The Last Day of 2009

This year has been another great year full of God's provision and blessings.

• We survived Winter Ice Storm 2009 with very little problems. We had 2 days without power, which was nothing in comparison to many people that had to wait weeks.
• We sold our house in Murray! Finally!!!!!
• We bought bikes and have enjoyed doing that as a family
  
• Hannah had to have her tonsils/adenoids removed.
  
• Micah was in "Annie Jr." His very first production of this caliber.
  
• We had a very good and relaxing (and inexpensive) "stay-cation" when Jamie took off from work
• Abbi started soccer and fell in love with the sport (and so did we).
• They each started another year of school in Owensboro in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades.
  
• I started teaching the youth girls. What a great group we have!
• We moved into our new sanctuary, which is beautiful.
  
• Chloe and I are enjoying weekly "playdates" from some good friends.
• Micah was in 2 other productions and Hannah started practice in Upward Cheer.
• Jamie and I have enjoyed our first full year at the new church. We are excited about opportunities that God has in store for our future.
  
• This is the first year in our married lives that we've set our minds to become debt free and God has really blessed this. We paid Jamie's car off early and in January we will eliminate 2 more payments from our debt list!
  
• We got to go out on a date without kids (or anybody else).....once.
  
• I attended youth camp for the first time
• I love my family more every day!
  

I could go on and on I suppose. 2009 was a good year. Not majorly eventful, but that is OK too. The kids have found some things that they enjoy. We have settled in a little more in our new surroundings. I can actually get around town fairly well now, we've made some good friends, Jamie is still enjoying his job, and I'm still enjoying being a stay at home mom.

So, tonight we will ring in 2010 (probably a few hours early) with the kids by drinking some "sparkly juice" (as Chloe likes to say it).

Christmas 2009 Was a Blast!

We started out the night before Christmas Eve watching "The Nativity Story". We finally just bought the movie, because we want to watch it every year and love it so much. We were able to use this as an opportunity for our kids to learn a bit more about the birth of Christ. I got a giggle when I found out that Micah didn't realize that Mary had to actually be pregnant with Jesus. How did he miss this part of the story for 10 years? He was just remembering the scripture that said that Jesus would be lying in a manger, and thought that Mary and Joseph had to go find him like everybody else.

On Christmas Eve we went to the movies and watched "The Princess and the Frog". It has been about 2 years since we had been to a movie. Well, I went once with some friends more than a year ago, but Jamie or the kids have not been since "Horton Hears a Who". Chloe just kept saying, "This is the biggest TV I've ever seen!" It was so cute and we all really enjoyed the movie. It was one of the best Disney films I've seen in a long while.

Then it was Christmas Eve service at church, which was very nice. Of course, Chloe had to get up in the middle of service for the bathroom. When we came back into the sanctuary she took off like a bullet down the wrong aisle and I had to chase her down. I could feel every eye boring into the back of my head!

We came home and enjoyed some fondue! We dipped all kinds of things in a cheesy fondue, then had chocolate fondue for dessert. I think that chocolate dipped strawberries were the favorite!

We snuggled up with the movie and we had Norad tracking Santa up on the computer. It was so funny. The kids would turn around every few minutes to make sure Santa was not in the United States yet. He was in South America when they went to bed, so all was well.

Christmas morning was great as usual. Nothing like having kids on Christmas morning with messy hair, paper flying, and squeals of excitement. Every year, Jamie and I almost forget that we have a present to open, because we get so wrapped up into watching and playing with the kids.

That afternoon, we took off to Murray and did Christmas with extended families and got back home Saturday evening. The kids slept all the way home, but Jamie and I were exhausted!!!

Yesterday, my wonderful husband took down all our Christmas decorations while I cleaned the house. I couldn't take one more minute of the craziness!

So, this week we are enjoying being off. Jamie has to work a few days, but has a long weekend, which is nice.


I tried to capture the kids opening their favorite presents:

This is Chloe and her Furreal Cat:

Micah and his Air Hog Helicopter (that thing is pretty cool). We thought it was broke the first day he had it, but turns out Jamie found the problem and was able to fix it.



Abbi and her puppet named Harry. She is a hoot with Harry and he is going to grow to her hand I'm afraid:

Hannah opening her piggy bank. Yep, a piggy bank was her favorite present and what she wanted the most. Not just any piggy bank, but one that she can paint and decorate. Can you believe that the paints that she got were dried out upon opening. Off to the store this afternoon to get some more!

Now I can Focus on Christmas

It is a good thing that I'm finished shopping, because the past few weeks have been incredibly busy. We've not been home in the evening all together for more than 2 weeks now. It is nuts! But, now I feel like I can sit back and enjoy this Christmas week. The kids are out of school, Jamie only works 2 days, and although we have a few things planned for the week, we aren't all that "scheduled" either. It will be a nice breather for us all.

Micah's play has come and gone. It was a good play. Jamie and I each saw it 3 times. Each time I noticed little things that I hadn't noticed the time before. It was an excellent production and the kids have worked very hard that were in it. I heard them say that it was the biggest cast they had ever worked with (50 kids) and the most music that they have ever had in a production that was not a musical. Micah really enjoyed himself and even though he was happy to have his evenings back, he is always a little sad for it to be over too. He always makes us so proud! My budding little actor!

It is nice to not have to set the alarm for 6am for a couple of weeks, wonderful that Christmas is this week (I still can't believe it is THIS week though). Nice to have some family time too.




Here is Micah with his Drama Club for fall 2009. It will crank up again in January with a whole new group of kids.

First Lord Micah at the 2009 Renaissance Fair

Last night I attended the annual Highland Renaissance fair. It was an amazing program and you almost forgot that the whole thing wasn't "professional" as you watched. There were amazing costumes, props and the kids displayed their talents from singing, bells, harps, recorders, gymnastics, and much much more. The tables were served with some cookies, pudding, and Wassel while we watched.

And, I know that many schools do Christmas programs that include an array of kids dressed as snowflakes, elves, and presents. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that (my kids have been involved with many) however, I almost forgot that I was sitting in a public school during this program. They sang and played songs that celebrated Jesus. They even mentioned that one song was to "honor our Lord Jesus Christ". I was amazed! Not to mention that this program has a lot of historical elements to it as well.

Micah did wonderful! He had a lot of difficult lines to memorize and he never slipped. He was very articulate and expressive when he spoke. Not to brag (Ok, maybe just a little) he got a ton of compliments after the show. There was actually one couple sitting at another table beside me and I heard them saying, "that little boy is so good" and they had no idea who I was. Yes, I was a proud Mama and I'll admit that I'm amazed at the talents he has been given. He didn't get that from me, I tell ya.

So, Prince Micah has come and gone. It was his biggest role yet and I think it is just a spark of many to come if he sticks with this.

Here is the royal court as they arrived at the banquet:

The royal table:

Lord Micah speaking to the crowd:

Leaving the royal banquet after the entertainment and festivities (notice the little blonde he is holding hands with. This is the young lady that has given him his first "real" crush. So cute! I think he will miss holding hands with her. LOL!):

Directing the crowd to go to the "marketplace". He was not shy doing this either. He was very much still in "character".

Tonight I have a ticket to the 5th grade performance to watch him sing in the choir so I get to watch it all over again with different performers.

Raccoon Preview

Micah has been in dress rehearsals all weekend. This is a picture of him in the finished costume. I don't understand the colors the director chose for him to wear, but who are we to question? All I have to say is that I think this woman is a city girl, because there is no way that she has ever seen a real raccoon! But, nevertheless, he is a real cutie in his costume.

Today is the day we get to see him be "Lord Micah" in the school play. Jamie is going at noon and I'm going tonight. I'm looking forward to him shining up there on that stage! I know that I'll have to embarrassingly fight back the tears! I just bubble over with pride when my kids do something fabulous. This is the biggest role he has had so far too.

Divide and Conquer

So, the next 9 days will be jam packed! Tonight I have Girl's Bible Study (youth), but this is the last night for the next week and a half that my kids don't have anything penciled on the calendar. It is going to get crazy around here (as if it wasn't already!).

• Saturday--The girls and I heading towards Murray at 6:30am for MSU graduation . Micah has dress rehearsal for Narnia from 2-5 and Jamie has to be at the church around 2:00 for a children's event.

• Sunday--Besides the normal church stuff, Micah has another 3 hours of dress rehearsal. Oh goodness, it just occurred to me that he will have raccoon paint on his face for church that night. Gotta figure that one out.
• Monday--At noon and 6:00 Micah will become "Lord Micah" and has a leading part in his school play. Very proud of him! Jamie is going to one and I'm going to the other. Jamie and the girls are headed to the Deacon's Christmas party that evening as well.
• Tuesday--At noon and 6:00 Micah will be singing in the Highland choir as part of the 5th grade program. He will be missing his Narnia dress rehearsal as a result.
• Wednesday--They have a Christmas program at church in which we have to be there early for and they are also having a party after..
• Thursday--Parties at school, full on dress rehearsal that night (the parents can come and take pictures), and Hannah has cheer practice at the same time.
  
• Friday--Opening night of Narnia (Family coming in from Murray)
  
• Saturday--Drama Club party that morning where Micah is in a skit, then 2 Narnia performances (some more family coming in from Murray)
  
• Sunday--Church, Narnia, Church

Whew! It makes me tired just thinking about it. Jamie and I will indeed have to divide and conquer to get this all accomplished since there are several instances of having to be 2 places at once. I swear, I needed more on my plate right here at Christmas!

Very Kissable!

I have a tube of clear lip gloss that my girls like to apply when they see me putting on my make-up. Chloe loves to sit in the bathroom with me when I'm getting ready. Of course she asks a million questions about every little thing I'm doing too. I have a variety of shades of gloss and lipstick, but I only let my girls put on the clear. They know this and it has been the rule forever.

The other day, Chloe asked me if she could put on some lip gloss. I told that it was fine, but to be sure and use "hers". I was in the other room and when she came around the corner, she looked like this:


I'm not sure if she thought I wouldn't notice, if she could just slip by me, or if I wouldn't care. Neither of those were correct and I promptly washed her face!

Problem Solved!

The Upward Director just called me and she was a very sweet lady. They are switching her so that she won't even miss a practice. Her first practice is tonight. She will be so excited!

Your Witness Follows you Everywhere

As Christians, we need to be fully aware that we are always witnessing whether or not we are trying to. We are witnessing through our words, actions, patience, care, reactions, and much much more. People should be able to see Jesus through us in every situation and circumstance.

There have been many people in life that I have known automatically that they were Christian just by the way they acted. I hope that people see that in me, but I'm sure I come short many times. I tend to be very passionate about certain things in life. If I you hit my hot button in the opposite direction, you might see some of that passion, and I fully admit that. God has really held my tongue in the past few years though. I'm not saying that I never fail. I do, but the past few years, God has really taken those snappy comebacks away from my lips. Usually I end up just removing myself from the situation and going to pray. It works much better in the end.

Hannah has signed up for Upward Cheer. I had never received the phone call from the coach about practices, so I called the church and tracked her down. To make a very long story short, she was rude and snotty about had many excuses for not contacting me (which was her responsibility in the first place). She really did not say one kind word to me in the 3 minute conversation and was defensive from the beginning of the phone call. I was appalled quite frankly. This is a Christian organization and yes, I expect to be treated as such.

So, I hung up the phone, vented to Jamie a bit, and called the church. I'm now awaiting a phone call from the director of the Upward program, because I put in a request to change squads. This is not like me in the least. In life, sometimes we are dealt people that are harder to work with and I think sometimes that means sucking it up and dealing with it and making the best of the situation. Life is not all peachy and happy.

However, this is a Church program and I refuse to be treated like I don't matter. I do not expect people to be perfect. Nobody is, but I do expect a mutual respect. So, I hope that we can get switched. After all, she has already missed her first practice either way, so what difference would it make?

So, I've been pondering about my feelings and the conversation that the coach and I had. I don't feel that I said anything wrong (but I'm sure she may have taken my words in a different one than they were meant). I told her that I was never contacted (nicely) and she flew off the handle and gave me one of those "Sorry MAAM!" when it sounds like a dirty word to be called "Maam". You know what I mean? We've all been on the other end of that from one time or another where the words don't really match up with the tone or attitude combined with it.

I was thinking about why it bothered me so much. Well, because I expected for the coaches and volunteers in this program to reflect Jesus. Maybe she was having a bad day and I was just one more thing on her "to do list". Maybe she took my phone call in a different manner than it was intended (I just wanted the information). Maybe she didn't mean to be so curt and have a tone of distaste in her words. Maybe the list could go on and on and quite frankly, I'm probably not her favorite person right now either.

It just got me thinking about how we are always witnessing. Whether or not we meaning to. It doesn't really matter and that is not what God says. We are suppose to be different. Jesus is inside of us, and our actions, and attitude and words should reflect HIM. It has nothing to do with us.

So, while I await this phone call, I hope that no matter what my witness stands true to who I am.

In Honor of the Shopping Season

Happy Christmas shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is that time of year again! Seems like it comes quicker and quicker every year. It is a time to stop and reflect on the blessings that God has given you and spend time with family. It is also the beginning of the Christmas season, which is even more special.

This year I have many things to be thankful for. Jamie and I are very blessed, and we know that beyond a doubt. God has been very good to us over the years. We've had moments where our faith was put to the test. We've had times where things weren't really all the "peachy", but in the end, we were carried through and that is what it is all about anyways. If things were always hunky dory, we would never appreciate God's blessings to their fullest.

So, this year as I stop to reflect of the things in my life that are the most important:

• Jesus and his sacrifice for me, and his constant unwavering love and patience.
• My kids who bless me more and more each day. Without them my life would be incomplete.
  
• My wonderful Christian Godly husband. I believe 100% that God had him in mind when he created me (and vice-versa). God knew what I needed in a husband and he gave it to me. I really don't know what I did to deserve him. He is my best friend and much much more. He is a wonderful daddy and that makes me love him that much more. I enjoy very much being his help mate and wife!
• Being a stay-at-home mommy! 12 years ago when I graduated from college I had dreams of becoming a teacher. I wanted to mold and sculpt little minds and make a difference in kids' lives. Little did I know that I would be doing just that, but without a paycheck!
  
• Jamie's ministry. His job is a "breath of fresh air" as he describes it and although it comes with its own challenges in life, he is really enjoying himself by serving the Lord at Walnut.
• The beginnings of some new personal relationships and friendships. This was something that I have prayed for for a long time. I can see God working this out and I'm very thankful. I've needed some connections here.
  
• Letting our house in Murray be sold! As of March, we have carried 1 less house payment and that has been a tremendous blessing and answer to prayer. No more tears over stupid finances! We have since paid Jamie's car off and gotten a nice savings for emergencies. Nothing in life is perfect, and we've had a few curveballs, but we are prepared for them now.
• Our families health. Nothing is taken for granted. We hear of people getting sick and losing loved ones all the time. I know that we are tremendously blessed just by being healthy and not having any major accidents this year.
• My extended family. I don't get to see them as much anymore, but I know that they are still there by our side (just 150 miles away). My sister and nieces are my best friends in life and I wouldn't take anything for them! Jamie's parents are always there for us when we call. We are very much loved and supported.
• Our home. I've said it many times over the past year and a half that we've been here. Even though this house is not technically ours, it is still our home and we appreciate it.
  
• Little kid giggles, tickles, good-night kisses, hugs, and much much more.
  

I think I could go on and on all day. We are very blessed and we have nothing or no one to thank except He who created us. He is the one that has given us all of the things listed above and much much more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chloe's BFF and My Papaw

On Tuesday morning a friend from church comes over with her 2 little ones while her older daughter is in Pre-school. She and her husband are wonderful youth workers at our church. They teach, chaperone, and volunteer their valuable time without complaint.

Tuesdays have become something that Chloe and I both look forward to. Her middle daughter is Chloe's age, so it is so funny to see them playing together. Her name is also Hannah, so Chloe is always quick to differentiate her by saying "Little Hannah" when she is telling us stories. It is good for Chloe to learn to share and play with kids in her own home that are not her siblings, I think. They have a great time together even if they do have to learn to share the hard way sometimes. We mommies enjoy the adult conversations too even if we do get interrupted 50 times.

Anyways, last night we were sitting at the dinner table and we were all talking about our day. Chloe was beginning to talk about seeing "Little Hannah" yesterday when she said, "Little Hannah is my BFF...that means my best friend". We all started cracking up. Who would have thought that my 3 year old would be so cool with the teenage lingo. HA!

On another note...over the past year and a half the bridge on my parents road has been out. Well, they finally fixed it, and my sister sent me this article from the local paper

Murray Ledger and Times Article

The bridge was named after my Papaw Waldrop, which I think is pretty darn cool! He lives right down from the bridge and is probably the oldest resident on that road. He is 93 years "young". He takes care of himself, has his senses about him, deer hunts, rides his 4 wheeler, drives, and does pretty much anything he wants to do. He is healthy and amazing for his age!

My Budding Actor

Last week Micah went to another audition for the Theater Workshop for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". We had all, but forgotten about a play that he had auditioned for at school for their annual 4th-5th grade Renaissance Fair. Well, he found out that he got the role of the Prince (which was the biggest 4th grade part given) the day he went for the other audition. We encouraged him to go on to the other audition, because the experience is good. Over 90 kids tried out for the Narnia play and Micah was chosen as one of the 50 characters in that one too. So, he didn't get a 'big' part. He is "Animal #6 in Asylan's army" to be exact, but we were so proud that he was chosen at all. I'm not really sure if he'll have a speaking role (we get the script on Sunday), but he will get to be in a fighting scene, which he is excited about.

What gets complicated is that these 2 performances are the same week. The one at school is on the Monday and Tuesday and the T.W.O one is the weekend of that same week. Busy busy! It is also the week before Christmas, but it isn't like we have any plans, so might as well do the hustle and bustle of plays instead.

He is excited and we are very proud. He is really blossoming on stage and gaining confidence. He will get to be in the army with many of his fellow "Annie" actors too, so that will be fun.

On another note, my little actor is home sick today. He got up complaining about his ear. We've had a cold thing going on for a few weeks in the Hughes house (not to mention the plague that hit last week, although Micah and Jamie somehow avoided that), so I thought it might be fluid. He had no fever or anything. I sent him to school and he was feeling a little better (so I thought), but the school called and said he was vomiting and to come get him. We went to the walk-in clinic and it is indeed an ear infection. At least maybe he'll be feeling a bit better by tomorrow though. Poor guy!

Halloween 2009 Pictures and Happenings

Micah had drama club this morning and came back looking like this:


Jamie did a jack-o-lantern with them:





The kids got all dressed up...

Micah as "Dan" (some Bakugan dude)

Chloe the Cat

Hannah the Jack-O-Lantern girl

Abbi the Southern Belle (or as many said tonight "Scarlett O'Hara)

The kids and first went treating at the mall. It is nice to be indoors, especially with all of us hacking our heads off. We did come back home and walk around for about 30 minutes. I think by that time, they were ready to call it a day and check out their loot anyways. I think they had fun and Halloween 2009 is behind us.

Technically Micah only has 2 more years of trick-or-treating. Can you believe it? I know I can't!

Friday Night Bible Study

For the past month, I've been very blessed to be leading a girl's Bible study on Friday night. The boys have been meeting with one of our other youth leaders at the same time. I have 6 girls that have been in attendance and there are 4-5 boys. It has been such a blessing to me, and I pray that it is for them as well. We are working through a book geared to teenage girls that is based on the book of Esther (one of my favorite women in the Bible).

I'm so proud of the girls (and boys) that have decided to give up part of their weekend to grow in their faith. Most teenagers, especially those that have their own wheels, would not choose to go spend an hour at church to learn more about the Bible. Most would be out with their friends doing whatever teenagers do.

We laugh, we talk, we get off topic sometimes (but that is OK), we pray together, and we are learning from one another. Last night they really started opening up more than they have. The small groups are still very new for them, so they are adjusting and beginning to share. Hopefully before the 13 week study is up, they'll be talking more than me. One can only hope! I don't mind doing a lot of the talking/teaching, but it is great when they share their hearts and what they think of the scripture as well. So, hopefully before we end this Bible study, we'll be gearing up for the next.

I can't always be as involved with extra-curricular activities with the youth as I'd like to. I'd love to be in attendance of everything, but duty as a mother calls and lack of babysitters here make it impossible at times. So, I'm thankful for this time and hopefully as time moves on our little group will grow. Not just in number (that would be OK too), but in our relationship with the Lord.

I was afraid all week that I might not be able to make it to study. I've been coughing my fool head off and about ready to chop my useless nose off, because it is not doing its job either. However, by Friday night I had been fever free for over 24 hours and determined to go teach. So, I went and made it fine with the help of multiple cough drops and a cup of water.

The more I am around the youth, the more I realize how awesome they really are. I think we have probably thought that at every church we have been at, but it is true. I never think I'll love the next group the "same", but I do. Christian teenagers are the best! Sure, they make mistakes sometimes, but don't we all. In 12 years of ministering, we've seen many mistakes. They make us laugh, cry, frustrated, angry, proud, shake our heads, and joyous all in one.

Abbi's birthday pictures

I'm so thankful to say that Abbi was feeling so much better by the afternoon, so was able to enjoy her birthday. But, she decided to share her little virus with me instead. But, I'd rather have it than them. Jamie had to stay home today since I was kind of out of it, but I think I'm on the uphill run since my fever is broken now.

She had a good evening and was excited about her presents and food. I think I have a future fashion designer on my hands. She had requested this fashion doll we had seen at Wal-Mart. It is basically a cardboard doll and you design clothes for it to wear using stencils. So, then I just went hog wild in the scrapbooking and craft department getting materials for her to make her creations. She had a lot of fun and did a pretty good job, I must say.


My kids are funny and never really want cake for their birthdays and Abbi was no exception. She requested a 'big cookie', so we made her one yesterday. She was even able to help since she was home from school. It was pretty tasty.


I'm glad that she was well, and that she had a big day. 8 years old seems so big!!!

Happy Birthday Abbi!

My oldest daughter is 8 today. She is getting so big! I can hardly believe my eyes some days. She weighed in at 5 1/2 pounds and 18 inches long, which was a nice size for being 5 weeks early. She came into this world a fighter and I'm forever thankful that she is as healthy and strong as she is today. 8 years ago, I truly would have never guessed.

They admitted me to the hospital before noon on the 26th in an effort to keep me as still as possible, gave me IV medications, and hoping that she'd stay put for another week. Well, God had other plans, and my body was gearing up for her big arrival. I remember feeling scared while I was in labor, because I had no idea if she'd be OK or not. I remember being miffed that Micah's 2nd birthday party was going to have to be postponed (which seems so silly to me now), because I was sitting in the hospital.

She was born at 12:36 pm. The nurses put her next to me so that I could kiss the top of her head before they whisked her off. She had several problems within the course of a few days, but when she turned the corner, she did it with full force. When she was 4 days old, we got to hold her for about 15 minutes before she needed a dose of oxygen again. It was funny, because when I'd hold her, she'd go immediately to sleep. I guess she needed me at that time as much as I needed her. It was a week of emotional roller coaster and I think I felt about every feeling that there was.

Today, she is a healthy happy 8 year old. She loves sports, drawing, and is very much the social butterfly among her peers. She thinks she is too big for hair ribbons anymore, and She always runs very hot or cold. There is not much middle ground with her. She is very much the drama princess, but I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. God has entrusted us with her care, and I'm forever blessed to have her in my life.

Happy birthday sweet Abbi!

The nurses are working on her in this picture. She was just a few minutes old and even though you can't really see her in the picture, Jamie's face and concern on his face is a reminder of what we went through that day.

Praying for a little girl to be well for her birthday!

Abbi came down with a fever yesterday afternoon and while it isn't that high right now, I think it is the motrin/Tylenol that is keeping it at bay. She is so worried that she will be sick for her birthday. Poor baby! I already know that she will miss school (they are suppose to be 24 hours fever free), but maybe we can nurse her back enough to enjoy her birthday celebrations.

Hannah was sick on Micah's birthday and it was apparently a 24 hour virus, because she was fine the next day. Abbi is the one that spikes the highest fevers around here though, so that is always her major issue when being sick. She is stuffy and coughing, but we've all been that way for a couple of weeks already.

Just praying that she wakes up feeling fine and we can spend the day together. She is very worried.

Micah is at an audition as I type this too. Hopefully, he'll go up there with a lot of confidence and not be too nervous. Then Hannah has to go to an Upward Cheer evaluation. A busy busy day!

Birthday Celebrations October 2009

Micah's was excited about his birthday this year. Not only was he a "decade", but he was out of school on fall break, which meant no homework! We all gave him his birthday spanking promptly at 5:35 (his time of birth) and since he was 10, that worked out great too, because that was 2 for each of us. After that he opened his presents. He was asking for Transformers this year, so that is what he got.

And, of course, he got his dinner and dessert of choice. This year it was Fetticine Alfredo and Snicker salad. It made the candles very interesting though. I wasn't even sure they'd stand in the pudding, but they did.

Yesterday, we went to Evansville to play at Chuck E. Cheese too. That was for Micah's and Abbi's birthday.


Tomorrow, it is back to church and then school on Monday. Not looking forward to getting up early Monday!

Micah is now a "Decade"

At this point 10 years ago, I had just been admitted to the birthing unit by my doctor, because I was in labor and unaware. Ok, so the "unaware" part didn't really last that long, because it didn't take long for things to kick into high gear. I remember being down right terrified and so excited at the same time.

After a somewhat quick labor and long hard delivery, at 5:35 pm Micah took his first breath in this world. He came out purplish with a conehead, his tongue sticking out at us, and his eyes wide open as the doctor held him up for us to see. Our world completely changed in that instant. All of a sudden we were parents and responsible for raising this little baby who would one day be a man.

We had read all the books and taken all the classes on how to take care of this little baby, but what I wasn't prepared for was the immense feeling of pure love and responsibility that nobody can explain. Looking at him and thinking that he was absolutely the most perfect and amazing creature I had ever seen. I just wanted to hold on and never let go.

Micah is saying that he is a now a "decade" old. My oldest child and my only son is growing up so much. He is such an amazing little person. With 3 girls in the house, I really appreciate more and more how laid back he is. I love that even when he is feeling bad, we can get him to smile. I love that he still has to have a hug and a kiss from both of us to go to sleep at night (even if he protests to such affection during the day). I love his dimples, freckles, and eyelashes (even if they are the features that will have little girls calling the house one day). He is very caring and sensative. He gets upset when someone else is upset and he often gets his feelings hurt as a result. He is just so smart and funny. He loves the Lord and I see him growing in that relationship every day, which is just amazing to me.

I'm completely and totally honored that God entrusted this little guy to me 10 years ago. I know that he has a special plan for him and while I wish I could keep him little forever, I know it'll be so awesome seeing those plans take place.

Happy Birthday to my oldest child and only son!

Pumpkins, Vacations, and Rooms

The past week or so has been busy, but good. Last week we did the annual "Goofy Gourds" at the library again. The kids get a kick out of it and it is free, which is a plus.

Here is there creations:
Jamie's vacation started Saturday and he will be off the rest of the week while the kids are off on fall break. It has been a nice change from the hustle and bustle of normal life and a much needed break. Even as a mom, I was ready for a homework and hassle break from school. It is nice to just relax in the evenings. We visited with family in Murray this past weekend, but otherwise our plans is to have no plans. It was the first time we have been to Murray in 3 months.

Tuesday, we did the big room switch. We've been planning and anticipating this change for a few months. The past month, I have worked on getting toys organized and donated, and switching closets around. So, all we really had to do was move furniture around. It really didn't take that long. I had measured and already kind of knew where I wanted everything to go. It was just matter of getting it done. Jamie and I were finished in less than 2 hours, which included taking some beds apart. Not too bad!

So, we headed out shopping to find the perfect bedding and accessories. I think they did a pretty good job choosing and the rooms turned out really cute! Just putting clothes away last night, I realized how differently the rooms "feel" now. Not in a bad way, but just different. They are growing up!

Here is Micah's big reveal:


And the girls: