God Bless The Moon

Over the past year, our youngest child has started a habit that has been anything but fun for his Mama. He began waking up, ready to start the day, at FIVE A.M., shortly after his second birthday. It was odd, because until we'd moved him into his "big boy bed," he had been a late sleeper, usually waking around 8:00 or 8:30.

Since Shannon loves the early shift, it hasn't been a big problem. Except for the fact that the little guy is often grumpy and ready for a nap before lunchtime. And except for the fact that when Shannon is away hunting, it literally grieves me to think of waking in the dark on weekend mornings. I like my sleep. And after all, the little dude is three.

My sweet neighbor and friend, Laura, who has three boys (ages 4, 2, and 5 months), recently told me about an amazing product she purchased for her older sons. She'd seen it demonstrated on one of the morning news shows and thought it might help her boys stay in bed longer in the mornings. When she told me it works like an "alarm clock," I just chuckled. How in the world can a toddler learn to use an alarm clock? Once she explained that it functioned by a light that becomes a blue moon when it is time to sleep and turns into a yellow sunshine when it is time to get up, I began to "see the light." And thankfully, I decided to order the Good Nite Lite


This little plug-in gadget has changed our lives. After just three nights, Walt began staying in bed until 6:30 a.m. And now he stays until 6:45. (The parent can set the time for the moon or the sun to come on.)

I love it when Walt runs in our bedroom hollering, "My sunshine's on!" And I especially love that the "real" sun is on, too. Makes everybody happier!

Now why didn't I think of this?!! (I think I said the same thing about Spanx.)

Three

We celebrated Walt's third birthday last weekend, since Thanksgiving weekend is such a busy time for families (and a big football weekend...go Bulldogs!!!)

Since Walt has developed a love of fire trucks (not to mention we needed to get one more wear out of his Halloween costume), we had a fire truck theme for the party. Our town is so kind to allow folks to have birthday parties at the fire station, completely free of charge. Along with touring the facility, the firemen give demonstrations of use of the equipment and explain their jobs in detail, so that kids will not be afraid if they should ever encounter a "masked man" in a house fire.

Not only did the kids enjoy it, but it was even educational for the adults. A big thank you to Capt. Mike and all the firemen at Fire Station No. 1. Those guys were some of the nicest and made us feel so welcome.






Since today was the official day, we celebrated with a cupcake and a couple of gifts. The cupcake was the highlight of his day...the boy loves some sweets.




And since he's not quite old enough to go deer hunting but continuously hears about hunting from his big brother and his Daddy, he was thrilled with his new toy. Never mind that it's intended for "8 years and up." He doesn't know he's supposed to be a toddler.





Happy Birthday, Walt! You are such a joy to us, and we love you!

Little Indian

It was three years ago tonight that I tossed and turned, timing the contractions until I knew it was time to head to the hospital.

Three years ago, we had just made it through the Thanksgiving weekend, and Walt's due date was fast-approaching. That sweet little Indian in the photos above started doing a rain dance in my belly shortly before midnight, and not long after, we were in an observation room of the women's hospital.

Several hours later, after enduring strong, consistent contractions every 5 minutes, the nurse informed us I hadn't made enough "progress" to be admitted. After being told we might want to return home, I kindly explained there would be absolutely no way that my dear husband nor I would be able to determine when I reached 4 cm.

I also (through a few tears, which were very real, but also dramatically effective) explained that I would need to be put into an unconscious state if sent home, whether by means of narcotics or knocking me over the head with a sledge hammer. The pain was more than I could bear.

Fortunately, the physician on call overnight had mercy on my soul and allowed that I be admitted. A good dose of Stadol and an epidural later, I was a new woman. My sweet OB came in and delivered our little guy shortly after noon.

He stole my heart the second our eyes met. And tonight, when I tucked him in bed, I reminded him of how thankful I am. Thankful God chose to give him to me 'cause I sure needed him. He simply replied, "I need my Mama."

And I'm so glad he does!

Thankful

I could go on and on listing all the things for which I'm thankful this year. Above all, my family and our health rank at the top. Other than a few minor colds, stomach bugs, and the swine flu, our little family of five has been well.

God's been so faithful to see us through another year of my Dad's treatments. He continues to amaze even the physicians conducting the clinical trial, as his tests look good each month. He also has an extraordinary amount of energy, which allows him to continue to play golf and tennis.

As well, I thank God for allowing my Mom to be spared chemotherapy. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a double mastectomy, it was determined the cancer had not spread into the lymph nodes. Best of all, she didn't have to endure any further treatment. As much as I would have preferred she not deal with any of it, I'm very, very thankful the treatment journey ended with surgery.

Last year, as I overheard Mom discussing my Dad's treatments with someone, she mentioned she was "thankful for cancer." I realize now she didn't mean she likes the ugly side of it. Cancer, or any major life-threatening illness, can be vicious. It can be scary. It can be unpredictable. But it can also bring families, friends, and strangers into a closer relationship with each other, and more importantly, into a deeper walk with the Lord.

I should also mention I'm very thankful for jobs. Shannon is in the building industry, as a residential contractor. Although it's been much slower lately as a result of the economy, he remains just busy enough. And we are grateful for that. I also continue to work part-time, and while I often feel stretched in a thousand directions between working and managing the kids' schedules, I am thankful to have a job.

Speaking of kids...I'm thankful for all three of these little rascals.





And speaking of busy schedules...I'm so thankful for the break this week, yet so very thankful they have the energy and ability to participate in activities.








(This picture is included since the little guy spends most of his time in this spot...along for the ride taking big brother and big sister all over town.)

This week the kids are especially thankful for some vacation time. We aren't doing a thing. Just hanging out at home and decking the halls for Christmas. We definitely needed some "down time" from the busy-ness of our daily routine.

Since today is Wednesday and I have failed miserably at posting regular crock-pot recipes, just thought I'd leave you with this one. I posted it last year. Never knew cornbread dressing could even be made in a slow cooker. And the fact that it tastes so yummy is an added bonus. Easy and delicious. The perfect recipe for a busy household.

Hope tomorrow will be a wonderful day filled with endless plates of turkey and dressing and memorable moments with the ones you love.

Oh Deer!

Anna Katherine went to visit Gran & Grandad this weekend. And along with baking homemade cookies and roasting weenies on an open fire, she went on a little deer hunt.

It appears the hunt was a success.




It's become an annual tradition for Anna Katherine to head to the Delta for the youth hunt each November. She started three years ago, at the age of nine, and killed her very first deer. Although I wouldn't say she's an avid hunter, she certainly gets a thrill from this fun weekend! I asked her tonight why she enjoys hunting, and she oh-so-humbly replied, "'cause I never miss!"


Actually, she's kinda right about that. But we won't rub it in with her Daddy!! It's been a sore subject for him during bow season...but now that rifle season is upon us, good times are ahead, I'm sure.

Thanks, Gran & Grandad, for making this such a fun tradition for our girl. So glad she is able to get outdoors and stretch her boundaries a little. One thing is certain. You've helped mold her into a very well-rounded kid. And we are grateful.

Halloween Hayride

The kids enjoyed a weekend full of Halloween festivities. On Friday evening the boys attended a carnival with Nana and Pop at the Country Club, while Anna Katherine went to her very first dance. (And yes, I am still not able to fully comprehend that she is old enough to go to a dance. But she just went with a friend and hung out with a whole bunch of her friends...so Shannon isn't having to pull out his rifle or anything of that nature.)

On Saturday evening we had several neighborhood families trick-or-treat together. Our friends Brent and Arian provided a fun hayride, and I'm not quite sure if the kids or the adults had more fun.

After the kids loaded their buckets full of candy, they all came back to our house for chili and soup. I had planned to share the chili recipe tonight, since it was a crock-pot recipe I found in a People magazine (compliments of the Deen brothers). However, it's late and I'm tired. So I think I'll wait and post it later. For now, I'm just going to add some photos from this past weekend. Otherwise, it will be Christmas, and I still won't have the Halloween photos up.

Ben and Walt both dressed as firemen this year. There were basically two reasons for this choice of costume. I found them at TJ Maxx for a great price in the exact sizes needed. And Walt is having his 3rd birthday party at the fire station at the end of this month, so I thought he might want to dress up for the occasion. Fortunately, when I came home and presented these costumes to the boys several weeks ago, they were both ecstatic. Score!!

Anna Katherine opted not to dress up this year. She was a great help with all the little ones on the hayride and assisted with the trick-or-treating. In fact, I owe her big for making sure the boys came home with their pumpkin-buckets overflowing with candy. I'm a firm believer in teaching the value of sharing, particularly when a bucket of candy is around. If they get a piece, Mama gets a piece. It's only fair.


Too many choices...

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten. And Today I Learned Why I Am Not A Kindergarten Teacher.

Remember those cute, chocolate owls I made at home last week? Well, it turned out that Ben's class had a canceled field trip this week, and as a consolation prize, his teacher agreed I could come in one morning during snack time to do a fun activity and read to the kids. Fortunately, I'd had a trial run in the comforts of my kitchen and realized the owl-making would take some serious organization with a room full of 5 & 6 year-olds.

I opted for the full-size version instead of the mini-Moonpies. My philosphy is, if your planning for a big mess and utter chaos, why not go all-out. Go big or go home. (Did I make that up? That is sooo not my philosophy.) But I wanted these to be really cute, and I also wanted them to be a very filling snack. After all, we are the nation of the "biggie size" combo.

I decided to "wise-up" (get it?) and place all of the goodies for the owls in individual ziploc bags. In other words, each child had a prepackaged kit for his/her owl with all the necessary items (Moonpie, 2 Oreos, 2 brown M & M's, candy corn, and popsicle stick). I also put some extra M & M's and candy corn in each bag so they could snack while they worked. That's only fair! Instead of the chocolate almond bark, which has to be melted in the microwave, I took 2 squeeze containers of chocolate cookie icing. And I had 2 containers of chocolate sprinkles. That way Ben's teacher and I could walk around the tables applying icing and assisting with sprinkles.

What was most fun was seeing all the silly hats and hair that the children modeled after we finished our projects. (Unfortunately, I didn't get enough photos. I was kinda busy.) This week our schools are celebrating "Red Ribbon Week" which encourages kids to remain drug-free. Each day they have a different theme. Ben requested to sport a mohawk for "silly hat/silly hair day." I'm just thankful the kids are not only drug-free, they are smoke-free. Ben was highly flammable with that amount of hair product.




Thanks Ms. W for letting me visit the class. You are such a sweet teacher, and Ben is blessed to have you this year. I truly stand amazed at the patience of kindergarten teachers. They definitely have a calling to their jobs. I had to go home and take and nap with Walt after all that craftiness!



All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum

- an excerpt from the book, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten



All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW about how to live and what to do
and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not
at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the
sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned:


Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some
and draw and paint and sing and dance and play
and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic,
hold hands, and stick together.

Be aware of wonder.
Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup:
The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody
really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even
the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die.
So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books
and the first word you learned - the biggest
word of all - LOOK.



Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.
Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any of those items and extrapolate it into
sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your
family life or your work or your government or
your world and it holds true and clear and firm.
Think what a better world it would be if
all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about
three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with
our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments
had a basic policy to always put thing back where
they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you
are - when you go out into the world, it is best
to hold hands and stick together.