A Great Weekend!

It didn't hurt that it was a 3 day weekend either! Jamie was off on Friday for "Good Friday" which was a great blessing. Life has been extremely crazy and busy lately. Not always in a bad way, but I miss my hubby when his schedule is nuts! When his schedule is nuts, then it automatically makes my schedule nuts, so it is a vicious cycle. But This weekend was a great way to recoup from the past few weeks!

Friday, Jamie got gravel and landscaping brick for our front yard. The past few weeks have made a vast improvement to the front of our house. We have trimmed shrubs (which are blooming and beautiful right now), got rid of some ugly bushes, hung some ferns, and now have things finished off with brick and gravel. I'll post a picture as soon as it is sunny again. It actually looks like someone lives here now.

Friday night, John, Rachel, and Leah came over for some grilling and catching up. Little Leah is growing and giving us some smiles and coos. The kids took great joy in receiving a gummy grin in reward for their goofy faces. We'll have to do it again sometime, but it'll have to wait for a while now, because our house renovation phase II is about to begin:-)

Chloe spent the night with Denisha Friday night, so she left a little after dinner and had a good time egg hunting at Denisha's church on Saturday. I was kind of glad that she had something to do, because Soccer season started with a bang. We had a picture appointment at 7:45 for a team photo and we finally finished about the time the storm was brewing at 2:30. The Hughes girls kicked butt and won all around. It was fun though . I really like watching the soccer games and seeing them in action. It is a fun sport. So we all came home a little worn out, but in a good way.


Of course, yesterday we woke up to Easter baskets and church, which was fabulous! We couldn't hunt eggs, so we decided to go see "Hop" at the movies, which was really cute and enjoyable even for the adults. We came home and celebrated Chloe's birthday later that evening with chicken nuggets, fries, and a big cookie. She has a cold, so I don't think she enjoyed it as much as she should have, but she was happy nevertheless. We got her pet shop that comes with a Blythe doll and some play dough accessories. That seems to be her "thing" at the moment.

Happy Birthday Chloe!!! & Easter Sunday

Today is a big day in the Hughes house! Actually it has been a big enjoyable weekend, but today I'm focusing on my "baby" girl turning 5 and my Savior who is alive!! I woke up to this morning to Chloe busting in my room with a grin from ear to ear. She was so excited about her birthday, but also there was Easter baskets waiting on the table. I can hardly believe how fast kids grow up, but my baby is now 5! How is that even possible?

5 years ago, I went to work like a normal day and around lunchtime I discovered that my pre-labor might be becoming a little more predictable and a little more uncomfortable, but I worked until closing time anyways. I didn't figure it would make much difference, so I continued on kind of smiling through contractions and realizing that it was going to be a long day. I came home, put some comfy clothes on, flopped on the couch and told Jamie that I really just wanted to lay down for a few moments, take a bath, and relax a bit before heading to the hospital. Of course, considering, I had Hannah very quickly, he was worried, he'd have to deliver a baby, and decided to get me there against my wishes.

I arrived at almost 5cm and active labor. Things progressed slowly actually. She was my longest labor. How can a 4th baby be the longest labor, but she was. It got kind of "ugly" towards the end and there might have been a little screaming going on that a few certain people in the waiting room might have been able to hear (oops!). I didn't really yell with the other 3 babies either. When they say all labor/deliveries are different, they are exactly correct.

She was born at 36 weeks, 6 pounds even, 18 inches long, pink, bald, and perfect! She didn't any assistance after birth and she stayed in our room the entire time, which was bliss! My little grand finale!

Chloe is now a "big" girl. She has energy oozing out every pore in her body and she will talk to whoever will listen (nonstop talking from this kid). She is a hoot to be around and sharp as a tack! She will say the funniest things and will keep you on your toes. Jamie and I went into the parenthood thing with 3 kids in mind, but we both had it laid on our hearts to just have 1 more and I cannot imagine NOT having her around. She completed our family! I just can't believe it is going by so quickly!

This morning is also the day my Savior arose and I'm forever amazed at his love for me! I don't deserve it, but he gives it anyways. Our service was amazing this morning and my kids were adorable in their matching outfits:-)


PS: Happy Birthday Davida! I think it would be hard to top the present I was able to be a part of 5 years ago:-) Also Happy Birthday to my sweet Grandmother (my 2nd Mom in the world) who also was born on this day.

My Apologies....Ha Ha!

I want to apologize to anyone I might have "vented" to about Jamie's job taking him away from me this month so much. Jamie is a very hands-on Dad, so when he isn't around in the evenings, I not only miss my adult conversation for they day, I also miss my extra parenting hands. I've become a Mom Taxi with soccer season in full swing, Micah's drama classes in Murray, homeschooling group (also in Murray), and the regular day-to-day activities.

I love my kids to bits and I'm trying my best to invest myself into them through Christ on a daily basis. But....but.....but sometimes I practically dash outside and tackle Jamie when he gets home at 5:15 already, because sometimes I want to have a conversation with somebody that is over 4'9! And, no the Librarian doesn't count:-) I just get really stressed and have more anxiety problems when our schedules are so "off" of one another.

I really am much appreciative and BLESSED for Jamie to have a job that he LOVES even if it steals him away sometimes. He has been there for almost a year and I guess this is the first time that I've just been really frustrated. I feel frazzled some days with all the running, which isn't that huge of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but a hot meal through the week might be a nice thing:-) I know that this time last year, we were praising God above for such a swift answer to the direction in our lives. It was a total dependence on God and we learned more than I can ever express in words. I remember how sweet the phone call was when he told me they offered him the job on the way HOME from the interview (miracle of miracles!). He is happy.....that makes me happy.

May schedule seems to be better, so I guess he just got it all at once. So, be prepared, I might be a bit frustrated again around this time next year with his job stealing him away. Just warning anybody that might be in the path of my whining next time.

God has just walked right along with us in this path.

Traveling Woes

Last night I finally lost it! For the past 3 weeks, Jamie has literally been gone more than he is at home. We are both mentally and physically exhausted from this horrible schedule. I'm glad he loves his job, but if things don't lighten up soon, I'm going to be calling Mr. President myself and asking for my husband back. This is utterly ridiculous!!!!

I've become Mom Taxi now that soccer season is in full swing. I'm ready for it to be over and they have not even had their first games yet! I'm there 3 times a week for practice in the evenings (coming home at 6:30 or 7:30 depending), which leaves 'hot meals' out of the question unless you count a toaster waffle or canned ravioli. Jamie rolls in about 11pm and then we get up bright and early the next day and repeat the process all over again.

Please, can I have a day where I have NOWHERE to go and can wear my PJ's all day? Please...maybe in June!

Happy Birthday Hannah!!!

I had Hannah after 5pm on this day 8 years ago. It was the day that I became a mother of 3. She was my only surprise baby, so we had no idea what to expect. The nurses and doctors were not quite prepared for the rapid labor/delivery that I had (ouch is all I can say about that!), and I'll never forget when the doctor said, "It's a girl!" It took me by surprise, but in a good way. She had a headful of black hair, which gradually started falling out and was soon replaced with lighter (and now blonde) locks. How in the world did Jamie and I have a blonde?

She is grown up to be such a sweet person with just the kindest heart. Just the other day, there were about 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter and she had claimed it. I then hear Chloe say, "that is what I wanted" and I explained to Chloe that Hannah wanted it and that she could choose something else (not a big deal) and when I turn around Chloe is eating the peanut butter. I questioned Hannah about it, and she said, "that's Ok, I wanted her to have it". That is just one example on one day with one person in this family. It never fails that Hannah will put others before herself and that is a special gift from God. We call her a 'mother hen', but she kind of mother hens everybody.

She is just a blessing to have in our lives and I cannot imagine life without her. God is going to do mighty things through Hannah's life, because he already has. She will often just jump up in my arms for an extra hug as she is walking by. Sometimes, even us Mommy's need that extra hug to get us through a busy day.

We celebrated her birthday yesterday for the most part. We still tried to make today special for her, but Jamie has class on Monday's. The day she realized her birthday was on a Monday, she cried. We were able to compromise and she was even more excited to have 2 birthday days and we went and ate lunch with Jamie today at work. I think that getting her presents early and having a fun school day helped make up for it.

Happy Birthday Hannah! You are finally 8 with a snaggle tooth smile and a heart of gold! We love you very much!

Getting Old!

Jamie and I have been having a good giggle about the "old" things that are now in our lives. I don't mean that in a bad way. In fact, I really do love the age that we are! We are raising our children, we are settled, have our goals in mind, etc. I think we'll look back at our 30's with a smile on our faces in many ways, but we now have reminders that we are getting old:-)

• wrinkles
  
• glasses (Ok, so that is not an old thing for me, but still)
• gray hair
• sensitive teeth
• insomnia
• melatonin (see comment above)
• medication boxes
• fiber
• medical tests
• Boost
• heating pad
• earlier bedtimes
• backaches
• spider veins
• cracking bones
• grunting as you get up out of an extended seated position
• sensitive stomachs
  
• porch swing
• Ben gay
• saying things like "kids these days"
• enjoying the shade and sunscreen more than the sun(tan)

The thing is, we joke about how it will only get worse! Now when Jamie starts wearing black socks with running shoes or I wear a blue curly hairdo, then we may need intervention. Until then, we'll just take it as it is and realize that life is very short, and that I'd rather be growing old with Jamie and my kids around than to stay young forever without them in my life.

About a year Later...

It was this exact day last year that Jamie came to me and told me that we needed to move with 100% certainty in his voice. He had actually approached me 2 days prior to this at a spring break camp that we did with the youth. Jamie already had resumes out (since January), we were just waiting on God's intervention, and trying to be patient. Things kind of hit us in the face at camp and it became a more urgent situation quicker than we were mentally or physically prepared for.

I don't really remember the exact words of the conversation that night, but I do remember my rush of feelings, the look on my husband's face with tears streaming down his face and the urgency in his voice. I was frightened beyond anything that I had ever felt before. I cried, and looked over at him as he pleaded with me to understand. He promised me that he would take care of us, but that we had to go. I looked up at him and told him that I trusted him. He called his parents right after that conversation and they offered us a place to stay while we were in limbo. It was not ideal for them or us, but it was a necessary thing for us to hear to move forward in this decision. That night, we layed in bed and prayed together for things to come. He went into work the next day and called me later and told me that he had resigned with a 2 month notice. I cried pretty much the entire day away (from beginning to end). My friend that I met every week for a playdate, had postponed to Thursday and I was so thankful!

We carried on as usual that week with church activities, teachings, etc. It was awkward. I lived in a puddle of tears and stress, lack of sleep, and by the end of the week, Jamie had changed the 2 month resignation to a 2 week resignation. Now things got even scarier and crazier in our lives. There were a couple of frantic phone calls to my sweet mother where I literally was freaking out and bawling on the other end. I was sending resumes out like crazy. Jamie was on the phone to everybody he knew trying to line up a job....anything to pay bills and possibly give us insurance.

So that next Wednesday night, he officially resigned with the church with no job prospects, home, or real sense of what was going on in our lives. It was uncomfortable, but Jamie held it together beautifully. We got some questions that were difficult to answer along the way. We told everybody that God was moving us on. No lie! We just didn't know where at that moment!

We were obedient to God's wishes, and you know what we got almost as soon as we walked in the door that SAME night? A phone call from Dr. Cecil (Mid-Continent University) and they wanted Jamie's resume emailed to them immediately. I think we were both too scared to be excited at the time. But things moved quickly and he had an interview the next Monday and a job lined up 30 minutes after the interview. All these things are amazing!!!! We never expected this, but it confirmed to us that God was watching out for us and we were smack dab in the middle of something amazing he had planned. Jamie was slated to start 2 days after we moved:-) The rest is history there. He loves his job!

We lived with Jamie's parents 3 1/2 months. It is weird to me now, because I don't really remember a lot about last summer. Bits and pieces come to me, but sometimes the kids will say, "remember last summer when..." No, I really don't. That kind of freaks me out in a way. I know that I was in a weird depressive state that I tried desperately to hide, but probably didn't succeed to well most of the time.

We moved again at the end of August on a very hot summer day to our new home. The first real home we've ever owned! It was a dream come true! Jamie is working on his master's degree, loves his job, and off every weekend (for the first time in 11 years). We started homeschool and house renovation and it was overwhelming, but it was hard to really care since we didn't even have a home for almost 4 months.

We also found a church that is just a breathe of fresh air to my soul and mind. I have learned so much in this short period of time. I'm not being "preached at," I'm being challenged and made to think...big difference!

I know this post is long, but I contemplate the past year a lot. It is still a regular conversation in the Hughes house, but the conversations are turning around. I still won't look back and think, "yippee I'm so happy that happened to us" but I can look back and see where God just carried us along his will and path. We had to put our faith and trust in him like never before and he blessed us so much for it. My faith in God is different having experienced the things we endured. Our decisions were not logical, but they were God's will. I'll never understand it all. We will forever wear a scar from the experiences we have encountered, which hurt sometimes, and still brings tears in our eyes and sometimes negative feelings, but more often than not, we are so glad that God changed our direction.

We are blessed above imagination!

All is Well

Jamie had a medical test today and outside of finding a little "something" that is most likely a "nothing" and the doctor being a bit surprised since we are younger, things are fine. He has a medication to take and may be put on a more regular track for screenings, but otherwise, it was good news. So, all in all, I guess it was good that he went so that he won't have bigger problems crop up later on.

Lately, he has been feeling much better by just watching his diet closer, so hopefully he can keep on that track and still not miss out on too many good foods in the process. He is such a "foodie" loving all kinds of foods, so this will be a bit hard. He has recently dropped about 10 pounds though, so is trying to gain that back since he is so small anyways. He doesn't have weight to spare!

And, just for the record, "medicated drunk Jamie" came out again today and in addition to embarrassing me royally in front of my father-in-law (although I will say what he said was a bit better than the last surgery, but at least I was alone!), talking about the "hot" doctor (over and over), telling me that he took the same medication that killed Michael Jackson (over and over), he also asked for beer from the nurse (and later Liquor). WHAT!?!?! Seriously...WHAT!?!?!

I think we are going to try to do a little school today. We are so close to being finished for the year, but I could really stand to take a nap myself! For some reason my anxiety was very high last night (you'd think I was the one having the procedure) and I have been recently having very crazy irrational fears. I swear!

And, as if health insurance isn't dumb enough, we found out yesterday how really DUMB it is. All I can say is thank the Lord (literally) for the hefty tax refund!!!!! God is always providing and he is always faithful and good!

Field Trip

We headed to Paducah on Friday for a field trip. Jamie was off on Spring Break, so it was a good time to head out and do something fun. We went to the River Discovery Center at Paducah on the riverfront. It was kind of neat to learn all about the rivers. We took a stroll along looking at the murals that have been painted on the river wall and looked at the old train that was sitting there too. We did find a little ice cream shop, which the kids enjoyed. It was a fun day. It could have been a little warmer, but no complaints!

26 more days of school for our homeschool!!!!! That lands us in the middle of the second week of May. Yay! Of course, even though we are off for summer "break" we are still going to keep up with our math skills (through fun games), reading, and typing. They are OK with that:-)

On another note, you can read Jamie's blog about our movie incident. The Better Business Bureau was contacted and they have already contacted him and now we wait and see how he'll respond. It is horrible the way that people treat their consumers, but it is kind of funny now that it is over. We actually got "kicked out" of a place of business. It is kind of laughable. All we did was ask 'why' when he didn't accept our gift certificates, which his signature was on. I truly believe that we could have gone on another weekend and chosen another movie and he would have cooked up another excuse. Kind of makes me wonder if he is stealing, but I guess we'll never know that part.

It was too hard to be too upset, because we received an answer to prayer that same day. I sat here Saturday morning going through medical bills, looking at our budget, and beginning to wonder how it would all get worked out. I just prayed for some answers and about 2 hours later, we got a phone call from our accountant that was very good! Exactly what we needed! God is always good and somehow I still worry and fret. Why is that?