Poof! 335/365

This thing may be toxic or harmful, but it is so cool!  Mrs. Bass gave it to Hunter.  it is a little package and you put it on the counter.....

 then pound it...........

then watch and listen as the chemicals inside start working and the gas they release blows up the package.

Then in the end you are left with a miniature mylar balloon.  Not to mention the fact that it has a monkey on it and says Time to Party.  It is Friday, and it has been a long week for our family.  I've worked the last three days and am looking forward to a slow paced weekend (is there such a thing when you have four kids?)

Penguin Love 334/365

I got the sweetest text from my friend the other day....I picked up a solar dancing penguin for Noelle....Now that is a woman that knows my child.  About a year ago, Noelle had an obsession with the solar dancing flowers sold by dollar tree. She wanted one, and we couldn't ever find them.  We stopped at dollar trees all over and never could find one.  Then she was able to snatch up an Easter one.  However, this is better than anything she could have hoped for.  This woman knows my child so well because we refer to her as "their other mother."  Her name is Mrs. Bass and she had Noelle for 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade.  I think she is definitely the second most invested person in Noelle's life, and we are so blessed to call her friend.

Birthday Sweet Tooth 333/365

It is dangerous to get a Dairy Queen cake for your birthday.  Dangerous I tell you!  I'm glad I have three kids that can help eat it up.  Hope has gotten lots of cookies because she can't have the cake.  Thanks Mom!

Happy Birthday 332/365

....to me!  I am another year older.  I love other people's birthdays, but now that I am getting closer to forty, I'm not so sure how I feel about them.  However today I was blessed by my friends and family.  I had a busy day, but I loved crawling in bed tonight and listening to my voice mails and reading all my messages.  The kids have been excited today too.  Noelle was determined to buy me a gift with her own money, and she got me the perfect gift.....a pair of Snoozies.  She is so proud that she got them for me on her own, and she did such a good job finding them, that she even bought a pair for herself.  We are both tickled to have warm feet.  I think Pippa may even be a little jealous.

Bless Her 331/365

 I know I have posted about precious Hope's mouth before, but bless her heart it is pitiful!  In the car yesterday she said, "I can't pop the bubble in my mouth."  Oh my goodness, it wasn't a bubble is was a gigantic abscess.  Like the kind that would have long ago debilitated most people. She never once has complained.  I of course knew it was not good and got her into the dentist today.  At the point of this first picture, she is still smiling.

She walked out though and looked at me and said, "This is not funny!"  Again, I want to say how amazing out dentist is.  He has a true heart for my girls and I am so thankful for everything he does for us.  His office manager was talking to me and she said, "Well, at least none of this was a surprise to us, you predicted it long before she came home."  She is right, it never is a surprise, but my heart breaks for Hope.  I think what hurts the worst is that she doesn't know to complain.  She is just so used to mouth pain that it doesn't register to her that she should mention it.  She is so many ways is the strongest girl I know, one of my true heroes for sure!

The Perfect Tree 330/365

We searched the ENTIRE Christmas tree farm today for the perfect tree.  It took us a long time, but we finally found it!  Do you notice our potential issue with the tree?

Now do you notice it?  The fire ant mound by the tree did not in any way deter Hunter from cutting this tree down.

Once it was down, the tree was toted back to the field by all the kids.  It took some major team work.  I am happy to report that the tree is now up and in the house.  I guess we need to carve the pumpkins before we can carve it!

Reindeer Rags 329/365

Noelle and I were taken in by one of he Black Friday gimmicks.  Paul laughed at us, but we really did need to by something so why not when you get a precious pair of reindeer antlers for free.  We didn't get to try them on him yesterday since we went back to my mom's house, but doesn't he look adorable? He is hoping that Santa will come calling soon!  Maybe we need to find him a red nose too.  Afterall, he did fly off our roof several years ago, so I think his resume would be quite impressive.

The Cousins 328/365

My mom of course wanted a picture of all the cousins together for her Christmas cards.  I'm glad we got at least a few that she can pick from.  It wasn't easy.  When I think about adopting more kids I will remember what it is like to take a picture of six kids!  Just kidding of course, I would adopt two more kids in an instant!

Thanksgiving 327/365

I tried something different this year because I wanted to spend more time with my family......so I packed up everything I would need to fix Thanksgiving dinner and headed to moms house to cook.  It back fired on me in so many ways!  One was, I was much later leaving home than expected.  I can get four kids out the door every morning for school along with myself by 7 a.m., but we just couldn't manage to get everyone out the door for Thanksgiving day.  So needless to say, lunch was late getting done.  While it was fine with my people, the rest of my family lives on Eastern time, so they were real late eating.  I always take pictures of my kids on Thanksgiving day, but since I wasn't on my normal schedule, I didn't even pull out my camera (this picture is from Friday.)  The good that did come out of it though is I got to see these kids.  They are my niece and nephew.  They are seriously precious.  I love the age that my nephew, Lawson, is now.  He is full of character and fun.  Some of his little statements still have me laughing.  Even though Thanksgiving backfired, I am thankful that I got to spend the extra time with the kids. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Dryer Fire 326/365

I have been weary of this dryer for a while now.  I don't trust it, honestly I never have.  I will not leave it running even if it only has a few minutes left if I am leaving home.  I was dryer my quilt for my bed when Paul walked into the kitchen and remarked that he smelled smoke.  I knew exactly what it was, and took off to see him opening the dryer and smoke billowing out.  My dryer was on fire!  You can see back by where the heat comes through how it burned up.  As we are trying to make sure the fire is out we realize that we can't get it away from the wall because it is in an inclosed cabinet.  I am thinking there may be a new dryer in my future......or maybe that is wishful thinking.

The Mustard Seed 325/365

I found myself studying the parables tonight.  Sometimes I just love to flip somewhere and read.  I read several, but then I really reflected on the Mustard Seed.  I about my friends in East Asia, and what this parable means to them.  Then after I read for a bit I checked my email and had the sweetest email waiting for me that allowed me to see just how that mustard seed grows.....I thought I would give you a little glimpse into how things grow.

Jenna,

I just wanted to send you a thank you for all you have done for me.  Because you came and shared, my life is different.  After you left me I had time to think on what you had to say and share with me.  Then my heart was opened to the love that I could see in you.  Not only has it changed my life, but now the life of my family and future family.  You brought me hope and healing.  Now that we share the same father, we will always be brother and sister.  I can not wait to see you again.

All I did was answer a call, I did nothing, God did it all.  The little mustard seed with grow!

Lazy Day 324/365

Today was a wonderful laid back day.  I got to just spend some time today between cleaning and laundry with the dogs.  That is my favorite thing to do when I am home and the kids are in school.  I will crawl into my bed, and they will surround me and snuggle up.  Pippa is generally in my arms, and Annie will plant herself right in between my legs.  It is so sweet to look into her face.  She will maintain eye contact with me as long as I will with her.  I am so thankful for lazy days.  The kids have no homework, and the only pressing thing on our schedule was gymnastics.  I am snuggled right back up in my bed now, and I am so thankful for the little fur babies that are surrounding me.

The Box Project 323/365

Today was kinda a Hunter day.  I finally caught him and put him in the hair cutting chair.  He doesn't like getting his hair cut, but it was necessary.  Hunter and I started our day off with a big project.  We decided to scrub, sand, prime, and paint our four rocking chairs on the front porch.  We were actually tickled with ourselves when they were finished, because they look great.  We also have to thank Paul because he came out and scrubbed the chairs which is the one part I really don't like.  Then we had to work on his small school project.  He had to make a room out of a shoe box so that he can wire it with lighting at school.  I remember this project from Noelle, so I was ready to help Hunter tackle it.  We brainstormed different ideas then ran to our paper stash to see what we could do.  Then the plan quickly changed.  Hunter decided to make the Auburn Indoor Practice Field.  He was just there a few weeks ago, and I think he did a great job. Hopefully he will do his wiring well, and this will be a good grade.  I have had fun with my little man today.  He is such a treasure.

The Sweetest! 322/365

Bare with me here....I have lots of pictures because, well, today was special.

I had to gather up all my kiddos and get them to the game.  Not only to the game, but I had to smuggle them into the student section.  We needed a good view of this guy.....Jesse.  He is the mic man for the cheerleaders.  My kids adore him.

We also were excited to see this tiger....Aubie, all dressed up in a suit.  Wonder why he looks so fancy?

Maybe it was because something special was about to happen to this girl....Sara.  If you have followed my blog long you will know that Sara is like another daughter to me.  I absolutely adore her and have loved having a front row seat for the last nine years watching her grow into an amazing lady who loves the Lord. Sara has been a majorette for the last four years.

Jesse was singing a song to sweet Sara over the speaker system.  Then you guessed it....with a quick point to his cheerleader friends....

the question had been asked (had to borrow this pic from facebook, my camera was focused on my girl).....

Jesse was on one knee....

and of course Sara said yes.

They sealed it with a kiss!

Y'all, are they not the cutest couple!

Sara's friends and family put together a party, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.  My kids seriously think Jesse is a human jungle gym.

They also all love Sara as much as I do.  I am so happy for her!

It is always a little sad for me when my "girls" grow up and get married, but in this situation, I won't lose Sara.  Both she and Jesse are from Auburn, and even if they move away, they will have to come back.  It has been such a special day celebrating with both of these precious people.

No Pickle 321/365

Even though I try not to, I somehow am raising a mini me.  Well, not really.  But in someways she is taking after me, and they are not normally the good ways.  Today we went to Chick fil a for fun Friday.  She always wants a sandwich with no pickle.  She also wants cheeseburgers plain, and doesn't want her spaghetti sauce to touch her spaghetti.  Where did I go wrong?

Bitter Sweet 320/365

LeeLee took another day off school today to rest.  I can tell this antibiotic is doing it's thing.  She is starting to get her color back.  She may not like the taste, but as long as it helps, she will just have to endure it.

Her expressions crack me up!  I forgot to say last night how she had the doctor in stitches, and then had the x-ray technician rolling with all her little antics.  The doctor looked at me and said, "She has been the sunshine in my very gray day.  If she is like this everyday, you are blessed."  I had to explain to him that she was truly sick, and that it is normally ten times more fun with her.  But he was right about one thing, I am blessed!

My Poor Baby 319/365

I took LeeLee to the doctor on Sunday after we got back from Hollywood.  That doctor said she had an upper respiratory infection, and we put her on some meds.  However, things have gotten worse.  She started spitting out blood in addition to the green stuff she has already been dealing with for the past 5 days.  So, we headed back to the doctor tonight.  It didn't take but just a few minutes before the doctor decided we needed to take a quick trip to the hospital for chest x-rays.  We were actually all shocked when they came back clear.  She doesn't sound clear.  We also discovered a nasty ear infection tonight, so she got a different, stronger antibiotic than the one she is on, and she is wiped out.  I can't really remember a time that LeeLee has been this sick.  She is such a trooper.

Mickey is Gone 318/365

Hunter:  Mom, Mickey is gone.
Me:  What?
Hunter:  My turtle is not in his cage!
Me:  Well find him
Hunter:  I can't find him, I don't see him anywhere!
Me:  Hunter, he is a turtle, he can't get very far.  When is the last time you saw him?
Hunter:  Last night.
Me:  Well go look for him and I will be there in a bit.

I go up and find Hunter crawling around under his bed in tears because Mickey is no where to be found.  Immediately I look at his bed and remember that now a dog shares the room with Hunter and Mickey.  I didn't want to blame Snoopy, but Snoopy always looks guilty.  However, after some crawling around of my own, I found Mickey under his armoire.

Me:  Hunter, there is Mickey
Hunter:  Oh God mom, I can't look, he is dead isn't he?
Me:  Hunter, I don't know, he is a turtle so he is not moving.
Hunter:  (at this point he is complete melt down mode)  He's dead, he's dead, I can't get him.
Me:  Hunter get the turtle.
Hunter:  I just can't.
Me:  Hunter get that turtle now!

He finally pulled him out from under the armoire and as soon as he did, Mickey's head pops out of his shell and he looks at Hunter.  He is now safe and sound back in his cage.  Snoopy is off the hook, and Hunter is happy again.

My Light 317/365

I'm not really into stuff.  I'm not quite a minimalist, but I just don't like clutter.  I don't like nick knacks, or anything I may have to dust around.  However, this light has been a constant for me since I was a little girl.  This porcelain light belonged to my grandmother.  It sat on the dresser in her room and I admired it every time I went to her house.  I would turn the light on and just stare at her.  Something about this little lamp captivated me.  I will never forget the day my grandmother gave me this lamp.  She and I were supposed to make some cookies together, but she put me down for a nap and made the cookies while I was sleeping.  When I woke up, I was so disappointed about cookies.  She thought I would be excited because they were ready to eat, but instead my tears started flowing because I had really just wanted to spend that special time with her.  She felt so bad, so she went over to her dresser and unplugged her lamp then brought it over to me and said, "My precious Jenna, I want you to have this.  I know you love it, and will cherish it forever."  I remember the exact words.  I was 5 years old at the time, and less than a year later, she was gone.  For several years I turned the light on at night as a night light on top of my own dresser.  I would fall asleep staring at the captivating beauty of the lamp.  Then it got to where I just turned it on just to remember her.  Now I turn it on to think.  I still don't know exactly what it is about this thing, but I love it still.  Something else that I find amazing about this lamp is, that since the day my grandmother gave her to me, the light bulb has never burned out.  She still shines just as bright as she did the first time I laid eyes on her all those years ago.  I really wanted to reflect today on some things from my Bible study, so I just turned her on and got lost in her glow.  Then I began thinking how much more mesmerizing the site of God on the throne is going to be.  As my mind wandered in so many directions, I realized that God had given me some sweet answers as I was reflecting.  I am so thankful that years ago, my grandmother decided to mend my disappointed heart with a light that I didn't deserve.  And today I am thankful that my heavenly father chose to put his light in me even though again I am so undeserving.  I don't know how much longer this earthly light will shine, but I know that this heavenly light will shine forever.

Sweet Return 316/365

I know I have said this before, but I am so thankful and blessed for the dynamics of our family.  My kids love each other and it is always so apparent.  I called home on the way back from the airport to see if the kids wanted to go to church.  I knew LeeLee was to sick to go, but I thought since we would be back in time that they may like to go.  I heard a hesitation on the other end in Noelle's voice, "But mom, we made LeeLee and cool gym area in our room and we wanted to surprise her with it."  I explained to her that LeeLee was pretty sick, and I didn't know how much she would be able to use the surprise gym.  There was immediate disappointment in Noelle's voice, they had missed their sister, and instead of being jealous, they were ready to have her back.  Later in the day I found this little note laying around.

Hey LeeLee, I love you and I missed you very much.  I hope you had fun in Hollywood.  You need to tell me about all the fun things you did there. I love you and I missed you very much.  Have a magical rest of the day Tinker Bell.  You Rock, Noelle

My mommy heart melts once again.  She said twice how much she loves her and missed her, and it is because she did.  I pray that their bonds continue throughout life.

Water Taxi 315/365

LeeLee woke up and quickly put on her bathing suit.  We headed to the pool and after a few hours, I talked her into heading up the waterway with me.  We hitched a ride on the water taxi system which was really tons of fun.  We got to see some amazing houses, my favorite was seeing Andy Griffith's house.  I didn't snap a picture and I don't know if Noelle will ever forgive me.  She loved him, and the Andy Griffith show is her all time favorite show.

LeeLee and I made all sorts of stops on the taxi route and got to see lots of Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood.  We made it back just in time to get ready for the conference banquet.  We were very proud of Paul and his store when they were awarded the Image Award.

She is a Mermaid 314/365

 It was a little colder than we expected it to be in Hollywood, but it didn't stop LeeLee.  As soon as she felt that the pool water was heated last night, she knew how she wanted to spend her day.

So, for six hours she stayed in the water.  I didn't know if I would ever be able to drag her out of the water.

She cracked me up after about being in the pool for about ten minutes, she jumped out and said, "Mom, I don't have anyone to play with."  I assured her she would be fine and she jumped back in and played. I reflected on what she had just said, and I thanked the Lord that I have four children who really do love each other.  They are each other's best friends, and they love being with each other.  It is precious to get to spend one on one time with each of them, but I am so thankful for how much they rely on each other.

Hollywood Here We Come 313/365

We had to be up early and ready to go so we could make it to the airport in time for our flights to Hollywood (Florida that is, not California.)  Paul had to go for a convention and I decided to pick a child and tag along.  For this trip, LeeLee was the chosen child.  She has been so excited.  She hasn't flown since she was a baby and arrived home from China.  So even though she was slightly under the weather, she was ready to go.

When we got to the airport, they called out that they needed two volunteers to stay behind because the flight had been overbooked, then they said the magic words....they were willing to give $400 travel vouchers to each of the people that stayed behind.  So, I quickly jumped and they gave me a $800 travel voucher that I can use to get back to China.  I was excited.  We told Paul bye and sat in the airport for four extra hours waiting on our new flight.  They gave us food vouchers too, and of all the places we could have eaten, LeeLee chose McDonalds.  So, we eventually made it to our destination, made an appearance at a party, and quickly decided we were to tired to do anything else.

Noelle 312/365

LeeLee is the one who spotted this store.  She got so excited and immediately said, "Momma, hope you have your camera.  Noelle isn't going to believe this."

I Voted 311/365

So, today I voted.  I exercised my right to vote.  I prayed earnestly before my pen crossed through the lines on my ballot, and then I got this nifty little sticker so everyone around me would know that yes, I voted.  My friends from around the US voted today, even some of my friends from China had their votes count with their absentee ballots.  I voted, they voted, and that is where it should end, but it's not. I have over the last few weeks realized how many of my friends, highly educated, liberal and conservative, Christian and non-Christian, Republican and Democratic, are complete idiots.  I haven't been able to get on Facebook without being bombarded with how each group makes snide attacks on the others.  Frankly, it's embarrassing.  My favorite are the posts that say things like "I don't normally make political updates, but...."(saw tons of those just today) Seriously, if you are going to make a blubbering idiot of yourself by saying anything, go ahead a say it without trying to make yourself look like you try to have restraint, you don't. If your statement deserves a qualifier, it probably shouldn't be said.  Here is the thing friends, if you know me, you probably know exactly how I voted.  You know what I believe and you know what which candidates resemble the characteristics that I would find admirable and worthy of supporting.  And, if I am your friend, then I can probably tell you how you are going to vote.  I have probably known how you would vote long before this election, and I have loved you whether or not your vote would agree with mine.  So why does the election give you all permission to slam one another in such a snide and rude way?  Oh that is right, it doesn't.  The constitution gives us that right, it gives us the right to free speech, but it doesn't mean we should always exercise it.....So, as I exercise my right to free speech now I will humbly ask you in four years to trust that I already know you.  I don't need you to tell me I'm stupid because we have different beliefs.....I want to still love you when I put on my next I voted sticker, but if you keep attacking me, I just may not want to be your friend anymore because I have never really been known to surround myself with mean spirited underhanded attackers.

And to all of you, those of you who are going to bed happy, and those of you that are going to bed thinking we are doomed, I can assure you that we should all rest completely in the arms of our father.  Even Daniel, was able to turn and praise God and recognize that God changes time, He changes the seasons, He sets up the Kings and disposes of them.  God is sovereign, and he is in control.  (Don't believe me, check out Daniel 2:20)  My God will use all circumstances for his good.  I will be praying daily for our President and I would urge each of you to do the same.

It's Just That Kinda Day 310/365

It is Monday, and it has just been one of those days.  You know the kind, where you feel like you just can't get anything done.  It is the beginning of the month, so I am normally at my husbands office, but early in the year, I accepted two sub jobs for this week for teachers who would be out on training.  Turns out, I will be headed out of town later in the week with one of my babes, so I really have tons to do.  While at school, I just kept thinking about my week.....rent logs, eviction letters, cleaning the house, laundry, packing, getting the kids homework all done a day early, subbing on Wednesday, teaching RA's Wednesday night, and leading Bible Study in my house tomorrow night.  If you know me, you will know that I don't get overwhelmed easily, and I was quickly feeling very overwhelmed.  So, as soon as my little kids dashed off to their resource class today, I pulled out my Bible and began another in depth look at the life of Daniel.  It was so perfect as I was reading about how Daniel refused to give in, he was steadfast in his beliefs, and how is shrugged off all that the Babylonia garbage that the rest of the society of the time was feeding into.  Then I relaxed.  Ahhh, thank you God for a perfect message at the perfect time.  I am still sticking my tongue out at today (just like Pippa does everyday.)  I will do what I can tonight until my eyes need rest, but then I will rejoice because tomorrow is a new day.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverancethe race marked out for us Hebrews 12:1

Where Was I? 309/365

When I was sick a few weeks ago, my kiddos obviously rearranged rooms and made videos.  I found them the next day and laughed, but also wondered how on earth I could have absolutely no clue what was going on.  This first one is just so LeeLee.....welcome to their mess and all!

This video may be may favorite of the treasures that I found.  Note how LeeLee says Olympics.  Also, if you know Hope, this is so typical, and no worries, she obviously wasn't hurt bad because I never knew about it.

Then there is this gem.  Hunter making up a rap.  What on Earth was he thinking?  I also love how Noelle interrupts and you hear her talk about their low costume budget.  I love these kiddos, and they crack me up every day.

A Battered Boy 308/365

Hunter didn't look to good at the end of a friendly game of kick ball.  I looked at him, and he immediately said, "I know, I look like Rudolph."  Why yes, Hunter, you do!

I'm Gonna Be a Grandmother Again 307/365

All my generation kids have grown up....lots of them are married, have moved away, and I have one precious little grandchild, who lives in Texas.  So I have been very excited for Sarah and Billy.  Tonight was their reveal party so I made sure that I had the camera ready and would be there in time.  But as we walked out the door I heard Hunter start screaming about a dog in the middle of the road.  Me being me, couldn't leave the dog lost and in the middle of the road, so I went into rescue mode.  We watched as the dog almost got hit five times.  Then I was finally able to chase it off the main road, and that is when I realized their were two dogs instead of one.  I was able to get my hands on the second one, but not the first one.  So the kids ran to get my trusty animal helper, Kim.  She came up and we were able to keep both dogs away from the road while we figured out where they had come from.  We found their home, and I my heart was happy for the dogs who were now safely home, but my heart sank because I knew I was going to be late for Sarah a Billy's big baby gender reveal.  

But I lucked out, they hadn't started without me.  They were so precious to watch.  Sarah was so nervous.

They made a little cut, and Sarah started the crying.  It wasn't an ugly cry, but a beautiful one.  She was so excited.  Their cake was either going to be strawberry for a girl, or chocolate for a boy.

Their first congrats hug was from Miss LeeLee.  LeeLee loves Sarah.  Sarah has been a part of her life since she came home from China, and LeeLee just adores her.  There was also food involved, so LeeLee was front and center.

And just in case you were wondering, that was one great chocolate cake!