Taking a Break From All the Christmas Talk

I found this while seeking out a sweet deal for a BPA free water bottle for Aiden. I found it too humorous not to share. Sorry in advance, if there are any copyright issues with sharing this!

Dis- and Re- Connecting

Well, I've reconnected back to 'the world' for nearly three days and have failed to post any goodies regarding our Christmas experience. 'The world,' of course, references technology - phones, computers, internet - life as we know it. What did we do before all that? But it was nice to be disconnected for a while. It slows down time when you don't have emails to check, photos to post, web-only sales to be sought, dictation (work) to catch up on.

I feel very full thinking of this year's Christmas. Not just literally, but filled with a happiness and memories of the kids playing so fondly together, the cozy fire, a family wide game of mexican train (dominoes), Gigi's Wii (GiWii as it's now been named), and walks along the lake and through the woods. I wish times like these would stand still because the day to day world is so hectic that you long for these experiences again and again. But I find comfort in knowing (and hoping) that many more experiences like this will come our way. Just want to thank my family for making it all happen. I know it took a lot of sacrifice for us all to be together. But it was a great experience.

Of course, I have pictures... But I am having just a few problems in getting them from my camera to my *new laptop.* (Thanks Jamie :-) So, just check back - If you're impatient though, check out my sister's blog - Hot Dogs for Dinner - she's posted some of the greatest!

A Holiday Get to Know Me

I think we've all probably gotten this 'get to know your friends' email. But I thought this was a nice twist to the general questions you get normally. So, I figured what better way for you to learn a little about me than to share my responses.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper with curly cutesy ribbons

2. Real tree or Artificial? I'm on the fence - we have a real tree but our pooch feels the need to mark our tree on a yearly basis, so I'm considering the alternative

3. When do you put up the tree? General sometime on or after the weekend of Thanksgiving depending on schedules

4. When do you take the tree down? Generally around New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? Gag me with a spoon... Okay, who made up that saying?

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I can't remember but probably a Cabbage Patch doll

7. Hardest person to buy for? This year I struggled with the MIL

8. Easiest person to buy for? Aiden

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, although you can only see the backs of the wise men and shepherd since Aiden's convinced that they have to stare down baby Jesus and the virgin, so you can't see their faces. Even when you think you're being sneaky and turn them around once he's a sleep, you find them turned back around the next morning

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Uhm, cards... okay since I'm a card maker, I should say mail right... but I have to be honest and tell you that I sent out an email yesterday. But hey, I made cards for everyone else but myself this year

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? At the time, probably the rocking chair I received when I was 16. It's exactly what every 16 year old (who's learning to drive a minivan) wants under the tree

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Ah... what's the Christmas mouse movie where the clock breaks - love that movie! Apparently I really love it right, since I can't remember the name. Pol Ex is also a big hit around here

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Sometime around Thanksgiving

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Turkey with the McLaurin turkey dip

15. Lights on the tree? Ah, yeah... what else do you do with them? Besides string them all over our patio...

16. Favorite Christmas song? This year's song of choice - O Holy Night

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel, even though it's completely impossible to please two sets of in-laws no matter how hard you try

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Why of course.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star, although it's still not straight

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? We don't have much of a theme, but I'd love one

23. Favorite thing at Christmas dinner? Turkey, see above

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Peace and happiness always

The Shepherd's Debut

Aiden did a fantastic job tonight with his performance in their Christmas Play. I was a little nervous for him as he's been very reluctant in the past to be on a stage in front of other. But tonight he moved past that fear and did a wonderful job. A few pics for your viewing pleasure. Video to follow...

Instruction Wanted

How do I phrase this nicely? My dear son is a wonderful person. He has an incredible spirit, insane imagination, a sense of humor like no other. But, at 4, he's not exactly tactful with words. Twice already he's been given gifts this wonderful, joyous season. Instead of being thrilled and gracious with the idea of new toys, he's been... well, rude. Maybe it wasn't the right size or color. And in one case, it's wasn't the very random and rare buzz lighter with a twirly top. I've talked with him about this time and again but it doesn't seem to penetrate that thick head of his (yeah, I said it!)

S0, I asked you this: How to you teach children go have a grateful heart?

(Any thoughts or ideas are gladly accepted)

Ready, Set, Skate

A few pics from yesterday's adventure at Disney on Ice. Thanks Poppy & Gigi, we had a great time. You sure know how to tucker out 3 kids! (yeah, only 1 was mine :-)

Pics from the second half. Of course I left my camera in the car and missed all the good stuff.

Tinkerbell's finale

Aiden on the way up... Note the pure sugar in hand

And on the way down... The car ride home.

A Belated Birthday Wish!

Dear Amanda,

Wishing you the best year ever! May it be full of wonderful memories and great experiences!

With love,
Jenny

(okay, sorry to use this picture, but I figured it was my only chance :-)

Signs of the Season

Finally after a week of good intentions, we have some holiday spirit sprinkled throughout our home. All the decorations are accompanied both their original packing (hint, hint dear husband, put the boxes away!) but also by Aiden's rendition of Away In a Manager - where the 'cattle are annoying and the baby awakes.' Where is a video camera when you need one?

But I'm proud to say that Aiden will be a shepherd next week in the school play. A shepherd! Call me a nut - it's okay, go ahead. But this seems really big for us, I mean him. A shepherd!

And by the way, the shepherd just told me that I should by some Pamprin - You need this mom. What does he know about it?

Okay, just a few pics for those that won't have the pleasure of viewing the rest of the mess that is my house!

Remembering the Meaning

I recently saw this posted on another blogger's site. Watching the video is a subtle (or not so subtle...) reminder of the *true* meaning of Christmas. Seems each year, I begin with honest intentions not to get wrapped up in the constant 'buy mentality' that is always associated with this time of year. However, it always seems that the responsiblity to plan, budget, and purchase gifts is left up to me. In fact, if there's a gift under our tree, chances are I bought, wrapped, and tagged that sucker.

I think the one thing that really stuck with me is how much we, as Americans, spend on Christmas. Could you imagine what we could do if we were less materialistic and more giving ourselves, our time, our money?

So this year, it's not too late - do more, give more, spend less.

Happy Birthday, Old Man...

Jamie,

Wishing you the bestest of best birthdays ever! It's hard to believe you were a young 20-something when we first met. Man, where does the time go? I'm glad you day was filled with all your favorites: Sleep, sleep and a good meal! (Yeah, you guessed it, I didn't cook!)

With all my love,

me

And Speaking of Birthdays...

To my youngest and dearest sister,

I'm wishing you very happy but still very belated birthday. My thoughts were with you throughout the day on your special day. I hope it was filled with much love and happiness.

With much love,

Jenny

My Dear Owen,

Wishing you all the wonders that three has to offer! Hope you have an awesome birthday and a wonderful trip! Don't let those girls drive you crazy!

With much love,
Jenny

Adventures In PA

Several weeks ago, I convinced GiGi to travel with Aiden and I to PA to visit close friends who moved there a year ago. Clayton and Aiden have been best buddies since... well, almost birth. Aiden was just over 6 weeks and Clayton would have been three months old or so when they first began 'shootin' the breeze.' Michelle (Clayton's mum) and I kinda transitioned into this mommy thing together, then she had to out do me by having another.

Both of her children were celebrating their 2nd and 5th birthdays. Figuring that only happens once, we decided to make the journey. The kids had a great time. We were able to catch some snow, which was a miracle in itself being that it NEVER snows here. (And yes, I'm completely trying to jinx myself...) So here's a few pics to share.

Aiden goofing off at the party

This is probably an accurate picture of the two them -
Double Trouble... Thing One and Thing Two

Poor Abby, the only girl

Fall Favored

Dare I ask if you missed me? Being that I have an average of probably 4 readers (myself included), you probably didn't even notice I was gone. I'd love to tell you I've been taking an internet sabbatical, but the truth is that I've wasted all my time probing the internet for the best bargains for this holiday season. Correction, I wouldn't say all that time was wasted, I've found my share of bargains! And there is nothing like an Amazon or other Cyber Monday special to teach you 'seize the day' because it won't be there for long. When it's gone, you'll pay for it, literally!

Seems like not only are the days shorter but they are so much busier. Every evening is filled with some sort of event or meeting. But honestly, I *love* this time of year. Between Halloween and New Years is a magical time. There is a warmth in the chill of the air - a sparkle or magic of some kind. Just seeing the fall of the leaves just makes me smile. This season gives me the feeling and realization that there is nothing more important than good friends and close family.

The photo above is taken from my uncle's lake house just over a year ago. I love that you can begin to see the change in the leaves. And I'm thrilled because my family will be celebrating Christmas there. It's a beautiful place and I'm counting down the days!

Memory

Margueritte Rebecca Chester Muse Childers

1926-2008

I haven't post in nearly a week, no make that two. It's not for a lack effort, but each time I try, the words just haven't been there. At 82, my grandmother past away the Friday before last. She went fast and I hope with a great deal of peace. It was an extraordinary event to see a family that has struggled, gather near to support her in her journey and to support one another as well. But my heart aches for each of them even now.

I feel mixed with guilt at times. An extraordinary woman, a link to my family heritage and past, and I let her slip by, never knowing her true story. But I have peace in that our souls are connected and will meet again one day.

And is it odd that in death, I am reminded of life? The need to love more, to forgive often, to hate less. It has become clear to me that life has a mission: to be prayerful daily, intentional in your actions, and purposeful in your words and deeds.

Post Halloween Costume Presentation

This costume is really only complete if you could hear the sound

effects that go along with it.

... & Found

Yep, that's right, you heard it hear first. Millie has come home. Thanks to some great neighbors leaving messages of various sightings around our area, Millie was retrieved tonight. Poor dear is SO skinny! She looks a little shell shocked but you can tell she's relieved to be home. Thanks for all the prayers of concern.

LOST

I'm feeling guilty for every time I've ever said anything harsh or mean about Millie (my one and only female sidekick companion in this crazy house). Seems she's ran away from us. But what's even sadder is that Aiden and I just realized this tonight. Not when she didn't sass me first thing this morning for new food or didn't rub all over me last night for some attention. That means she's been gone more than a day now. How did I not realize this? Without a Trace will tell you the first 24 hours are the most crucial. Is that the same in the case of missing kitties? First thing tomorrow, we're putting up signs and I'll probably call the shelter or SPCA (that's different than the environmental health which rate restaurants Manda...).

Oh, my heart aches. I feel awful thinking that she's out there by herself. Alone.

This is for you Millie. I'm sorry for ignoring you. Please come back home!!

Little Millie back in the day

What she looks like today. (No, it's not your eyes, it's out of focus.)

I Don't Have to Make This Stuff Up

The Scene: Aiden's Bath

Preface: This week Aiden's class began assigning dates for each student to bring a book to share before lunch time with the class. One of his playmates brought a book of the human body, including things such as muscles and the brain.

Tuesday night as I was putting away Aiden's clothes, Jamie called me from the bath to inform me that Aiden had a question for me. As I entered the bathroom, Aiden was sitting perpendicular in the tub with his back against the wall of the tub and his feet propped up on ledge.

Aiden then ask Mom, is this thing between my legs my brain?

Silence.

You all know what I'm thinking right now and it's tempting. But there is also this little bitty voice in the back of my head is saying Whatever you tell him will be repeated tomorrow for an entire class of 4 year olds...

I took the high road, as my husband sat outside the bathroom laughing like you have never seen.

I tell you, if ever I had wished to remember the video on my cell, this would have been the time. Honestly, I don't think I've ever repeated the word testicles more times in my whole life!

Of course the conversation didn't stop there. I had to explain their purpose (more than once!), why girls don't have them, if they 'hook up' in order to have babies - that is his word NOT mine! Oh, and there was the entire conversation whether the Incredible Hulk has them or not, and why couldn't I see them... Life will never be the same.

This Year's Spooky Creation

This year's creation - slightly more simplistic than in the past. But how do you top last year's epic saga of Autobots vs. Decepticons?

The Pumpkin Patch

Another mommy first crossed off the list: Aiden asked me to come with his class to the Pumpkin Patch this week. Little nippy, but we had a fantastic time! The farm did a fantastic job of making this a real learning experience while keeping the kids busy the entire time. It was great to see Aiden interact with his classmates! He loved the hayride and the corn maze - I couldn't keep up with him.

Aiden and his buddy, Ryan

Planting Strawberries

The tractor pulling the hayride
I'm loving this picture...

My Pumpkin's Pumpkin

An Addition

I realized after reviewing the early morning post (aka - the previous rambling), that I left out some of Aiden's most glorious wisdom he's recently bestowed on me - I burped and a little bit of my food came back in my mouth. It was soooo cooool!

I won't begin to provide a misguided explanation of how that may or may not apply to my life...

Note To Self:

No more coffee at night time. Sorry, no matter how cold it is inside or out. No. More. Coffee. It's impossible to sleep now as a result. And I have nothing but my wondering thoughts and snoring hubby to keep me company. So I resort to the internet to entertain me until I can finally sleep. Neither the wondering thoughts or the internet are good for me. Sleep is what I need.

On another note, I'm completely amazed and sometimes heartbroken by the things Aiden says. Just yesterday he began telling me how much he misses Clayton, Vivian, and Colben - All good friends that have moved away. Then he tells me "I know I won't get to see them anymore, but I will always remember them. They were my best friends and I won't forget them." It breaks my heart a little. You want to protect them from so much, never to have them feel that pain of separation. There is so little in this world that you can protect them from and even less that you can control no matter how hard you try. So you have to let them grow and that means experiencing all of the bitter sweetness life has to offer.

A little later as we were in the car, he breaks the silence with "Mom, I trust God." It's said with such earnest and honesty. As adults we long for a feeling of trust that is that clear - a thought not confused or smudged by doubt, by life, by the past, by the disappointment of the world. How do we find that clarity again? Is it lost with childhood? And it's not only trust in God that's blurred. Our ideas of love... hasn't they changed as well? Not so perfect? Not quit what you thought it would really be? Not saying that's bad. But once upon a time, the idea of love was so clear to me. And now... It's there, but it doesn't come with the crispness and clarity that it use to have. I try to tell myself that it is because it's no longer new. But what we believe love is has been tainted as well by our experiences.

A therapist told me once that my expectations were too high. I stopped going the next week, insulted that he didn't think I deserve what I thought I needed - that I would have to sacrifice what I thought happiness looked like in order to really be happy. But in a sense, it was probably the most truthful thing ever said to me. Yeah, my standards are/were a little high for myself, for experiences, and for others. What I've discovered is that when I learn to let go of these expectations, I find more happiness in myself. The trick is learning to let go but also knowing when not to.

Yes, these are random and somewhat depressing thoughts... We'll blame it on the coffee and the lateness of the hour. But it's enough to let me sleep a little tonight. Promise happy pictures soon!

An Assumption of Age

Until now, we've skipped that phase of parenting where you pick up and drop off the young teenager who's your regular Saturday night sitter. I remember those days. They weren't that long ago, were they? You remember them too, right?

Well, I can't say that we've entered into this phase as a family, but I did offer to pick up and drop off the sitter for our Community Group. A valiant gesture on my part. But I didn't realize that when the offer was made and accepted it placed me into the role of being 'That Mom.'

So, as we're packing up Sunday night following Community Groups, I do the whole scene where I'll strap Aiden in (mind you, he's wired at this point having been pumped with 100% juice and cookies), mindlessly walk around, put my stuff in the back since the sitter is sitting up front with me. Sit, buckle, and … no keys. Ahhh, I've left them in my purse. Jump out to retrieve them from the back seat.

It's at this point that the chatty sitter feels the need to share how her own mom forgets her keys as well. Sometimes she'll be holding them in her own hand asking if someone has seen her keys. I'm thinking... Yeah so, who hasn’t done that (apparently a very mom-ish thought I soon discover).

It's a simple effort to make conversation, deep down in my heart I know this is true. But on the surface, it hits me. In my mind, she is me. Just a few short years ago, I was sitting there in her spot. I’m not much older than that - so we’re equals in my book.

But to her, I am HER mother. I'm no longer the kid sitting on a Sunday night, I'm the responsible party (use that term as you will...). Do you see? It's an assumption that all moms lose their keys (however true this may be...). To me it's an awaking, another sign that again I am (or am suppose to be) the adult, doing adult things, forgetting in the adult ways. Oh the terror.

If I am ‘The Adult’ / ‘That Mom,’ then why does it feel like I am still playing house sometimes (and not in that good way like the first time your parents are brave enough to leave you home alone)? When does this go away? Only when I accept it? Or does this wear into us until it becomes apart of us, ingrained in us? How long does that take?

Collards, Festivals, and Queens - A Fun Time Missed By All

You don't get much more southern or small town than the yearly Collard Festival. Yes, it even comes with its very own Collard Queen. Wouldn't you love to put that on your resume?

I know what you're thinking... Before 9 years ago, I couldn't have told you what a collard was either. The best way I can describe it is that it is a green leafy vegetable that stinks up your entire house when you cook it. It's mashed up kinda like the spinach flavored baby food and always tastes a little better after the first frost of the year. I can't truly vouch for the taste part. It's an acquired thing, that I'm still working to acquire. But according to the MIL, it's a staple around any holiday.

So, what brings me to this fine discussion of the collard? As you may know (as I'm sure you do, right?), this year's Collard Festival was rained out by a hurricane. Luck for us, the parade was rescheduled for today.

I love a small town festival, don't get me wrong, and don't go spreading the word that I'm a collard basher. Because I love my itsy bitsy teeny weenie scoop I add to my plate every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. But today's event was rather trying for me.

We arrived early for the festivities (I use that word loosely). We were able to watch a Taekwondo exhibit where the instruction actually said "We'll put our foot against your head to knock you out" to a group of overly active 4-9 year olds - just what I'd want Aiden coming home from class saying to me... Lunch was surprisingly nice at downtown grill once we were able to coerce Aiden to watch some You Tube on Jamie's phone. He's been awfully whiney today. I blame it on being up much too late these last few nights. But he's been like an insomniac lately!

Following lunch we walked down to a friend's home expecting to meet Jamie's mom there and watch the parade as it was about to start. About three seconds into the 6 block walk, I hear "I have to go peeeeee." Great... spending up the pace a little. Everyone we pass is heading the other direction. Jamie, are you sure the parade's coming by here? We arrive, no one is there, not even Jamie's mom. So we turn and walk back, the same six blocks still having to go 'peeeeee.' Make it back in time to see the band marching by. Rush to a bathroom (cough, ugh, don't touch anything, hot, stinky, yuck, wanna go home feeling coming over me). We rush out just in time to see the entire crowd turning to leave.

Luckily as we're trucking back to our car, we're able to catch the tail end of the parade - the band again, imagine that. But Aiden struck gold with some candy thrown out by - yep, you guessed it - The Collard Queen and her friends the Turnip Queen and Brussel Sprout Princess. (Yes, I made these up. Some of you aren't going to believe me about the Collard Queen, so I don't want to confuse you with the other queens, I assure you they were there, but I don't know their proper titles).

So, that was our day. Nope, there are no pictures. For one, I forgot my camera and technically, we missed the parade, so what was I suppose to take pictures of?

The Halloween Chronicles

As Halloween draws closer and Aiden changes his mind again as to what he will be this year, I thought I would chronicle our previous Halloween selections. In both Aiden and Jamie's defense, most of these were picked out by me.

2004: Aiden and Aunt Amanda (age 8 months)

2005: 'Bee'lieve it or not, I only have a picture of Aiden's backside for the year of the Bumblebee (age 20 months)

2006: Buzz Light Year & Me (age 2 1/2)

2007: I know... you're surprised to see a superhero among the mix. Spiderman (age 3 1/2)

2007: Spidie & Me - If you look closely, you can see Aiden's brace under his costume. Only 10 days before Halloween, Aiden broke his collar bone while playing with his best buddy, Clayton.

2007: Pumpkin craving & the forces of good and evil

Any bets on what Aiden will be this year?

Little Bitty Things Make a Thankful Heart

I thought I would share a list of little bitty things that I am thankful for tonight. So, in no particular order, here they are:

1. Making it home safely tonight: A sure sign of my age, but my level of anxiety while driving home in the pouring rain in the middle of the night was unbelievable!
2. Sleeping in my own bed: Just a sense of happiness being back home and less chance of waking with a stiff back in the morning - again, another sign of age. Hmmm.
3. My mom's comment that Aiden's new school is doing him good: Yes! He's doing so much better. I'm glad that others (and myself) recognize this!
4. My dad's biscuits this morning: I think that means that he liked our adventure. They were delicious!
5. The Children's Ministries meeting last Thursday: Each week I'm reminded more and more how happy I am that we have finally found a church and are becoming more involved.
6. A good weekend with my parents: This is not small, but it means a lot!
7. Cooler weather! No A/C. Cheaper utility bills (hopefully).
8. Blogging: Despite my initial concerns about blogging, I've found it very addictive. It's been a while since I've written anything other than dictation for case files. It's a nice change of pace.
9. Sleep... I'm exhausted and I figure if I can fall asleep right now, I have a full 7 hours before having to be up in the morning. Sleep.... Ah, to dream.
10. And of course, you can't end a list like this without being thanksful for your husband, son, family, and friends! But I do mean it!

Birthday Biscuits for Poppy

It was a slightly belated birthday gift to my dad but well worth the wait - Saturday, we spent the morning in a southern biscuit making class through Southern Seasons. What can I say? I absolutely loved it. I left feeling so empowered, like I could conquer the world or at least biscuitville (not the store... just the land of biscuits).

The instructors walked us through making all of the southern favorites - sausage gravy, jam and grits. Then came the grand finale - two different styles of homemade biscuits, both old family recipes. Amazing... And I have recipes to boot - Feel free to email me if you're interested. I can't believe how easy they are!

The Birthday Boy

Biscuits & Jam

Man, I love carbs!

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Savannah!

Wow, 1 already?! This year has flown by. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were all sitting around the waiting room for your arrival. You are a beautiful child. I hope this birthday, and the many more to follow, are filled with joy and happiness always!

With all our love,

Jenny, Jamie & Aiden

It's Not You, It's Me

[Advisory: I've debated creating another blog for these types of post. But here's the deal - this is me. Sure, I wanna share the cute stories (they are cute, aren't they?) and pictures of the family, but I want to write about the real things and not the postcard picture of my life. So, I'm laying it all out on one blog - the good, the bad, and the shameless because that's how I roll. ...ugh, never thought I'd actually say that...]

Two weeks ago, we began a small group study with our church. I have hopes of building ties and connections, making the church our home. It's been a good experience, as I'm not sure if I've ever been involved in any type of Bible study since the days of Sunday School. However, I spend a great deal of the time feeling inadequate in my Biblical knowledge and even in my faith.

We are studying 1 John. And the question has been posed: Am I Enough For You? Is God enough for us? Enough that we can put our complete faith in him, letting go of all else. But it's hard to let go - To take that step to release it all to him, to trust, to know what you are letting go to, to let him carry you.

Am I there? Nooo. Even people who are must still struggle to let him lead. Just as humans (or maybe Americans), it's our nature to lead, to want power, control to set our destiny. But it's greater than us.

But the question has been weighing on my mind. Am I Enough For You? ... Am. I. enough. for. you? It occurred to me tonight that the reason this has bothered me so much is because to me, it's not a matter of whether He is enough for me, but am I enough for him? Am I worthy of such love? Is my life worthy of that type of unconditional, never ending love? Do I deserve love like that?

In most, ...no all... areas of my life, I question this daily. Am I enough as a Wife? Mother? Daughter? Sister? Friend? Worker? And the doubt does not stop there.

So God, it's not you, it's me. But you're not the only one I'm failing. I feel as though I fail my family, my husband, my son, my friends, myself. But why? Or how? Why do I fail myself? How do I change what and who I am?

Recently, I read the lyrics of a song, Beautiful by Bethany Dillon.

I want to be beautiful

Make you stand in awe

Look inside my heart,

and be amazed

I want to hear you say

Who I am is quite enough

Just want to be worthy of love

And beautiful

Doesn't a part of you just want to know that for once who you are and what you do IS enough. If you could just hear these words from your mom, husband, child... If you could just hear these words and believe them. If you could tell this to yourself and know it to be true. In the end, the one thing I must accept is that God loves me as I am now, that I am enough for him. But that seems so difficult to accept when the rest of the world feels out of whack.

And I'll leave you with the last verse of the song and a little You Tube action.

You make me beautiful

You make me stand in awe

You step inside my heart,

and I am amazed

I love to hear You say

Who I am is quite enough

You make me worthy of love and beautiful

Switches

Tonight after dinner, Jamie and I were sitting around the table chatting while Aiden was beating the mess out of his toy guitar/violin. Here's how the conversation went:

Aiden: Can I have an after dinner snack for eating all of my food?
Me: No
Aiden: Don't make me spank you with a switch.
(okay, where did he get that from? Never in my like have I made a statement like that to him! But he did say it in good fun)
Jamie: You don't even know what a switch is.
Aiden: Uh huh. You turn it on and off like this. Off went the lights.

Okay, maybe it's one of those 'you had to be there' things. But we laughed for the longest time.

11 Candles

I seriously can't believe you're 11. I have pictures with you the day after you were born. And that feels like it was only yesterday. Okay, maybe not yesterday, but definitely not 11 years ago. I'm not old enough to have pictures that are 11 years old. Am I? Okay, enough about me...

I want to wish you an absolutely wonderful birthday. You are becoming a beautiful person (not that you weren't already) and I can't wait to see all of the spectular things your future holds for you.

With lots of love,

Aiden, Jenny, & Jamie

Remembrance

Photographer: Carol Guzy

My thoughts and prayers are with each family touched by the

tragedy of September 11, 2001 and to all of the men and women

protecting our country - both at home and abroad.

Cogito, ergo sum

I have a tendency to be less than stellar in my will to be an optimistic, positive thinking person. It's not that I'm a grouchy ole' skunk, I like life - just think it stinks sometimes and can't help myself but to tell you. Sorry... I'd probably be more popular among my friends and family if I didn't. This is one of those things on that never ending to do list that you'd love to change about yourself, you'd love to get right, much like my dieting. But to do so, you must change your thought process, your frame of reference. Cogito, ergo sum, I think therefore I am. (No, I did not remember that from 4 years of Latin) However, I must remind myself that what I think or how I think about things determines who I am.

Several months ago an email made its way around - Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life. A typical email is quickly deleted from my desktop, a practice instilled by my dad from days of ole' when computers had virtually no memory space available (a habit of mine that drives Jamie crazy!). But I didn't delete this one. It struck a cord with me. It offered small gestures to make life a happier place. No, I'm not posting them all here. But I am posting the ones that I enjoyed the most. I felt moved by them. Maybe you will too?

*Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

*Do the right thing!

*Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides remember?!

*No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

*Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.

*Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

*Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

*Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. (except maybe starbucks... but that’s a long story)

*Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

*Dream more while you are awake.

*When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to ________ today.' Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements, 'I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.'

Saturday Night Fever

Just the talk of a hurricane and curfew was enough to give us cabin fever. So we set out for the one place that I new would wear Aiden out - the local jump till you drop spot. Here's a few pics to show what a good time he had.

And, no one has this much fun without getting hurt! Tip #1 to bouncy house fun: Always maintain your personal space!

Surviving TS Hanna

Call me a weather geek. As a kid, I wanted to be a 'wet water forecaster' (aka meteorologist). I love a good storm, hurricane, any type of weather crisis. Snow would be nice - not necessarily right now. But good luck getting some of that around here any time of the year!

Aiden and I had a good time with it while we let Jamie sleep in a bit. I thought we'd share our storm damage and give you a taste of the wind.

Wooo... Hanging on for dear life... Maybe we slept through the worst of it

or it missed us completely again (can you feel my disappointment?)

Storm Damage - This is the worst of it. Now stop laughing, of course people still have these?! They make perfectly good cupholders while grilling.

In other news, Gigi shipped out today. She's been deployed to help with the preparation and recovery from Hurricane Ike. We will keep her and all those in it's path in our prayers.