you can't ride in my little red wagon

No really. You *literally* can't ride. Too. much. junk.
(And, let me just add that I do wish I had some Tony Lama's.)

Anyway.
Remember back in the day when getting out of the car and grabbing your handbag and sunglasses was all you had to be responsible for? You would have to dig through all your pockets to find your cell phone while you were walking to Banana Republic. Oh, the agony.

Sweet Daddy was carrying half the things in this picture
because little sis needed room for more junk.

Maybe you could ride if we didn't have to load half the house up in there every time we used it. For instance, let's review the usual wagon haul:

• the bat bag/helmet/bat combo
• the ball park (camping) chair
• Darcy's diaper bag
• Darcy's kids' meal/or snacks
• our drinks (one in each cup holder)
• Darcy
• Darcy's stuff (baby doll and a squeaky fish toy, the blankie and paci)
• My purse 

Okay, just a moment here. We have this love/hate thing going on, the wagon and me. It sucks the energy (and the air) out of my 8-months-pregnant body. Getting it up and out of the car, packed up, loaded down, pulling it around. Swollen feet and an achy back don't help either. You can probably already see why. (If not, review the list above.) Speaking of being pregnant, that baby that will be here soon will come along with even more junk. The last time we had a game, it was a late one, so little sis stayed with Brandon's parents. We didn't even bring her and we still needed the dang wagon. Throw in team snack day and you've got yourself a real party. The thing about the wagon haul is that there isn't one thing we could live without at the ball park. We literally need everything on the list, every. single. time. Daddy is a coach so he and Addie are usually in a rush to get on the field for warm-ups. That puts Mommy on wagon duty most of the time. I know it could be worse. All I really have to do is pull it around, drag out the stuff & pile the stuff back up (50 bazillion times), try to keep the toddler contained inside, and park it in out-of-the-way spaces while I chase the toddler. All while trying to watch Addie, who is keeping an eye on me to make sure I am doing just that. BUT. I would lug it 100 times over to see my girl play ball. She is a little rock star behind the plate and I hate missing out.

I was reading a devotional this morning and I came across this verse:
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24

That's when it hit me. No matter how small a feat wagon-hauling may seem to you (although I strongly beg to differ), what a powerful reminder to work heartily in everything we do, just as for working solely for the Lord. Yes, even wagon-hauling. Or car-pooling, homework-helping, spoon-feeding, or diaper-changing. Because He gave me these sweet blessings, He called me to be their mother, and I will serve Him by supporting them and showing them love and patience, whatever that entitles. Not only that, but I can only hope and pray God will allow others to see Christ through me. I want to be His hands and feet, and my ministry starts in my home. But the end of that verse is the best part: I will one day receive inheritance as my reward.

Today, think about wagon-hauling. Or whatever it is you do for your family, (or work) that so often consumes your energy. You have plenty of things to name, I'm sure. Now, the next time you begin to complain (it's human nature!), I urge you to stop and think about how you can be a servant for Him.

In every task, whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.

as long as i'm living my baby you'll be

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always.

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be.

That Robert Munsch book was hard to read without choking up even before I had kids... but now... Tear. Jerker. That's how I am feeling today. My sweet little 7 pound, 5 ounce baby girl has grown up in what seems like a single blink...

Today we took her to register for "big school". Kindergarten. I remember her going from the nursery to a real Pre-K class. And now, so fast, KINDERGARTEN. It's just too much. I didn't want to wake her from her nap this afternoon. She skipped school today because she wanted to. And we were totally fine with it because we know her days of just staying home to play all day with Daddy soon won't be an option.

Nevertheless, I woke her. 

We set off with all her documents we haven't really needed until now--social security card, birth certificate, immunization record... they were all tucked away neatly in an envelope in the safe that Brandon had hand-written "Baby Addie's Important Papers" on, just five short years ago. Turns out that we didn't really need all these documents until it came time today to sign her over to the public school system. 

Mommy and Daddy were not ready for this day, but I know someone who was...

One of the teachers took her to a classroom to do a kindergarten screening--letters, numbers, colors, and such. She came back with a sticker and she got some Smarties too. In her words, "Momma! I passed the test! See my sticker?! That means I did it!"

Yes baby girl. You did. 

I hope you have the best first year of school ever, Bug. You are growing like a pretty little weed, and we couldn't be more proud of you. Never stop asking your off-the-wall questions, hold on to that wild imagination, and always kiss us goodnight. <3

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always.

As long as I'm living 

My baby you'll be.

my kind of friday... and yes, its a wild one.

Fridays are always a *bit* wild for me. (And that's without any type of adult beverage.) I teach first graders and by the end of the week, we have tests to complete, activities to finish, and well, we're just a bit tired and wacky to say the least. Today was no exception.
We went to a local farm for our annual "Kids Day on the Farm" trip which is sponsored by the high school FFA. It's always a fun day, but usually not a wet one. Today was just wet and yucky. Don't get me wrong, we still had fun, but wet. Very wet. Nevertheless, 33 weeks pregnant and field trips are great at wearing. me. out. Whew!

Teachers love rainy days on muddy farms. We totally rocked it.

Like any Friday though, the fun begins as the sun sets, and not trying to brag, but we are pretty skilled at having a good time around these parts. Ha! The first thing I did after work was get dressed for my Friday night... so I promptly put on my pajama pants and a comfy t-shirt. I know what you're thinking, "That does not sound like my idea of 'fun'." Oh honey, just wait.

The awesome husband grilled some shrimp (umm, GOURMET?!) on the grill while little sis and I watched Pocahontas on Disney Channel. I could hear Big Sis having fun upstairs at what seemed to sound like a concert. Or some kind of dance practice. One of those. Pretty soon, both girls were downstairs sharing (yes, sharing) the iPad while we got the table ready. 

After dinner was bath time, which Brandon handled while I swept up what appeared to be more food that they could have possibly consumed from underneath the table. Since baby sis didn't want to get out of the bath, Daddy simply threw a color changing water tablet in there and BAM. Problem solved. Not sure how we'll solve this problem after the colored water phobia fades away. 

She always wants to be carried like a little bitty
 infant after Daddy gives her a bath. Hysterical.

After the bath, Brandon reminded Addie that she owed him a tea party. Lucky for me, Darcy and I were invited too this time. She served us tea and we danced and sang along to 90s country (Addie's pick):

You march to the beat of a different drum,
the funny thing is that I hear the same one.
We both like to color outside of the lines.
We're peas in a pod, girl we're two of a kind.

pinkies up!

We left toys on the floor (gasp!), dishes in the sink (gasp again!), and the girls picked out their own pajamas, and hair bow. Obviously. After the tea party adjourned, Brandon and I prank-called people, haha! 

A wild Friday. WILD. I told you!

And I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe they'll let me sleep past 7 in the morning...

be the change

Look at these babies. They are SO loved, and they know it. To give love, one must be shown love. Our main parenting goal is raising children who love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and secondly, love others, even as they love themselves. 

They don't know how blessed they are to live in a loving home with two loving parents who only want the best for them. Friends and families that love them, teachers who love them, and a big church family who love them too. For them, home is safe, secure, and stable. It's always right here with Mommy and Daddy. It's a happy place. And they know that.

Some children are far less fortunate. Some children know no love, no safe place, no stability. Some children's homes are abusive, and sometimes, that's all some children know. Some children are far from safe with the very people they love the most. As a teacher, I have a passion for children. Not every day is a piece of cake, but one thing is always constant. With my calling came a love for children that I will not ignore.

Recently, for the first time in my life I saw a child be abused. The where, when, or why it happened is not relevant. Names are not relevant. The thing is, it happened. Right there in front of my own eyes. It was unreal and my thoughts were chaotic. I witnessed her hit, punch him, and stomp his feet. She slung him around in a demon-like fashion. His big, brown, three-year-old eyes couldn't comprehend what he had done, but at the same time, he made no sound, no whimper.

My heart sunk. 

Sadly, I knew it was because this is all he knew. This was his normal. I approached them. I tried to talk to him and I reached out my hand and rubbed his back. She cut her eyes at me and snapped, "Don't you touch him!" and I told her I would pray for whatever the situation was. She said words that put a chill down my spine: "Don't pray for me. Pray for HIM. He will need your prayers when he gets home."

People. Child abuse is real. As a matter of fact, it is not only physically and emotionally damaging, but psychologically as well. I did a little research after the incident and found that "About 80% of 21-year-olds who were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder." -From dosomething.org

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As much as I want my blog to be totally positive and uplifting, I cannot ignore what I saw, and I feel compelled to share it with you all because even if one person becomes empowered to speak up for a sake of a child, it is so worth it. This doesn't mean you have to go out looking for a child abuse case to help intervene with. It is simply a month to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to be advocates for all children. If you see it, don't ignore it. Ever. No child deserves abuse, under any circumstances. To find out more about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, click here.

Most importantly, pray. Pray for the lives of all these children. My God is greater!

birthday saturday

Today was GORGEOUS. Thank You, Lord! Sunny skies, perfect weather, just beautiful in Bama.
April is always so busy for us... we joke about it being THE birthday month because it seems like 90% of the kids we know have April birthdays. Today was no exception but we enjoyed the time with family and friends and both birthday girls!

Party #1 was for Mal, who is ELEVEN now. No way. I can't believe it's been 11 years since I held her tiny little self in the hospital room. We had fun at her pool party. Addie thoroughly enjoyed the swimming and Darcy thoroughly enjoyed the cheese-puffs. Spray hair glitter was the "best party gift ever" according to Addie, but it's not Daddy's favorite, who suffers terribly from glitterphobia. He'll survive. ;)

Addie was so sweet walking lil sis back to the car. <3

Party #2 was for Miss Mackenzie, who just turned 5. We celebrated Ninja Turtle style and had fun times with our friends/sweet church family. 

Have you ever seen Ninja Turtles this CUTE?!

It was all smiles until I held baby Emerald so her mommy could eat. Darcy was NOT happy with this. At all. And she made sure everyone knew! Makes me wonder how she will react to the new baby coming in June. Girl. This new baby is about to ROCK. YOUR. WORLD.

Darcy's favorite part: the bouncy house. 

Addie's fave: the swing. Literally stayed on it for ONE HOUR. 

Cupcakes are always the best of all though! Hehehe. :)

Something on my face? What?

I love days like this. Time with family and friends is priceless. <3

batter up!

The season is in full swing. And like most places we go, we take half the house. Good thing Santa brought Darcy (or, umm...us) a wagon for the load. Santa always knows what's best. ;)

Addie moved from t-ball last year to softball this season and wowza! It is some serious stuff. No more building dirt piles, picking clover, or hitting off a tee. Nope. Now my baby plays a mean shortstop, smacks a ball from a 30-foot pitch, and knows exactly where to look for the current score. How did she grow so fast?

In the meantime, I have the duty of entertaining Darcy by whatever means necessary to get the job done. This evening's little-sis-entertainment consisted of wagon rides, music and games on iPad, and a blow-pop. The goal is to avoid scraped knees. Tonight I rocked it.

Little Sis rocked it too. No. Literally. She rocked it. Who knew the Hooked on Phonics alphabet songs were so good for dancing?

It was another great night at the park. Our Sweet Heat team won 7 to 1. Another W in the books! 

Addie was so proud. This momma was even prouder. <3

wordless wednesday {evening}

she's back. and here to stay.

Here it is. The "why I quit blogging" spill. SO many of us have these spills from time to time. Why don't we stick with it? Is it too hard, are we too busy? Yes and yes.

I started it when Addie was a tiny 2-week old baby. Between the zero time I had left to function with a new baby and my technological incapability, I blogged once in a while. You know, like every few months ... or year. She has grown so much bigger now. And we also have another addition. And one more on the way. Whew!

I have longed to be a blogger. It sounds dumb, I know. I should have just dived right in. I felt like no one would want to read it anyway. But I was wrong. I would want to read it.

I went back and looked at my old blog this morning. I laughed, sighed, and shed a tear as I read about the randomness that happened in my life just a few short years ago. Addie was tiny and we were busy but I should have kept going. Technology is  at my fingertips all the time, and now I want to utilize it.

I am setting a goal for myself:
Today I will begin blogging.
I will not quit.
I will publish my blog to a printed book in one year from now and celebrate my accomplishment (as I cry over how big my babies will be by then).

Who's with me? #documentyourlife