Thoughts of the day

1. Addy lost her tooth today. It has been a traumatic experience as she does not like pain. For personal reasons, I am so glad this journey is over. The wailing and crying is so much fun.

2. Tomorrow's tomorrow's tomorrow is Friday.

3. Brody has to dress as Christopher Columbus tomorrow. . .pic to come soon.

4. Our heat was broken last week as previously noted. So, Friday afternoon Brooks lit the pilot light and Ta-Da we had heat. And then late Friday night I woke up in a heavy sweat. . .apparently I may have possibly turned the heat up to say somewhere around 80 degrees and may have possibly not turned it back down. There is a chance that around 3 am the upstairs was approximately 85+ degrees. Well, we have heat.

5. Saturday, Brooks and I went out to a Tropical party in February with some work friends. The food was great! Who doesn't like to dress in sun dresses and flip flops when it's 30 degrees? These cupcakes were so YUMMY!

I had on a REALLY big hat. Sorry, Amy!

The host does not drink sweet tea (I KNOW! I was shocked too! AND she is from the deep South. I just don't understand.) but she knows I have a deep passion for it, so she made a pitcher of it knowing I was coming.

I drank the whole thing.

I love sweet tea.

Brooks and I were a combo deal. He brought the tan. I brought the dress and hat.

6. I'm don't know how many of these I am going to list.

7.  I held a shotgun today. It didn't have any bullets in it. If I shot a shotgun, it would knock my arm off. That's true and you know it.

8. Choose to be happy. It's a lot more fun than being sad. Those are my words of wisdom for the week. You are welcome.

Family Date Night

Our lives are busy, so we decided as a family to make US a priority, even if that means we have to schedule time together.

We eat dinner together every night of the week, and hang out together when we are not at work and school, but this is different. This is special time each month. It's a Date. . .with a few rules:

1. No one allowed to participate except Daddy, Mommy, and the kidos.
2. There will be eating.
3. No phones or computers unless necessary to activity.
4. Food
5. Some activity
6. Possibly Dancing
7. Something edible entering mouths

Friday was Family Date Night

The kids looked forward to the night all week.

Did you say Food?

We let the kids pick what we were going to eat.

And make it.

Everyone had a job to do!

Like me. I had to take pictures.

Pigs-In-A-Blanket! 

Dance Party

The night started off with a Dance Party, because we are all excellent dancers at this house. So excellent, we keep it within the walls of the house so all other families will not become overwhelmed with jealousy and hate for our incredible moves.

Playing with Fire

We had derby cars to finish for our race on Saturday.

Previously the kids had worked with Brooks on the shape and smoothing of the cars, but now they needed weight. We didn't have any, so we decided we were going to make some.

Did you say FIRE?

What Family Date Night wouldn't be complete without bringing out the small gas cylinders we just happen to keep handy at our house and light them on fire!

We had a science lesson on how things melt and why we shouldn't touch them.

Then we went to Lowe's because the little balls didn't melt. Just got really hot and glowed.

When we got back, we finished painting the cars. . 

This is Sadie telling Brooks "No, you can paint it. I not."

Ate some cookie cake. . .

And headed on to bed. . We had cars to race the next day!

My Mother

Those who know me well, know my mother and I have a very special relationship.

She is who I want to be when I grow up.

She has physically and emotionally taken care of me through countless illnesses, 13 surgeries, 3 not ideal pregnancies, several injuries and kept me positive when things have been tough.

She has encouraged me, spoken honestly, cried with me, laughed and sat in silence through all life has brought.

She always is willing to talk or just listen.

She was willing to learn sign language for one grandchild and therapy for another.

I am blessed to call her my mom. 

Today is her birthday.

So for her birthday, I have listed an adjective which describes her for each year she has been alive. 

I didn't number them. You're welcome.

Beautiful

Reliable

Forgiving

Trusting

Caring

Prayerful

Resourceful

Objective

Patient

Prepared

Selfless

Realistic

Open-minded

Healing

Calm

Observant

Reassuring 

Perceptive

Wonderful

Godly

Sincere

Friendly

Tender

Genuine

Helpful

Stable

Faithful

Uplifting

Enjoyable

Unselfish

Personable

Kind

Straighforward

Exceptional

Nurturing

Inspiring

Hospitable 

Understanding

Fair

Courageous

Sympathetic

Rational

Hopeful

Kind

Devoted

Courteous

Encouraging 

Incredible 

Positive

Organized

Joyful

Honest

Generous

Giving

Considerate

Dedicated

Gracious

Fun

Charitable

This is just a short list of the words which come to mind when I think about my mother. 

She is my rock. 

God blessed me by allowing me to be your daughter. 

Love your favorite middle child.

Questioning Hair

The Style

My girls are such girls which is funny that they are my children. I could not have been more of a tomboy growing up and even still I only put makeup on my face maybe two, three times a week if I'm feeling adventurous. Where did these prissy girls come from?

Addy LOVES to curl her hair.

We use curlers that I used when I was a child. . .yes we still own them! And they are the best for us hair-challenged individuals. My girls hair is supper fine and silky which means it falls from any up-do without great assistance from Dippity-Doo!

Well it's caught on!

Sadie wanted her hair done the other night. It's super easy and their hair looks crazy for a day.

 

They feel like princesses.

And the end result. . .

Sadie

Addy

The Cut

Brody and Sadie got hair cuts this week as well. They look adorable!


We have always cut Brody's hair at home, also known as either a buzz cut or mohawk.

Oh and one time we cut a cross in his hair.

Brooks said it was time to get him a real haircut. So I took him someplace last time, and well, it didn't come out right to say the least. But this time we went to a woman whom we go to church with and she did fantastic. That says something since Brooks told me to tell her to "give him a normal hair cut." And guess what. Apparently she knew exactly what he meant. Brooks is happy. I am happy. Brody is happy. He thinks he is handsome.

It's hard to see in this picture.

Sadie is easy. She wanted to go first. She love the lady who cut her hair. She could not wait to show her teachers at school today, but right before we were to walk out the door this morning she told me she wanted to pull her hair in a pony tail. I told her that her teachers wouldn't be able to see her hair cut if we pulled it up. She said "Why?" with her head cocked to the side. I couldn't explain.

As for me.

I cut my hair once every year to year and a half, but last time it was only 6 months. My hairdresser probably thinks I am going through a midlife crisis. Just to really drive home how often I get my "hair did," one of my best friends paid for me to get my haircut for my birthday because "it was time." (Thanks Dawn!)

Setting the record straight and other random thoughts

Valentine's Discussion

This was the conversation in my house on Valentine's night after Brooks read my Valentine's Day post.

"You have this all backwards."

"What backwards? What?"

"Smitten? I was smitten?"

"Yes, smitten. That's how I remember it."

"You make me look like a schmuck (okay I really don't remember what word he used here, but schmuck I am sure is the message he was trying to convey)."

"No, I didn't."

"You make me look like a schmuck."

"No, you look like a guy who went after something you wanted. A nice guy."

Roll eyes.

Wicked Grin. "You love me!"

Bless him. He is a strong man who has to put up with my crazy ways. He is anything but a schmuck.

It's hot in here. . or not.

We don't have heat downstairs, again for the 3rd time this winter, because the pilot light keeps going out. It's not too bad. Rather be cold than hot.

I think you burn calories when you are cold in an attempt to produce body heat. At least that's what I tell myself while eating from the overly large bag of M&Ms.

Poor Brooks has to climb back under the house.

But no hurry. . .I'm burning calories! And the kids are running around without socks on and t-shirts, so obviously it doesn't bother them. And truth be told the thermostat says it's 63 degrees. . .it's maybe not as cold in reality as it is in my head.

Diner Announcement

Brody thinks syrup comes from Cabins. Hum. . .

We're from the South. .

. . .and it shows.

It REALLY snowed the other day. No, not the "snow" we alluded to on the other post, but real snow.

As my southern children stated, "It's a Blizzard, mommy!"

Within 2 mins of the first snow flake, the entire ground was covered.

 It came in like a lion. Roar!

So we did what every other southern person does when they see snow. . .We put on a jacket and gloves and scarves and hats and boots (We go all out!), grabbed the camera and ran around squealing. Ok, so Brooks didn't squeal.

But you couldn't miss the excitement. 

I wonder if anyone ran out to get bread and milk when it started snowing.

The weather people said it was going to snow. . .but you know how that usually turns out. 

No one said it was REALLY going to snow. 

Sadie told Addy they could eat the snow. Addy responded with, "Just make sure it isn't yellow."

I laughed so hard. 

She was so serious. 

It is good advice.

Don't worry we got out the sleds (which we usually use for the slip-in-side), made snow angels, had a snow ball fight and enjoyed every flake. Oh, and don't you worry, we drank hot chocolate too.

Just like last time, Facebook lit up with posts and pictures of everyone in the snow.

This is always big news in the South.

I resisted!

Did I post about the snow on Facebook? No.

I resisted peer pressure. I didn't "go with the crowd."

No, I waited a couple days and blogged about it.

60 Letters

For my dad's 60th Birthday, my sister, sister-in-law, and myself with some help from my mom, contacted, collected, and assembled somewhere between 70 and 80 letters (I counted, but kept losing count. It's hard than it looks. Don't judge.) from friends and family members. Our goal was 60 letters for 60 years. We met and exceeded our goal!

For two weeks, we searched for email addresses, sent Facebook messages and passed the word to those who we knew mean a lot to our dad and whose information we were able to obtain without directly asking him. There were some we would have loved to have contacted, but did not know how to get a hold of them short of saying "Hey, Chief. Can you give me the contact info for ______?" Sure, that conversation wouldn't raise flags.

The art of writing a letter is long gone, but for a moment it was revived. Although, penmanship has something to be desired.

Letters began to flood my mail box (I am sure my mail carrier was confused  We normally only get bills. All the sudden for two weeks, everyday several pieces of mail were delivered). Everyday was an exciting day.

I got mail!

Except it wasn't for me.

My name was on the outside.

Just not on the inside.

But it wasn't about me, although I must admit I got a lot out of this present. I received the joy of opening all the letters and reading my father's legacy. . .while he is still living.

My dad had a great youth. Friends told stories of high school and college days.

He is remembered as a dedicated member of the synchronized swim team at our local pool.

Most noted was his ability to talk in any situation, at any time, for any amount of time.

His guidance and advice was mentioned time and time again.

The joy of his company and friendship were echoed page after page.

I was so proud.

To top things off, the night was filled with Train Assembly. . .

. . .it was a group effort. And by group, I do not mean me.

Then we called in the pro.

And ta-da!

Brody says "Take that!"

Valentines Day or the Begining of our Love Story

Brooks and I met on Valentine's Day. How cliché!

In The Beginning

On Valentine's Day, I showed up at an apartment for a Valentine's Day Single's Party. This decision turned out to be significant to the rest of my life.

I had just ended (Yes, on Valentine's Day. I am such a romantic) the worst relationship of my dating history.

One of my life long best friends had drawn the line in the sand a few weeks earlier. Many had told me the relationship was toxic, but I had to come to it on my own. I learned a lot about myself during that time. Some things I learned about myself I didn't like. Others, helped me realize who I wanted to be.

I didn't mean to break up with the guy on Valentine's, it just happened to be the day I had the courage to stand on my own. Be me. The me I wanted to be. The me I respected and was proud to look in the mirror and see.

So, I called my friend who said my phone call wasn't welcome until the relationship was over. I have never been so excited to make a phone call. I felt liberated from the lies I had told myself. From the person I had become. I was able to start the new me. . .and the rest of my life.

A few girl friends and I loaded up in cars and headed to a party filled with pizza and singles.

When we walked into the apartment we were very politely introduced to 5 or 6 guys who each stood to shake our hands and introduce themselves to us. A few offered their seats, so all who wished to sit we able to do so. What gentlemen. Their mom's should be proud.

The night was filled with laughter, games, dancing and new friendships. . .and a nice, good looking young man named Brooks.

It would be story book to say, we fell in love that night, started our wonderful relationship and lived happily ever after, but that's not life.

Brooks "claims" he was interested in me starting that night. I like to use the word smitten. Yes, he was smitten with me.

And patient.

Instead of dating Brooks straight away, I made a detour with none other than his best friend.

So for a few months, he waited for an opportunity and as fate would have it, the opportunity came in early summer.

The night his best friend and I decided to go our separate ways, Brooks was asking if it would be alright to call me the next day. And he did. Did he violate "Bro Code," maybe. But he knew what he wanted.

Remember, he was smitten.

Over the summer we dated on and off.

Before I went back to school, I called my sister and told her. . ."I've met the man I'm going to marry!"

But I hadn't even told Brooks I loved him.

I had asked my sister years earlier "How do you know when you have met the man you are going to marry?" "How do you know someone else better isn't out there?" Her reply, "You just know."

She was right.

I knew. I knew, because I quit asking the questions. I quit looking.

But I'm stubborn and I was not about to let Brooks know this!

So, I went back to school at the end of the summer and miles came between us, but he was persistent and patient and I was secretly in love.

He knew he wanted to marry me. He asked me three times to spend the rest of my life with him. The third time, he asked my parents first and had a ring. He meant business.

I finally said, yes.

I always knew I wanted to marry him. . .And marry him I did.

Little did he know what he was getting into! Guess we are all "blinded by love."

Happy Day-I-Met-You Day! 

This is my brain. . Squirrel

Take Cover!

We had bad weather in the area the other day producing tornadoes, so Amy and I decided we were going to protect ourselves. We climbed in lockers to practice in case of an emergency.

We take our jobs and safety very seriously.

On the Move

I like to move furniture. It's a hobby. I moved the girls beds the other day. They love it!

Upside down

Addyson likes to be upside down. She is learning how to do a back walkover and handspring. This makes me think of Betsy. 

Betsy, bless her.

I broke my arm not once but TWICE with Betsy. To this day, I don't think she likes to be physically near me in fear that something might happen. One of the broken arms, I was doing a back handspring down the small hill in her front yard. I was a bright child.

Hill + Acrobats = Great Idea Broken Arm.

Dance, Dance, Dance

I think dance parties are essential to life. 

What is a life without a dance party? 

I will tell you. 

A very, very sad one.

I won!

I won a camera! I won a contest! I am so excited. A childhood friend of mine is now a photographer (and a fantastic one at that!) and she ran a contest and I won. It's so cool! I can't wait to take pictures with something other than my phone. Here's her website. Her pictures are amazing! Jennifer Stuart Photography

PDD Waiver

We found out today one of our children has finally made it to the top of a list called the PDD waiver list. We have been on this list for just under 2 years. It is a wait worth waiting for!

What is the PDD waiver you ask, well here is the best answer I have for you.

The PDD Waiver provides Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) services and Service Coordination Services to children who have been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, including autism and Asperger’s Syndrome and who meet the ICF-MR level of care criteria. The waiver serves children ages three through ten and is time limited. Services are not provided in a setting where educational services are being provided. The goal of the waiver is to develop skills of children in the areas of cognition, behavior, communication and social interaction.

Did I say we are excited?!?!

Hail to the Chief!

My Father the man who. . .

• Believed in not picking someone up when they were down, but teaching them how to get up on their own.
• Said the day begins when the sun comes up. If you sleep in past the sun, you've missed most of the day.
• Talked me out of "taking a year off" between high school and college, because he knew no good would come of it. I am sure he was right. 
• Spoke honestly to me, never sugar coating life lessons.
• Always has something to say.
• Respects everyone he met no matter their race, belief or status in life.
• Enjoys wearing spandex a little too much.
• Is affectionately known as Chief.
• Can go on a 5 hour hike and know 2 of the 3 people we see the entire time.
• Took in stride every phone call which included the phrase "Erin needs to go to the hospital. . ."
• Believed everything would be okay if you just "shake it off".
• Loves unconditionally.
• Has literally never met a stranger.
• Read Withering Heights because his daughter wanted too.
• Danced with me in the kitchen when I was 4 and still dances with me now.
• Went to the ballet.
• Played the guitar and sang "oldies" to us in the bathtub.
• Is remembered for being at every baseball game, track meet, cross country race, bible drill, concert choir performance, swim meet, soccer game, drama performance, basketball game, spelling bee (obviously not for me), Nutcracker, softball game, dance and piano recital, volleyball games, graduation, awards banquet, and any other time he was needed.
• Doesn't sleep.
• Gave me away at my wedding.
• Is the father of 3, Chief of 7 and counting.
• Is beautiful bald.
• Had a heart attack while riding his bike but refused to stop.
• Won every foot race in the backyard.
• Does everything with integrity. 
• Encouraged us to be whatever we wanted to be.
• Taught us nothing is worth doing if you are not going to give it 110%. 
• Has a faith in God which is amazing to watch and experience.
• Knows someone everywhere he goes locally or abroad.
• Took us to every battle field possible.
• Knows a vast amount of useless knowledge.
• I am proud and honored to call my father.

Happy 60th Birthday Chief!

Baby on the Way!

Saturday was exciting! We spent the day celebrating one of my best friend's bundle of joy who is set to make their debut on April Fools Day!

Lots of family and friends came together at my house to celebrate Colin (that's one L).

Baby wipes and diapers and onsies and socks and bottles and diaper bags and bouncy seats and Sock Monkeys were everywhere!

I would like to thank my mother, sister, mother's mother, and all others who have passed down china, crystal and silver pieces including all those who blessed us with these as wedding presents. I put potato chips in a crystal bowl. It was fun.

I love to use the "good stuff" and really have a reason, not just because I like to force my family to eat off the crystal because we have it and we are going to use it. We have dinner parties at my house all the time. They're called dinner.

My favorite, which I showed everyone I could and even moved food on Kristi's plate to show her, is the spot on the plates which holds your cup! You can hold your plate and cup perfectly balanced in one hand gracefully!!! I LOVE IT!

Kelley, look! 

I removed the tag on this one to use it!

I was a bit confused (nothing shocking, I know) but I had the windows and door open with the fan on. . . in February.

I had my fresh cut flowers next to my snowmen decorations.

It was hot.

And February.

The upper east coast was hit with a record breaking snow storm Friday night. Here in the lower part of the east coast, it was 62 degrees and sunny.

Most, when surrounded by baby clothes and diaper bags, have their motherly instinct to reproduce pop-up and the crave to have a baby is overwhelming. That did not happen on Saturday.

Nope, I took one look at all the baby stuff and said out loud, not just to myself, how excited I am not to have to go through this stage again. I love my "babies" to the ends of the earth and beyond, but I don't miss the baby stage.

The I can't do anything for myself, you must carry me everywhere, wake up in the middle of the night often,  wipe my butt stage.

Nope, I would like to have more kids, but I would like them to be 3 or 4. . preferably potty trained and old enough to go to school. I love the ages of 3 to 7 (Don't know about after 7, haven't gotten there yet. I'll let you know.) I would love more kids. I love kids.

Brooks isn't exactly sold on the idea.

Maybe he will buy me a goat instead.

P.S. Thanks to Alice and Megan and Jennifer's Aunt for all your help. Alice, the food was wonderful and Megan you made some AWESOME sandwiches.  And to my mother for her "behind the scenes" help and letting me use all the "good stuff". I can't do anything without my mother.