Home from the Hospital

Why is it that I want to sleep and my little angel doesn't? Maybe her drug induced nap this morning did it for her. Duh, all I needed to do was ask the nice guy in the dark blue scrubs (not Dr McDreamy) for some of that sleepy drug, I could be well rested right now too. :)

Olivia's procedure went well. She sensed something was not right within minutes of arriving at the hospital. Poor baby was scared and scowled at everyone in sight. That is until they gave her some happy juice. Chris and I cracked up watching her grabbing for imaginary things in the air. She began smiling and giggling at everyone who came in.

The once grumpy Dr Kunnath had the best bedside manner anyone could ask for. We were so pleased. Basically everything (esophagus, stomach and intestine) looked good...one small irritated area and a small hernia. The results for the 6 biopsies will be back within a week.

Already Olivia is up dancing around, wanting to eat and playing with her sisters. God is so Good! When He created these earthly bodies they were made so resilient and strong.

Thanks to all of you who prayed for us. We felt covered and so loved.

Words for today: Thankful

Happy Monday Morning! We are having an actual fall morning, the girls needed jackets! And I am in love with the beauty of the changing colors outside. I can't help but see God's hand in creation as I look out the window. Who else but a loving God would care so much as to create such beauty for us to enjoy? Just one more reason I fall in love with my creator over and over again.

Below you will see Reagan's boring room. Today I am going to start the transformation of this sleeping area into a brightly colored, probably overwhelmingly busy area. Reagan picked out the fabric and the paint for her room. When it's all done, hopefully this week, I will post new pictures. Be prepared to have your sunglasses ready...it may be blinding.

There's no time to waste...off to start the laundry and painting prep work. Here's a sneak peek of the wild colors. Can't wait to show you the final product!

I almost forgot to mention Olivia's procedure tomorrow morning. Please remember Olivia in your prayers. Tomorrow morning we will be down at Children's Hospital at 7:15am for her endoscopy. Please pray for guidance for the medical staff, peace for the family and protection for Olivia. Thank you!

My thought for today: What random act of kindness are you going to do today?

7 years ago today...

...we thought we had the most peaceful easy going child...again! Needless to say that all changed 2 days later when we realized that our dear Reagan had colic. Oh, those words still bring terror to my heart and almost make me cry. Funny thing, she has turned out to be a peaceful easy going child after all.

Two monkey cakes, really does life get any better for a 7 year old? Below is tonight as Reagan is ready to dive into her DQ ice cream cake. We had a little celebration with all the intown family.
Here is the other monkey cake. No I did not make it this year. My neighbor volunteered her services and since I have been sick again, I took her up on the offer. Saturday we took 4 little girls bowling...the high score was 113. Not too bad!
I am ready to fall into bed. Tomorrow is a busy day.
--Orchestra BEFORE school
--Laundry day (there's way too much as usual)
--MSHS softball game
--Dance
--Softball team and families meeting at a great wing place in town.
Somewhere in there we need to practice the cello, do homework, read and have some quality time. :)

Serve someone "undeserving" this week. It will make your day bright (their day too)!

Toothbrushing 101

I'm sure all of your children are diligent about brushing their teeth at least twice a day however at my house we have to remind again and again. I seriously can't believe that someone would FORGET to brush in the morning...eeewww! So gross!! I have a great quote from a dental professional, a friend from over at ScrapLove.com.

Alicia writes:
Floss her teeth for her.............take the used floss and roll it up into a ball and have her smell it. Explain to her that her breath smells like that if she doesn't brush. Then wash your hands with some good antibacterial soap......cause used floss is gross.......
This is the gross thing I tell my patients age 7 and older that won't brush.There are bacteria bugs living in the plaque that grows on your teeth. They eat the sugar from the foods you chew and when they are full they poop out acid all over your teeth. This acid rots holes into your teeth and then I have to fix the holes. I save that for the kids that just won't listen any other way.......it works. Nobody wants poop in their mouth.

Ok, if that won't do it for you kiddos nothing will! I just read it to all 3 girls, we all decided to go brush right now in the middle of the day. Olivia wasn't as impressed, she said, "I don't have poop in my mouth!" rofl We all laughed!

My word for the day: floss

Wish List

Seeing as tho my birthday is coming up...ok 6 weeks away ha ha, I thought I'd share my birthday wish list........................from 1980ish.
Michael Jackson tape (Thriller) 1
Box (tape player and radio) 1
Olivia Newton John tape (two-of-a-kind) 2
Bradley Doll 3
Cabbage Patch Doll 3
Desk 2
money 2
Stickers 2
Anything Hello Kitty 2
Waterbed 1
10 or 15 speed bike 1
roller skates 2
ice skates 2
Record player 1
Bandanas 1
Polo top 1
and more

Is that a riot or what? So I wanted a boom box and a record player, how funny! I ranked them so mom and dad would know which were the most important. Waterbed was in the first tier of gifts, didn't get that. Wonder what I did get that year. And who would believe that a kid would ask for money in the second tier. Guess I need to scrap this list if I can find a picture of me in elementary school. It's neat to see my handwritting. It's pretty neat and my spelling isn't very good...as if that would be any different than right now.


Yesterday I started my fall decorating. I planted 3 red mums outside, wish I could get 2 of the large ones from Sam's club again this year. Love those! I won't do much in the way of halloween decorating but when I'm all done my house will have a complete fall decor makeover.

My words for the day: pumpkin spice (and everything nice)

Starting up the Mountain

Who out there has lived in the same house for 35 years or more? Not many of us, I'm sure. I spent 3 days at my childhood home starting the packing, sorting and throwing away process for my parents. There are a few obstacles as they travel UP this mountain. First and foremost, there's just too much stuff. Second, there is an emotional attachment to life's treasures. Third they are over whelmed. Since Chris and I have moved 6 times in the last 12 years I hoped to offer mom and dad some much needed advice and help. In my mind I did just that...don't know what they thought. :)
As you can see, the house has been scrapped and getting repainted. Here dad is taking out a tree. This week a new roof. Next week something else I'm sure. Like most people, preparing their house to sell means doing the little thing (or big) that you've meant to do for years. Mom didn't really want me to take this picture and she probably doesn't want it on my blog for the world to see but she doesn't have internet nor know how to access my page. Now with that said, one of my brothers will surely "tell" on me. :) When all is said and done (after we make at least 2 more trips down there) I will be sad to say good-bye to this old house. We moved in right after I turned one and this has been the place I call home for many years.
Dad has done everything in his power to slow the process of his disease but the fact of the matter is, there is no cure, yet. So right now he continues to make good health decisions, listen to his doc but lean on natural remedies and stay physically active. Moving into a smaller home with NO steps is a must for dad. I'm sure they will love their new home, if they don't kill each other first.
This bowl is here just for me...a reminder.

Make peace and show love.

Game night Tuesday!

Olivia is all about watching the game, she just finds a new way to do it.

MSHS JV played at home tonight...what a great showing! If the girls wouldn't have shut down in the 4th inning the game would have ended early. As it was we won 8-1! Good job Girls! Here you'll see their fearless leaders, my handsome hubby and his cousin Ryan-Dean.After the high school softball game we ate quickly and headed to Reagan's 3rd soccer game.

They really do listen to their coach but only if there aren't juice pouches and snacks in their hands. ha ha Here, the Comets come together for a post game pep talk after they too owned their opponent.

It's Laundry Monday!

Happy Monday even though this is what was waiting for my attention early this morning. I'm not sure that you really get the full idea of how much laundry is really piled up in the basement. It's simply a frightful sight! I didn't even change the bedding or all the towels yet. That might have to wait, just to keep me from getting overwhelmed. As if 8 load super sized loads of laundry isn't already overwhelming. A friend told me about Wonder Pets, her 2 yr olds favorite show. This morning as I was sorting laundry I found it and let Olivia watch it. YIKES!! She LOVED it. I think we could have a wonder pet junkie on our hands. Thanks a lot Julie! :)

It is so easy for me to love on the people whom I already love. The ones who are lovable. The friends and family who love me back. It's great to love on them but that is not what we are instructed to do. After all, how hard is that anyway?

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 6:43-44.

This very lesson was taught to me this weekend through real life application. Show love to someone today who in your opinion does not deserve it.

Word for the day: unconditional love

Did you say Jello or Cello???

Don't think this will fit in the frig so it must be a cello. Papa keeps asking for clarity, now he knows. Today was Emma's first day in orchestra. She is a week late in starting class but still thought it was easy. She's so excited today to show me what she can play. I was going to post a video but thought maybe...just maybe I am more anxious to here her play than all of you are. ha ha
Guess we need to buy a music stand. I doubt Reagan will be willing to stand there day after day holding the book. ha ha
Can I just say how odd it is to have my daughter learning something that I know NOTHING about. Infact, both Emma and Reagan are learning things that I don't know...cello and soccer. I guess this is just the beginning. :)

RIGHT NOW...

Wish I was here....... Today is the opening game of the season under our new coach! Can't wait...starting in 10 min!

A Bright New Comet

Reagan's first soccer game {tonight} as a Comet. She was like a flash across the sky as she ran the length of the field. Not that we're keeping track but she did kick 2 of the 4 goals scored by her team. The goalies, one of them her best friend, were great as well. The other team didn't even score once! What a fun night for everyone. Tonight Daddy was able to see her play. Unfortunately it'll be the only game of the season that he'll see due to conflicting soccer and softball schedules.

SIDE NOTE: This was my first attempt at using my new Photoshop Elements. I think I'm going to love it!

American Ideal

Look at these 2 beauties!!! Sunday night Emma and Reagan completed a 9 week term with the Back Stage Dance company. They presented a christian musical called American Ideal. It's a take off of American Idol. The kids did a great job and had loads of fun. In the meantime, hopefully there were people there who heard alittle bit about Jesus Christ, maybe even for the first time ever.
Reagan doing a cartwheel across the stage. Too bad mom's not a better photographer. Reagan was in 3 dances. For a girl who thinks she doesn't like dance she was awesome! Funny side note: Tuesday was the first dress rehearsal, it was also soccer practice. Reagan decided she should QUIT the musical so she could be at soccer practice. We urged her to do the right thing. :)
Emma is the taller dancer with the light pink shirt on. She was one of the backup singer/dancers. What a fun experience for Emma, I don't think she was ready for it to be over. She was in 4 or 5 dances. The girls did a great job calling cousins, aunts, grandparents, neighbors, etc. They had 12 people come for the dinner and production. We can't wait to see the video when it comes in.

I'm BAAACK!

Whew! I finally feel good enough to spend a little time on the computer again. I have been in bed or half dead on the couch for 2 weeks with West Nile Virus (probably). We are praying for continued health and healing. I've gotta say a HUGE "thank you" to my MIL for helping out with food, childcare and laundry while I was down. There's still lots to do...I'll be playing catch up for a while.

The girls went back to school mid August. Here they are sporting their new backpacks. So far they are loving their new school. After all, it does have a GREAT playground. ha ha
We have had a bunch of visitors this summer. Our friends have really blessed us. You all are welcome anytime at our "hotel". Reagan and her buddy from GI are giving me their best smiles.
One of our favorite visitors this summer was Great Grandma from Arizona. Her visit coinsided with our A/C dying so nana and papa not only had Grandma staying with them but our family of 5 as well. We now understand what it is like to have several generations living under the same roof. Certainly, not something we would choose to do long term. Can't believe the summer is over and the school year is already going full speed ahead. Softball has started for Chris and his JV team. The first set of games are Friday. Tuesday, Reagan has her first soccer game. Emma starts orchestra this week. And Olivia and I are enjoying our time together, planning on going to the library right after we get some house work done.

Who's Perfect?

My friend Suzanne from ScrapLove pointed me toward this blog and now I'm going to send you there too. I think almost anyone could get something good out of what this chick is saying. Sorry, don't remember her name.

Now go there....
http://ordinarycourage.squarespace.com/my-blog/2008/6/24/blog-series-embracing-imperfection.html

Have a great day!

Word for the day: no expectations

Looking Good!

I know I shouldn't have but I just had to share this picture of Olivia that we had taken today. The quality isn't the best since it's a picture of a picture. She was a champ and did everything they asked her to do.

BLoG STaLKinG

Never been one to read celeb blogs. To be honest, they don't seem like real people to me. It's not that I don't care about their lives, I just can't relate. That said...tonight I started reading Natalie Grant's blog. She's my fav Christian singer, you'll find some of her music right here on my blog. ANYWAY!! Now I have a link to her blog if you want to check her out. Do you remember the youtube of Emma's baptism? The song is one of Natalie's. Yep, love it!! If you go back to April on my blog you'll find the link.

So now I'm out of the closet, so to speak. :0

Tonight I had the best interaction with a doctor at the pharmacy. It was a complete God thing. I learned more about my daughter's health problems in 15 min from this guy and the pharmist than I did from her ped GI specialist whom I paid $700 for 15 min of HIS time. Aren't life's little blessings so incredible?

UPDATE on Jen. Everyday she is doing a little bit better. Keep praying!! Also, pray for Chris and I to share our faith with her.

Today's word: held

Summer Fun

Another sunday and another church. It was a bit crazy trying to find where the kids all go but once we walked into the worship center I felt at home. It was like being back at the "old CCV".

One very important request, our friend Jen is fighting for her life. Please lift her up in prayer. There is no medicine or procedure that can do more than the healing touch of our Great God!

Nana's surprise party was a big hit with young and old. I thought for sure we'd have little finger prints in that frosting.

Here we are at the little spray park. The older girls like getting drenched by the buckets. O would prefer to watch and maybe get her feet a little wet.

Still having fun with Craig's List. I hope we can keep up the selling. One day our house will be clutter free. FlyLady must love Craig's List!

My thought for the day: what would you want to do today if you didn't know there would be a tomorrow?

Creativitiy Again!

Aww, finally some creativity going on here....


Julie, Shelby and Mindi, thought you'd get a kick out of this LO of us. :)

I forgot to mention that this mosaic LO was created for the week #1 Summer Challenge at ScrapLove.

Our First Gathering

Wednesday night we surprised Nana with a 60th birthday party. She thought it was a house warming party and just in case she reads my blog (doubtful) I couldn't release that info. Here's the benefit, she brought both food and a gift to her own party. ha ha The look on her face was priceless. Ya know, one might think that a scrapper would be sure to take pictures. Well, not this scrapper! I even carried my camera around...WHAT'S THE DEAL?

How do you know if a child is color blind? It does run in the family you know. I'm sure Olivia is just expressing her stubborn will but the child does not know one single color. Who am I to judge? I am the same mom that thought she might have some delayed learning issues b/c she wasn't talking at all until she was twoish. Chris said if she has some retardation in learning she got it from me. Obviously he wasn't too worried. funny guy!

My word of the day....free!

Do you all know that I LOVE to paint? It truely is one of my favorite things to do for several reasons...
1. it gives me another creative outlet
2. it's a fairly inexpensive way to alter a room
3. it gives me a great excuse to be a perfectionist...b/c it matters!

For the first time in our marriage I have decorated our bedroom. My friend Lindsey, who is also a perfectionist and I painted my room green back in May. Finally I got to the stripes. They add just a little something to the room that really dresses it up. I am in love!! Also, for the first time in our 12 year marriage we have a headboard/footboard. (chris and I put it together without even arguing.) I can't believe how much I love my bedroom. We should have done this years ago!!

Tomorrow is our "house warming" party which I will tell you more about AFTER the fact. Anyway, I have loads of work to do today. No, all the boxes are NOT put away. No, I don't have stuff up on the walls in most of the rooms. No, my kitchen doesn't look the way I want it to. Yes, I am crazy for hosting 40+ people for dinner. :) It'll be fun and I can't wait to see the surprise we are going to unvail tomorrow evening. (No we aren't expecting!)

I had the most fabulous weekend with several friends. We ate at all our fav spots, stayed up super late, slept in, had total peace and quiet all night, and scrapped our little hearts out. Really, this side of heaven, could ANYTHING be better than that? I got 18 LOs done which is an alltime record for me. I haven't uploaded any LOs yet, hope to get to that soon.

Until next time: My prayer for you is to feel the Peace of our Lord and Savior in the midst of your chaotic life!