Growing up, Snaggle Tooth, and Things to Come

Growing up:

My kids are growing way too fast! Micah is only about 6 inches shorter than me anymore. So, I can't stand behind him in pictures without being hidden (hey, maybe that is actually a good idea). It never fails when I sort laundry that some of his clothes end up with mine or vice-versa. I wanted a sweatshirt one day and didn't have any clean and found myself going to his closet to find something to wear (and it fit). It is kind of sad!

On one hand, it is very exciting to get to know them as these little people and have real conversations about real things. On the other, it just flies by so quickly, and it just shows me how quickly life really does pass us by. Even when we bought this house, I pointed out how I wanted the rooms set up when I was a grandparent. It is funny how you think about things like that, because it seems so far away, but I know that the day is inevitable at some point. With 4 kids, I'm bound to have a big huge family down the road:-)

Snaggle Tooth:

Hannah has lost another tooth! So, she has the cutest little snaggle tooth smile at the moment with 2 front teeth missing and one on the bottom. I know she'll look all grown up when her "big" teeth come in.
Things to Come:

On another note, in exactly 1 week (at the latest), we'll have a new niece! We si mply can't wait to meet her. She is such a blessing and answer to prayer already. I know that God has big plans for her (and her parents)! All Jamie and I have are nieces, which is kind of funny in a way. We love girls though and Micah will be a GREAT husband one day. I just know it!

Snow Day!

Friday we did school, then we headed out to the yard. My kids have not played in the snow all winter. It seems like the it has been either too cold, still snowing, or we were busy that day (or all of the above). Of course when you are a child, snow is very exciting. They don't worry about dangerous roads or the temperatures. All they think about is missing school (not for us anymore) and playing outside until their toes are numb and noses are red.

So, I bundled them up in their winter gear and boots and we headed outside. I've never been able to really build a snowman. My sister and I would try when we were little, but we would always end up with a little blob instead of an actual snowman with perfect spheres for his body. Our resident snowman builder was at work on Friday, so we didn't get one built, I'm afraid. But, they had a great time anyways.


I think they only made it about an hour and a half before they were frozen and ready to come in. I stayed out for most of the time, but came in for a bit to thaw out and here they came soon after ready for a warm bath to defrost their toes.

They are aware that the schools have missed around the area and I asked them if they missed having days off for snow. I think it was a mixed reaction. They miss having the surprise days off, but realize that we will more than likely be off sooner than public school to enjoy the warm weather.

Today is Jamie's long day at work and school. He doesn't go out of town this week, so things should be nice and normal for the rest of the week. I remember when he was getting his undergraduate degree a few years ago, and how trying it was sometimes. I know that he works very hard for our family and I appreciate it immensely that he is focusing on his education (once again) in order to provide a better future for all of us. He will make a great college professor:-)

MLK Day 2011

This is our first homeschooling year, so really the first year I had the pleasure of teaching Martin Luther King on the day we celebrate his birthday. We went on with business as usual even though I know that the schools were closed in the area. I found a book at the library here that looked very good for children, Martin's Big Words. This book was simple, to the point, and had fabulous illustrations. It took quotes of Dr. King and points from his childhood, Rosa Parks, his "dream", and his death were all woven in so simply, yet so poignantly within the text. It is a book that might add to our own collection here to read each year.

Last night, we started talking about the holiday a bit and what it meant for our country. I'll admit that while racism still exists in a big way, I still can't imagine how things were during that time. We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. So, we read that book, watched part of the "I have a Dream" speech and the news reports of his murder on YouTube.

I was watching the clips on the internet and couldn't help, but imagine what it must have been like there on the footsteps of the Lincoln Memorial that day. I watched the people's faces in the crowds and wondered what they must have been feeling or thinking.

The kids and I had a very good and frank discussion about racism, what the Bible says, and what it used to be like. And in complete innocence, they really just don't understand how people could be so cruel to another person. May they always just see other people for what God created them to be, and not what we see on the outer shell, which is completely meaningless.

Martin Luther King Jr's words:

• Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

• Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

• I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

• The time is always right to do what is right.

• To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.

For many people today was just a day off of work, but take a moment to at least thank God for the changes that have been made in our history due to this man, and to pray for the changes that are yet to come.

Ponderings After the Weekend

I feel like this weekend kind of slipped by too quickly! Saturday we went to Lowe's Build and Grow. The kids love it and I like that it teaches them how to follow directions and they have something to play with at the end. Micah is "Mr. Independent" and it never fails that he has to have Jamie undo a mistake. He's going to have to learn the hard way to read the directions carefully! I'm adding their certificates to their homeschool portfolio. The neat thing about homeschooling is that it is 24/7/365. Learning opportunities everywhere around you.

Then, I finally broke free for a break of sorts to buy some much needed clothes (on clearance of course). Can I just complain for a second about jean shopping? How is it that I can try on the same brand, same size, same cut, and they both fit differently. Seriously?!?! Do they not cut them the same? But, I did buy a pair and I really think that "petite" jeans are getting longer! I wore heels yesterday and still have to roll them a cuff. Maybe I'm shrinking instead. I'm still not sure.

Jamie caulked the bathroom and added the new light fixture to the "man bathroom" while I was gone. I'm so glad to have that room done! I cannot even tell you! We are officially finished with wallpaper forever!!!! It turned out really cute though. Even the 1970's Avocado green doesn't look too shabby with some warm colors added around it.

Before, the wallpaper had pink flowers on it (gag!), fluffy curtains, carpet (double gag!), and a funky light fixture.

After, we painted, hung a little shade, added a rug to tie in the colors.

This was one of the most difficult rooms to paint, because it is so small. Getting a ladder in and out and the shower doors. I kept praying I wouldn't fall, because I would have surely broken a neck in the process.

Now all we have left is the main area of the house and the utility area. I'm looking forward to getting it done, but it'll have to wait a bit until the weather warms up (we need to ventilate for the floors), but that is OK. It'll give me time to unpack those last few boxes and get things really organized.

The girls and I also got to attend the baby shower for my newest niece who will be arriving very soon! It was very nice to catch up with my old best friend (cousin). I really haven't chatted with her since we moved. She and I were a little scared to breathe around all the baby cuteness for fear that the condition might be contagious:-) I had a dream last week that I was pregnant and I was bawling and squawling and basically freaking out! I woke up in a jolt and breathing a sigh of relief. I love me some sweet baby goodness as much as the next person, but no, just no! I'll just wait for little Leah to come out and play! My kids pray for Aunt Rachel and Leah daily in their sweet little prayers. Can't wait to meet her!

Jamie had a meeting last night until late and now it is Monday, which is always long! I get the winter blahs about this time of year and I'm just hoping that it'll hurry up!

Lost Teeth and Nibble

Yesterday, we put Nibble in his little ball to explore. This was his second time in the ball. He is actually pretty good at navigating that thing. The kids took turns holding him in the ball, which may be the only way they'll ever get to hold him anyways. He is very fast!! Sometimes we put him in the bathtub and they put their hands in there for him to run over and they can pet him though. They are enjoying their new little pet.

Another event from last evening was that Hannah finally lost that tooth she has been wiggling. She lost one a couple of weeks ago on the bottom, but there is nothing cuter than when they lose their two top front teeth. Somehow, they go from looking so young to a lot older when those permanent teeth grow in. She teethed very late. She celebrated her 1st birthday toothless! And, she is also losing them later it seems. Or ,at least, in comparison to my other 2.

She was very excited and looks very cute!
I'm very tired today as our neighbors must have decided that building something in the carport was very important until 2am. Of course, that is right outside our bedroom window (and the girls')! I heard power saws, hammers, etc. I can understand if there was an emergency or something and I'm hoping that it won't happen tonight. Of course, just as they got quiet, their dogs decided it was a good time to bark. Can I have some caffeine now?