Christmas 2008

We have been enjoying this Christmas season... we had a candy making day with some friends and family in Greenville last week, made truffles at home, attended a Christmas party with a playgroup that began in July 2004 and has expanded ever since and today we assembled and decorated the cutest little gingerbread house you have ever seen. We may be in the middle of finding a new normal and the temperature might be tipping 80 degrees outside (where are we.. the southern hemisphere?), but we are having a holly jolly Christmas!

Can you tell Sophia and Joshua had enough of smiling for the camera?

Yesterday, I took the older two to the mall and we had SO much fun shopping. Yes, I said it.. I had fun shopping with a 4 year old and almost 3 year old. Can you believe it? Sophia loved Claires Boutique and bought her first very own nail polish in pink (hot pink. to my dismay) and purple. We bought some new clothes ... Gymboree had a 25% off entire store sale! Whoo hoo! The kids were able to ride the carousel in the mall which was super exciting for them. We ate a little Chick-el-A and then they got to sit on Santa's lap for the first time ever. It is so funny because we tell our children that Santa is just for fun and is make believe but they still believe - to some degree, at least. Much to my surprise, they both jump up on his lap and Sophia gives him a big hug. I began to think how strange it was that I allowed my 3 year old to hug a strange old man... how it is ok since he is dressed up as Santa. But is it really? Anyway, I digress.. Joshua starts spouting out his list of items he wants for Christmas. You guessed it.. every super hero there is. Good thing we got him a Star Wars figure, eh? Sophia tells Santa that Aunt Sandy bought her a Barbie. I guess just to make sure he didn't bring her one too. Then, Santa (grumpy Santa, btw) gave them each a Christmas coloring book and sent us along our way with a ho-hum Merry Christmas. It made me think of the movie A Christmas Story... sort of. Minus a little bit of drama. I couldn't believe they let me take a picture of my own when I didn't agree to pay $15 for a 5x7 taken by their studio!

Our first gingerbread house!

It was so much fun to make and much easier and kid friendly than I had anticipated. Definitely worth the $8 from Walmart (yes, Walmart, can you believe it?). And, yes, that is Sophia in a pink leotard and tutu. A friend of ours passed it down to her last week before we left and she wears it all of the time. She has split clothing personality - one hour it is pink tutu "want to be a Swan Lake" dancer and the next hour she is decked out in Joshua's spiderman pj's shooting webs. I just love her!

And my sweet sweet Emily who is almost ONE!

Farewell Greenville :(

Sofia, Tomas, Sophia, Samuel and Joshua


Sniff. Sniff. We have officially moved away from Greenville... not to our final destination yet but away from friends which makes me sad. We gave our final farewells over the past two days and it was more difficult than I had anticipated. I was telling a girlfriend yesterday how for the longest time our move to France seemed mostly in theory... something that was happening a long time from now. Well, all of a sudden it is practically now. We are leaving the best friends I have ever had in my life and the only friends my children have ever known. I used to say "oh, three years isn't a long time!" but I found myself thinking lately "wow, three years really is a long time". Especially in the context of my children's lives... it is 3/4 of Joshua's lifetime, almost exactly Sophia's and, well, you get the point. They will be different little people when we return. Will they be able to reconnect with all of their little buddies who they have played with since they were born? I can only hope. What about my sweet friends and family? I love you all and have so many wonderful memories to take with me. I have kept all of your Christmas cards and photos in a ziploc bag so I can take them with us and place them all around our new home in France so I can see all of your friendly faces to remind me of home. Everyone is welcome to come and visit and be a part of this experience with us. I can't wait to reconnect in person with you all when we return.

We attended our church for the last time this past Sunday. That was difficult. Sophia told her teachers that they wouldn't see her for a loonnnggg time. I wonder how much she really comprehends how much her life is going to change. I have been so blessed by our church and all of the people who make it up will be greatly missed. Thankfully, we can download the sermons from their website. I am beginning to realize what a blessing the internet is with regards to the ability to continue listening to sermons from church and keeping in touch with friends and family who are far away. We tested out Skype with a friend who is in France now and we were able to see each other using our web cams and talk to each other... almost like we were right there together. Email and facebook will help us stay in touch with everyone. I mean, really, I can know, at any given moment in time, what each of my friends are doing thanks to the status lines in facebook. And, of course, I will be documenting our lives and experiences through this blog. Yay technology!

I feel like I have been having writer's block or something recently. I have been somewhat at a loss of blogging words. These past four weeks of living in the apartment have truly flown. The apartment was pretty fabulous... almost as big as our home, cozy and in a great location. However, our time there was overshadowed by sickness. It has been the sickest fall/winter season that I have ever experienced with my family. In the past I have sort of been prideful of that fact that we neevver get sick. I just figured we all have immune systems of steal or something. Well, pride comes before a fall is exactly right! First, there was the scary experience of Joshua's virus then last week we were visited by the pukie bug. It graced its disgusting presence on me, then little Sophia, then my sweet Emily and finally caught Joshua yesterday. Freddie was Mr. Mom for a couple days last week... cleaning up pukey sheets and clothes and kids and taking care of general household and kid duties. I was so thankful for him! I am praying he does not come down with it... it will truly be a miracle if he doesn't considering how many times he probably came in contact with the wretched bug. For the moment though, everyone is well and the three little munchkins are upstairs in our new temporary home snug like little bugs in the bed... sleeping soundly. Thank you God!

Hannah Grace, Sophia, Caleb and Joshua

Scrooge

This past Saturday night I took Joshua and Sophia to see Scrooge the Musical at a local children's theatre. It was very enjoyable and the children were enamored with the actors on stage. We were running a little late and finally find the place about at 8 minutes until 7pm. We find our seats then I remember that I should ask the potty question before the play begins. Sophia has to go.. so we rush out of the auditorium and take care of that business. We miss the first scene but made it back just in time for the Jacob Marley ghost scene. It was their favorite part! Upon making the plans to see this play and despite the number of times I have seen various renditions of Scrooge, the potential spookiness of the ghosts never even crossed my mind. So, as the ghosts come out on the stage as we sit in the dark auditorium I became a little nervous that my little ones may be frightened but they thought it was the coolest and that is what left the biggest impression - well, that and the mean man Scrooge. It was a good teaching opportunity because after the play we discussed Scrooge's stinginess and how he became generous. How the Lord wants us to love others and not have a love of money. We had a really good time and the actors did a great job! I think Josh was inspired to possibly try out his acting skills. Maybe a playwright will take on Spiderman one day.

Before we left for the play.

Christmas Questionnaire

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I prefer to wrap gifts, for sure! My Aunt Judy is the most creative and gifted wrapper I know. I can only aspire to be as good. Her packages are almost too pretty to open.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Well, this year we have a real ficus tree as our Christmas tree (see above). I know.. we had to be creative in our temporary apartment. It works. The past four years we have had an artificial tree which was supposed to be "pre-lit" but 1/4 of the lights never worked. :( What is a Christmas tree that isn't completely lit? I totally missed the pine aroma, so next year... we are going real! Nothing like the tradition of going to pick out your very own tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually, right after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually, right after Christmas.. like the 27th or 28th. By then, I am done with the tree.

5. Do you like egg nog? Never tried it... sounds icky... and eggy. I like eggs in the solid form but eggs in the liquid form seem barfalicious.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm.. probably my yellow banana seat bicycle when I was 5 or 6 years old. Sans training wheels. My grandmother must have been mad at me that day because we set out to practice riding my new bicycle and she sent me sailing down our steeply inclined street. I had a crash landing at the bottom and it scratched up my new spiffy banana seat bike and my knees and elbows. I survived though... And learned a good lesson about riding down steep hills without knowing how to use a braking system. I think this qualifies as favorite AND made the most impact.. literally! LOL! I crack myself up.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Sadly, no.

8. Hardest person to buy for? No question about it Freddie...
9. Easiest person to buy for? Josh... can you say Super Hero or, more recently, Nintendo DS?

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, all the way. I love love love receiving Christmas cards and assume everyone else does, as well!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmm... I really don't think I have one.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? I love the classics - My favorite that is most nostalgic for me is Mickey's Christmas Carol and I can't find it anywhere! Next in line is the original Grinch that Stole Christmas and Rudolph. I also love A Christmas Story. I mean, not the greatest films every created but they bring back great memories of my childhood Christmases.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually about three weeks before Christmas. There is just something about the hustle and bustle that gets me into the spirit.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so..

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? All of the delicious cookies and candy! Yum-o.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear. But, I have to say, I was tempted to buy the colored lights for my kiddos this year. But, the wanna be Southern Living in me couldn't bring myself to do it. Hmm.. I should have just done it.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of Bells.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We have always traveled but for the next three years we will be staying at our new home in France.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Now Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen, on Comet on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen... and, of course, Rudolph! And the only reason I know this is because of the song...

20. Angel on the tree top or star? Neither.. big bow with trailing ribbon.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve (usually pjs) and the remainder Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Hmm.. the advertisements and commercialism of it all.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? This is a work in progress for me... I don't have one right now. When we get our first real tree next year I am envisioning cranberry and popcorn threaded garland made by our family while sitting by the fire. I will update the blog next year and see if this dream came to fruition.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Sweet Potatoe Souffle

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Hmm... I really haven't even thought about that.

26. Favorite Christmas tradition: Going to a midnight church service on Christmas Eve. I can't wait for the children to be old enough to go with me.

Feel free to comment with your own responses! I would love to read. :)

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Yum-o! I found this recipe in my Kraft foods magazine. It was fabulous and is healthy and - stop the presses - my children ate it without any complaints or prodding (and it even had green stuff in it!!!). Freddie said it was in his top 20 list... I think it made my top 10, easily. It is simple and healthy and makes a lot so you have leftovers and... I am certain even Mikey would like it! (Did I just date myself?)

1-1/2 cups multigrain penne pasta, uncooked

1 pkg. (9 oz.) fresh spinach leaves - I used frozen spinach.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp. dried basil leaves

1 jar (14-1/2 oz.) spaghetti sauce

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained

2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed

1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

HEAT oven to 375ºF. Cook pasta as directed on package, adding spinach to the boiling water for the last 1 min.

COOK and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 3 min. Add spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer 3 min. or until chicken is done. Stir in Neufchatel cheese.

DRAIN pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 2-qt. or 8-inch square baking dish.

BAKE 20 min. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 min.

Motherhood

Grrr.. I am so mad at myself. I missed a perfectly good blog worthy moment by forgetting my camera tonight when Joshua, Sophia and I attended a Twilight Tales at the library. We sang carols, read Christmas books, made ornaments, decorated a tree and the kids played in "snow" bubbles to a song titled "Snowflake". It was a lot of fun. As we walked out of our library, which has provided lots of free and quality entertainment over the last four years, I found myself saddened by the closing of this chapter since I will probably never attend another storytime for a preschooler again. Ahh... we won't go there yet. Maybe we will hit up Musical Jam next week for one last hoorah...

During the storytime there was this one child who was "that child"... if you know what I mean. Now, I can comment on "that child" because I have been the mother of "that child" many a times. Nevertheless, I sat smugly back behind everyone as my angelic darlings sat sweetly on the carpet listening intently to the woman reading the story with their arms around each other like they were two of the Waltons. Sitting there I came up with solution after solution to this little boys out of control behavior and why in the world is he allowed to do x, y and z? Then empathy for the mother would creep in as I could almost telepathically read the thoughts in her head as I know exactly how she feels. Been there and done that. Why do we do this as mothers? Sin. That is why. I vacillate between "woe is me I am a horrible mother my children are doomed for destruction" to "oh look at my sweet Walton children who would never do THAT". Both extremes are sinful. I so desperately wish I had a funny ending to this story like Joshua turned around after the first stanza of Silent Night and punched his sister in the nose but tonight I really don't have that to share. However, tomorrow I probably will.

As we were checking out our books another mother comes up to the check out area next to me as her two year old thrashes on the floor... I will leave you with her words as they made me laugh and seemed quite ironic - "Yes, that is my two year old. I was a perfect mother until I became one."

Birthday and Bloodwork

Phew... lots happening around these parts in the past few weeks. I have not had lots of time to catch up on blogging so here is a quick synopsis of the latest Page fam developments.



I said au revoir to the 2nd decade of my life and bonjour 30's on November 18th. It was the day we officially moved into our temporary apartment and the last day of preparing our old home for the movers. I kept forgetting it was my birthday because I was so caught up in the busyness of moving. In the middle of the day, Lee Anne and her sweet daughter dropped in to visit and surprise me with homemade growth sticks for our kids! For the past year or so I had kept track of Joshua and Sophia's growth by marking and dating the measurement on our kitchen wall. Since I couldn't take the kitchen wall with me, I had intended on purchasing some growth charts from a local store. It was the perfect surprise and they are super adorable. I will take photos of them when we settle into our new home in France. I transferred their markings and can't wait to start using them for years to come.

So after lots of cleaning and purging and packing we were ready to head over to our new temporary home. We walk into the apartment and I start setting things down and I notice a framed photograph of our family from the fall photo shoot we had with Kim DeLoach a couple of months ago. Hmm.. that is weird, I thought. Then, I look up and there are framed photos of all of my beautiful children all around the den and dining area!!! I was giddy with excitement and I look at Freddie incredulously thinking he was responsible for this delightful surprise. He smiles and tells me that my sister-in-laws, mother-in-law and sweet friend Lee Anne were behind it all. And, it didn't end with the pictures. With a wide smile and happy feet, I felt like I was on a scavenger hunt as I went room to room finding treasures along the way. A Happy Birthday mylar balloon floated in the kitchen which was filled with all sorts of goodies - a big basket full of snacks and paper products. The refrigerator was stocked with chicken nuggets, YoBaby yogurt, cinnamon rolls (Josh was super pleased), lasagna and rolls. The bathroom had another huge basket with toiletries, candles and cleaning supplies. It was fabulous! And, like icing on a cake, there was a beautifully wrapped gift on the counter top which was hiding a new set of stainless steel pots and pans! I felt like little Miss Holly Homemaker. I was set and ready to clean, cook (without giving my family cancer from my non-stick pots and pans) and eat while gazing at my beautiful family's photographs in our new abode. It took me a while to come down from that high. I feel so undeserving of such loving and thoughtful friends and family. I am so blessed. The goodies are great and are very much appreciated but what means the most are the friendships and love behind it all. Thank you guys so much for thinking of me.


As if that wasn't enough, the next evening I had dinner plans with Gretchen and Charity. I was going to meet them at California Dreaming but Charity insisted on picking me up. I wasn't going to argue with no driving. As we drive down the on ramp onto the interstate, I quickly realized we weren't heading to California Dreaming as the red sign sails by. I knew they were up to something but I had no idea that I was going to be surprised by a table full of some great friends at a cool downtown tapas (not "topless", Sandy :) restaurant. The time flew by as we grazed on morrocan lamb, honey goat cheese balls (the name evoked lots of giggles... I know, I know.. believe it or not, we are all.. as of this week... at or over 30), nudey pasta (this isn't how it was spelled but it is how it was pronounced... it was yum-o), hummus and pita bread and lots of other scrumptious fare. We were there until they almost kicked us out. I had lots of fun and am so appreciative of the surprise dinner and laughs but most of all for all of their friendships. Each one of those ladies means so much to me and I will miss them all while we are in France. I pray that we will all be able to reconnect when we return. Oh yeah, that's right, they are going to visit so we will definitely stay in touch. :) There are pictures from this event but I don't have them at the moment.. will upload upon receipt.

On Thursday, the 20th, my Joshua came down with a wicked virus. With a fever, he was up all night coughing (I won't mention that I overdosed him with cough syrup at 12am which prompted a call to the Poison Control Center) and complained of a sore throat and was just miserable. I have three kids... kids get viruses, right? Usually over in 24 hours.. can't do anything about a virus anyways... save $25 co-pay and tough it out at home. Well, on Saturday he was still sick and getting worse. I could see his lymph nodes poking out of both sides of his neck. His pediatrician's office is closed so I take him to our local Doctor's Care office. After waiting for an hour, we are finally seen by a gruff physician's assistant. We aren't in kid friendly pediatrician land anymore. Joshua was a trooper though. He followed orders and answered questions with no complaints (you may have thought we have training camp around here sometimes). The doctor was very concerned about him. His tonsils were so swollen they were almost obstructing his throat. He underwent a throat swab for a strep test, being poked in the arm with a needle in an unsuccessful attempt to draw blood for a mono test, a finger prick and having two long swabs shoved up his nostrils for a flu test. It truly was horrible as a helpless bystander but not nearly as uncomfortable as the participant. When I mentioned having to take him to see a doctor before we ever went in, he started panicking about getting a shot. No, no Joshua.. no shots today, I say. I felt terrible! I had no idea. As a reward for being such a good patient and having to endure such hardship, milkshakes for everyone for dinner. He was too sick to even drink a milkshake. :( Despite doing a little better by Monday, I had to take him in to see his pediatrician because he was still very tired and his lymph nodes were still swollen. Upon feeling an enlarged spleen and liver the doctor suspected mono and was quite confident this was the official diagnosis. The poor dear had to endure, again, blood being drawn from his arm. Surprisingly the test returned negative. I went into panic mode and began researching on the internet what could cause the symptoms he presented. Note to self and anyone reading this - try to refrain from researching the internet when it comes to your child being ill. I mean, I know knowledge is power but by Wednesday afternoon I had self diagnosed Joshua with leukemia and was physically nauseous. His pediatrician wasn't in that day and I wasn't able to consult with him until Friday. His conclusion was that it was still viral as there are other viruses which mimic the symptoms of mono. I don't think I have ever prayed more for my son as I did in those three days. It is sad that it takes a near catastrophic event to bring me to a point where I pray without ceasing and turn completely to the Lord. I felt a taste of what it was like to be completely dependent on Him. If Joshua was really sick with a deadly disease, I couldn't control whether he got it nor if he was going to be healed of it. I just wanted it out of his little body and there was nothing I could do but pray. I thought about how I would handle it if, God forbid please, he were to die. I clung to my faith and hope that he would be with Christ - a far better state of being than here on this depraved earth - and that God is in control of whatever the outcome. I know this sounds dramatic but it truly is where I was this past week. I am sure the Lord was teaching me something. I do know that during this time I came to realize that all of the little things I worry and obsess about are insignificant. I realized that God is in control... not me. I realized that I need to start living a life completely dependent on Him and to cherish every moment I have with my family. Joshua is doing remarkably better. His energy and appetite levels have improved, he doesn't complain of a sore throat anymore and his lymph nodes appear to be back to their normal size. Thank you God for healing my son.

If you are still with me, we had a nice Thanksgiving with some family. I will blog about that later as I am sure you are so done with reading. This has to be the longest blog post ever! So, on that note, I will leave you with this... unrelated yet precious picture of Joshua, Canon (cousin.. look at those beautiful blue eyes!!!) and Sophia.

Chicken Corn Chili

My friend and role model, Lee Anne (aka Super Mom and Friend if you ask me), passed on this recipe to me almost 3 years ago. I made it yesterday and it was super dooper yummy, if I do say so myself. And easy.. which makes it even yummier. So, I thought I would pass it along. It is the perfect meal for a cold winters day.

2 cans chicken broth

2 15oz cans of Northern beans

2 cans white corn

1 can diced rotel

1 can diced green chiles

2 teaspoons lemon pepper

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon minced garlic

3 Tablespoons lime juice

1 medium onion – chopped *can be omitted*

4 cooked chicken breasts chopped - I simply cook mine in the bottom of my stock pot in some olive oil before I dump everything else in.

Combine all ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for at least 45 minutes. Can be done in crockpot.

Enjoy!

Noteworthy Page Kid Quotes...

all from this evening.. oddly, enough.

Sophia - "Mom, I am never going to love in fall with someone. Boys are gross!"

Sophia when Joshua is kissing Mommy excessively (as if there is such a thing) - "JuAhUsh... you can't love in fall with Mommy.. that is inappropriate!"

Joshua in a truly distraught voice (while Sophia was about to get disciplined) - "Mom, in my mind, I really want Sophia to get into trouble and I really don't want to think that!"

Road Trip

Last weekend the family took a road trip to Georgia to visit my family and attend the FSU/Clemson game. We had a great time! The kids were able to catch up with their cousin, Abby, and we all hung out at Meme's and Uncle Matt's new home in Florida. We played Guitar Hero (I totally rocked out to.. can't think of the name.. Its all right.. dunununu nu nu nu... take it eassay.. dunununu nu nu nu) and oldies but goodies like Hide n Go Seek and Mother May I. Freddie and I probably had the best date ever (his words.. not mine although I do agree) at the Clemson game despite the huge loss. Here is a shot of the kids and me at my Mom's.. the cutie patootie on the left is Abigail Grace, my brother's daughter who is two days older than my Sophia.



We departed on Sunday to drive to Atlanta because we had a 2:30pm appointment on Monday at the French Consulate to get our Visas so we can live in France. We took a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium Monday morning and arrived there via the MARTA - Atlanta's metro. The kids' first real train ride. They were super stoked. I had visions in my mind of Joshua trying to pretend he was Spiderman and jump onto the tracks and stop the train. That didn't occur.. thankfully! I did experience extreme anxiety at the train stations though.. there is just something creepy about being underground and having a train moving so quickly so close to you with two little ones. Needless to say, we were gripping on tightly to their little hands. We successfully hiked our way up and down hills in downtown Atlanta and found our way to the Aquarium. We went there two years ago when Joshua was 2 and Sophia was a wee one. The aquatic life there is pretty astounding to watch. If you are ever in the Atlanta area, it is a must see for sure. Here are some pics from the day.

And, yes, after waiting in a hot waiting room and out in the hall by the elevators for about one hour.. maybe a little more... with 3 tired children singing "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music.. we did receive our Visas!

What is it about Target?

Walking in the door you are hit by the smell of popcorn and new things. Things that you need like miniature Christmas socks for your almost 1 year old (they are only $1.. come on!!), adorable holiday gift bags that may hold a hershey's kiss or two, snazzy striped knee high socks (who really wears these things? yet, I wanted them!), the home decor and organizational systems, the scrapbooking supplies, books, rugs, shoes at a reasonable price, Christmas decorations (the feeling that is evoked is almost like you will never have another Christmas season to buy decorations), precious baby clothes, baby gear that you must have even for your third child.... and so the list goes. What is it about that place?? Driving down the street to get there, my anticipation grows as I give myself "the talk" that I am going in for x, y and z and nothing else! Stick to the list Jennifer.. stick to the list. No other store does this to me. I would rather stick needles in my eyes and spend $100 extra than shop at Walmart. Publix is great but, really, who cares about beef, yogurt and lettuce when you have Target right down the street? The mall, which is overflowing with materialism, doesn't give me the Target-like high. Target has a strict and frustrating return policy. They draw you in, something in the popcorn aroma'd air compels you to buy something that you don't need, then, when you realize that you really didn't need this, you can't return it. It is a conspiracy I tell you!

And, for the record, for all intents and purposes, I DID stick to the list. Booster seat for Em, comfy Pack n Play sheet since that will be her bed for the next three months (poor dear) and a CD/DVD case.... wwiiitth a couple of those cute socks thrown in. Sigh.

And I Would Like to Thank...

My blogging buddies Sunny and Dusty! The both awarded me with the Marie Antionette - A Real Person bloggy award! I am so honored. Both of these sweet woman are part of my online bible study "A Wife's Biblical Submission" and I also got to know Dusty through the same message board as my friend, Laurie. Both of these woman are wonderful Godly woman who seek the Lord with all of their heart. They have a heart for Jesus, their husbands, their precious children and other people. I have truly been blessed by visiting their blogs and I encourage you to do the same... you will not be disappointed.

Sunny @
A Damsel No Longer in Distress

Dusty @
To the Moon and Back

Thank you Sunny and Dusty for bestowing me with this award!

The rules for this award want you to reflect who awarded it to you, display the icon, and pass it along to seven (7) other bloggers.

I would like to pass the award along to:

Laurie @
So's My Saucer

Kim @
Cabes in France

Mom @
Aha Moments!

Cathy @
Cathy's Grace Notes

Lindsey @
2 Boys and a Lady

Julia @
Fain Family Update

Ronda @
Utah Pages

Bring the Rain

A good friend of mine, Laurie, whom I met on an online birth message board for our February 2006 babies has been a source of wisdom and encouragement to me over the past year. We have been mothering accountability partners, so to speak, discussing through email Godly discipline, sleep deprivation, the joys of staying home with our children among other things. She loves Jesus and her family and I have been richly blessed by our friendship.

She led me to a blog - http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com titled "Bring the Rain". The author has a heartbreaking yet inspiring story to tell and her love for the Lord oozes out of the words of her blog posts. She has created a challenge called "Seven Prayers a Day" and I encourage any parent who reads my blog to visit her site and vow to take the challenge. In the Bible, the Lord tells us to pray without ceasing. What an honor it is to be able to pray for our children - for their salvation, their future spouses, their impact on the kingdom, their health and safety, their character development, among other things.

Angie, the author, created seven prayers to read during seven specific times of the day. I will post them on this entry but I encourage all of you to visit her blog site. It is truly a treasure.

Pray for your children when...

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

Are we really doing this?

Wow. I really cannot put my thoughts into words very well at the moment. I just feel, well, wow. I know that moving is a big life change. It is one of the big three, right? - marriage, birth of child, moving.. or something like that. I don't think "big life change" is sufficiently descriptive or superlative enough to express what it is like to move to another country with three small children... and... I say this and we aren't even there yet. Don't get me wrong. I am overwhelmingly excited and grateful for this incredible opportunity. Nonetheless, it is overwhelmingly overwhelming all at the same time. Yes, it is redundant, yet quite appropriate, to use the word "overwhelming" three times. There are to do lists full of things that must be done. There are line items on the to do list that really can't be forgotten without some not so nice consequences. There are to do lists for to do lists. Ok, maybe I just gave away a little of my obsessiveness but, you knew that anyways, right? I feel myself being hit by multiple waves of emotion all at the same time. Excited for the opportunities the kids will have... all that they will be exposed... how much larger their world will be when we return. Excited for the adventures we will have as a family. Excited about the unknown. Fearful of the unknown. Sad about leaving our friends and family but energized with the idea of meeting new friends. Tearful thinking of moving out of the home I brought all of our babies home to. Elated to be at a place where Freddie and I can choose and move into a home that is completely ours and not what was once just mine. The food, the wine, the cheese, the language, the people, the trains, the new home, the new culture, the airplane ride, the different climate... all bring me fear and joy all at the same time. There must be an emotion... a word... to describe that feeling.

This week we are preparing for the move out of our home. Next Tuesday, we move into a furnished apartment for a month. Then, we move into my in-laws home for 3 weeks. Then, we move to France to live in a furnished apartment for a month or up until we find our permanent house or apartment. Then, we will be reunited with our belongings and can begin making our home in France. Yes, you counted correctly. We will be moving to four different locations in the next two months. Adventure, right? Yes. Will memories be made? Absolutely.

Now, I must go and pick something randomly off the to do list because, at this moment, I don't even know where to start!!!

Hello Snakey Snake

Tonight, Freddie and I had a fantastic date night downtown at my fave restaurant with a wonderful couple and good friends, John and Cheryl. We came home and were greeted by a little friend on our doorstep.... who likes to climb walls, evidently (just like Spiderman says Joshua).

Shameless Link to Our Fall Photo Shoot...

courtesy of Kim DeLoach Photography... If you are in the area, I highly recommend her. I think she did a great job!

http://kimdeloachphoto.blogspot.com/

Click on that link and you will see her blog entry for our sitting. There is a link at the bottom of our entry where you can view the slide show. Two blog entries down you will see an entry for my adorable nephew, Canon Jay.

Enjoy! :)

Becoming a Woman of Excellence

I have not been spending time with God recently. I miss Him. He hasn't gone anywhere but I have become distant from Him. I am not ever certain why this happens. I make up all kinds of excuses for myself but the truth of the matter is there is plenty of time - even with 3 small children and a house to keep - to spend time with my creator and heavenly father. I mean, really... if there is time for anything or anyone there should be time for Him.

I was reading through a book a friend of mine gave me "Becoming a Woman of Excellence" by Cynthia Heald and was struck by something she said.

Am I trusting God with my life and do I allow my circumstances to dictate my behavior or responses?

Maybe this is a question you might need to ask yourself as well. Maybe not. I think I am going to meditate on that question and these verses for the next few days...

Matthew 22:36-39: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Fall Festivities Continue

We have been living it up these past couple of weeks with all of the fall festivities. This past Sunday night we attended our church's annual Trunk or Treat. Small groups come up with creative ideas to hand out candy to children of the church and from the surrounding community like the Plinko game, Monopoly, fishing, camping, Willy Wonka, etc. So the kids go from trunk to trunk playing and picking out candy. My children were most excited about the bounce houses and slides. We had lots of fun. You can see in the pics below that Joshua and his good friend Samuel were dressed alike as the Dark Knight.

This past Monday a good friend hosted a Halloween party and the kids were able to get even more use out of their halloween costumes. The children were to bring a pumpkin to paint and decorate. We painted our pumpkins earlier that morning (which ended up a nice shade of black) so we didn't join in on that activity but the kids did enjoy batting at a ghost pinata and playing with the other children. You will see Sophia and her good friend Hannah in the pictures below.

Yesterday, Freddie took off work so we could go to the apple orchard in the NC mountains together. We finally got off around 10:30am anticipating a long leisurely stroll around the apple orchard and a nice picnic while the children played on the playground. We get to the mountain around 11:30am to see that it is snowing! Yes, you read that right. The first thought that popped into my mind was "Wow, the Bradford Pears are blooming and the white thingies are falling off the trees." Then, it dawned on me.. it is fall.. not spring. The air temperature according to our van was 36 degrees and with the wind chill it had to be around 20 degrees. It was FrEeZiNg to say the least. Poor Sophia was shivering and just miserable. We didn't come all that way for nothing though! We were determined to pick some apples. So, we headed out to the orchard to find that all of the apples were either squishy on the ground or high up in the tops of the trees. Never fear! Our Spidey Josh was there and he climbed those apple trees to pick some apples. :) That lasted all of maybe 10 minutes then we rush back to the playground and store area to find refuge from the wind. There was a play house that we all hid in to block the wind. It was probably a good 15 degrees warmer in there. Then, we quickly raced up to the store to purchase already picked apples, the five or so apples Joshua rescued from the top of the trees, a perfect Page pumpkin and a delish caramel apple that we all enjoyed last night. Then, we all raced to the van which was about 15 feet from the car but it felt like an eternity in the whipping wind. We were back home safe and warm by 1:30pm.

Carowinds Fall 2008

Today we traveled to Carowinds and met a great friend of mine, Crystal, and her family. Crystal and I have been friends since we were 6 years old! I moved away from Virginia when I was in the second grade and we have stayed in contact ever since. I vividly remember the night before our move, both of us sitting in my grandparent's living room crying and crying while begging my parents to either not move or to let me live with Crystal. In my 6 year old mind, both of those scenarios were real possibilities. However, we headed to Georgia the very next day. I did visit often and spent many summers with her. I have such fun memories at the pool during the summer, skating at Skate Towne in our brownie uniforms, sledding down her sloped backyard which ended in a little creek that would freeze in the winter, making up dances to Madonna's Material Girl with our hair in side pony tails, staying up all night long while changing clothes over and over again to prepare for what to wear to church the next morning, her oldest brother devouring cantaloupe, riding bikes around the neighborhood and creating paper "mailboxes" to put on our bedroom doors to leave each other letters using our aliases "Butch" and "Fletch". Yeah, don't ask. I have no idea where those names came from. Oh, I could go on and on. I just love her!

Our first born children were born within a couple of weeks of each other- Ava and Joshua. Sadly, sometimes we go years without seeing or even talking to one another. However, whenever we get together, it is like we have never been apart. It truly is special. Today we reunited at the amusement park. The kids had a blast! The day started off a little over cast and quite cool which was great because it wasn't crowded nor too hot. We splashed in some muddle puddles left over from last night's rain. In addition to riding the cool Nickelodeon themed rides the kids were able to trick or treat and pick out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. It was so much fun to see them have so much fun.

Here are some photos from our special day.

Fall Photo Shoot of My Girls

Boo in the Zoo 2008

Joshua, Sophia and I attended the annual Halloween celebration at our town's zoo tonight. It was lots of fun! The kids were obedient and pleasant and a joy to be around. Sophia is Elmo for the second year in a row (yes, her choice not mine although my budget appreciates it!) and Joshua is the Dark Knight from the most recent Batman. We have a plethora of Halloween fests to attend this year so all of the costumes will be well worn out by the time November 1st rolls around.

Happy almost Halloween!!

We Ain't 'fraid of No Spiders!

Our spider friend... difficult to see what he really looks like... so, here is a better picture of the black and yellow argiope:

We went to Freddie's parents' home this past weekend to visit an old friend of Freddie's from high school and to hang out with his Mom and Dad. We had a very nice time relaxing and eating (and eating and eating some more) and napping and watching football (I will leave it at that) and spending time with family. Yesterday evening we were outside playing hide and seek and kickball when we ran across this huge spider hanging from a web between two indian hawthorne bushes. It was a black and yellow argiope spider - commonly referred to as a writing spider because there is a conspicuous white zig zag of silk spirals woven into the center of the web. It has been theorized that these visible lines help prevent birds and other flying animals from damaging the web.* Far more info on spiders than you probably ever wanted to know. So, there you go.

Josh and Sophia were fascinated by this arachnid. Well, we all were, really. I kept having Arachnophobia flashbacks and thought for sure the wretched thing was going to fly through the air with sticky silk streaming from its abdomen and land on my forehead or something. Nevertheless, I couldn't keep my eyes off. The kids found a stick and were poking the poor thing which would cause the spider to start bouncing the web. I am assuming to ward off enemies. It didn't run these predators off. They thought it was the coolest. And, yes, the spider did survive.

*All educational information regarding the black and yellow argiope spider in the first paragraph did not originate from some useless knowledge stored in my brain... it can be found on wikipedia.com.*

Joshua ever so carefully disturbing the spider.

Sophia chasing Joshua after she scared him to death by tickling her fingers on his shoulder pretending to be a spider as he was concentrating on disturbing our spider friend. It was hilarious to see him jump.

My brave ones.

Come on Sophia... just one huggy picture with your bro, please? Great smile Joshua!

Beautiful Sophia bug. :)

Sophia's New 'Do

On Monday, I developed this wild idea to get Sophia's hair cut into a bob. You can't say it was completely impulsive because it took me until today, Wednesday, to follow through. And, I am very pleased with the results even though it ended up a weee bit shorter than I had envisioned.

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