3 Weeks

This is Munch (who will have a new nickname at some point) at three weeks.

~Shane's aunt, Denise, was the photographer.

New Chapter

Our lives have been changed forever again.

We welcomed our newest honeypie into the world at the end of May. My labor and delivery went really smoothly (thank You, Lord!) and Munch was born without any complications. Shane lent a helping hand during delivery---that was a first! We had excellent care from my OB and the hospital staff. It was an awesome experience.

Munch is a sweetheart and actually a really easy baby. We had a rough start during the first week (anyone who has nursed may identify), but everyday things get better. Tater, E-Dog, and Dubs are loving their new little brother. They're enjoying getting to know him and learning what taking care of a newborn entails. There is no shortage of arms to hold him! As he stays awake more and more, they talk to him and laugh at his funny little baby faces. It is beautiful to watch. As a mother, I once again am having the priviledge of falling in love. To me there is no other way to describe it...it feels like you fall in love with your children.

So we've entered a new chapter. This pregnancy and birth were so different. To have God put the desire in my heart for a child, get pregnant, miscarry, then the waiting/wondering every month, finding out again that I was pregnant, being scared to lose him throughout the pregnancy, feeling relief and joy at having Munch be born, and now getting to take care of and love him....it is beyond words. (Very aware of the run-on)
~~I'm so thankful for how God has worked and provided. Over and over, He shows me love that no human can. Overwhelmed in a glorious way. My hands and my heart are full.

A Great Thursday

Today was such a good day. Not that everyday isn't good in some way, but today was just especially good. I had help with the laundry (amazing how your husband's hotness factor grows exponentially as they do laundry). Ran errands for about five hours with E-Dog. There were several things I needed to get in order to "stock" our home for when we go to the hospital. I feel so much better now that I've accumulated a decent stash of groceries, etc.
[As far as number four goes, he could come anytime! Last week, I was 50% effaced and tomorrow I will see if anything else has progressed. Munch has definitely dropped. Honestly, I hadn't noticed, but many people had mentioned it. As I looked down to evaluate my hump position while I was cooking dinner tonight, I agreed. He's gonna be movin' on out. Soon.]
Back to today.
Before I left for my errands, the mail came. Normally the mail is rather dull. Today it was fantastic! Shane met the mail carrier at the road and brought me a package. It was addressed to me, but the return was a stranger. Inside was a Baby Bjorn!!! It just rocked my world. For one, I have wanted one(or mine back) this entire pregnancy. Secondly, it is one less thing for us to buy and right now that is a huge relief. Opening that box was also a huge faith builder for me. That may sound dumb, but there are literally countless items that God has provided for Munch. This gift was one of the last things on my mental list and now it is checked off. Such a blessing.
Errands with E were really sweet. I love the one on one time. He is extremely patient. (never once said "When are we leaving?" or "Are you almost done?") It was precious time with my precious boy, who made sure to open my car door at every opportunity. He is a treasure. (Now watch, tomorrow he will be a heathen...oh well, gotta be grateful for the good times.)
Tonight after dinner I had dessert. I've really tried to limit my sweet intake, especially after my last OB appt. Let's just say taking off my shoes didn't help the scale reading. Anyway, I picked up some Milano's (Pepperidge Farm) during my outing and after dinner they were calling my name. So I answered. Mmm, mmm, mmm. I actually was in that section looking for their Oatmeal Raisin cookies, but the didn't have them. Those are one thing I pack and take to the hospital. After delivery, I'm usually starving and those have hit the spot in the past. When I grabbed the Milano's, I had intended for them to be packed. Oh well. Maybe if I don't eat anymore of them, I can tuck them in my bag.
BTW, if you are the one or know the one who sent me the Bjorn please let me know. I am so grateful! Munch and I will surely put it to good, frequent use.

Munchie

I've had so many things given to me for #4, whose current nickname is Munch, and it had really blessed my socks off. The list is too long to list....hmm...anyway, we've really been overwhelmed at how God has provided for us during this time. Everything from bedding, clothes, baby toys (we'd sold or donated all of our little toys and only had things that were choking hazards), and even a changing table has been given or loaned to us.

We are almost ready! I have only a couple of things that I'd like new and will register for them. Other than those few items, I'm hoping to get a swing and some other huge-mom-helpers from consignment sales, garage sales, or off of craigslist.

Silly and rather random side note: After Dubs was too big for my Baby Bjorn (which I loved and wore the junk out of) I let someone use it and now can't remember who it was. Stinks. Those jokers new are $$. How do you forget who you loaned things that are that $$ to? I'm not quite sure, but I've managed to do it. I'm sure it was one of my GA peeps because of the timeline. On a positive note I have not forgotten where any of my other stuff relocated(due to it being donated or sold, I never knew where it all went and therefore couldn't lose it).

Back to our sweet boy.

We've almost decided on a name, sort of. For those of you unfamiliar with our history I'll give you a brief synopsis: we don't agree on names. Strangely I think that with each pregnancy it(Shane) will change and naming will become easier(because Shane will agree with my brilliant name selections:). Not so much. That's OK though, because I know that this sweetie will have a name by the time we leave the hospital.

*Found this picture over a year ago when my heart was longing to be be a mom again. Thought this nursery was so cool!

Beyond Precious Moments

Many years ago Shane began teaching E-Dog to open doors for women...more specifically me. Opening the car door was the main focus, but really we wanted him to learn to open any door for a girl or a lady. I would have to say that we haven't been consistent. Being in a rush or having the kids loaded before the adults has kept it from becoming a habit. We forget or he forgets. It's not a big deal at all, but one of our goals is for our boys to grow into men with chivalry. Last Wednesday night was typical. Rushed to get to Awanas. Got the kids checked in to their classes and then I spent time in the nursery. Afterwards, we came home. (Now keep in mind that last week I was 30 weeks pregnant, so I'm moving a tad slower than usual.) As soon as my ignition is turned off, both back doors flew open and the mass exodus ensued. And then I hear E say, "Wait Mom! I'm gonna get your door for you!" My door opened and I saw my little man standing there and for just a moment I wanted to freeze time. Blame it on the hormones or the stress of Wednesday nights, it hit me like a ton of bricks. He was so adorable standing there smiling... and I was immediately aware that I'd never have that time with him again. That moment would pass, unable to ever be recaptured. So as my eyes filled up with tears (which I'm quite sure was not the reaction he expected) I told him how sweet it was and what it meant to me. Don't we all have experiences that we cherish? I've had countless times that I've been so moved and right then I've asked God to help me treasure the memory. I don't want to forget...ever. There are some moments that are burnt into you (in a good way) and they are beyond precious. Living in the present is so hard sometimes, but it is vitally important. If we are always thinking of the past or the future, we truly miss out on what or who is right in front of us. Last Wed was such a blessing. I'm so thankful for my children and for the time that God has given me with them! Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles. Matthew 6:34

Double

I have been meaning to tell you about Dubs for a while...I guess really since the beginning of this blog. Double is our youngest child--at least til May. He is in Kindergarten. Shane sold a Harley so that we could have Dubs. Not really. Well, kinda. Shane was very hesitant to "try" for more children, mainly due to financial burdens. He sold his Harley (which paid off our debt) and then agreed to give it a go. So the bike left in July and we were preggo in August. Nice how that worked out!! LOL

I can't tell you exactly why I thought he was different early on, but I felt it. I mentioned Autism to a few friends, but none of them seemed to think he could be autistic. We went through a lot of changes in a short time and I didn't pursue answers. Long story short, Dubs had sensory processing disorder (specifically tactile defensiveness).

After about a year of weekly Occupational Therapy and a daily sensory diet (not food), he made enough progress to be released. {He was three when he started OT. At the time, he wasn't able to put together three word phrases. It only took a couple of months for the language to start developing and we saw huge progress.}

His needs changed our whole family and opened our eyes. I'm so thankful that we were able to get excellent therapy and that Dub's doesn't have such severe overreactions to his environment anymore. We still face challenges associated with sensory issues, but are so grateful for the improvements.

Peanut butter is a staple in this boy's diet. Everyday. He is trying new foods all the time. Even if he puts up a fight, his aversion to new tastes and textures is diminishing. We waited four years for him to try pizza! Honestly, he is probably our healthiest child. Our other two together don't consume the amount of fruit and granola that he does.

At dinner, we have recently started giving him what we all are eating. Sometimes it goes well, and other times it is a small battle. He has recently told us that my chicken casserole was a choking hazard (and that is why he didn't want to try it). Nice.

Double can devour books. Seriously. It is obviously a gift that only God could give him(and for all you smartmouths, duh, I know that every gift comes from Him:). Some people have assumed it's because I home school. It is not. I can't take the credit. W didn't learn to read from E-Dog or Tater. He basically taught himself. (Only in the last several months have I introduced phonics so that I know he is learning to read correctly, and not just memorizing a ton of sight words.)

Shortly after he began therapy (at 3) he started to read. Before that, he had a huge interest in letters and numbers. He would see them everywhere---even on a toilet paper holder in a public restroom(he saw the number 9).

So he is wrapping up Kindergarten, but is reading at around a second to third grade level. Since it is his passion he reads for enjoyment. I've also noticed that he reads to decompress, so books are really a blessing to our little guy. Even during VBS last summer, I would take him out of his class for breaks and he would sit in the hall and read. Then he could re-enter class and have an easier time doing what was required.

What else does Double like? Anything physical! He loves soccer, basketball, freeze tag, wrestling(with his brother and Dad), riding his bike, and going fast(on anything, anywhere).

We love our W. In the almost six years we've had him, we have learned so much from his little life. Love you, Dubs!!

Baby Love

Our little bundle is doing great! At my last OB appointment we got to see him again and have a really thorough ultrasound. It is amazing what they can see on those things! They can see if the brain is developing correctly, if the organs are in the right spots, if the blood in the heart is flowing properly, etc. With all of our other children, the technology wasn't as advanced. It is such a blessing to be able to see things early, and if necessary get prepared/educated on whatever you'll be facing.

We also got to see little bits and pieces of him with the 3D (or 4D..not sure) pictures. Those weren't standard six years ago, so it is also new for us to even have a glimpse of him early. And who says that the more you have, the less exciting? It is certainly not the case for us. Everyday we all talk about how we are closer to meeting him. I must tell Shane four or five times a day that I'm excited. This has been such a heart journey for us.

Two things have really surprised me during this time.

1. The joy and anticipation. I was telling Shane today that it has contradicted what I expected to feel. I thought I would be happy, but maybe not like this...our world sends the message that the more you have, the less special they are. It is such a lie!

2. The way that God has provided. Between clothes, toys, and gear, the Lord is pouring out blessings (things that originally we had concern over). How will we afford this and that? What a waste of time to worry. God knows exactly what we need and is faithful to give.

Over the next few months we'll be getting everything together. Less than 18 weeks til we meet our little honey pie!

Our Last Two Weeks

Last Monday, we went in to see if we could find out the sex of the baby. And it was very, uh um...obvious. We are having another boy. The boys were thrilled and Tater was heartbroken. Her dreams of a little sister were dashed again (she also cried when Dubs was a boy). After some time alone, plenty of tears, and reassurance from us that this is exactly what God wants for us, she was fine. Pretty certain she's hoping that the next one will be a girl. LOL ;)

The kids and I did some last minute shopping midweek, and Shane joined me for the last bit. It was a tad frustrating and hectic, mainly due to stores not having exactly what I wanted. Have I mentioned that I'm a tad picky? Maybe one of these years I will become an online shopper. It just doesn't seem right for me to not be in all the hustle and bustle, touching and feeling the things I purchase. The traffic and lines are annoying, but I love the decor and sounds of the season. Next year when we have a little one, I may be singing a different tune. A very different tune!

Christmas Eve is always in N.C. spent with Shane's family. His parents have several dogs, chickens, and horses, so it is nearly impossible to keep the kids inside. At least one of them is always at the barn, playing with the dogs, running over to Mamaw's, or riding something. All of us enjoyed a late lunch, we read the Christmas story, and then exchanged gifts. It was a really sweet time. Afterward, we went to Mamaw's for more food and visiting. Then we packed up and headed to GA.

Christmas Day is always spent with my side of the family. Both of my sisters were at my Mom's (Grammy's) house when we arrived. Since we were late getting there Friday night, I think it was almost noon on Saturday before we exchanged gifts. This is the first year we ditched Santa completely. He wasn't missed! The kids attempted to open everything they received there and cast it throughout Grammy's house. Needless to say, they really liked their new toys and games.
The rest of the time at Mom's was spent cooking, chatting, laughing, scolding, eating, chatting, laughing, cooking, eating, scolding, chatting, and eating some more. We did sleep at night! None of us got to go to church on Sunday due to weather conditions. That stunk. On Monday, we had a couple of girl trips to the stores to see if there was anything we couldn't live without. Apparently there were some. Tuesday we packed up and headed north. On the way, we stopped in Canton to visit one of my GA friend's, Laura, and her children. I hadn't seen her since the summer. A couple hours later, we were on the road again! We arrived home late Tuesday night, thus ending our holiday travels. And boy, were we pooped.

Now we are almost "normal" and looking forward to the weekend. This week we are doing school Wednesday through Friday. Laundry is constant, as are dishes, and I'm becoming more and more aware of my hump! Gonna have to do things sideways soon.

My sister, Jen, bought us a newborn gown gift set and burp cloths for Christmas. (That is the first outfit that we've obtained since we've known we were expecting.) I've been unwilling to buy anything baby related out of fear. Fear that I would miscarry again. Fear that we wouldn't bring home a baby. I know it seems dumb, but I also know that we aren't guaranteed anything. Jen's gift and finding out he's a boy has helped me to relax. So one one of the girlie shopping trips, I picked up an outfit for next fall/winter. Only in the last week have I really been able to feel his movement. Every time I feel him, it brings comfort that this time things are going well. We are almost half way through this pregnancy and closer to meeting "Munchie"--you knew I'd have a nickname! Looking forward to meeting our new little honey pie.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
-Psalm 127:3

The Lord is my strength and my my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
-Psalm 28:7

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
-Psalm 56:3

Playing Catch-Up

Since it has been almost an eternity since I last blogged, I will give you the cliff notes version of our fall. Back in September we found out that we are pregnant. It was a bit of a surprise after so many (it felt like so many) months of no's. We obviously were thrilled, but we wanted to see how this one went before sharing it with our kids or families. After several tests confirmed that this one was progressing better than the last, we told our kids. Tater cried...she was overcome with joy. The boys were happy, too, and now they all take turns predicting the sex. It's pretty sweet.


Usually when I'm preggers, I have one rough week and then it's smooth sailing. Not this time around. It has been the hardest one by far! Both the exhaustion and the nausea have been like all my others combined. Shane has taken care of bedtime most nights when I am stuck to the sofa. I'm so thankful that he's been in town and so willing to help me do whatever I've needed. Now, if he can just take over cleaning the shower...LOL


We are almost through the first trimester. Things should be getting back to "normal" and I'll just be a bigger version of myself. I'm ready to not be asleep before I see who gets the boot on "Dancing w/ the Stars" and to load the dishes without being grossed out! This little one is due in May. Perfect timing for (hopefully) wrapping up my school year and then getting to take care of a newborn over the summer.


Other than the pregnancy, our lives are pretty much the same. November is the beginning of the slammed weekends and holiday stuff for us. Even though our kids currently aren't in sports, with b-days, ministry socials and life, we are busy bees. Our Biscuit has a birthday this month and I'm working on making it really special for her. We also are planning a social to get our Care Group together this month. Then it's Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and next thing you know it's December.


Ahhh, but back to November. We had some family pictures done a couple of weeks ago. Denise is family (Shane's aunt) and she was ultra patient with our brood. It's nearly impossible to get all of us looking good in one shot. Such is life. Last year, one of our cut backs was Christmas cards. It was the first time in so many years that we didn't send them out. This year, we are going to use the pictures that Denise took of us to make our cards and hopefully get them out by the end of the month. I thought I'd share one w/ you. By the way, it's good to talk to you again. Oh yes, that's kids I hear yelling and rough-housing in the background...must run!

E's Little Hobby

My sweet E loves the computer. He'd be on here everyday if I'd let him.

{I'm not sure how often any of the kids are on here, but it isn't daily. To avoid fights, we set the timer for twenty minutes and turns are rotated between them. It may seem restrictive...and it is purposely. With our computer in the main living area, we're able to see everything they are doing. I know they are little, but Satan would love to expose our munchkins to the evil available online. Our Safe Eyes filter really cuts out a lot of junk, but additionally we monitor them closely.}

Lately, when E-dog has a turn to be on the computer he draws pictures. Thought I'd share some with you.

Can you tell I've had a bit more time lately? Prepare for a blogging drought with VBS around the corner...I'll be pooped.

Udderly Hilarious

The other night cow udders came up.

I don't remember how or why.

My precious little E had made a rather interesting observation.

He said that cow udders looked like a lot of...and then he pointed south...

The house erupted in laughter. Mostly mine.

Once I recovered, I proceeded to explain to him that udders were not part of a cow's excretory system---I'm sure he understood that! Ha! I just wasn't sure how exactly to explain it to him. So thanks to the trusty ole' Internet, the kids and I looked up info on that area.

But, that exploration added more fuel to E-dog's fire and he began shooting off questions about where baby cows come out. Then he and Tater teamed up on me wanting to see a birth or dissection, whichever I'd let them see (they were reading all the things listed in the Google search).

We didn't watch any videos.

A mom must know her daily limit.

Seeing a human birth when I was 21 horrified me, and so I concluded that we'd avoid the birthing footage.

Maybe another day.

Far away.

All this talk made me realize that living on a farm provides so many experiences and answers. Don't misunderstand the previous statement. I have no desire to have a farm. It just seems that when kids are exposed to animals and their life cycles daily, they learn so much!

And I know, you can always go visit a dairy or farm and see what goes on.

But not so long ago people had farms or at least a cow, had chickens, grew big gardens...it was a different world.

A world without computers, cable TV, ipods, cell phones, malls, etc.

It was a simple life.

When I say simple it is in no way degrading. Simple meaning less complicated. Maybe their time was spent do more meaningful things and less time was wasted.

Just some thoughts.

Oh, and by the way E, thanks for the mammaries.

I couldn't resist.:)

Oops, I Did It Again

Yes. I've done it once again. I have been awarded "Worst Blog Ever" for the second month straight. Blogging has fallen off my list. I apologize.

Hubs has been working out of town and I have been Mom-Solo. (possible relation to Hans)Thus, leaving me with little relief or the mindset to blog.

This week, I tried Tony Horton. Again. Did something with 'plyo' in the name (part of the P90X series, I don't wanna go downstairs to find it). It was so good! Lots of jumping. I laid in the floor for the last 20 mins, like I do every time I try to do one of those workouts.

This blog post will be random due to my undiagnosed A.D.D.

In other unrelated news, my Mom came for a visit this weekend. She and the "Pea" came up and stayed for a few days. My kids went crazy over the dog (they want one soooo bad). I decided last year that it would be 2011 before we try again. The big two fought over 'Sweet Pea' and W couldn't relax around him. There was a lot of scolding and redirecting.

Mom was here to see Tater's recital. Grammy, Nana, Aunt Shell, and Damon came to watch her. Although T was a tad nervous, she pulled herself together and danced beautifully. No sign of nerves or fear. She was excellent. We were all so proud! After the show, I asked her what she did to calm down. She said she asked God to help her. That a girl, Bisc~

I have somehow (even though I live here) forgotten all the projects I have left to do. The lower half of my dining room needs to be painted. The banquette is still a dream. My seed packets for my herb garden are in my junk drawer. The bird feeder needs to be refilled. I will get to them.

We school through the summer, so that and W's sensory diet take up a good bit of time.

OH.The laundry. It's like the movie 'Gremlins.' Maybe it ate after midnight and multiplied. I don't know what's up with it. I do laundry everyday and don't see the bottoms of the hampers.

I'm considering implementing some classical methods into our homeschool. Buying "The Well Trained Mind" is on my to-do list. W wants to start Kindergarten now, so I'm planning to start with him in June after VBS.

This weekend, we are going to picnic at the park with friends. Thoughts of fried chicken and all things high carb are on my brain. Maybe I'll replace the potato salad with coleslaw so that I'll have less guilt and bloating. Wink, wink.

One of my friends got her first bikini wax this week. Been there, done that. That story is for women only. And apparently she's not going back either...

I consider having my nose pierced quite regularly. I have an inner punk. Maybe it will happen. My friends opinions are mixed. Can't really say why I haven't done it yet. Except when I'm preggers, I don't want anything sparkly in my widened nose. If I do it, I'll show you.

Speaking of preggers, I found out in March that I was expecting. I was about five weeks, but just didn't feel peace about sharing it. I didn't tell my dearest friends for a week or so, and we didn't tell our families. After my first blood test, the dr's office asked me to come back because my progesterone level was high. They wanted to check it again to see if there was more than one baby. So, I had the second test. The results showed that my HCG level wasn't doubling. It should have been if it was a healthy pregnancy.

They told me that it probably wasn't viable. Instead of finding out how many, we found out that we'd likely miscarry. That was difficult. I cried a lot that first day. And then the next day, I didn't feel like I was pregnant anymore. I began to really doubt that the baby would survive. My symptoms faded. It was depressing. I prayed a lot and knew that it was in His control. That didn't diminish the pain and disappointment.

After a couple of blah days, I decided to have hope until the dr told me that there wasn't any. Even though I didn't feel pregnant anymore, I knew that God could do anything. Blood work that week and a sonogram confirmed that we would miscarry. So then I had to wait.

It was consuming. They told me all the signs and symptoms. I just had to wait. Waited for a week. Then it finally started and that was another week. Those days were long, but they really aided in my healing. As I look back, we only had that first week to dream. Think about how we'd tell our children. How we'd tell our family. Changes that we'd need to make to have a nursery. It was only a week. But in that week I had a million thoughts. I even bought maternity spanx...not knowing that I wouldn't need them.

Thank you to all our friends that prayed for us. It was such a blessing to have the support and encouragement.

Shane and I have learned so much through all of this and are grateful for the lessons. Our hearts were broken, but they are better now. I wouldn't say healed, but definitely healing. It has made heaven a little sweeter to me. Some have mentioned the "why?" and to me it doesn't matter. I'm not looking for that answer. God is in control and His plan is perfect. Even when it hurts. When we are open and surrendered to Him, then we are open to loss. And He is with us through everything.

Talk to you soon~

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Psalm 37:7

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion.

Psalm 73:26

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

And God will wipe every tear away from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Girl Talk

Today, Tater and I were having a little chat while I was switching the laundry. She mentioned wanting to go to a tourist attraction in a nearby town. Then asked if we could go. I told her that we couldn't afford to go this month. (after Easter outfits and other extra expenses, the disposable $ is gone)

We skimmed over spending, budgeting, cutting back, etc. Personally, I'd way rather eat out less and make other changes in order to go on an actual vacation.

She said she'd like to go to the beach or Colorado(to ride horses--silly girl) and I assured her we wouldn't be going to Colorado. LOL

But, I would love to go to the beach. Tater was giddy just thinking of vacation. I suggested that if it was something that she wanted, then she should pray about it. After all, if we end up going it will be a gift from Him. T crossed her arms. She was thinking.

"Well, I can't decide which one to pray for: going on vacation or a baby sister." For those of you who don't know, she's prayed on and off for years for a sister. I chuckled. "You don't have to choose one. Pray for both. The Bible says that we should take everything to God in prayer."

Oh my Tater Biscuit, she's a treasure.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7

The Biscuit

I was about 7 months into marriage and only 20 yrs old when I discovered I was preggers with our first child. Talk about scared! I felt like a baby (although, I guess I wasn't, but I felt like it) having a baby. The hubs was super supportive, but for about two weeks I was freaking out.

Once I found out we were having a girl, I was really happy! Having two younger sisters definitely made me very comfortable with girly stuff. Helping take care of them (including hair and makeup:) was good practice. Plus, the clothes! Girls are so fun to dress.

So, in the fall of 2000 we had our Biscuit. She was 8.5lbs...and her proud papa made a profound statement. "She's a big ole' biscuit." It was something like that and "Biscuit" stuck.

Lucky girl, Biscuit also goes by Tater.

Ways to describe Bisc: Helpful. Caring. Thoughtful. Loving. A Tad Bit Controlling (which I contribute to her birth order). Super Friendly. Motivated. Fun. Take Charge. Very Girly. Loves Being Outside. Incredible Big Sister.

We love our Tater Biscuit! She's my big third grader who excels in math. Her hobbies include dancing, cheering, and soccer. Lately she has been talking about having a convertible when she's older. GEESH.

We are really trying to enjoy our years with Tater. For a parent the days are long, but the years go quickly. She is a treasure.

I'm so thankful for you. Love being your Mom and love you Bisc~

E and Ms. T

After we got home from church, I noticed my little "E" seemed a bit down. So I asked him if something was bothering him. Sure enough, he was disappointed. He absolutely loves Ms. T, she taught him last year in his Sunday school class. She is precious and he's always felt connected to her and loves to go by her room. Today the lights were off in her room and he thought she wasn't there. I reassured E that it was okay, to try to not be upset, and maybe he'd see her next week.

We went back to church for the pm service. When it was over my kids spotted Ms. T across the room. Of course we dashed over to the other side of the sanctuary to see her. E got his hug and the little visit he'd missed earlier in the day! God is so good. It meant so much to his little heart to see her. Love, love, love my E--he is my honey pie. (you will discover my kids have lots of pet names)