and already she is in nurturing mode. She loves her stuffed animals and dolls.

Wrestling

I have two friends in my life that help to keep my motives in check. I don't see either of them on a regular basis but they both came to mind today. They are genuine and enduring. They ask me deep questions and are totally invested in every word of my answer. When they ask, "How are you doing?", they mean it. Never do they come across as our time together being about themselves. Sure, we talk about ourselves and our lives but they are both the type of people that honestly love and care about their friends [me]. What's neat is that they both know each other (anyone know who I'm talkin' about? I'll let you keep guessing. Hint: They both live in St. Clair Co., Alabama).

So, if I were to sit down with them today, they would probably ask me the same "how are you doing" question followed with the "What are you struggling/wrestling with?" question. I would have to tell them that, today, I am struggling with grief, anger, unbelief, and joy. One of my husband's best friends from college lost his four year old daughter yesterday. Apparently, his wife went into their daughter's bedroom and found that she had died in her sleep. I think that, after hearing this, I am just overwhelmed with the thought of death - especially among children and especially as a mother to little ones. Hearing this story brought back the grief from the drowning of two year old Brody Burgess this past January as well as the driveway accident that killed five year old Maria Chapman just five weeks ago. A friend in church just shared with me that her friend lost her two year old son when she found him dead in his crib last week.

Not to make this post "all about me" but this is what's on my heart -

I'm grieving for Sherri, for Mary Beth, and for Hope. As a mother, my heart breaks for them. In cliche' form, I can't imagine the horrible pain they are going through. I try not to think about what these women will carry in their memory as all three of them were present at the time of their child's death (in some way or another). I grieve because I see pictures and watch videos of these children and can't believe that they were just "here" a few months/weeks/days ago. I grieve because they are gone.

I am angry. I am angry that these mothers and fathers won't get to hold their child anymore. I am angry because there are siblings that are confused and left without their best friend. I am angry because there are sometimes no explanations. I am angry because I want all the answers yet know I never will. Why does God have to get all the glory?

I sit in a pool of unbelief because I know we don't know the number of our days and I selfishly ask the Lord to take me before he takes my children. I don't want to be sharpened....I don't want to be broken....I don't want to be totally dependent upon Him. I don't want to experience His grace....I don't want to be held by Him. I just want these mothers to have their child back (the very same child that God gave them in the first place). I want assurance that I'll never have to go through such horror. Sometimes I feel that my own tragedy is just around the corner. The Lord could take me, my husband, or any of my children at any time...and that scares me. Lord, help my unbelief.

I am struggling with being joyful right now. I know these mothers will see their babies again but I want them to have them NOW. Knowing that they'll see them again isn't enough. I want more. I want them to touch, smell, hear, and see their child. I'll never forget the way that Maja greeted me at her door on the day her teenage daughter died in the car she (Maja) was driving. With a cast on her arm and stitches all over her upper body, she raised her hands in the air and cried, "Glory to God!". God uses all things for His good but I don't know if I can respond to the death of my child the way that Maja did. I don't know if I even want to.

As I type all of this, I am crying...hard. I don't care if you've misread me. Well, I do care....because I want you to know that I love my Savior. I love Jesus with all my heart. I really don't understand His ways and I don't always like His ways. I get mad at him and I tell him so. He always gently answers that He loves me. He always gently reminds me that His grace is sufficient. He is always faithful to me. He promises me good and perfect gifts. God is good. Please help to remind me.

How do non-Christians go through such horror?

Hat

Luke loves to wear a hat.
Any will do but he loves a baseball cap most of all.
What a cutie!

Date Night

Mitch and I went on a date last night...our first without any kids! The few times we've been out over the past year, we've taken Abigail with us since she just plops in any seat we strap her in. Our sweet friends, Chad and Chrissy, offered to come over and play with all three of our children (and bring their five week old), so we snatched up the chance. It was a delightful 3.5 hours!

First, we went out for some good 'ole BBQ. Then we found a quiet spot along the streets of UPtown Columbus and sat to discuss our budget. Some might find this a distressing and terrible thing to do on a date with their husband but I loved talking about where every penny should be spent, how to carry out the system (cash only envelopes), and see where we're making progress in our plan. I must say that Mitch has done a wonderful job at keeping up with our accounts and devising a plan to be faithful in our payments, debt reduction, and other financial responsibilities.

After discussing money, we went to the bookstore to spend some....money that's been sitting on a gift card, that is. There, I got these beautiful pieces of vintage prints/stationary paper for half price! Writing a letter is a love of mine and nothing is better than a handwritten personal note. I can't wait to send some of these to friends and family; however, I did decide to save one of each print so I can frame them for Abigail's bedroom wall. Who knows....I might get crazy and decide to decoupage them to a canvas. I'll post a picture of my final result when I decide when to tackle the project.