The Johns Jungle

I'm moving!!!!

2009-11-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

I have moved to a new and improved blog. Please visit me at
http://www.jenniferandjasonsjungle.blogspot.com/

Jennifer

Lenna's song

2009-07-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Last week Lenna made up a song about her Daddy. It was so cute, I convinced her to sing it again so I could get it on video. The second rendition was a little different than the first, but still cute. I especially like the drum solo at the end!

Summer Fun

2009-07-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

My husband has been giving me a hard time about not putting any new pictures on my blog. Sorry!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just a little busy :) Here are some pictures of the baby at the beach, my sister's visit, more school pictures, and photos of the kids turning the sand box into a very tiny swimming pool (Jason, you were right about the sand!) The kids and I begged Jason to buy sand this Summer. He said it would be a mess and wouldn't last a month. After sweeping the patio a million times and after telling the kids to STOP playing with the water hose and turning the sand box into a mud pit one hundred times and after treating fifty loads of laundry with Oxyclean, I finally admit . . . I was wrong . . . Jason was right. The sand is now at the bottom of the sliding board. However, it has been turned to mud a time or two in this location also. I give up. . . children obviously LOVE mud!

baby Jude at the beach
Our precious little girl

The sand box is now a water box

Palmer scrubbing hard

Isaiah was in charge of getting all the sand in one spot below the slide

The construction crew

Palmer dressed as royalty to celebrate Purim which we learned about while studying Queen Esther

My niece Allie with us at the Y

Me and my sister being lazy at the Y (seriously, we had 5 kids with us, so there wasn't very much relaxing going on, but it was fun).

Hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer. Thank you LORD for the sunshine and the rain!

Check out EJ's Story

2009-06-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Please, check out this website http://www.40thousandpeople.com/ and read the touching story of EJ and her family. I went to college with EJ's father, Jami. I am amazed by the faith and courage that he and his family show. It is so neat to see how they are letting God's glory shine through their struggles.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun (And When You're Not)

2009-04-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Our timeline

The kids using the "Easy Bake Oven"

These past 2 months have flown by and I can't believe how big our baby is getting. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. Jude is such a wonderful baby. . . he is so easy going and almost never cries. Of course, I always say that my other 3 make up for that. :)

Anyway, I've been terrible about posting lately. It's been quite an adjustment having 4, but it's getting better -- not really easier, and definitely not calmer, but better. So here's a quick run down of what our last 2 months have been like.

Lenna going through the "Terrific" 2's -- is that the right "T" word?

Palmer is still my wonderfully "strong willed" child -- that's the politically correct term

Isaiah is trying to learn to read amidst LOTS of crying -- not from the baby

Mommy almost called it quits on homeschooling

Mommy enrolled Lenna in MMO and Palmer in 4K for next Fall -- for a little sanity

Classical Conversations had our last class until next Fall :(

My sister-in-law and I have stepped up to direct Fun Friday

Lenna is repeating Bible stories that she's learned in church

Palmer is soooo loving to the baby

Isaiah really is reading well, despite the distractions

And we are persevering through the trials of of being together and learning together

ALL THE TIME

Seriously, there have been some really difficult times. I know parenthood is a blessing, and I would not trade my life for anything. But it is definitely NOT always easy or fun. Still, these past 2 months have reminded me that the best things don't usually come easily. So, here's to sticking it out through the hard times!

And here are some pictures . . .

Us doing school in the morning -- we're now using "workboxes" -- they've been a lifesaver

Lenna mimicking my discipline -- she's even wearing my slippers

Lenna and Palmer eating cookies before church this morning --we'll blame that on Grandmommy :)

Baby Jude at 3 months -- as Jason likes to say "He's just happy to be here"

Jude at 2 months -- look at the difference 1 month makes!

The first month

2009-02-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

Well, Jude is just over a month old and this last week has been so interesting, scary, and amazing that I just have to share it.

When I took Jude in for his one month check up, the doctor said that his thyroid test that was done as part of the newborn screening came back abnormal. He said the test could be wrong, but we needed to retest him just to be sure and that the results would be back in a couple of days. He told me not to worry and I prayed, but didn't really worry.

A couple of days later, I called the office and was told be the nurse that it would in fact take 3 to 4 weeks to get the test results back. So, I got on the computer and looked up hypothyroidism (something I had vowed not to do until I felt it was time to worry). Of course the information I found scared me to death. All of the articles said that hypothyroidism left untreated in infants would lead to brain damage and mental reatardation. One article even said that just waiting one month for treatment could make a crucial difference. So, of course, I started to get really concerned. I called the doctor's office first thing the next morning and was transferred to the same nurse from the day before. She was very understanding and agreed that I should be concerned, but said there was nothing that could be done. I called back twice that day trying to figure out a way to get Jude tested again in a lab that would get the results back quicker. She never returned my calls. The next day, I made an appointment to see my doctor (to talk about some gas issues Jude was having), but really just to get to talk to his doctor -- I was sure he had not intended us to wait 4 weeks for the test results.

When we got to see him, he ordered the test to be done at the hospital lab and we were able to get the results back that day. This time the doctor actually called me back. Jude's test was still coming back slightly abnormal. He gave us the option of being referred to a specialist, which I took. The doctor said to call back on Friday to get the info on the referral

Of course we had been praying for Jude throughout this whole week, and the Lord was so good to show us his hand during this ordeal. On Tuesday, the kids and I went to a play date with some moms and friends from Classical Conversations. My friend, Elizabeth suggested that we pray for Jude and for all of our kids and families. During this prayer time, she laid hands on Jude and prayed over him. The rest of the day, I kept thinking about how special that prayer time was. That night I checked my phone messages and the nurse had called, but left a really vague message. Wednesday morning, the doctor called and said that the specialist wanted us to test Jude once more before setting up the appointment. He had actually written the order for the testing on Tuesday (the day that we had praying over Jude). As I drove to the lab, I realized that God had allowed us to pray over our baby before he had that test so that we could know that his hand was in it all and that no matter what the results, he was there with us as we went through this.

Tonight was Jason's birthday and as we had our birthday dinner for him, I was telling the kids and Jason about what had happened today and what God had shown me. I was trying to demonstrate to the kids how God speaks to us without actually "talking" out loud to us and how he likes to show us that he is interested and involved (and ultimately in control) in our lives. When I was done with my story, the phone rang -- it was Dr. McCaskill calling to let me know that Jude's thyroid levels were now normal.

I am so thankful for how God showed himself to me and the rest of my family this week. I am also thankful for wonderful friends who love Jesus and who were wise enough and caring enough to call on Him during that time of fear and uncertainty. I am thankful for my mother-in-law and her co-workers at SIM who stopped their work to pray for us today (and all of the other friends and family members who prayed for us). I am thankful for my nurse friend, Jessica who answered all of my questions and encouraged me to fight to talk to the doctor. And of course, as a mom, I am so very thankful that Jude is healthy.

"We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed."

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Baby Jude is Here!

2009-01-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

These last few days have been a whirlwind. I went into my doctor's appointment on Thursday, and was given the opportunity to schedule an induction for Friday. Since it was only one day away from my due date, I happily agreed. We went in at 6:30 on Friday morning and started the induction at 8:30. When I was induced with Lenna it took 8 hours, so I was expecting a long wait. However, God answered my prayers and this one was much quicker! By 12:50 I was pushing and the baby was born at 1:00. I couldn't believe how easy it was -- of course the epidural was wonderful. Our doctor let Jason deliver (this is the 3rd time he has delivered-- he's a pro now!) I would be a nervous wreck to do that, but he has no fear! Anwyay, my friend from church was our nurse on the post -partum floor and she was so sweet to keep the baby for a few hours so we could sleep the first night. Thank you, Jessica! They let us come home early, so we will be recuperating and trying to get used to life with 4 little ones! Please keep us in your prayers. We got no sleep last night, so hopefully tonight will be better!

Here are some pictures from the hospital and at home.

Jude

Proud Daddy

Here comes trouble! :-)

Almost Christmas Pictures

2009-01-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from the weekend before Christmas. We spent the day with my family in Orangeburg and visited the church which my family attended when I was a kid. It was pretty cool because my sister and I got to relive what Christmas was like at that church -- Santa visited! As a kid, I always thought this was amazing and my kids enjoyed it also. My sister took some great pictures, too! It's a good thing because my actual Christmas day pictures were not so hot. Thanks Bridget!

Allie is such a good mommy

Look at that smile!Praise the Lord for healing Palmer's teeth. I can't believe the way they have fallen back into place. The dentist said they would fall out (before the normal time) but I'm not so sure he's right.

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T16:27:00.000-08:00

I tried to get some cute pictures of all of the kids together for Christmas cards. It didn't work out too well for me!

I've been saving these matching outfits that got an amazing deal on last year, so I ended up sending the pictures with my cards anyway. I'm sure everyone will get a good laugh!

Also,

Only 2.5 weeks until my due date. I am soooo ready! I don't have all the baby things ready yet, but my body is ready not be pregnant anymore. Anyway, while I wait, I have many things to do and to look forward to. . . Christmas, Lenna's birthday party, and my shower. Not to mention I'm planning on teaching one more Classical Conversations class before the big day (4 days before the big day to be exact.) So we'll see if that happens or not. I go tomorrow to see how we're doing. I'm hoping the contractions I've been having are somewhat productive. I'll be sure to update after the appointment! (I've never gone early . . . unless you count 3 days early with Palmer. . . which I don't count as early) I'm still hoping though!

Trouble in Three's

2008-11-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

They say trouble comes in 3's, right? Last Friday, I wrecked into a car. An hour later we got the news that Jason's father had just had a massive heart attack. And yesterday, Palmer tripped up the brick steps and knocked his 2 front teeth back. It's been a stressful week before Thanksgiving.
Still, I am SOOO thankful for all that didn't happen. Each situation could have been so much worse. No one was hurt when I backed into the parked car and the family who owns the car is so sweet and understanding. Jason's father was blanketed in prayer and saved. The doctores successfully put in a stint, and he is home for the holidays. And Palmer is okay (although his mouth looks bad and he might lose his teeth.)
I am so happy to know that God is in control as always. And I know we have a LOT to be thankful for this holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Better late than never!

2008-11-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

I finally got some pictures of the kids in their costumes. . . then it took about week to get them posted. Life is so busy, it seems impossible to get everything done. Anyway. . . one thing down, one million to go!

Prince Caspian, High King Peter and Fifi the poodle

Halloween pictures

2008-11-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

Brooke and the girls made this cute cake!

Friday was a blast. This was our first Halloween in a "real" neighborhood. We started the day off with a field trip to see some real bats at McDowell park and then had a little family get together before going trick-or-treating with all of the cousins on Jason's side of the family. It was so much fun. Unfortunately, I couldn't my kids to stay still long enough to get any good pictures of them in their costumes -- so tomorrow, I'm going to make them get all dressed up again and pose for me! I did however, get some good pictures of the food :)

Lenna's bows

2008-10-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Lenna was born with a TON of hair and I have been making her wear bows since we brought her home from the hospital. Since she has always had a bow in her hair, she's very used to them. The other night after her bath, we were reading a story and she looks at me and says "bow?" Pointing to her hair, she gets up and starts heading up the stairs. I told her she might need some help getting to the bows and followed her to her room. There she picked out her 1st bow. I put it in her hair, and she says "more." This continued until she had picked out 4 bows. Then she was satisfied. This is the look she ended up with!

Pictures at last!

2008-10-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we are in our new home. I prayed for a fast moved and we got it! I think it was about a month from the time we listed our house on Craig's List until we moved. It was crazy, but well worth it. So, here are some pictures of our new place. We are so thankful to be here. Of course, it will take some time to get everything in its place and get all of my pictures on the walls, but we plan on being here for a while this time :)

Some you may know, we usually move about every 2 years and usually when I'm pregnant!

We have grass now, instead of dirt! That means less time cleaning for me :)

My favorite room -- our school room

Lenna at the soccer game
Palmer warming up

Testing out my new camera -- it automatically takes a picture when it detects a smile
What will they come up with next?

This is also considered a smile!

We Have a House!

2008-09-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord -- we found a house! We're very excited and very ready to move. Please pray that everything goes smoothly with the selling of our current home. We're all set to close on this house and our new one on the same day. So the stress levels are high, but at least it will done quickly (we're hoping). We're still working on the closing date, but it should be around the end of this month. So. . . I will probably not be posting very consistently. I'll be busy packing and praying :) But, maybe I will finally get my long awaited new camera and be able to show some pictures one day!

Another Monday!

2008-09-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe tomorrow is another Monday! Last week flew by and I did not get to post. We are very busy with school and we're in the process of trying to sell our home and purchase a new one. It's very exciting, but stressful. I am thankful that we did not have to show it very many times before we got an offer. It is almost impossible to get a house clean enough to show a potential buyer (much less keep it that way) when you have little ones. But thankfully, and by the grace of God the sale seems to be moving quickly so far. Who knows what lies ahead, but I'm trusting and hoping for good things or at least the ability to handle "not so good" things if they come up. However, It would be nice to have a nursery to put this new baby in (and I think Lenna would appreciate not having to share a room with her big brothers). So. . . we're praying for a quick and painless move :)

Thankful Thursday

2008-08-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!!!!!!!! It's Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very thankful this Thursday for:

1. A 3 day vacation with my husband starting tomorrow :)
2. My in-laws sending us on our trip
3. My in-laws keeping our children for us (Notice a pattern here?)
4. Friends for my kids to play with
5. The La Fiesta playground (The boys can play without getting muddy)
6. Lenna's first "song" -- Jesus loves Me
7. Jason loving his new job
8. Palmer starting to come out of the terrible 3's
9. Isaiah liking to learn
10. Every day I have with family

Have a great day!

It's a . . .

2008-08-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

It's a BOY!!!!
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
I REALLLLY thought it was a girl. I had my whole family convinced it was a girl. So we were all surprised. Isaiah said I was just going to have to have another one so we could have a girl next time. For now, Lenna is just gonna be outnumbered.

Tomorrow is the big day!

2008-08-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Tommorrow we will finally know if we have a boy or a girl. I thought about being surprised this time, but I just love knowing. Next we can start working on names :) I think having another girl would be so fun, but boys are sweet too. I just pray the baby is healthy and all looks well!
Will definitely post tomorrow.

Thankful Thursday

2008-08-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

10 Things I am thankful to God for today:

1. CC's Open House was today, and my class went well -- I have 9 wonderful students!
2. That we live in a country where we are free to worship and God.
3. That we live in a country where we are free to teach our children at home if we choose.
4. No more morning sickness:) !!!!
5. Energy -- finally!
6. I can feel the baby kicking.
7. We have our ultrasound on Monday.
8. Today is Jason's last day at his night job!!!!!!
9. My precious children.
10. Chocolate chip cookies.

We're back!!!!

2008-08-12T18:40:00.001-07:00

I sort of unintentionally took the Summer off from my blog. I told you it was too warm to blog. Anyway, here's a short recap on what's going on with our family.

Jason got a new job as an assistant principal at Northwestern Highschool -- so Lenna will be sporting a purple and gold cheerleading outfit this Fall :)

Isaiah will be starting Classical Conversation of Fort Mill next week (our supplemental homeschooling program). I will be teaching his class!!!

Palmer gets to do a 3-K program with Classical Conversations, but will no longer be at MMO :(
He's very excited to be homeschooling with us now, though.

Jason and I will be teaching the 3 year old Sunday School class again, but this time we're teaching the 9:00 hour and only every other week. I can't wait to meet our new little ones this Sunday. Plus, Palmer will be in our class :)

And . . . Monday, we will find out if we're having a new sister or a new brother.

By the way, still no new pictures because I STILL don't have a new camera!

Empty Nest Syndrome

2008-05-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

I have been sooooo sick for the past 2 weeks. It seems to get worse daily -- and having three ages 5 and under does not help (have I said that before?). I've definitely been having a many pity parties lately and lots of thoughts like "what were we thinking? I've really lost my mind! I'm going to die before this baby is born. ETC." Anyway, this truly is the worst morning sickness I've had.
So . . . my mom volunteered to come get Lenna today and I offered "why not take all of them?" Surprisingly, she accepted the dare and came to pick them up late this afternoon. When I came home to my empty house I was in tears (very normal for me right now.) It feels so strange here without them. I started to feel guilty for lying on the couch all day and not playing with them, for fussing, for losing my patience, etc. I really miss them.
Amazingly, however my sickness has been completely gone for about 2 hours now. It really makes me wonder. I actually cleaned the boys' room, Lenna's room and the kitchen. This is an amazing feat compared to my nonexistent housekeeping over the past week. So, I'm using the extra energy to write on my blog and ask for your prayers that I will feel good enough to get Isaiah's homeschooling finished (I only have 8 lessons left). Please, pray that I will have patience with my precious little ones and remember how amazing they are (when they are actually here, not miles away).
Here comes the nausea. I'm off!!!!

Big News!

2008-05-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well . . . we're expecting Baby #4! The whole family is VERY excited. Palmer was so excited he told his Mother's Morning Out class. We were planning on keeping it a secret just a little a longer, but that's what we get for asking a 3 year old to keep such a fun secret.
At least now I can openly complain about how horrible I feel. I'm counting down the weeks until this terrible stage is over. However, I was very blessed this week to have both of my sisters-in-law keep my children for me for a few hours. Thank you Emily and Brooke :)
Well, that's about all that's going on around here right now. I'll try to post some pics soon!

Fabulous Friday

2008-05-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today is fabulous because:

I have a quiet house during naptime.
We signed up for Classical Conversations last night :)
We're cleaning out our "junk house" tomorrow!! YAY !!!
I did paper mache with my kids this morning. (this is not a normal thing for me to do)
I'm actually writing on my blog.
My husband will be home on time tonight.
I get a weekend with my wonderful family!

Fabulous Friday

2008-05-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

Since I did not make my biweekly Thakful Thursday post, I'm trying out a Fabulous Friday post instead. Five reasons that make Friday fabulous.

1. Tomorrow is Fort Mill's Spring Fest
2. New kids' games from Target -- Cariboo and The Grouchy Ladybug :)
3. Library books
4. Looking forward to 2 days with my husband at home.
5. Isaiah's tee ball game this weekend

Too Warm to Blog

2008-04-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, now that Spring has sprung, I can't seem to sit in front of the computer for very long. I wan't to be outside in the sun. So this is going to be short. Also, sorry about the tag game. I am the loser (because I didn't play).

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today, I am thankful for:

Spring Break -- and Jason being a teacher
Scotty (Don's brother) getting better
God's amazing healing power
Suntans -- Yes, I know it's bad for your skin
A quiet house at bedtime
Dogwoods
My husband who spends his time off playing with the kids, vaccuming, washing my car, and mowing the lawn :) (without being asked) thank you honey!!!!
Isaiah
Palmer
Lenna

Pictures from last week

2008-04-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry my blog is not running in chronological order right now. . . Oh well!

These are pictures of the kids visting with Theron, Cayden, and Hardin. I love the McDonald's playground. Laura and I actually got to talk while they played.

The other pictures were taken in Orangeburg. Lenna wanted to chase the ducks instead of feed them.

Hardin. . . He was the perfect angel during their visit. . . what a precious age!

AMAZING GRACE

2008-04-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am officially addicted to this God Story. . . You have got to check out this blog. . . http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/. . . This family is going through something most of us will never have to or get to experience. Their faith is amazing. Their journey is amazing. Our God is amazing! Go check it out!

Pictures by Bridget

2008-04-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

These last few days have been really busy, but so fun. Thursday we got to spend the day with the Newsomes (pictures to come) who were visiting from Mississippi :) Friday we went to Orangeburg and hung out with my parents and our niece Allie. Sunday and Monday were spent with Laura and her sweet children and then with Bridget and Allie. Also, we've had Lucy and Don and Daddy home on Monday and Tuesday. So, we've had a full and a very "excited" house! Times like these remind me to hold onto every precious second of childhood, a time when just the smallest things are soooo exciting and fun. Thank you, Bridget for getting these memories on film for me!

100th day of school

2008-04-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Isaiah's 100th day of Kindergarten at home today. Palmer wanted a pink cake, like the one in Go Dog Go! We strung 100 Cheerios on string and tried to name 100 animals. Aside from a little toddler bickering, the day was a huge success.

Don after he licked his plate
Lenna
the cake

Don, Palmer, Lenna, Lucy, and Isaiah

Yesterday Lucy and Isaiah made an apple tree

Don's cheerio necklace
Lucy and Isaiah
Palmer making his necklace

Thankful Thursdays

2008-03-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am stealing Amanda's wonderful idea for "Thankful Thursdays."

However, I'm not the diligent blogger that she is, so you probably won't see this every Thursday. But if you DO want to be encouraged every Thursday, check out Amanda's blog.

Today, I am thankful for:

Trees to climb

Beautiful warm weather

Healthy children

A loving husband

Good attitudes in trying times

Friends who listen

Victory Sports' tee ball coming up

Summer quickly approaching

My new Bible (Max Lucado's Devotional Bible)

Sweet toddler kisses

One of my little monkeys

My other little monkey

Don

How do I get up there????

pictures FINALLY!!

2008-03-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, it appears I am getting slacker and slacker. But I did JUST get my camera back this morning, so I did pretty good to post tonight. Here are the long awaited pictures. . . ENJOY!!

Jason's brother, Daniel entertaining the kids (or himself?)
Daniel and Brooke's youngest -- Elizabeth
Lenna and Mama Jean
more Lenna
and more Lenna (Can you tell I like having a girl?)
Daniel and Brooke's oldest -- Rebekah
Elizabeth getting ready for cake
Emily and Lucy
Jason reading to the little ones
Daniel reminiscing over old photos

We had green eggs and ham for breakfast!!!
YUM!!
Yes, I can eat ham with my 3 teeth
Say "cheese"
Daniel and Brooke's second oldest -- Bethany

Everyone had a great time at Lucy's 4th birthday party. We are so blessed to have family all living in the same area. And we are so blessed to have such precious children in our care.

"God is my best friend"

2008-03-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

So sorry I have been so slack about posting lately. I will blame it on Jason because he's been confiscating my camera lately. But. . . that's not really fair because I DID have the camera this weekend, and I DID take some pictures, but I was too lazy to put them onto my computer and post them when I had the camera. Anyway, Jason's took the camera AGAIN so this will be another pictureless post.
I've been trying some new parenting techniques lately (another reason I have been a slack blogger) and this has resulted in some really sweet moments with my children. A couple of days ago, I was explaining to Palmer (my 3 yr old) that we want to please God with our words and with the way we talk to one another. He looked at me and in the sweetest voice said , "Mommy, God is my best friend." It was one of those moments that makes parenting worth it all.
Side note -- if anyone is interested in some different yet sound parenting advice check out this site: http://www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com/ I always need all the parenting help I can get. Anyway, hopefully the next post will have pictures!!!!!!!!

How much do YOU love Chick-fil-A????

2008-02-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

I'm sure everyone knows that tomorrow is the grand opening of the Chick-fil-A in Fort Mill. But did you know that the first 150 people served get a year of free Chick -fil-A? Well, this morning about 9am, we were passing the restaurant and noticed several tents pitched in the parking lot. It was 41 degrees outside, and these people were sitting in the cold, planning to wait all day and all night just to be first in line tomorrow morning. So, my question is . . . Who out there loves Chick-Fil-A that much??? Do you??? By the way my 5 year old does, he wanted to go get our tents, but not this Mommy!!!

What a perfect day!

2008-02-19T16:30:00.001-08:00

Yesterday really was a near perfect day. It was Jason's birthday, but also a holiday, so we just pretended that they cancelled school for his birthday! The weather was GORGEOUS, so we went to the park -- we walked, rode bikes, played on the playground, jumped in mud puddles, ate a picnic with our shoes off, and flew a kite. And when the day was over, we ordered Chinese take-out!!! Days like this are definitely a blessing -- Is it greedy to want another one? Isaiah rolling down the hill
Don always loves it when Jason is home for the day
Look at that sky!
Yum, peanut butter and jelly!
I think Jason had more fun with the kite than the kids did
My little sweety pie
Palmer in full sprint

More birthday fun

2008-02-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Palmer now thinks every day is his birthday. We probably sing the Happy Birthday song once a day every day. We had his little party with just us on January 20th. We had a Valentine's party on February 14th. We had Isaiah's family party on February 15th. We had the real birthday party for both of the boys on February 16th. So every day now he thinks we should put candles in our food. And he does not get the concept that his birthday really is over and has been for quite some time. Anytime anyone has a birthday, he thinks he gets one too. Oh well, I guess that would be our fault. To top it all off -- today really is Jason's birthday. Happy Birthday Honey!!!!!
I think I'll take a nap with Emily
maybe not!
My sister's precious daughter -- Allie

me, my grandmother, and my mom with Palmer Isaiah and Allie

Happy Birthday to you (again)
me, Jason's grandmother,and his mom with the boys

Parenting in the Spirit

2008-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to admit, being around my wonderful children all day every day sometimes wears me thin. I am so thankful and so very blessed to be able to be home with them, I know. I would not change this for the world. However, there are many, many days when I have little patience for whining, fighting, crying, neediness, arguing . . . you get the point. Out of necessity, I get up around 5:30ish every morning (almost) to be up before my children. I pray for patience. I ask God to help me see my children as He does and to deal with them gently, as He would. Still, most days I feel I am a total failure when it comes to being patient with my children. BUT . . . every now and then I have a day when I just KNOW that I was not parenting out of my own strength, but that God did it all. And it is SOOO wonderful!!! I only wish that every day He would just hijack my mind and my mouth and just get it right for me. Anyway, the past 2 days have been such a blessing and a wonderful reminder that God works through His children in big and small ways. And life is so much more peaceful when He is in control.

Pictures from the beach

2008-02-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

Lenna took her first steps this weekend!
God's sandbox

All tired out!

God's timing is amazing. A couple of weeks ago, Terri and I planned to take the kids to the beach while our husbands were working over the weekend. Little did I know then, how much I would need a vacation. This past week was really hard because one of the twins I keep was very sick and in the hospital. All of the kids have missed him, and I know it's been hard on his brother. I've been worried about Scotty and his family. He gave everyone a scare and ended up in ICU by mid-week. Thankfully, he is recovering. Friday, we found out that the twins won't be able to stay here anymore, however because Scotty can't risk being around other kids and all the yucky germs. So the week ended on a really sad note. We're all gonna miss having them with us. So... We really needed a break this weekend, and my friend Terri let us go to the beach with her. It was so nice to be away from reality for awhile. There is just something about the salt air and being near the ocean that changes your perspective. It just helps me realize that even though we don't understand everything -- God knows. He is always in control and his plan is always for our good.

Boys will be boys

2008-01-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well, both of my boys have black eyes right now. I promise I'm not a bad mom!!! Isaiah fell on his face onto the hardwood floor. Palmer got knocked in the eye by the see-saw at the YMCA. They look like they've been punching each other (and they do that also, but they don't leave black eyes). Anyway, I grew up with just one sister -- no brothers, so it's taking me while to get used to all the wildness. I try to instill love into them and we constantly talk about how God wants us to treat others. I know they understand this, BUT they LOVE to talk about fighting and killing the bad guys ( I suggest jail rather than death), shooting the bad animals, smashing the bad bugs, etc. Is this normal? They've never seen violence on TV -- we don't even get real TV -- and they watch Veggie Tales and other sweet cartoons. So where does it come from? Palmer's teacher said she was telling the "fishes and loaves" story at school and Palmer asked "how did they kill the fish? Did they smash em? " I'm not truly worried, because I think this is normal behavior -- according to Wild At Heart, but still it's hard for my female mind to comprehend. So, anyway that's what's going on around here. Any advice from moms with boys?

The joys of childhood.

2008-01-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a very entertaining long weekend. We celebrated Palmer's 3rd birthday on Sunday, were visited by Christian soldiers and Spidermen, and taught Lenna how to use a sword. The fun never stops! Isn't childhood wonderful?

Sunday morning Palmer and Isaiah came down for breakfast dressed in their Christian soldier armor (a present from Grandmommy) -- it's really cool -- comes with the Bible description of all of the armor of the Lord.
More cake!
MMMM!!!! It's chocolate ... sugar and caffeine ... way to go Mom!
I'm three today!
Welcome back Scotty and Don (the 3 year old twins I keep during the week)
Scotty wants Isaiah to be Spiderman All day -- every day

Of course, Lenna wants in on the action. We need another girl, Lenna!

More about my amazing sister

2008-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to brag on my little sis. Also, sorry for SOOO many pictures of my children. What can I say? I'm a proud Mommy!

To answer Amanda's question (and anyone else who wants great kid pictures) my sister IS a professional photographer. She and her husband (Brian) both take wonderful pictures. She's just starting out, but as I've mentioned . . . She's AMAZING!

My husband and I both dislike going to portrait studios with the kids. With Bridget, it's such a wonderfully different experience because she follows the kids around and takes pictures of them in their own home or outside -- where they are comfortable and having fun. The pictures turn out awesome and the kids love it

Bridget lives in Augusta, GA but will travel. So that's my plug for the best photographer we know. (Oh, and I'm really not biased or anything.)

Here's the link:

http://www.brianmoorephotography.com/

Pictures from my amazing sister!

2008-01-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Bridget. I love them!

All is well!

2008-01-15T05:41:00.000-08:00

Well, the excitement is over. Unfortunately, yes, it was a squirrel. But it was not under the stove. He was under the trash compactor/ cabinet. Thank God for small favors -- he was quickly removed. RIP Mr. Squirrel!

What's that smell coming from the kitchen?

2008-01-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

I know . . . maybe it's a dead squirrel? It may seem far-fetched, but I am SURE that's it! I KNOW it's a squirrel, because he was our last animal visitor. Those of you who know me well know that I traded life in the big town (Fort Mill that is )for life in a log cabin in the woods. It has been a true adventure. I love the beautiful woods that surround our home. My boys love climbing the trees. We get to see hawks right in our yard! We never see or hear our neighbors. . . our people neighbors. However, in the 18 months we have lived in our home in the woods we have had 2 snakes, 2 lizards, 2 bats, and 2 squirrels come inside to visit us (it's like Noah's Ark!) Our last visitor was a squirrel -- not a very bright squirrel who came to our house while we were out of town during the holidays. I saw him standing in front of the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. I handled it really well because I am now used to these strange sightings. I grabbed Lenna and put her in the highchair, whispered "JASON" -- trying not to alert the squirrel. Palmer was sleeping in the car and Isaiah was trailing me -- begging to get to help chase "this one" out. As I said, this was not a very smart squirrel. . . The 3 of us (Jason, Isaiah, and I) tried for 15 minutes to shoo him out of the house. We opened all of the doors for an easy exit. We guarded the stairs and the baby chair, we tried as hard as we could to get him to run out of any of the doors. . . but he just kept running back and forth oblivious to the open doorways. Finally, he opted for hiding under the stove. So we got out our flashlights and looked under the stove, under the cabinets, in every hole we could fine. He must have found a way out (our house of logs obviously isn't airtight). We kept our ears open, knowing from past experience that a trapped squirrel is VERY loud. All was quiet. We were alone again. . . or so we thought.

3 weeks later. . . What is that smell coming from under the stove? Jason will have to find out tonight! Keep you posted!

Pictues from Lenna's first birthday

2008-01-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

the birthday girl with grandmommy Johns

the birthday girl being serenaded by granddaddy

look . . . CAKE!!!

my tongue

my cake

how much can I fit into my mouth?

I like mine with ice cream

You guys are crazy

Happy Birthday to me!

Ski Trip Pictures

2008-01-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Lenna's birthday party

Lenna and Mommy in the snow

in the hot tub with Aunt Emily

Can I ride on your shoulders?

here we go face first!

Isaiah on his sled

Palmer getting ready to throw a snowball

sledding with Daddy

Are we there yet?

2008-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

In preparation, for our "vacation," I meticulously packed the van with fun stuff for the boys to play with, I spent four hours cleaning the house, I made up travel games to play on the way to the mountains. I had planned to wake up singing and smiling my way through this day.
Needless to say, my boys decided to bring me back to reality. They have spent the morning fighting and crying, they dumped most of the toys on the floor of the van, they destsroyed every room I cleaned, and just for laughs -- Palmer dumped a bowl of spaghetti on his head during lunch. It's now time to take a 9 hour trip with these WILD boys.
I could cry... I've already yelled... Now, I think I'll just RELAX and thank God my children are normal, energetic, and healthy preschoolers (and thankfully, they're not always like this!)
So, here we go... this WILL be fun (because I said so!)

West Virginia here we come!

2008-01-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Only 2 more days until our ski trip!!! The boys (especially Jason) are so excited about the snow. Jason wakes up every morning to check the weather.... in West Virginia. They got 9.5 inches of snow yesterday---Yay! Palmer asks every hour or so, when we are going on the "Key Trip." He's so cute!!! So, Friday we embark on a 9 hour (or 10, 11, 12 hour) trip with a 4 year old, 2 year old , and almost 1 year old. Pray for us!!! Seriously, we are so thankful for the opportunity to spend time making such special memories with our family and get to show our kid's how awesome and beautiful God's world is. Also, there's something about the excitement of children that makes you feel like a kid again. Reliving the excitement of childhood is truly one of the greatest blessings of parenthood! I can't wait!

2008-01-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is the most recent picture I have of Lenna on the computer... I have 8 rolls of film waiting to be developed...(Yes, I know I should finally break down and get a digital camera)... And I have only gotten as far as week 2 in Lenna's scrapbook. So how can I ever get caught up??? Oh well, eventually it will all get done. In the meantime, this IS a precious picture even if it is eight months old. As soon as my soon-to-be famous photographer sister sends me some more photos, I'll post them. Until then, you'll have to enjoy old pictures. It's a good reminder of how fast our little ones grow and change.