Personality Differences

From these pictures, can you tell that our girls have different personalities?

In retrospect, perhaps a trampoline would be a worthwhile investment...

7.7.2012

Friends

 Mischief!

 "Nah-kins, Momma?  I do it?"

I usually get a few more pictures, but things must have been a bit hectic that day...~;-)

7.5 & 7.6.2012

Independence Day 2012

One of our local parks held a great Independence Day party.  After naps, we hit the road for lots of playground time, dinner, and a fun fireworks display. 

Elijah learned how to go down a "fireman's pole" all by himself.

We were really impressed by the fireworks show in this tiny town.  It was lengthy and good and free!

7.4.2012

Horton, the Hero

This week we are reading about heroes. This morning I read Horton Hatches the Egg and cry. 

Mayzie, the lazy bird, complains about sitting on her egg. 
     "I'm tired and I'm bored
     And I've kinks in my leg.....
     I'd take a vacation, fly off for a rest
     If I could find someone to stay on my nest!

     If I could find someone, I'd fly away---free..."

Mayzie could also be named Lydia.  I don't have kinks in my legs, but it does hurt to walk and I do imagine being free from all these responsibilities. 

Yesterday I read Psalm 106 and saw myself there, too. 
     "Then they despised the pleasant land,
     having no faith in His promise. 
     They murmured in their tents,
     and did not obey the voice of the Lord." 

What am I doing?  Despising these good gifts God has given me.  Wanting to run from the blessings surrounding me.  Clenching my jaw at {yet another} scream.  Speaking through clenched teeth in an effort to control my own words. 

Aaaagh, but Horton---the hero---"sat and he sat and he sat and he sat."  He was faithful and he didn't complain despite the seasickness, despite the scorn, despite the relocation.  And, at the end?  He goes home happy "one hundred percent!"

My email reads of a friend who has gone into labor three weeks early and I cry again, jealous, willing my contractions to be productive before the end of the year. 

I've blown it already - not even able to live up to the character of a Dr. Suess elephant.

     "Seek the Lord and His strength;
     seek His presence continually!"

What a comfort to know that God's strength is much greater than a splitting pelvis, much more enduring than {another} day of screaming, and much stronger than this hard heart.  I'm seeking that other-worldly strength. 

11.26.2012

My Helper

What a blessing my little helper is! I am so thankful that he is (typically) extremely happy to help!

6.29.2012

Swim Lessons

We have loved our time with Ms. Beverly at Sea Star Swim School!  This summer Elijah earned his "I Can Swim in the Deep End" certificate and he was promoted to the next class.  He started swimming a whole lap which was very exciting!

Polly Jane, our water baby, was SO SAD that she didn't get to swim.  She does enjoy yelling out each and every window as we take the big kids to their lessons.

Haven had some struggles keeping her goggles on.  As in, she ripped them off her face every time she surfaced.  Thankfully, Ms. Beverly is extremely patient.

She learned to do all the proper movements this year.  She sinks to the bottom, but swims like a fish.  Unfortunately, she rarely surfaces to breathe.  It is extremely strange because her lack of oxygen doesn't even bother her.  She comes up laughing!

The slide is always a treat.

Bubble parties are a tradition at the end of class...at least for my children.

We ran to Kroger after getting everyone showered and dressed and I didn't resist the $1/scoop banner.  Polly Jane was SO EXCITED to get her very own cup.  Haven, clearly, is also excited for her treat.

I'm looking forward to getting the children (and Jolly!) back into swim lessons.
6.28.2012

Movie Date

If you have holes in the wall where a television used to be....
If you have a tired Mombo....
If you have a million things to do.....
If you have children easily mesmerized by a movie....

...sometimes you just have to use an alternate viewing location.

Here is Mom pretending she is comfortable as springs poke her in the behind.  Here is Polly Jane pretending she is going to sit still and watch the movie for more than two minutes.

 She didn't watch the movie, but she did discover the stash of toys~:-)

Look, everyone comes back so happy!  Mission accomplished.

6.26.2012

Shoe Fetish

We may have a problem.  Girlfriend will steal your shoes the moment you take them off.  She is just SO HAPPY about being able to wear them too!

6.25.2012

Nature Cruise

I purchased a Groupon for a kid-friendly cruise and we met up with several friends for a morning adventure.  This turned out to be so much more fun than I had anticipated!  The captain of our little boat kept whipping out new toys for the children.  He even provided drinks and snacks! 

Magnetic bracelets, water guns, balloon swords, all kinds of water toys....

Polly Jane was mostly enamored with Baby Vivian.  "Baby!  Baby!  Baby!"

We saw some homemade fishing traps set out along the river. One had actually caught a large fish. Some grandmother onboard hoisted it out of the water so all the children could get a good look.

 

Check out Blue Heron Cruises if you live in Middle Tennessee.  It is a non-stressful, absolutely no-prep-required, fun outing for the children.

 

6.22.2012

Bobbie's Dairy Dip

My favorite hamburger in Nashville - a blue cheese burger - is made at Bobbie's Dairy Dip.  Mom treated us there, because she likes it *almost* as much as I do and because she is awesome.  We also ate fries (yum!) and milkshakes.  I likely got a James Brown.  Chai & coffee & ice cream?  Yes, yes!

If you decide to visit, be forewarned that Bobbie's is in the ghetto, you'll be sitting on picnic tables, there are no bathroom facilities, and you have to stay outside.  But, the burger!  Totally worth it!

Look how happy these children are! And they only got the swirly ice cream with fake sprinkles! 6.21.2012

Mombo to the rescue!

I can't count how many times my Mom has come to my rescue.  She came again, mostly to help with the children so I could handle cleaning and hiring repairmen and ridiculous amounts of time on the phone.  Amazingly, everything just got better once she arrived!

Kudos to my sister, as well.  I'm pretty sure that two little Virginians were missing their Mombo (and that Mombo was missing a big pregnancy announcement) due to this trip.

Treasures were still being spotted under almost every piece of furniture.

 

Maybe no one was dressed, but at least everyone was happy!  We love you, Mombo!!!

6.18.2012