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:

The Most Hilarious Homework Ever!

Hannah's homework tonight had her read a little book about Dinosaurs. Then she had to do a worksheet based on the book. Here is a page of the book.

On the page it says, "Dinosaur herds could hunt together. This herd will push the big dinosaur down. It will be their dinner."

Her homework page asked her to make a picture story of "how the dinosaur herds hunt". This was the result:


Jamie and I sat here and laughed so hard. In the first picture you can see the little blue dinosaurs scoping out the larger one to have for their dinner (in their herd of course). Apparently between picture 1 and 2, they pushed him over onto his back. The 3rd picture has them chomping on every part of his body. Seems as though his long neck must kind of be like the chicken leg that everybody wants and fights over. I know you can't see in the picture, but instead of eyes, the yellow dinosaur has an "X" in this picture. Kind of like you see in those old cartoons when somebody dies. Oh, and the blue things with swirlies floating above it on the right there. Well, that is their steaming beverage of course. Can't have dinner without something to drink. Duh!

Rock-n-Roll

Tonight we attended a Rock-n-Roll concert. It was performed by some of the cutest 2nd graders ever too. Abbi had a speaking part and she did superb. Very proud of her for reaching out to overcome her phobia of being in front of people. She volunteered to have a part. When I asked her about it, she said, "I'll just pretend that the people aren't watching me like I do with soccer". She said she was a bit nervous, but you couldn't tell a bit. It was a very cute program though and so that it one program down for the year and 2 more to go for the Hughes bunch.

They also had pizza and a book fair going on. We did both. Book fairs are always very nerve racking for us parents, because the kids are so indecisive. Well, a couple of kids are indecisive. Clifford the Big Red Dog was also there visiting the Book fair. Chloe is in love with Clifford. Every time we go to the library, she gets a different Clifford book (bet you can't guess what kind she bought tonight either). But, she was in heaven when she saw Clifford standing there. I was just getting my camera out of my bag when she ran up and gave him the biggest hug. She busted through people and everything to get up there. It was so funny. Of course, since I was fumbling around, I missed the Kodak moment, but got this on instead. I had to make her go back up there. She just wanted her hug and to be done with it. So funny!

Chloe (Cubbie) Bear

Awana club at church is in full swing again for 2009-2010. Chloe graduated out of Puggles this year and is now a Cubbie. She got her vest a couple of weeks ago and I finally remembered to take her picture. She looks so cute and she is doing very well memorizing her scripture. Micah is almost through his first T&T book, which is great and the girls are cruising right along in their 2nd Sparks book. Abbi was the first one this year to recite the entire 23rd Psalm out of the Sparks bunch. So, we are off to a very great start.

Micah and I were able to go out to eat (finally!) Saturday night. It was nice to just have some one-on-one time with him that didn't involve homework, play practice, or drama club. He is growing up to be a very articulate young man. He will have a birthday soon, and it just a reminder at how quickly time just fades away and how little time we really have with our kids before they go off on their own in the world. Jamie and I aren't perfect parents, but we sure have some almost perfect kids...that's for sure!