Spring

I love spring. I actually hate winter...not winter really, just the cold that comes with it. I don't like to be cold. I would spend every minute of everyday on my couch huddled under a blanket cat napping from November until March if I could. When the weather gets cold, I want to hibernate. I think I might be part bear.

My kids were out of school this week for Spring Break. It was the coldest, grayest spring break I can remember. Then today...temperatures almost reached 70 and an awakening happened. I took 3 to the park, made a quick run to Target, and came home to continue readying our house to go on the market. Yes, we are moving. Again.

We have been going through our own personal winter for the past 15 months. My husband's business decided to close its doors, and left him freelancing in a very difficult economy. Somehow, our lights have stayed on and bellies full. I really don't know how, but for the grace of God. And I mean that. The grace of God. He has shown up in ways that I can not fathom. Food from our neighbor at just the right times. Gift cards in the mailbox from anonymous donors. A friend taking up donations from his friends so our kids would have Christmas. Amazing. God has provided for us abundantly and the kindness and generosity of His people have been humbling.

I have learned that the world will continue turning on its axis and the sun will come up if my bills are late. (My phone may ring off the hook, but that's another story.) I have also learned that a gift card to Publix, or Target, or Wal-mart can mean a whole lot to someone...so can an economy pack of macaroni and cheese. And I have been reminded that despite my circumstances, God is in control and He will never change. I want to be in control. I like to be in control. I was stripped of this and forced to depend on God's provision and goodness. And He showed up when I needed it most. Now its time for me to trust again.

God has provided a job for Billy in Nashville. I moved back to Birmingham kicking and screaming 20 months ago. I didn't want to be here. Over the past 20 months we have been loved well by everyone here. We have become a part of a community. We are active in church. We love our kid's schools. We are close to my family. We have good friends. Despite what my header on this blog says, I want to stay here. (to be continued)

One Word Wednesday

This blog friend came up with one word descriptions for her 5 children. She then asked her readers to share theirs...

Anna Beth - Dramatic

Ben - Merciful

Merrie Cannon - Joy

Abe - Passionate

Quinn - Happy

Want to play?

I had to take Ben to find some new shorts at the mall tonight. It seems that his collection of appropriate school attire was not as complete at I thought. Here's what I learned.

1) You can not walk leisurely through the mall without being attacked by someone working a kiosk who wants to curl your hair, apply some magic product to your face, or pluck your eyebrows with a string.

2) As impossible as it is to avoid the sales associates in the kiosks, it is equally impossible to find one in a store where you actually want to buy something.

3) The selection of shorts in stores in August is minimal.

As we were heading up the escalator, Ben gets this frightened look on his face, grabs my hand, and tries to stear me to the opposite side of the mall. He was seriously trying to avoid something.

Totally expecting some crazy kiosk person coming toward us with a product we MUST try, I look to my left to see the Auburn store. Ben was ready to get as far away from it as possible. Hmmm, I wonder why he acts this way? I might have made all my kids hold their nose on the way to the beach as we drove through Auburn once. Why? Because Auburn stinks.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Mother of the Year

Another summer is over, and we've started school. I sent my second born off to Kindergarten this year. I really don't know where the last 5, almost 6, years has gone.


Ben and Mrs. Miles

Anna Beth and Mrs. Morelli

The first day of school!

Last year, we moved int0 our house and started school about 10 days later. It was a nightmare. My kitchen wasn't unpacked, due to the roaches that were threatening a takeover. Billy was working here and in Nashville. I was trying to make 2400 square foot of stuff fit into 1400, I mean 1397 square feet. And the move was....TEMPORARY. Boxes that we could do without, or stuff that didn't fit was left unpacked because we were surely going to be back in Tennessee in about 9 months.

All that to say I started out the year unsettled, and it set the tone. I was that mom. The one who forgets to sign the daily homework agenda. The one who doesn't send in permission slips or field trip money until I got the nice little e-mail reminder from the teacher the day before said trip. (It's not that I didn't look at the stuff, it would either get buried in the pile of stuff on the counter, or I would just forget.) I don't even think I ever sent in party money - I'm sure I got talked about for that one!

This year is going to be different. I am stopping everything at 3 to sign, fill out, take care of whatever needs to be done for the kids for school the next day. Snacks are packed and lunch menus set the night before. I am getting up earlier to avoid morning mahem. So far so good. Setting the tone for success.

Ben came home today and said something about his "I am" project. The project that is due September 18 - or might have been due today (August 18). First assignment of "big school" and its late. Lovely.
Mother of the Year. That's me.

5 Things about being a mom of 5

1. Showering every day is optional.
2. Everyone stares and no one makes these comments anymore.
3. A double stroller is a must and keeping the 2 year old strapped in is most important.
4. Cutting my hair short was a bad idea. (Ponytails are not an option - refer to #1)
5. Love does multiply with every new addition, regardless of how they come to you.

Sweet Baby Boy

Since Quinn is still officially a foster child, I can't legally post any pictures of him. I found a few that "hid" his face to share.


This was the first time I held him at the courthouse in Seneca County.

Playing with Abe.

The first week he was home, he wouldn't venture far from Billy or I. We would leave the room for a few minutes and return. We knew he felt at home when we left for about 1 minute and he had ventured into the bathroom. Needless to say, the door now stays closed!


Bubbles!

He is such a joy and we are so lucky to have him! After a very clingy first week, he now enjoys being a part of this crazy family. We are soooo in love!

Sons are an heritage from the Lord, children a blessing from Him.
Psalm 127:3

Quiet

Very rarely are things quiet around here. This afternoon, Ben and Merrie Cannon went into his room and I was so pleased that they were playing so well together and not arguing. I didn't check in, because sometimes that can interrupt the peace. I should have.

Ben came out fully clothed in battle gear - complete with knee pads. (I didn't get my camera quickly enough to get pictures.) I asked him what they were doing.....

SKY DIVING