A day

Unseasonably cool weather for the day. Blue skies. No cloud in sight. The baby and me on the swing in the shade... her laughing at me laughing at her (for no reason at all). Andrew counting peas on the back porch "We have enough for supper for 2 nights, Mama!". Anna .... in and out of the back screen door wanting a snack (as usual). Toys in the hallway. An unfinished puzzle in the middle of the floor. Towels to be folded (living on my bedroom floor for the moment). Monday- CLEAN SHEET DAY! Daddy coming home later than usual tonight... can't wait to give him a kiss. Unexpected visitors as I am on my way out the door to the grocery. Crazy, thrilling, wonderful, beautiful,happy, imperfect, messy life. I am blessed.
Much Love,

Life

Things have been hoppin' around our little nest. Life is busy and full and sweet... and beautiful. Some days in the midst of unloading the dishwasher or changing ANOTHER dirty diaper I have to remind my self of that. And, yes, that one day, I AM ... "gonna miss this"

Our little ones are growing SOOOO quickly. Why oh, WHY?? Waaaah!! My sweet boy walked in the room today with another pair of jeans that were too short for him! Truly, some days I just want to freeze time. "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff life is made of". I need that stenciled on my forehead!

My little Andrew is reading SO well now. Ummmm.... didn't realize that they learned that in KINDERGARTEN these days. Wow. My mom (who shares my love of all things vintage) got him a collection of Dick and Jane readers... just like she and dad learned to read with... and he has been quite enthralled. Those stories are so simple and sweet and innocent. Oh! To live in days like those again. The sweetest thing, though, has been seeing him read to Anna Kate. I found them curled up in his bed the other day with him reading to her in that little "beginner reader" voice and I just wanted to cry! Those 2 do love each other so much. I pray that they will be close forever. I pray that God would only increase that love over time.

Anna Kate is of the mind that more is better.... when it comes to her wardrobe! She has adopted the "Fancy Nancy" style of dress, and wanted to leave the house in Cinderella heels, a BOA, sunglasses on her head, rings on EVERY finger and a princess dress the other day. That child is ALL girl... and a very prissy one at that. She is my constant shadow (along with her imaginary friends Kacy and Lucy. Ahem.) and wants to do every single thing I do. I am so thankful for my sweet "fancy" girl.

Our baby Abigail is growing by the day! She is the BEST baby we have ever had and so content. She smiles that toothless smile, coos and just melts my heart. She lights up every time I come into the room and I am grateful, grateful for her little life and the sunshine she brings into mine.

I am doing a little better with getting us into a "new" routine around here... and things... things.. are really so ordinary that they are beautiful. Just the way I like it!

Blessings and Happy Tuesday!

Much Love,

My Valentine

*Reprise from my 07 Valentine's post*

It still hangs in my closet. I saw it again today as I was going through things to place into the box for Goodwill. I contemplated giving it away~ even took the hanger down to view it closer and then replaced it. I'm just not ready yet. I don't know that I will ever be. It's not that I think I will ever wear it again. I know that I probably won't. I really don't even like it anymore to tell you the truth. But I will keep it. It's what I had on the first night we met. The first night we saw each other in the parking lot of that restaurant. The night that you thought I wouldn't show up.
I chose it carefully. Black is always a safe choice for a first date. I added tall boots, sparkly earrings to go with the top and my signature lipstick color. I was so nervous. I almost broke off one of my well-manicured nails on the steering wheel ...tapping it on the way to see you.
The shirt you wore was the same blue as your eyes. I can't get rid of it, either. It still smells like you. I can see you in it, standing there with the biggest smile in the world on your face. I remember what the sleeve felt like against my face sitting on that park bench after dinner. I remember feeling so small next to you.
I remember driving home that night knowing that you were the one that I would marry. I didn't want to take that outfit off because I could still smell a trace of your cologne on the sleeve. I kept it on for a long time that night. I sat in the windowseat looking at the stars and thinking~ about you, us, our future.
I put it on again one year to the day later. We went out to the same restaurant that night to celebrate the anniversary of our first date. We were now Mr. and Mrs. What a difference a year had made. We became engaged 2 months after that first date, had a fairytale wedding and were starry - eyed and in love. We sat at the same table and laughed about things had changed in those 12 little months. What a beautiful change it was.
Here we are. 6.5 years, 3 kids, and 2 houses later. That same outfit still hangs in our closet. I can't give it away. Not now, not ever. It was what I wore when you walked into my life. There is no advice I would give the girl that wore it. No tips, no suggestions. Maybe I'd just like to tell her to savor every moment, for it only gets better from here. Maybe I'd tell her that she was in for the best days of her life. Maybe I'd tell her to slow down and enjoy it more. Maybe I'd tell her nothing. For there is nothing I would change about our life together. Not one thing. You are my perfect valentine, the final name in my appointment book, my future tense.
Happy Valentine's Day and
Much Love,

Rhythm

A rhythm slowly begins to settle over the house. ...
Crying, bottle, dishes, coffee, change diaper, make beds, swing, mama can you button me, bouncer, I'm hungry, She's not sharing, coos, tiny fists waving in the air, read me a book, Sesame Street, is it time for a snack, do you like my picture, wind mobile again in crib, washing machine, unloading dishwasher, crying, bottle, lunch, can I go outside, walking in stroller, telephone, computer, naps, wash hands, sing to baby, rock, rock, rock, lullabies, act silly with me, is it time to get brother from school, car, carpool line, friends, home, snack, Lord, I am tired of the demands! Have I looked at myself in mirror today, did I brush my teeth, need to start supper, homework, when is daddy coming home, can we go next door to play, I love you mommy, crying, bottle, need to get it together, phone calls, please hush, mommy is trying to talk, where IS daddy, help, tired, need a break, fold clothes, cook, rock, rock, rock baby, play candy land, daddy please hurry home.....
Still.... this is my favorite job in the world. Thank you, Father God for my life. Thank you.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
AMEN.
Happy Thursday and Much Love,
Jennifer

Home again, home again!

Our sweet baby came home from the hospital (once again!) this week. She is doing much, much better! We are still having a few issues here and there, but she is so much improved. Hopefully we are on the permanent road to recovery this time! Thank you so MUCH for your prayers. God bless you for them!
Having our 3rd little one has been such a blessing... but has thrown me for a LOOP in the scheduling department! Wow. Our home was running like a well-oiled machine before sweet Abigail came along, but now?? We can't seem to get on a schedule! For someone who thrives on schedule and routines, this is more than a little frustrating! Hopefully that will improve soon (probably when she is sleeping more!) but for now I am just trying to enjoy them! I think I may even throw caution to the wind this afternoon and read the pile of books they've been asking me to..... Cleaning cabinets can wait, right?? I hope my desires for a well-run, clean, orderly home don't interfere with spending lots of time just enjoying and playing with them! Such a hard balance to strike!!
They are growing so fast.... wish I could just "freeze frame" them at the ages they are now. *Sigh*. The age old wish of all moms...
Off to enjoy!
Happy Friday and Much Love!
Jennifer

Thank you~~

Baby Abigail actually had a better day today.... AND we got a "diagnosis" as to what is wrong with her! Apparently, she developed an ileus (paralyzed section of the bowel) after the viral illness. It is causing the vomiting, gas, diarrhea, etc. that she is experiencing. Fortunately, her pediatrician thinks that it will heal itself, but will just take a little time. We will have to be in the hospital with her so that she can receive IV support until she is able to be adequately hydrated from the bottle alone. Her viral counts were still high today, and she does not feel so great..... very fussy..... just gives mommy and daddy and chance to snuggle her a little more, though!! I think the stress of all this has caused some postpartum issues that I was having (that we THOUGHT were resolved!) begin to resurface as well. Hopefully they will go away soon, too!
You are all just precious to me to remember our family in your prayers. You will never know how much that means! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Please pray that we can come home SOON!
Much Love,
Jennifer

Prayers

I am not sure if anyone still reads this silly blog anymore..... (I am on the waiting list for a redesign, though!!... can't WAIT).... I have felt like blogging again lately!

Right now, though, I would like to ask for prayers for our baby girl, Abigail. She was doing so well after being released from the NICU in November!! She had gained 6 pounds, and was beginning to sleep at night, etc.!! Last week, she contracted what we think (thought??) was a stomach virus. She became very dehydrated and was admitted to the hospital. She seemed to get better and we were released last night. Today, she relapsed again, and we were readmitted to the pediatric unit. She is very dehydrated again, and is back on IV, Pedialyte, etc. Her Doctor thinks now something else may be involved such as an obstruction, or some other GI problem. She is so tiny and it is SOOOOOO hard to see her in the hospital bed and not know what is wrong with her... and to feel helpless to do anything about it!! Please pray for her to get better. I want to bring her home soon!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The Sickies

Whoever coined the term "morning sickness" was apparently a little misguided- or perhaps just fortunate. Unfortunately, I have not been among that lucky throng that simply experiences "morning sickness". It HAS, however, been..... Morning, noon, night sickness, and all hours and minutes in between.
I have to say that I am not all THAT surprised as I suffered a little with our Andrew, and QUITE ALOT with our little Anna Kate. I venture to say, however, that this time may be a little worse. I've had to resort to lots of meds to keep anything at all down lately, and still the weight loss is creeping up there.
Today has been, well, better (I am hesitant to even type it). After the threat of being hospitalized yesterday, I had a little talk with God and the "little star" growing inside me, and things calmed down a little last night ( the chicken broth and crackers did not star in a repeat performance)!!! Today the sun is peeking through a bit, and I feel as if I can at least see the shadow of my old self beginning to appear. I miss playing with my kids.... Daddy has taken over cooking (as the sight of food just about sends me over the edge) as well as laundry (at least the clothes are clean!) and we have hired someone to do the cleaning for the next few weeks. Hopefully today is the start of feeling better, and leaving the YUCK behind !!!

Newsy news

I haven't been around much lately because... I have been quite QUITE under the weather the past few weeks thanks to this little gem .....







That's right... it is a POSITIVE test!
We found out a couple of weeks ago, and are excited as can be (and happily surprised !!!) I just want to feel a little better and for my food to stay where it is supposed to. I've been through this twice already, but had forgotten how NOT FUN this part is. This too, shall pass though, and I can't wait to hit that feel good second trimester! YAY!!

Happy, happy, HAPPY Monday and Much Love

Spring things...

My own version of a "garden" this year... baby tomato plants (better boys!!), squash and green onions.

















Flat of petunias in a yummy pink ready for planters on the patio




A new rose (Knockout!) that will (hopefully?!?) climb and spill over my back fence... and produce the "showers of blooms" promised .




And, finally, a shiner that is healing quite nicely from an overactive 4 year old in the back yard... The joy of a boy!!!
















Happy Thursday!

Zoo Crew

Our trip to the Big Easy to visit the zoo was GREAT, but very exhausting!!

There is so much to see that it really does take *ALL DAY*! Aaannndddd, to top it off, Andrew had a teeball game to be back for at 530.... let's suffice it to say that after that - everyone crashed.

Great fun and great memories!

This is TYPICAL Andrew... he was just about beside himself with excitement, and was dancing around like crazy!!

Engrossed in watching the camels munch their lunch...

I can't believe they both actually looked at the same time... not both smiling, but we'll take it!

Happy Wednesday and Much Love,

Jennifer

Happy Easter!

Hope your Easter was wonderful!! We had a great day to top off a great (but extremely busy and hectic!) week. We went to church and spent and beautiful lunch/afternoon with relatives (and even took pictures by their beautiful azaleas, along with managing a family shot) Rare!
I have been so busy sewing new curtains, remodeling both children's rooms and making holiday preparations, that I haven't been around much lately. Thankfully, my plate is much less "full" this week, and life is settling back into its' normal pattern. Hooray! Tommorrow we've even planned a FUN trip to the Audubon Zoo. The kids are super excited and we can't wait either!

Happy Easter and Much Love,

Jennifer

Fabulousness....

.... IS that even a word?? Even if it doesn't grace the pages of Webster, it is perfect in describing how our little weekend getaway went! After a quick drop off of the kiddos at Daddy and Mama's we were OFF! Several stops, a cappuccino and lots of road trip music later, we arrived in the Delta.

Here to be exact.

We checked into our fab-u-lous digs, got mugs of real hot chocolate (seriously, real melted chocolate); I dove deep into the amazing linens, while Andy went to "explore"- (Such a MAN thing, don't you think?) I stayed contented there until time to cross the street for our 1 hour massages. Bliss. BLISS, I tell you. After I lifted my wet noodle of a body off of the table and sat in the steam room, I forced myself to get dressed and met A. to go back across the street to prep for dinner.

Dinner=divine. Dining at a former speakeasy with curtained booths and a buzzer to summon the waitress was a different experience to say the least! After a feast on Mississippi farm raised catfish (with the special sauce) and steaks, it was time to summon the shuttle back to our quarters. While we were gone, a good fairy had turned down the beds, and even left chocolate on our pillows to ensure sweet dreams!

Can I just tell you how amazing (did I mention wonderful) it felt to sleep in until AFTER 9 O'clock in the morning. Sure, I did crack my eyes at 7, but it was short-lived. My adventures in dreamland lasted 2 more good long hours. Showers and a lazy pace of getting ready followed. Then came the Southern breakfast buffet by the fireplace. Eggs, cheese grits (my FAV) accompanied by all manners of pork, fruits, frittatas, cereal, muffins, and juices were there for the eating. O.my.WORD. (!!!!)

After all the exertion of morning (HA!) I decided I needed a little rest, and perched myself on the bed with a book and my mandatory second cup of coffee. Andy.... wellll he went to the gym (Just HAS to make a girl feel bad!)

Checking out was followed by perusing small shops, a loooonnngg stroll through a bookstore (with a fabulous selection of southern lit- a favorite of mine!), antiques, jewelry and a children's boutique, and then time to head back to reality.... ALREADY? By this time the afternoon was marching on toward evening, and I began to feel just a wee ( I said a wee) bit sorry for my parents, and began to miss my littles (a bit more than a wee), and we headed south.

More gas, more diet cokes, more road trip music, and a quick stop at my sister's house in the capital city, and we arrived back in home territory, though it was way after dark!

After kisses and numerous hugs and squeals, we discerned that Anna Kate was on hairstyle #452 for the day, (her current phase) and that Andrew had been "hunting bears" with Papa in the woods (numerous times)! All had roasted marshmallows, gotten new toys, and been thoroughly and absolutely spoiled. And to top it all off, Mama had a nice, hot, homecooked meal waiting.... perfect ending, don't you think?

I can't WAIT to go back... and I'm thinking SOON!

Happenings.....

F i n a l l y, this (after much deliberation and gnashing of teeth over the overwhelming amount of choices available)...

has been the scene in our living room (and hallway). Buh-bye, carpet.... hello, beautiful wood. I have been sooo excited for this, and as of yesterday, the project is COMPLETED! Now I have an excuse to look for an area rug!!

These (!!!!!!!)

...were for Valentines Day, along with some other sweet happies....

The sweetest of all being this...





Heart=full.

Happy Friday and much love,

The Holiday princess....

The Holiday princess (or so her little shirt says) is a bit under the weather, and had to pay a visit to the pediatrician today. Her temperment in the doctor's office matches her hair- WILD. So much so that when she even catches a glimpse of Dr. M., she begins the shrieking..... and shrieking.... and.. well, you get the picture. Thanks to a "lolli", and the passage of a little time, she was right back to her sunny little self. She even took her breathing treatment without so much as a wimper. I HAD to get photographic evidence if only to convince Dr. M. next time we are in the office that she does have other volumes besides, uhhh, loud and LOUDER!!


This afternoon has been a hoot. I embarked upon the annual sugar-cookie-making-from scratch-with-two-little-ones-am-I-losing-my-mind extravaganza with great gusto. Andrew and Anna Kate began with great enthusiam (key word here is began) but soon abandoned me for other loftier pursuits- namely- playing "doctor". I looked over and found this scene in the dining room.



Narration was as follows:
Anna Kate: "Hush you mouf bubbie, no more scweeming" (mind you, Andrew was being quiet as the proverbial mouse)
Andrew: "Dr. Anna my tum-tum hurts"
AKate: "Okay, bubbie, it be awight- here is you edda-sin" (medicine) "Take it wike a fweet boy"
Akate: "Okay, get up- you done" "I SAID get up" "WIIIIGGHHHT NOW"
Ahhhhh- such compassion- let's just hope she's not YOUR doctor in 25 or so years.



Happy Tuesday and Much Love,

Elf Yourself !!

Click here to see what we had fun with this evening....
Seriously, this was hysterical. I thought our little Andrew would never stop laughing at it!
So, what are you waiting for??.... there's a little elf in all of us just dying to get out!


Happy Thursday and Much Love,
Jennifer

And so it begins...

... Football season that is! Even with a little bit of rain during the pre-game "cookout", which turned into a "cook-in", we thoroughly enjoyed the "big game" last night at the college. The kiddos were enamored with the cheerleaders, the football players, mascot, band- the whole atmosphere. Mommy, Daddy and the kid's grandparents were enamored with the cooler temperatures and the cooler breezes that seemed to blow our way. WELCOME Fall!!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

FCPA

...... Ahhh, yes, the Future Circus Performers of America club..... and I think I may just have the first two members! What are they, you may ask? Why, a clown and a trapeze artist (at least from the looks of things!) We took a little jaunt to the circus tonight, and I think the "adults" enjoyed it as much as the kiddies!

Party Girl

Our little angel marked her second birthday yesterday! Unbelievable. At any rate, we celebrated in fine form with a Tinkerbell party complete with "confetti" pixie dust (that I am STILL picking up out of the carpet!!!), fairy punch, balloons, tulle, family, friends, food and cake.
It was a grand celebration of her little life, and I squeezed her just a little tighter today as I realized my "baby" is growing up! Oh how I want to freeze both of them just like this for now! (BIG sigh)~



You can read her "story" here in the post I did for her birthday last year.
Here are a few pics from her "big day".

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my sweet husband and my Daddy.

You are both amazing men and far more than I deserve!

I love you both!

Click here to read my tribute from last year to my daddy... (It still rings true today), and here to read my tribute to my hubby!
You both mean the world to me!