Family Ties

A Different Kind of Blog

2010-09-13T21:06:00.003-05:00

Hope this peaks some interest! Jeff and I have started a new blog. No, we're not replacing this one. This new blog is intended as a launching pad for an up and coming ministry God has given us a vision for. I won't rewrite everything that is already on there, but I will ask you to please check it out. Look for it at t2mentoring.blogspot.com We are very excited about what God is showing us and leading us to do. Please join us in this new endeavor by keeping up with it and commenting. We're looking forward to blogging with you in both places! See you there!

New School Year, New School

2010-08-21T19:54:00.003-05:00

For some reason, I have completely gotten out of the habit of blogging...I think I will blame facebook. ;)

So much has gone on over the summer, I won't try to catch up. I think that, instead, I will just start new. That has what this summer has been about anyway: Starting anew in an old place. Its been a wonderful summer with a wonderful return to our old home, our old friends, and our old church! However, we are not returning to my 'old school' Nope, on Thursday I sent my two oldest children off to attend school at my old rival school. I've made jokes about it, but i never realized that it would really feel so strange taking them to Prairie Grove for open house. As we neared the football field, I was sure one of my former coaches was going to jump out and ask what in the world I was doing. Although, one of them is now the high school principal. I think he would at least approve of my change. My husband was blessed with a wonderful opportunity and. given the choice, I would have picked Prairie Grove. It is a wonderful school! I'm so excited for this year. The kids are very happy about their teachers as well.

Edana Rois, 7 years old, started the 2nd grade! I knew she'd be fine when we walked in her teachers room and it was decorated in zebra strips and she had pictures of her animals around the room. Declan. 3yrs old, is going to Growing God's Kingdom. This has to be one of the best preschools ever. Definitely the best in NWA!

Jeff's first day too! I am hoping he will blog about his new job and classroom soon. He is super excited about his great coworkers and the team atmosphere he has experienced in PG.

Last, but most definitely not least...Aidan Jeffrey, 5 yrs, started Kindergarten!! Doesn't seem like he should be that old, but I'm sure that is how all of the other parents were feeling as well. His teacher seemed just right for him. I'm praying he does wonderful and learns quickly. (I'm pretty confident that he will.) He has already decided to be a tiger through and through...mostly because his favorite color is yellow. He did experience a little culture shock though. Thursday night at dinner he told us with great astonishment, "do you know, there are no Hispanic kids in my class." "really?" I asked, not really surprised. "was everyone white?" "yes!" he said with an expression that could only be describe as flabbergasted. Then Edana chimed in to say, "my class looked like when they used to send people with different skin colors to different schools." Prairie Grove lacks a little in the diversity area...however, we just have to go up the road a ways and Fayetteville has more diversity in a few blocks than most of the whole state has. Thankfully our church has a little diversity (mostly Hispanic) to share. I'd hate my kids to grow up without any. I want them to feel that its just normal for all races and walks of life to be able to come together and worship as one. That is, after all, how God intended it, and heaven will be that way!

Overall, the transition has gone very smooth. We are so blessed. God opened this door and has supplied all of the needs along the way. We do miss the church family in Warren. We had a wonderful group of teens that we were blessed to lead for a short time. We will be sure to make special trips to see everyone. Jeff's hoping that will be in the fall, so that he combine a little hunting with said trip. haha. Maybe we'll be able to pull that off, but one thing is certain, we'll be heading south before too long. I love that with each new venture God presents us, our spiritual family grows!

A little piece of my heart

2010-01-25T09:23:00.003-06:00

As I checked my facebook this morning I noticed a linked that Dane Hall and posted. It was about Haiti and Convoy of Hope, so I had to take a look. It was a great article. I was peirced with the imagery of his words. The final sentence states, "After all, the street is no place for a little princess with a broken leg." How frightening to think of. Thank goodness, she has a father determined to keep them alive and safe. Then my mind began to wander. What if that was one of my little princesses? As seems to be the path my mind takes most often lately, I began to think of all the little princesses right here in our own country that will spend the night on the streets. Sadly, many of them don't have a father to look out for them, or a family to cling to in the cold night. Sadly, many of them don't know where they will get their next meal, or if they will be abused before the day is over. Their stories are horrific, yet we forget they exist. Why? Because we have learned in life, that homeless people are nasty old men who are either druggies or alcoholics. The truth is, there is a large number of women, broke, unemployed, under educated, alone, and desperate with childern that they can't care for. The truth is, they are in your own hometown. Yes, I'd imagine that even Hermitage, AR has some. Maybe in a small town they are more likely to have someone take them in, but they are still without a home of their own. As you can tell, my heart is very burdened on this subject. I'm not sure what God is wanting to show me or how he is wanting to use me, but I know He is messing with my schema again. No, we're not planning to pack up anytime soon...unless God tells us to do so. ;) In the future, however, I think He will be sending us somewhere to work with these kind of people. For the present, I think he is wanting us to work with the ones right here in Bradley County. "How?" is my only question. As I pray for a vision for the place God has put me, I ask a favor of my readers. Please, let God open your eyes to the needs in your own community, and then, ask him for a vision of your own. Maybe you are blessed with an income that allows you to give or an education that allows you to help or a heart of compassion that allows you to love the unloveable. (read Romans 12:4-9) Whatever the case, He needs you to be useable and He created you to be useable as well.

Phases

2009-10-09T18:54:00.002-05:00

Jeff and I will have been married for 8 years in April, and for 6 years we have been in the baby phase. Diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, baby beds, pacifiers, diaper bags, and baby food have been a constant companion. For close to a year we have been bottle and formula free. I'm not sure wipes will ever go away, but in the last few weeks we have moved from diapers to pull-ups for the last time, sold the baby bed and let Caity eat peanut butter(one of the last things we give in introducing new foods) As of today we are a pacifier free house. It wasn't so much a decision we made as a natural depletion of availability. In other words, she lost the last one last night. She isn't very happy about the transition. She loved those pacies! In order to make up for losing her pacy she decided to improvise a replacement. It is a toy ring Edana uses for playing dress up! She wasn't very happy about me trying to take it away either. She finally gave it up, but we'll have to watch her.She isn't the only one transitioning. Aidan turned five in Sept and I went to his parent teacher conf. this week. He can write his first and last name and is starting to recognize words. He works the computer as well as some adults! Last night he was looking at transformers, and Jeff thought he'd clicked the wrong thing. He said, "You need to let me help you. You're on the shopping part not the games." Aidan's reply was, "I meant to look at the ones you can buy, daddy!" Edana is really growing too. School hasn't been as great for her, but she isn't too concerned as long as it doesn't mess with her social life. (She has officially learned the frustrations of getting grounded) She thinks she is a rock start, or at least is supposed to dress like one. She has asked numerous times about dying her hair. We compromised and let her wear it pink for crazy hair day. **Note** If you ever need to color hair some crazy bright color and don't have time and/or money to buy the spray-in kind, markers are great and was out in one wash!

Declan will be three next month. He'll be starting school after his big birthday. I have to admit I'm ready. He is so energetic and smart. Life is definitely not dull with him around. If he is ever quite in means he is reading, coloring, or playing with playdough/clay. The question is, what he is coloring on or where he is sticking the clay! As I am writing he has dumped out the blue sand where the kids are doing sand art and is spreading it over the table. However, I can strap him in his seat and he'll spend hours, literally, playing play dough. I feel a little sorry for his teachers. He isn't Aidan, and I hope they aren't thinking he will be! He isn't a bad kid, he just has to be redirected ALOT! He is so excited about being able to play with Aidan and his friends during the day.

It really is official. I have no babies left. I have a little girl, two preschoolers, and a toddler. The final remnant of our baby days is the hand-me-down tandem stroller that we use everyday. I will use that thing until Dec just absolutely can not fit and his feet drag the ground! I love my big kids and am so glad we have two of each. It is the perfect family for us. I'm excited about this next stage in our life and pray we will be God focused parents that can train our children in the way(their own specific way) that they are supposed to go!

My BIG Boy

2009-09-28T22:13:00.007-05:00

aidan's lion. not sure why he drew it sideways

My little flame (that's what Aidan means) turned five last Tuesday. I'm not sure how he got to be that old overnight. Time has flown! I believe we named him well. At times he can be the calming factor in our rambunctious clan, then he turns around and heats things up. He has become an extremely imaginative artist. The picture above is one of his many from the paint program on our computer. My favorite thing with him is to sit and watch him draw on Jeff's dry erase board. He doesn't just draw a picture. He draws a story and the whole picture comes to life. Its so much fun just to let him go at it for about 15-20 minutes. He'll have the whole lower half of Jeff's board covered from one end to the other! Here is a little picture tribute to my 5 year old!He is pretty proud of his #14 Sam Bradford jersey!

1st birthday! I believe the boys still play with that truck and car!

Aunt Shelly giving him his first haircut. 1 year old.

Christmas 2005 - 15mos. old

New year's day 2006- 15mos old

Easter 2006- 18 mos old

Summer 07- 2 years old He is Pawpaw's boy! he's going to hate this picture some day!!

A little too big for the sing, but a 2 1/2 he just didn't quite have the balance for a regular swing.

I think he was getting ready to throw that grass clod at his sister.... SUPERMAN!!! Halloween 2008- 4 years old Thanksgiving 2008- 4 yrs old 5th Birthday- practicing his end zone dance.

I wish I had pictures to show from infant to now, but I didn't have a digital camera until Aidan was two and a lot of them are on my mom's computer up north! (I've officially lived here too long if I'm referring to northwest Arkansas as up north) This is what I did find of my Big guy. I say big because he is. At nine months Aidan wore 2t clothes and was the average size of a two year old. Its slowed down a little. At age five he was only the size of a six year old. He's bigger than most of Edana's buddies at school. She only has maybe a half inch on him! He is consistently off the chart for height and at the 95th percentile in weight. He's a gentle giant though. Not as laid back as his daddy, but he loves to cuddle and take care of people/things. He is so sweet and when he looks at you with those big brown eyes you kinda forget that he could ever do anything mischievous.

Riddle me this....

2009-09-22T13:26:00.003-05:00

mommy studying while kids are awake will result in.....

Caity may be the closest to the camera, but the brains(and brawn) of the operation is in the back ground. She just got caught enjoying the ride. Is this a foreshadowing of life with Dec and Rileigh? Hmmm???

On Feelings and Foundations

2009-07-11T22:53:00.002-05:00

I sit here in my mom's living room, clothes stacked and waiting to be packed, and thinking. An hour or two ago, I was ready to be on our way, with images of my king sized bed and velvety bedding awaiting me. Telling Jeff about new thoughts and ideas for ways to reach our community. Now I'm assailed by emotions I would have thought had been overcome by now. I'm homesick and we haven't even left yet. I realize its only been one year. What is a year compared to 17. I'm not sure time really matters totally. I have an inexplicable feeling of coming home as we round the curve into Westville on hwy 62. We haven't lived there in 20 years. Most of the people we knew have changed and/or moved on, but still I feel the connection. I guess because that is the place where my faith was formed and my family is founded...well, my mom's family. All that is to say, I think the writer who stated "you can't go home again..." was wrong. Maybe its hard. You change when you're away, but home is supposed to be there waiting, even if its just for a visit. In some cases, maybe visiting is all that will ever happen, but visit we will. Although, our two week visits seem so long, in the end, they are never long enough. I am ready for my bed, ready for my space, ready to see our youth and church family, but I leave here wishing I had more time. I will be home again, for holidays, summer trips, and "just because." I will be homesick at times, as well, but God used a new friend at camp to speak into my life about that too! So tomorrow morning when we get the kids around and have to drag them out the door, I will remember the joy of the Lord is my strength. I do not serve him based on my feelings, for they are fleeting and changeable. I serve Him because He is Lord of all and Lord of my life. I will follow the road He puts before me, not because it is easy and desirable, but because I have lived with His presence in my life and I have life without it. I never want to be in that place again. My life is truly not my own! In my own hands it is simply folly, but in His hands He can use the "foolish things of this world to confound the wise" To God be the glory!!

How Time Flys

2009-07-09T19:11:00.007-05:00

If there is one thing that can't be missed during a trip Meemaw and Pawpaw's house, its playing at the mall! My kids think it is the best thing ever. Yeah, their experiences are limited, but Hey! they're easy to please!!

I remember teasing Jeff about his ten year reunion the year we got married....he was SO old! Ha! That was until mine came this summer. I didn't have any gray hair for mine, and if i had, no body would have seen it! I'm just teasing Jeff. I actually like his gray hair, and he isn't going to dye his...hopefully! We had a great time at the reunion. We met at P.G. for family time. It was great to see all of their families. I have to say our class has some cute kids. Unfortunately, I was too busy socializing and keeping up with Rileigh Cait to take pictures. this is the only one I actually took. Jessica did an excellent job taking pictures, thankfully!

That night was for adults only. We rarely have actual date nights, so it was extra special spending it with my old school friends!These were my girls, Amanda, Kristen, me, Tab. We were missing Amanda and Tania

me, Melissa, and Jessica.

Jarrod, me, and Jessica. Jarrod was my hero in high school, but I think he must have gotten taller...I don't remember being that short!

Tab and I had to relive our typical Sat night activity! It was so funny. Neither of us have gotten any better, but it was still hilarious! I think Jeff and I won because her or Heather knocked the eight ball in the wrong pocket! We also had a great time getting to know Heather's husband Matt.

Jeff had fun too. Kristen's husband, Steven, and Matt made for great company. It was a wonderful time. I hope we see them all again before the next ten years!

Pictures

2009-03-19T19:23:00.009-05:00

I haven't really posted since Christmas, so I thought I'd share a few new pictures! Papa time! Jeff and I were having as much fun as the kids!

NO! I didn't slide. I just sent Rileigh slowly down to Jeff.

Now for the important part....the Kids!

Edana isn't a baby at all anymore. She is a beautiful little girl, stubborn and independent but vulnerable and attached at the hip.

I love watching her paint. She "lives for crafting" Oh the emotions of girls.

We chopped her hair. Back to the independent thing. She wanted to do it herself, so I gave her hair she could do herself. Well, I didn't the hairdresser did. She really is beautiful!

Aidan is such a sweetheart! And a fireball at times. Guess it goes with the name! Not to mention Edana can talk him into all kinds...

He is also very creative! His imagination is crazy! This painting ended up being Mr. Tumnus.

Declan is growing so much and learning like crazy. He knows his colors at 2! It makes me very proud.

He loves painting too. If possible I think he may be more active than ever!

He's super cute and super ornery!

Rileigh Cait turned one in Feb.!

She was reaching for her pacifier. She REALLY likes that thing.

I must have a hunderd pics like this. I never get tired of seeing all the kids piled on top of Jeff reading their bedtime story!

They ae so awesome! And they are all getting so BIG!!

Jeff cleaning fish, still flopping in the bag, straight from the river that a neighbor brought us one night. Finally ate them they other day. They were great!The kids were fascinated, of course. It was probably 70degrees that night. We ended up having an unexpectedly silly, fun night.

She wanted out with them so bad!

In Bed

2009-03-14T20:02:00.005-05:00

That's where I am. That's where I've been for two whole days now! Two days! AHHHH!!!! okay, so that was a little dramatic. Anyway, for a few details you can check out Jeff's blog. I finally convinced him to start his own. This one was a little mushy, but since it was about me, I didn't mind! haha!

Some may say I'm living it up right now. My pain levels are fairly mild. I'm just weak as a kitten...no, weaker. At the moment, I'm propped on a mound of pillows, nicely drugged (enough to dull the pain without making me out of it), eating gumbo, and have the laptop all to myself. As nice as it sounds, its driving me crazy. I can hear mom watching bull riding in the office and Jeff and the kids watching Cars in the living room. I'm way to social to sit in the room by myself. I tried sitting in the living room, but inevitably I moved around too much and made myself hurt again.

The kids have handle things pretty well. Rileigh and Declan don't really know whats going on, but Edana and Aidan have been very informed. Edana has said she is going to be a nurse since she was barely three years old. Aidan says he is going to be a preacher. We never try to tell our kids what they should say, so I was very surprised when Aidan announced he wants to be a preacher. What is funny is he says I'm going to be a preacher and... the and usually changes, but always he says a preacher. there is a point to my ramblings! Friday afternoon when Jeff got me settled into bed I asked to see the kids. Edana came in asked to see my bandages, asked a few questions and said she'd come back later. Aidan climbed up on the bed and talked to me for about 15min. He climbed off the bed, patted my foot and said I'm going to leave you alone now. My Nurse and My Preacher. It was so fitting of them! I hope I can be a good enough parent to always encourage those gifts that God has placed in them from birth. Parenting can be so humbling!

Jeff has had it a lot harder than I have through this ordeal. I mean, I've been the one not feeling well and that had surgery, but Jeff has had to deal with a tired, achy, hormonal wife for the last ten months. the last three being the roughest, the point of me not hardly being able to exercise and gaining back the weight I'd worked so hard to get off. I should have gone to the doctor sooner, but that goes back to that bad patient thing. Already I feel better, surgery pains aside. The last few days, Jeff has had to do all the cleaning and taking care of the kids himself. I think dad took care of the cooking though. Next week, he'll be at Hermitage with the oldest two kids, and I'll be here with mom and dad and the youngest two kids. Jeff will have made three trips back and forth by the time its all over. I wouldn't say Jeff is spoiled, but he has a stay home wife. I am very big on the fact that my job is the housework and I try to do as much as I can. Jeff works hard and often ends up getting very little sleep. (Hopefully that will get better as he adjust to doing lesson plans more quickly) Not being used to doing as much of the housework on top of his job and taking care of a helpless woman who doesn't like waiting on help can be a little overwhelming. He might not admit it but he'll need lots of prayers over the next few weeks. Well, My words aren't making sense to me anymore. Meds must be getting to me. Check out Jeff's blog!

Home Again, Home Again...

2009-03-08T18:18:00.003-05:00

I wouldn't say I'm hardheaded exactly...well, not set in my ways, but maybe a little stubborn. Ha! People who know me best are laughing right now. That said...I'll tell you about the subtle changing of my mind. It only took nine years! Nine years ago in Feb, I came home one Saturday, between my split shifts at Charlie's Chicken, to find an empty house. I did the best thing I could think to do...I took a nap! My parents came home and woke me up with what they thought to be exciting news. They had bought a trailer and we were going to move to Brentwood! I was furious. How could they make that kind of a decision without me! (did I mention I was 17 and the baby of the family-yeah) What on earth would make them crazy enough to move out in the country to this ..... I took these shots when mom and dad were moving into their new house. The intent was to blow them up and frame them.

At some point that decision that made me so furious became home. We came in last night about 5:30p.m. When Jeff turned into the drive Edana, her most mothering voice, said, "Do you know where we are?" Aidan promptly answered, "We're home, its our trailer!" Strangely enough, I felt the same way. Maybe it took me a while, but this little valley, has grown on me. In my devotional the other night it asked a question, "what is your favorite spot outside?" Without warning, I started crying....I know I'm a baby. But it made me so homesick. This is my favorite spot...not really the prettiest, but my favorite.... I'm home for a few weeks. Jeff and the oldest two are going to be back and forth. I'll be having surgery Thursday, so please keep me in your prayers, but I intend to enjoy being outside as much as the weather allows!

The change in me..W.O.W.!

2009-01-02T13:43:00.004-06:00

In April I started attending W.O.W. fitness classes at Trinity Fellowship. It is a free ministry offered to the women of northwest arkansas. They now offer cardio/dance style classes, strength/fitness classes, and kickboxing style classes. The classes are held at Trinity Fellowship in building B weekday mornings at 8 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 4:30 and Friday evenings at 5:30. Not only are you getting a chance to have FREE fitness classes, but you have an opportunity to have the support of average women just like yourself. The classes are taught by Tammy Hill (she started the ministry) and a few of the ladies who started taking classes under Tammy and now are capable of teaching them. (They aren't certified, just self-taught, but the results can't be argued with!) If you live in the area, check them out. Its not just a bunch of ladies who go to church at Trinity Fellowship. Other women from the community come as well. Donations and fundraisers make it possible to have the free classes. Now for my testimonial. The other night at the end of Cardio Groove, the instructor, Debbie Eden, played a song as we were stretching out. The simple gist of the song was that they weren't who they used to be. I started tearing up as I thought about who I had been. I don't have pictures, but in high school I was very skinny. I got this way by not eating. My senior year, I got sick. Mom took me to the doctor and the first thing he said was, "you have to gain 10lbs." I felt like I'd been slapped in the face. I didn't have good eating habits to fall back on. I either ate or I didn't. I gained about 20lbs in the next year. When I met Jeff I was a size nine. By our wedding day I was a 14. I had no idea how to get it off. Pregnancy just made it worse. After having Declan, I started really trying to eat better...I wasn't very good at it. I was a size 18! After 6 months, I finally lost one size. I was so pumped...then I realized I was pregnant again. I made a promise to myself to not gain too much weight. I gained 25 and when I went for my four week checkup I was 6lbs less than when I got pregnant. As soon as the doc said I was good, I started attending the W.O.W. classes. Tammy doesn't just teach fitness, she is constantly sending out e-mails loaded with great health living tips. This picture is me a month after Declan was born. I was pathetic. I'm usually behind the camera, so this is the best example I could find of me now. This was taken in June. Just 2 months into the classes. That is a size 14!! Back to where I was when Jeff and I got married.

We moved in August and I've had a struggle trying to do it on my own. There is a lot to be said for support. Especially outside support. (Its a little unfair to ask your husband and family to play the role of trainer and conscience) I actually got to a size 12, but I gained back to a fourteen. (the time changed making it harder to get to run and my dvd player broke, so I couldn't do my videos.) Plus having those specific times to workout made it easier for me. Doing it on my own, well, there's always a kid needing me or housework to do. I miss the classes. Jeff and I have set a schedule..and we got a dvd player for the kids for Christmas, so I can get back on track. Working out makes such a difference in me as a mom, wife, and christian. I can't even begin to describe it. Try it yourself, and if you live in the area, check out the W.O.W. classes. They are a Godsend!

What's up with that!

2008-12-27T20:48:00.005-06:00

Have you ever really wanted something and every time you thought you were going to get it something happened. Edana loves animals and has wanted a puppy since she was big enough to ask for one. After 3 tries, Jeff and I decided it just wasn't happening. Well, if there is one thing that Edana is, its persistent. She has begged and begged. She proved responsible this summer with the stray cat dad took in. Even now when we're visiting she feeds "her cat" every day. After our last visit Jeff and I had a talk. Maybe now was the time. We could afford to take care of a dog properly, Edana is bigger and has shown responsibility, why not! Jeff looked at the dogs online. I called the pound and talked to them about the dogs Jeff picked out. This was our first choice. His name is Scooter. A sweet black lab mix. We were going to rename him Boomer. Unfortunately he was terrified when we got home. we tried for 3 days. It hid behind the toilet seat or under the step. Finally we took him back. As soon as he was back at the pound, he was happy as, well... a puppy. Shelly said he must have been suicidal!

This was number two! Our sweet wonderful perfect puppy! They told us it was a girl. Upon further inspection he was a boy! Alex helped us name her Darcy. He was just right. He was young but not too wild. The only thing he did was whine to come in and get tangled on his run. (He had fleas and was too young for meds, so he lived outside.) He was so cute. After we had him a couple weeks, thinking he was 8 weeks old, we got some frontline and took care of the fleas. We brought him to mom and dad's with us last Sunday. He did pretty good in the van, but we discovered something on the way. He was wormy. OH! That grosses me out. Not too big, I'd go get him some meds the next morning, right? Unfortunately the next morning didn't come. My sis-in-law said it was probably the worms(hopefully it wasn't the frontline), but when I went out to put him in the trailer (that's where we're sleeping this trip) he was laying almost dead out by our van. I wrapped him up and let him die. It was so sad. Edana was so upset. I took her out and let her tell him "bye." I don't what most would think of that but I thought it would help her understand.

Wish I understood. Maybe we're not meant to have a dog. The kids have already asked if they could have a new one, but I get attached to this puppies. I'm not sure I want to keep trying. Would you keep trying or just take it as a sign you shouldn't have one.

Pictures of the kids

2008-12-26T09:33:00.007-06:00

Apparently people don't read my blog for football information. So here you go. The real reason people read. My Kiddos! They are worth checking out. I may be bias, but you can judge for yourself! They're so fun! Edana Rois! Yep! That's my girl. Papaw is raising her right! Wow! She's getting so big.

So big and so beautiful! And she loves animals. This was her puppy "Darci" She, umm..., went to heaven this week, but that's another post.

Mommy and her girl. She's so much fun! She's just crazy.

Aidan Jeffrey!

Aren't you supposed to sit on the couch this way. Oh well, check out my homemade sling shot. There is always a need for a cape!

School buddies!

Aidan's Christmas concert. It was a special performance just for us! He cracks me up.

Super strong!

Declan Eghan!

Can't you just see it in another 18 years or so? A biker and an artist!

He's my stinker! This 2 year old talks better than most 3 yr olds, and he definitely keeps us hopping. His latest game is his imaginary friend, Max. I didn't know 25mo old kids could have those! He's hilarious!

Really he just like his picture taken. Who needs a special reason!

What are you looking at? I'm not getting into anything. Would I do that?

Rileigh Cait!

Yep, she's growing! And Daddy is already teaching her about superheroes!

Her first spaghetti!Pumpkin head!So pretty!Notice the earlobe! She has earrings now!! Oh, she's so girly!!

Bedlam!

2008-11-29T23:09:00.005-06:00

Its 11 o'clock, and we're coming down from a "Bedlam high" Some of you out there may be deprived of knowledge of what Bedlam is. Let me explain. Oklahoma Sooners vs. OSU Cowboys! This game is never a sure win...well, some years it is. Its way intense! Tonight was awesome! They played it close for a while, but the Sooners wore the Cowboys out in the end. They put a beatin' on 'em! Okay, I can't find words. I'm pumped. Now we wait for the stupid BCS to decide the fate of who will play for the big 12 championship. You know where my vote would be. As for votes...this guy gets my vote for the Heisman! SAM BRADFORD!! There is a chooch (Cherokee for boy) out there that can make something out of himself! Makes me proud. Indian or not this boy is hot on the field. McCoy's got nothing! I love football! Makes me miss my grandma. She would've been doing some hollerin' tonight! Guess I come by it naturally!

Friends, Fire, and Football

2008-10-24T16:22:00.004-05:00

That was what last weekend consisted of. We went to mom and dad's as soon as Jeff walked across the street from school. It was a GREAT weekend. Shelly and Bailey were there when we got there. We got around Sat and went to town, and I had my hair chopped off. It's super fun! I wish I could put a pic on here. After that we met some friends from church and went trail riding. I love riding horses. It has been nine years, and terrible accident later, but I still love it! I have to say it seemed a bit unnatural walking them in a straight line. It would have felt good to run. We got home just before the crew started to arrive...Every year we have a fall party complete with fire, hayrides, and this year a projector screen to watch the Hogs lose on. (no, that wasn't sarcasm...okay, maybe it was. BTW. Sooners won!!) The party was huge! Not sure how many came but it was a blast. It was awesome to spend time with my friends, The Jeff and Shawnna came early, so Shelly got to see Brayden and Dec together. For some reason the hayride was hayless this year but we had fun! Sunday we had a fish fry at church. We also got to take a tour of the new facilities too. The are WOW!!! I can't wait to see it finished. Well, I've run out of time. We're going to a football game tonight. The boys get almost as excited as their mommy! That gives me hope! I really need a football player or two in the family. Maybe Rileigh will want to be a trainer or something!! Have a good weekend.

Sweet Success!

2008-10-08T16:17:00.047-05:00

Okay, in this case it may be stinking success, but success all the same. Declan is potty trained!! We haven't used pull ups in over two weeks. I'm really proud of him. For all of you mom's looking forward to that stage....I wish I could tell you some trick I used, but the fact is its all on Declan. I did the same thing I did with Edana and Aidan. Everytime, I got different results. Edana took a few months, Aidan took about a year, and Declan took a couple of weeks. I have one baby in diapers now and no more on the way!!!! I can't begin to tell you how wonderful that is. I have no pictures for this blog, but things are going well! Rileigh Cait is growing like crazy! She has two teeth now, and can roll just about anywhere that she wants. Edana is playing fall t-ball. She is definitely a newbie! The coach is great! He just calmly goes over how she needs to do things until she gets it. She might get pretty good in time, with some practice. Edana is still loving school. Poor Aidan still doesn't have much to do. He is making a few friends and he follows Edana to her friends. Aidan was trying to get out of going to school for about a week there, but he seems better now. They are both really picking up the accent. Cracks me up! Its homecoming week this week, so the town is buzzing! Jeff somehow managed to get elected m.c. I guess they figured he should do it since he is the speech teacher. We have a parade Friday and they have a special ceremony then as well as that night at the football game. They announce the queen the day they announce who all is in it, so its not a suprise the night of the game. That seems a little anit-climatic to me. Well, I guess that is about all. Oh me, I'm not doing much. Cleaning house, chasing kids, cooking dinner.... I do sneak across the street and hang out with my new friend when I can, and of course I always have running. As a matter of fact, I might go do that right now. Have a good day!!

Finally

2008-09-20T17:28:00.005-05:00

I guess I had to come all the way back to Winslow to blog... The transition to our new life in smallville is going quite well. I'm finding I kinda like small town life. If there is one thing I've learned about Hermitage, it is that hermits they are not. Most everyone has been very friendly. Edana is loving school. Her teacher seems really nice and she's made several friends. She even went to her first slumber party. Aidan is going to head start. He seems to like it as well. He mostly just talks about one little boy being his friend. Declan and Rileigh are just stuck with me at home. We actually have a lot of fun during the day. Dec is potty training now and Rileigh is trying really hard to figure out how to get mobile. So I'm just working hard to keep the floor clean! The people have been welcoming. Its definitely a more ethnically diverse area, but there doesn't seem too much division. There is some of course, but I guess that would be Utopia if there was none. We've made friends with our neighbors across the street. They are the pastors at the baptist church in town, and just a couple of years older than me. Their oldest is in first grade and has become one of Edana's favorite friends. They also have a girl about to turn 3, and a boy just a couple of months younger than Declan. Praise God for new friends! It has really made things easier. Jeff likes the school. He took another praxis this month for teaching speech. He'll have to take another in Jan for drama, and he's going to start tutoring after school. He keeps pretty busy, but not terrible so. He's finally figuring out a system for doing his lesson plans that keeps him from working til three in the morning! Not that Jeff would need much excuse to stay up late. Sometimes I think he must just dislike sleeping or something. He tries to stay up so late. Stresses me out! I like sleep too much for that! We've also agreed to work with the youth at the Assembly of God in Warren. Not sure as to what extent that will be, but we'll have to see. We plan to sit down with the pastor and discuss things more, but we will be at least teaching the Sunday school class after this weekend. For this weekend, we get to be back at Trinity! That has been the hardest part of moving. Trinity Fellowship is one of the best churches ever, and having to leave has been very hard. The people at our new church are very attentive, but our relationships with our friends at Trinity were so deep. I miss them greatly! I wouldn't take the move back. Its been good for us, and its been an adventure. Sometimes the hardest endeavors in our lives can turn out to be the most exciting, rewarding adventures. Knowing God is directing our way, makes it all the more worth it! Of course, it also helps that I'm on these adventures with Jeff! I love him so much!

Aidan is our reason for making a trip to "slow town" so soon. He was given the option of a party at the park or one with his papaw. He chose the obvious! I love the jaw-dropped expression in the picture below. He just realized he'd gotten a new batman! His birthday is actually on Monday, so we'll cook him a special dinner then and give him the presents we got him. I can't wait to see his expression when he sees his new "Bucky" (for those of you who don't have husbands or sons with a super hero obsession...Bucky is Capt. America's sidekick originally.)Dec, ever the egocentric toddler thought the batman car should be for him. That's always a fun lesson to teach!Rileigh Cait is practicing for future bull riding. Mom starts them young you know!The only quiet time I have most days is when Dec gets a book out. All of the kids love books. Fitting for kids of an English teacher I suppose. Having books such as Great Expectations, Book of the Dun Cow, LOTR and various other books read to them aloud might have helped that along.Maybe I'll actually make it to the library to blog again soon. Its hard to make it there when its only open on Mon, Wed, and Fri. Then I have to chose between running or blogging, and well blogging doesn't help my clothes size go down. I am proud to say I have lost a total of 22lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. I am officially a size 12! (never thought I'd be proud to admit that) Two more sizes to reach my ideal goal. Not long after high school I cried because I had to wear a nine. Oh how things change. I'm much more self confident now. With God, Jeff, and Tammy Hill I have overcome a lot of self image issues. Life isn't perfect, but it sure is good!

Becoming a Hermit

2008-08-09T17:05:00.002-05:00

Well, it was official Thursday morning. Jeff took at job in Hermitage, AR as the english, speech, and drama teacher. I'm sure all of you are saying "where is that," because that is what everyone else has said. I'd try to tell you, but most likely you won't know the small towns around it either. Its an hour south of Pine Bluff. Everyone wants to know how we feel about it, but I don't know. I'm a little apprehensive about moving so quickly, and to be honest, i've been so stressed trying to move in such a short time, I don't know. I kinda like moving. For those of you who have known me for a long time, you know, i've been trying to leave NWA for a long time. Didn't really intend to leave it for South Ark, but it'll be fun. We'll be together and Jeff will have a good job. Its a small quiet town, so that should be nice! I'll blog more before we actually head out. Well, Jeff is heading out tomorrow. Inservice starts monday, and the rest of us will follow in a few days! For now, I have major packing to do.

Special Aunt Shelly Edition

2008-08-02T12:43:00.004-05:00

These are for Aunt Shelly. I'm sure she doesn't need an explanation, but for the rest of you, I'll clarify. Edana is wearing an outfit that Bailey practically lived in, in Kindergarten. Now, my baby fits in it. As for babies....Shelly bought the Strawberry Shortcake for Edana's first birthday, and Rileigh Cait is wearing it now at 5 months old! Crazy kid completely skipped 6-9mo clothes and went straight to 12mo! They sure are pretty girls though!

I think I embarrassed Edana a little in this picture. Oh well! Yes, by the way, the pants are supposed to be capris on Rileigh, it worked better on a walking, one year old!

Unemployed in Greenland

2008-08-01T10:25:00.005-05:00

With one week until teachers go back to school, Jeff has a couple of potential jobs but no actual offers. The places currently showing intrest are places we'd have to move to in order for him to take the job. We knew that was a possibility when he started this venture, but I thought I'd have a little more time to make a move happen. We'd have to get on the ball too because Edana is starting kindergarten. Wow! I think it must be impossible for us to do anything the easy way. We really need everyone's prayers.

As far as other things go, we've had a fun summer. I'm a little sad to see it end. At least the end of summer means the start of football season! Its been a full summer with playdates, birthday parties, and of course company...aunt shelly, uncle shawn, and cousins!

Dec and Brayden had a great, messy time playing together. They are so cute together!This is Brock, him and his sister, Attalie, came for a play date. I think Brock would have taken Rileigh home with him. He loved holding her!Edana's best friend from church, Abigail, had a princess party. You can see in the picture, Edana didn't want to dress up like the rest of the girls. She made her own princess outfit.I finally got a picture of the boys with Aunt Shelly! Uncle Shawn's picture with Aidan is just what it looks like. He hosed him off after Shelly gave him a haircut.

Most of the summer, we just had fun around the house. We do have a great place out here! Rileigh Cait has hit a couple of milestones this last month as well! She rolled over from her back to her belly. She's doing it all the time now. She has started eating baby cereal! She does really well, too!Well, Dec is yelling to get out of his chair, not that he yells or anything! I better go help Jeff!

For your viewing entertainment.

2008-07-30T19:15:00.003-05:00

As you can see, Declan has his own version of how animals sound. I only got a couple, but he is hillarious! Jeff says his frog is a bull frog and his immitation of a dog comes from watching Roxie.

Sick and Mourning

2008-06-27T19:59:00.005-05:00

Perky title I know, but I'm not too perky today either. I have been running a fever since Monday evening. Tues Jeff made me go to the doctor, but when I got there the fever was gone and the Doc was more concerned with the stomach cramps i having every time I ate. He did some blood work and gave me some zantac until the results came back. By the time I left the pharmacy I was chilling again, and when I got home, I was on fire. We waited until Thursday, the fever persisted so Jeff took me back to the doctor. The triage nurse sent me straight to the lab for a urine analysis. I had a very severe UTI. I wasn't symptomatic at all. Shelly found that strange but mom said two of my aunts did that and ended up in the hospital it got so bad. Thank God, Jeff made me see the doc. I'm not very good about going, and I hate taking meds. Believe me, I'll take these despite the fact they are HUGE! I can't remember be so weak from just a fever, but I had to lay down after going to the bathroom and fixing a cup of coffee this morning. I can already feel myself getting better though!

On a happy note Jeff went to Orientation today and will have his classes in Van Buren. Please pray God makes a way for us to get another car. Jeff's little escort died, so one car when we'll be going two opposite directions could be tricky. We really just aren't wanting to go in debt for another vehicle when the van is almost payed off. I'd rather be debt free than drive something fancy. It just needs to be reliable.

The mourning part, well, one of my dearest friends married and orthodox priest this past weekend, so I doubt she'll be able to come around as much any more. They aren't moving, but they won't be at our church, obviously, and its a fact of ministry...she'll be busy, very busy.

And my sweet precious Sarah, and Mike too, moved away. I'm having a very hard time with that. We(Jeff, the kids, and I) have an extremely special relationship with Mike and Sarah. We've been blessed with so many friends since coming to NWA 4 1/2 yrs ago. Sadly it has dwindle one couple after another moving away. Now, out of the original crew there is us, the Clarks, and Angie. New friends have been added as well, like the Hickmans, and well...several more. Thankfully, they come back to visit, and Mike and Sarah moved to one the best/cheapest places to take kids on a vacation. Next Summer's vacation is already planned...Shelly's for a week, Sarah's for a week, and we'll see where Jason is before we can add him to the list. Although my parents bought a timeshare, so maybe the sibs can just meet in the middle, and have enough room for all eleven kids. Although a strange phenomenon seems to happen when we get together. All the kids end up getting sick when the get home. I've decided its homesickness for their cousins. (Not really) That many kids swapping germs, its bound to happen.

okay, for some perkier news....Rileigh Cait is now four months old, and weighs 14 lbs and is 4/5 of inch from 25 inches. Dr. Livingston just kept telling Jeff, "she's just so tall." She's big like Aidan was. I'm already praying that she won't be self-conscious about her size. Anyway. the chills are coming back, so I'm finishing. Sorry I didn't really explain the pictures above! Maybe I'll add to it when I feel better. Oh, and by the "weigh" I've lost 13 lbs and 2 clothes sizes! That is positive.

Should Be Working

2008-06-08T19:39:00.007-05:00

Saturday was designated "finish moving day," but things didn't quite go as planned. Jeff's little car died on his way to get Brandon's truck and the rest of our big stuff. Mom and Dad haven't finished getting their stuff out of the trailer yet, so I gave up for a while. It was a lot more fun outside with the kiddos! The big kids played in the sprinkler. Dec was more interested in what Pawpaw was doing over by the shed. Caity was just having fun hanging out in her bouncy and feeling the breeze. She really is a laid back baby most of the time.

For my two or three faithful readers sorry its been a while. Here is what has kept us so busy in May......

Edana graduated from preschool...twice. And promoted from Rainbows to Daisies

Pamela's baby shower. Only about a month until Rileigh Cait's best friend will be born!

We bid farewell to the ranch with Jeff's last day...I'll blog more about that later. A very difficult bittersweet event. We may not be there, but our hearts could never fully leave. Especially our wonderful friends, that are more like family.

We finally got to a point where Mom and Dad started moving! Yippee!!!!!!!!

Rileigh is growing like crazy! Not quite four months and already starting to out grow her 3-6mo clothes. She is now sleeping in her baby bed in her room with Edana, and she can get hold of her toys and play!

Declan has improved his climbing ability. Now Rileigh isn't safe anywhere!

Aidan started school last week too!

My incredibly, amazingly intelligent husband got his praxis scores back. His scores were great of course, so hopefully he'll start getting called for interviews. Until then, he's playing Mr. Mom, staying home while I work for the summer. I took a job with a lady in our church, Debbie Eden. She has a cleaning business. Boy! I thought I cleaned hard at home. I should really loose weight working for her and doing exercise classes this summer. Maybe it won't be a month before I get to blog again! Until then!

April Showers...

2008-04-29T12:15:00.008-05:00

I think this April has brought more "showers" than I want to remember. After the frost this morning, I've decided anyone who wants to believe in "Global Warming" must lack common sense! I'm ready for the 80 degree weather that made a brief appearance last week. I've got kids to darken up before swimming weather gets here! Believe me, my kids need all the "darkening up" they can handle. Rileigh Cait isn't too white. I think her skin has an olive tone to it. She should tan quite nicely. Aside from all the rain, its been a fun, busy month. I can't believe it ends tomorrow. April is birthday month for the Bailey clan (yes, we're too big to be a family...we're a clan!) There is fifteen birthdays in April, and three of them are on the 27th. That was my grandma's birthday too and Jeff's grandma's oddly enough. I don't mind sharing my birthday at all. Its kinda fun sometimes. I got exactly what I asked for from mom and aunt Linda sent me her traditional card with a little fun money in it. I'm sure I'll buy me and Jeff a coke with it! My new workout gear. A ball, weights and mat. Its all red! (although, I may have already gotten past 5lb weights) Guess I'll have to add to my collection!Mom made me dinner Sat. (Her one day back in town before she was gone again.) She didn't even have to ask what I wanted. Ribs and peach cobbler! My favorite!!Sunday, mom left, Jeff worked, and I was still hurting from my surgery on Thursday. Needless to say my actual birthday was kind of a drag. I decided I'd pep things up a bit and made my own birthday cake. Jeff made me dinner(in the microwave and served on paper plates) when he got home from work and then I got to take a long soak in the tub. Turned out the evening was rather nice!I wasn't the only one who went to the doctor last week. Rileigh Cait had her two month check up and her first round of shots. She is now 23in and 10lbs 13oz. She started out 19 1/4in and 7lb even! I'd say she's grown a little! 3 inches and 3(almost 4) pounds in two months! Jeff may have another basketball player on his hands! (have I ever mentioned I'm more into football and soccer) That's okay. I prayed my girls would be naturally tall and skinny. I just hope she doesn't out grow Declan. He's not short just average! I guess they'll be like Jake and Bailey.My littlest sooner!! I found this the other day after waking up from my post surgery nap. Jeff left the door open to be able to check on me. I had asked him to open the shade if I was going to be stuck in bed for a while, and I guess, Aidan thought I needed some company. Isn't it beautiful out the window! So green!

I'm never in pictures, so I had Jeff take some of me and the kids...can't tell who she belongs to can you! Getting one of the three older kids was a little hard to accomplish I had to catch Declan in order to get a picture with him. He was really too busy to stop. I love this picture! Aidan is always so serious when he has his picture taken. A little tickle was all it took! Rileigh decided to eat, so I just took one of her and Daddy! Poor Jeff was worn out after a couple of days of playing mommy.

Oh! they love each other...well...he loves her. She looks a little annoyed Yep, still annoyed My big kids! It seems like Edana should still be a baby and she's starting school this year! How did that happen? Aidan will finally get to go to preschool...we're both ready for that! He gets a little bored at home these days. I'm ready for him to have something to talk about besides superheros! This is Dec's new hang out. I think just because he can. Although, tonight I had to get him off the table you see in the back. He was trying to work on the lamp...

This is the result of mommy trying to lay on the couch instead of in my bed.He got his first ride on the lawn mower. He loved it! Now he really won't let dad go outside without him. I think he has pawpaw right where he wants him these days. Dec is at that fun stage where he is learning all kinds of words at once. I heard him in the dinning room this morning saying "smile" I came around the corner to see him trying to reach my camera. I got the camera and he grabbed Rileigh Cait's blanket and cheesed real big! I love my babies! They're a blast, but by the end of the day, I'm worn out! That said, I'm off to bed at 15min til 10:00! Goodnight!

Our Love Story

2008-04-20T22:07:00.005-05:00

Six years ago today, I married the most amazing man ever. We had big dreams and a very young love. Six years later, our dreams are bigger than ever and our love is still young at heart! We really met for the first time on mother's day weekend in 2001. He is from Westville and his sister is the same age as me. So, when I walked into Car Mart that day, it was kind of like running into old friends. I remember telling Shelly I'd seen them, and she got all excited and told me he was a psychologist or something. At that point in my life, having a guy around was the last thing I wanted. We ran into each other a few more times and he ended up coming over to Fayetteville for some ministry classes dad was teaching at Trinity. That's when it all really started. Classes started in August and by the end of Sept we were "courting." "Courting" lasted all of two weeks before we were engaged. Yep, I said two weeks. Getting engaged that quickly may have been the most spontaneous thing Jeff has ever done. It was the best thing I've ever done, that is for sure!

We thought we had it all figured out. We'd be married two years before we started a family and we'd have all of our kids two years apart. HA! Two months into marital bliss, I decided Jeff needed to be a Daddy! He needed a little convincing. By the time we prayed about it we came to a drastic conclusion...deciding when to bring a life into the world was best left up to God, so we did. The rest is history. Six years of marriage and we've had four babies plus one miscarriage. Yes, we're crazy. People tell us all the time.

We've also taken some giant steps of faith in these six years. Like Jeff leaving that cushy job to go into the ministry only to end up unemployed for a while before taking a job at Dillard's. Talk about building your faith. What is really incredible is to look back on it all now and realize how much God was in control when it felt like no one was! It wasn't what we had planned, but we learned more in that time than we ever could have, if it had been an easy transition. If nothing we learned how to live on nothing to prepare us for making next to nothing in the ministry we ended up in!

Now we're up to it again. Next Saturday Jeff is taking the praxis tests to become a teacher. He is doing the Non-traditional Teaching Liscensure program and planning to teach high school English. He is one of the teachers at the ranch now. Hopefully with his education and experience and God's favor he'll be teaching in the fall. I don't doubt it all! I'm not sure how God is planning to use all this. I do know that Jeff and I will always feel called to minister to youth no matter what venue God chooses! We really serve an awesome God. While Jeff is working in the public schools, I believe it is time for me to start the book God has placed in my heart. Don't worry, you'll never know when it comes out...i plan to write under a pin name. I want God to get the glory for it all! Just like I hope he gets glory for everything else in Jeff and my life. He is such a great God! And he gave me an incredible man to share my life with. As I look back on these six years the only word that comes to mind is Blessed. I am so blessed! My life truly is abundant!

Spare time...what's that?

2008-04-19T22:47:00.006-05:00

Oh my goodness! Its been forever since I blogged. I've been waiting for Shelly to blog only to realize that I haven't. Well, lets see. I've been chasing Dec, feeding Rileigh, and praying the rain will stop so the other two can go outside. Plus a little crafting on the side. (I did a couple of hat boxes anyway.)Now the yard is out of control, so tomorrow we're going to have to finally mow. (So much for Sunday being a day of rest. Although, I don't believe any mom has a day of rest...especially on Sunday.)Most importantly Rileigh was dedicated last Sunday!

Oh! I did start an excercise class. (I'll spare you any pictures of that.) A lady in our church has a ministry called W.O.W (Women's Overall Wellness) She does fitness classes three nights a week, will help you with your own nutrition needs, and its all for free. Its such an awesome ministry, and I think about half the women involved are from outside of the church. If you've been wanting to get in shape/heathly but didn't feel comfortable or couldn't afford a gym or need outside motivation, you should check her out. They meet at 5:30 on Mon, Wed, and Fri. Mondays are pilates, Wednesday is kickboxing, and Friday is weights and cardio. She's pretty intense, but I was actually pretty comfortable despite my lack of ability. There is so many different types of women that i didn't feel like the fat cow of the group. One woman in the group has dropped like 5 or 6 sizes since starting last August!

Rileigh Cait is growing like a weed and changing everyday. Declan can't wait to play with her, but for now, he'll have to stick to wrestling with Aidan. Edana will be enrolling in school next week. Wow! My baby is starting school! Edana and Aidan both had birthday parties to go to last weekend! Jeff is taking the praxis next Sat, and I'll be having surgery on Thursday. Mom and Dad's house is almost finished...I think. Hopefully that means we'll all have our own space before long. Really, I just miss my king size bed with its soft, velvety comforter. Life doesn't really have a chance to slow down around here. Of course, if it did, I'd go crazy from boredom!

Tuesday, Jeff and I had the chance to dress up like adults and enjoy a taste of culture. A friend of ours is graduating with his masters in music. He had his violin recital. It was so good I felt that I should share with everyone! (I had more, but it takes too long to download) We had a great time! Of course, we had to go to Wal-mart after. For some reason, we can't go out without a trip to Wal-mart...its a strange phenomenon.

What's your name?

2008-03-28T20:53:00.002-05:00

Did you have a nickname growing up? I had one. Sometimes I still get called that from time to time. If you know it, well, you know it, but we'll go on now. My kids all have nicknames. I guess its a part of our culture. Edana is "Addy" most of the time(I'm aware it doesn't make sense but that's what we call her.) Aidan is A.J., and Declan is Dec. I remember calling dad to tell him I was having a boy. He asked the name and then asked, "what will we call him for short?" Rileigh has acquired a nickname. She has become Caity to me, RiRi to the kids. Anyway, while my kids have these nicknames they also have another set of nicknames. The ones reserved especially for Uncle Shawn. All of his nieces and nephews have names. As my brothers have gotten bigger he doesn't use them as much, but Garrett was Eeyore for a long time! Aidan is A.J. to Shawn. (I think his is the only one everyone else gets away with using) Above is Egon and Beep. Dec's middle name is Eghan so of course Shawn thought Ghost Busters. At one point I had to explain to Edana the Declan's name wasn't Egon but Eghan. And Brayden couldn't be left out. Apparently Shawn had planned to call him BP, but everyone else did too. He came up with Beep.Then there is Edana. Known to Uncle Shawn as Ed. She even refers to herself as Ed to him. Tonight she brought home a cat from school. I asked her its name and she told me her name is Delilah, but her nickname is Sally. It amused me mostly because Shelly and I were just talking about Shawn's names for the kids last night. Apparently, Ed has her uncles knack for nicknaming things!

One (Busy) Month

2008-03-27T16:54:00.005-05:00

From her first trip to church to her first two holidays, and LOTS of visitors in between, Rileigh Cait has had a very eventful first month. This was her first church day. (Don't worry Uncle Shawn, if you see this, I just left the headband in long enough for pictures! My sister's baby holding my baby. I really thought I took more pictures of everyone holding her, but I guess I rely a little too much on Shelly to take the pictures when she is there. As I said before. I didn't do a very good job taking pictures. Grandpa, Uncle David, and Krystal and her three kids came to visit the Saturday before Easter. We don't visit them like we should. When Grandma was still alive, we were up there at least once a month. If not, she'd be calling me wanting to know when we were coming. This time of the year is hard. I really wish our schedule and budget allowed for more traveling, especially to Tulsa. Josh and Andrea came by too, but I didn't take their pictures either... Aunt Shelly and Declan playing around. Uncle Jason gave the boys haircuts for me. I love Dec's hair buzzed short...others don't necessarily agree, but I think its soo cute. He looks really white with his sunburned cheeks! Oh! Jason's baby holding my baby. She looks awfully sweet doesn't she. She is, but she's got a mischievous side too. I told her to do something one day and she looked at me and said, "I not your momma." I tried not to laugh the first time, but I did make her go to time after the third time she said. She looks so much like Alex did at that age. I wish the other kids could have been her too.

My adopted family came by on Monday of Spring Break...St. Patrick's Day! You can't tell really well in the pictures, but Jeff dressed her in a green onsie and a green and pink bib. In the green shirt is Sarah, one of my very best friends! Her sister Hannah is in the purple. She lives is K.C., so we got a special visit! They are triplets. The other sister looks identical to Sarah. Sarah has taken on the role of adopted aunt. We are almost family (my cousin is married to her aunt.) Rileigh's other holiday was Easter. While it didn't mean getting to eat yummy Irish food, it did mean getting to spend some fun time with the family on Sat. hunting Eggs. Shelly and Shawna posted some fun pictures from that day. When I posted before, I mentioned that Dec didn't pay much attention to Rileigh. That has changed! He tries to climb all over her now, even when she is on my lap. Its so cute when he climbs up beside her and say "hi, sissy." or "hi, rileigh." And she really do seem to grin at him a lot! Yesterday, he figured out he could climb up on the couch and our bed with her. Today, I put the pack and play in the living room...like we needed more furniture in there. He couldn't get in, so he kept trying to push her around. I pushed it up against Mom's couch, but he eventually figured out he could get to her that way. I caught him just before he started to climb in with her. I don't know how I'll keep him off of her. This is how I spend the majority of my day. If you don't believe me, you can look at my house and tell! Its a mess!

Mommy update-I went to the doctor Wednesday. He released me to normal activity, as if I've been taking it easy, and I have lost 6lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight. No where near my goal weight, but I have major plans!

I guess that is our first month with Rileigh. Maybe sometime during her second month she'll decide to sleep for more than 3 hours at a time! That would be wonderful!

Full House

2008-03-17T10:04:00.002-05:00

I didn't figure I'd get to blog much this week. We have a house full this week. My brother and his youngest came and my sisters two oldest are spendingspring break here. It should be a crazy week. 12 people sleeping here all week. Its not everyday the family gets to visit. It makes me wish everyone else could be here. Yes, I question our sanity at times, and it makes me REALLY wish the other house was finished. Our plans this week: A friend is coming to spend the day (and hold Rileigh) We have pictures at Wal-mart tomorrow (dressy ones) Mom and Dad are closing on their house tomorrow too! Wed we have to go to get WIC (no fun there!) Friday we're having fun pictures taken at Edana's school Sat we have an Egg hunt! We should have lots of fun! And tons of pictures!

Regression, Tantrums, and Fun

2008-03-08T21:43:00.007-06:00

With each new change whether good or bad, adjustment must come. My kids tend to struggle with change. I don't know why. Sometimes I wonder if we are too routine about things, then we'll have a really crazy week and I'll realize that is not the case. In any case, this week has been a major adjustment week. Dec is handling things great...he just ignores Rileigh until she cries. He's starting to acknowledge her more. He wants so bad to pick her up and play with her like a doll. It scares me to death! I love the third picture here. She had her big foot sticking out of her gown. She is so tiny with such big feet!Oh, and he's decided take up art as a new hobby. He actually holds his crayon or pencil very well. You just can't tell it in the picture because he decided to throw it. He's got a great arm too. Jeff's thinking jump shot, I'm think pitcher...only because i don't think he'll be tall enough for quarterback.

Aidan seems to be having the roughest time. He doesn't quite know where he fits. He's not the oldest...Edana will be sure to tell you that, but he is when Edana is at school. He does love his new sister though. He's so attentive.Oh...there's a temper tantrum. I'm so not a sympathetic mom. You throw a tantrum; I'll take your picture and tell your little brother you've decided to be a baby. Yep, and my husband is the one with a master in psychology. Too bad it didn't rub off on his wife!This is Aidan's favorite place to play. I've thought about rearranging when mom and dad move and putting a window seat there. He spends a huge portion of his day just like that...wearing nothing but his underwear, playing with superheroes in the window.You've got to admit, he's awfully cute! He's really proud of the fact that he's heard us talking about how much Rileigh Cait looks like him, too.Edana doesn't do change well at all. She really doesn't like giving up her "time with momma." She's having fun having a sister, but she's glad she's got some brothers that can actually play with her.

Mom and Dad have been adjusting as well. Mostly to not getting enough sleep and figuring out how long it really takes us to get around and go somewhere...Yes, Mom and Shelly, it takes even longer now! I did however have to make a trip into town by myself for the first time. It wasn't horrible, but it made me realize I HAVE to get a tandem stroller. I forgot how handy that was with a 15mo old and a newborn. I went all over the place with Edana and Aidan in theirs.

All loaded up and ready to go. At least the day I went was the warmest day we had this week. I could have had to go when it was snowing. (I did have to pick Edana up when it was snowing, but that's not as bad as multiple stops in town!) All in all, its been fun! I guess we'll just have to see what next week brings...maybe a clean house. Now that would be an accomplishment!Goodnight for now! The clock says 10:30 but I know its really 11:30 too bad she doesn't have that figured out yet! Have a good week!

Our Baby Story

2008-02-28T11:32:00.006-06:00

Rileigh Cait Ford: Born Feb.25, 2008. Weight: 7lbs Height:19 3/4 inches Head:12cm Chest:13cm My tiny little baby girl with a head full of black hair! She looks like a little indian baby now, but we'll see. Dec did too, but he's the blondest of all my kids now. I'd really like to see her keep her hair and dark skin. You can also see her on the web nursery I may be bias, but I find her very beautiful!!!The order of the first five pictures tells it all. It went just like that.Nurse came. I waited. Dr. Hix broke my water. I wasn't smiling anymore. Rileigh Cait was here!

We arrived at the hospital a little before 5:30am. It took them awhile to get anything going. Then the nurse forgot to pass on info during shift change, so it was about 8:30 before they actually got things going. Dr Hix came in at nine, but he couldn't break my water because of Rileigh's position. He left to do a "procedure" and came back at 11:00 to finally be able to break my water. I really expected things to go like before. After about an hour, I decided, if it was going to be a while, I might as well have an epidural. She got me all ready and checked and I was an 8. No point in getting one if I was that far along...I thought. Then I changed my mind again in about 15 minutes. She left to go get things going for the epidural and I about came up out of the bed. Its amazing that they call that "pressure" All I knew was I needed to push and the only medical person in the room was my sister. She calmly paged for the nurse, but when they didn't hear her, I wasn't so calm. By the time the nurse got in there I was a little paniced. I knew I wasn't supposed to push, but my body didn't want to listen at all. She yelled for the back up doctor, and poor Dr.Gorman came running down the hall with his intern. That intern may chose a different profession after what he witnessed. Dr. Groman was trying to get his scrubs on over his dress clothes while telling the nurse to stay there and be ready to catch. I pushed once. Literally. As soon as he got over to us and they said I could push when I was ready, there she was! I asked him afterward if I only pushed once and he kinda laughed. He said that I pushed once and she came out from her waist up, so he helped her the rest of the way out. I was just glad they let me push! Oh and the intern, he never moved from his spot in the corner. I guess Rileigh just wanted to enter our little world with some flare! She did that for sure.

Visitors

2008-02-28T07:55:00.007-06:00

We had a lot of visitors come to welcome Rileigh Cait into the world! It was so nice to be able to share our bundle of joy with our friends and family. We love you all! Shelly, my mom and jeff's mom Helen Jeff was able to change her first diaper! That was such a blessing. He really wasn't sure he'd be able to do much more than hold her, but he can! Praise God!!

Brandon actually held the baby! He was a natural. Pamela managed to get a picture with Rileigh's eyes open! Becky came too All of the kids came after naptime to see there new sister. They loved her of course! Brayden wasn't too sure what his Granny was holding, but he knew it wasn't him.Mike and Sarah came and stayed for a while. They were so excited, I can't wait to see how they react when its their turn to have one.Angie stopped by after work out. She thought some others were coming too, but "lost" them along the way. My cousin, Elesha, stopped by the next morning with her kids. Isaac was so sweet. He had picked out a teddy bear and matching outfit for her. Its a good thing he is sweet because, he'll be the only boy with two little sisters to deal with.Kristen came by after that. She had Zane Micheal with her. He is so adoreable. He just "talked" to Kristen. I would ask Kristen a question and he'd say no. He wasn't too sure about the baby, but he let her hold it anyway.

We had a few other visitors that managed to avoid Jeff and the camera. It really was nice for everyone to come see us and thank you all for the thoughtful gifts.

bringing home baby

2008-02-28T00:41:00.005-06:00

With all three of my other babies we've stayed 2 nights in the hospital. i am a firm believer that every woman should get 3 days in the hospital for recovery. This time we didn't have a good reason to stay, so we came home Tuesday afternoon. Things have gone fine, but there have been a few times, I wish we had a nurse here. (Shelly had to head back home for work and school.) Anyway, here's a few shots of coming home with Rileigh Cait.A good friend brought me the flowers. With three pink ones, Edana and I decided it was one for each girl in the family. Daddy taking everything to the car. It is amazing how much you accumulate in one night! Snuggled up and ready for the ride home! She didn't even cry when I put her in her seat. I couldn't believe it.

Finally in the car and ready to go home. We took Jeff's car and left the van for mom. Boy did it make me glad we have the van. His car is so tiny, we almost couldn't fit her seat in the back. AT HOME!! Isn't she beautiful. She was fussy and I couldn't figure out what to do for her. I took her clothes off and she calmed right down. She cuddled up to me and we slept for three straight hours! We are all very thankful to be home with our beautiful baby girl. Thank you all for your prayers and sharing in our joy.

5:30am

2008-02-24T22:22:00.004-06:00

Well, I'm off to bed. Not that it is exactly early, but my husband seems to think any time before midnight is early. Anyway. We go to the hospital at 5:30am to be induced! I really am excited. I'm so worn out, it kind of doesn't feel real yet. I'm sure it will at 4:00 in the morning...i'm NOT a morning person. If things are anything like last time...i might have a precious new baby by mid morning or noon! Now that does excite me! Hope everyone has a good day, and for those of you that are close by, feel free to stop in. We love the visitors!! Oh...Shelly will post pictures as soon as she can. God bless everyone!

Proved me wrong!

2008-02-19T22:58:00.003-06:00

Jeff has proven me wrong yet again. I posted last night that he was still in his splint, so Rileigh Cait would win our little race we had going. He had occupational therapy tonight and came home with great news. He is officially out of his splint. He has a couple of small ones to help him stretch out certain fingers, but those are worn more for exercise than protection. He is still wearing his gauntlet. I'm sure some of the guys at the ranch find that amusing. I do! I think he mostly wears it because the scars kind of hurt in the cold weather. He's doing really well. Please continue to pray for him though. If his thumb doesn't start working, they may have to go in and do some more work on it. Its doing pretty well at the base, but he still isn't able to flex the tip. We are praying and believing its just a slow process and will be working fine before long. NOTE: jeff said it himself, so i can say it....any process that Jeff is involved in is slow! (thats kind of an ongoing joke in our family.)

Having a Baby

2008-02-18T20:12:00.003-06:00

Okay, so you all know I'm having a baby, but now, I have a true date. I went to the doctor today, and have dilated to a 2 1/2. He went ahead and had his nurse schedule an induction. I can't wait. Monday, Feb. 25 is the official day. (Unless, of course, she decides to make an earlier appearance!) I wouldn't necessarily mind if she came earlier, but Monday is still a week earlier than my due date. I'm just so excited next week by this time, I should have a beautiful baby girl. Don't worry, Shelly will post plenty of pictures for me with her new camera, I'm sure! Guess this means Rileigh Cait wins the "race" Jeff is still in a splint some of the time and the house isn't finished. I'll post some pictures of the house's progress in a day or two. Dad has done a lot. Shelly came this weekend and helped out. They've stained most of the floors that are going to be stained and started primering and painting. Now if the workers would just get out here and do their stuff! Maybe they'll be moved in before April.... Oh! on the note. My new couch will arrive on Thursday, so I guess for a few weeks we'll have a LOT of seating. I'm pretty pumped about that coming too, but not near as much as I am about Rileigh Cait! Any of you that want are more than welcome to come by. (There is always a ton of people in and out when I have my babies. We love the company!)

Wild Weekend

2008-02-12T11:15:00.001-06:00

We had one crazy busy weekend. From date night, to birthday parties, to baby showers. It was non-stop for the Fords. Knowing all the thing going on this week, I talked mom into babysitting for Jeff and me on Friday. We actually went on a date! I was so excited. We had a little miscommunication and Jeff ended up in town with no gas and no way to buy gas. Opps! Mom and the kids ran me to town so we just went from there on our date. Unfortunately, I looked horrible. (Well, I felt like I did in my everday clothes, no make-up, and ponytail.) We did some shopping. I even got to go to Kirklands! Then went to dinner at Red Lobster since there was no point in going to Shogun if I can't eat sushi. It was WONDERFUL! We ran into some of my old friends just as we were preparing to leave. I was so suprised to see Jessica coming to our table. I read her blog all the time, but I hadn't seen her and David in ages. It was a very fun date night...probably our last before the baby comes. That may be wishful think because I'm so ready to have this baby!

Our first stop brought a suprise as well....If you've seen pictures, you know how skinny Jeff is, well he went to get out of the car and his belt broke! Now, that was funny. So, instead of my husband getting to look at the latest comics at Vintage Stock, we ended up at Wal-mart. He grabbed a new belt and went to pay for it and put it on. While I waited, I wandered through the kids clothes. Know what happens when you leave me alone in wal-mart too long...I buy stuff. Actually, I was very excited by the time Jeff got back. Edana had made it known that she wanted to match Rileigh Cait at Easter this year. I couldn't quite bring myself to do the exact matching thing, but everyone will match color-wise this year. Even Jeff...I don't want to think about me yet...I don't even know if I'll be back in my regular size by then.

Here is what I found. I'm so excited about there Easter clothes. Edana loved her dress. Dec could care less, but Aidan is having some issues. When I showed him his new button up shirt, his exact words were, "I don't think that is right for me." He hates buttons. I already know what Easter morning will be like. I'll have to hold him down to get that shirt on him, but I only do it on Easter and for Easter pictures. He can just suffer through. (i'm such a mean mom)

Saturday night Pamela and Holly, along with all the other ladies from "the ranch" gave me a baby shower. As always, we had a blast!

Holly mad a sheet cake that was sooo delicious, and Bethany made the punch!

Everyone was there but Jennifer and Marty. That can be hard for us to all work out sometimes. We have "girls night" as much as possible. I think in some ways, we are what keeps each other sane. Getting together to have fun and realizing you're not the only one whose husband works insane hours and seems to always be at the ranch. They are an amazing group of women.

Debbie is our "resident nurse" Her and her husband live on the back side of the dorms in a nice little apartment. How they do it, I don't know. I'm glad that our housing was actually down the road. Ardith(standing) is our bookkeeper. She is also kind of the saragot grandma to us younger girls!

Bethany and Maria! They are the two newest "wives." Bethany and her husband(Russell) came last May. Maria and her husband(Mark) just started the first of Janurary. It was actually my first time to meet her. I believe that they all went to Bible School together, and that is how Mark ended up at the ranch.Tara is the poor dear that got stuck in the kitchen after I left. I still feel sorry for her. She works so hard though, and never complains. Not even about the silly National School Lunch Program. She is so sweet and calm.

This is Karen and her daughters (Abi and Sarah) Karen works in the classroom with Jeff. They are quite a pair. I've yet to figure out who is more laid back. They make a good fit in the classroom and with Marty (their supervisor).

Pamela (trying to look big) and me. It seems like there is always someone pregnant at the ranch, and its finally Pamela's turn. She's trying really hard to stick our her belly but its not there. She's four months and not really showing at all. (much to everyone else's disappointment) We lived above B and Pamela for two years. Boy do I miss her! So do my kids. Shes like an aunt instead of a co-worker's wife. She is definately one of my closest friends.

Here is a final picture of all the girls who live on the "commune"(we still haven't come up with a good name for the staff housing area.) minus Tara. She snuck out, quietly as always. I miss being out there with all of them. I wouldn't move back, but I sure do miss being able to drop in on any of them whenever, or having Pamela just a flight of stairs away. I have a feeling I'll especially miss them this Spring when all the big trips start happening. Its nice to have company when your husbands are all away! We may have to invade...Declan was the only male(unless you count the dog, Jester) and only baby there that night. As you can tell by his dirty face, he had plenty of attention and food. And, yes, he was very worn out by the time we left.

While I was having fun with the girls. Jeff had the older two Fords. They went to a birthday party for a girl at church. Afterwards he took them to the mall and they played in the "playground" That is their absolute favorite place to go in the winter when they can't go to the park. Jeff's hand is really improving. Its slow, but he only has to wear the splint when he drives now. He even took notes at church sunday with his right hand. I was very impressed! I guess that is all for our weekend! Thanks to all my girls for the great gifts! I had a great time!

Feburary 8

2008-02-08T08:43:00.000-06:00

Eight years ago today our family suffered the unimagineable. I'll not go into details because its something to painful and personal. My cousin had left her abusive husband, finally. In his demented mind he decided to take away the people she loved the most. He shot her mom, her baby, and himself. Her mom, my aunt, survived, but that precious baby never saw his first birthday. He was so sweet, so happy, and so smart, but his life was taken just four days before he would have turned one. Words could not express what our family went through. I wish I could say it was the first tragic experience with domestic violence our family had seen, but it wasn't. Just six months before that my own sister went through a terrible experience of her own. The ending there was better, but the uncertainty and fear was drawn out longer. Unfortunately, it hasn't been the last time I've had to watch a family member be abused. I've watched over and over as my brother-in-law chooses to stay in an abusive relationship, endangering himself and his beautiful, helpless children. Yes, even men can be abused. My attitude about this may be different than others, but it makes me so angry. I have been in public and seen men hurting women before. (usually when Shelly is with me...don't know why that sort of thing happens.) How many people walk by and never try to stop it. It doesn't cause me fear, just extreme anger. There is no reason to fear these people, if your not the object of their abuse. You don't even have to get overly confrontational. Just pull out your cell phone, call 911, tell them what you are seeing, get a good description of the person, and let the police take it from there. If they try to leave, write down thier liscense plate number so you can give it to the police. Please, DON'T WALK BY WITHOUT TRYING TO DO YOUR PART....what if it was your family member? I hadn't inteneded to blog about this, but as I pulled up msn this morning and scanned the news headlines there it was. Ouater of US Women Suffer Domestic Violence. Educate yourself on this issue. If one in four women are affected, chances are someone you know and love could be in need of your help. If you are in a dangerous situation, get help. Don't wait until your family or kids are in danger. Do it now! Don't be too proud to go to a Women's Shelter...maybe its not the nicest facilities in the world, but its worth it to get away safely. You can have and do better, no matter what you've been told!

My Sister

2008-02-05T20:45:00.000-06:00

Today is Shelly's birthday. Some people are extremely attached to one parent or another. I'm very close to my parents, but its my sister that I'm overly attached to. She is my bestfriend. We've gone through a lot together, some good, some bad. We weren't the greatest sisters when we were young, but as we've grown, we've grown together. She's the first one I call, well, with anything; questions, news, boredom. It doesn't matter. I rarely go a day without talking to her. Jeff gets three breaks a year: summer, Christmas, and spring breaks. Guess where they are spent? Yep! At Shelly's. It does help that she married my favorite youth sponsor, and Jeff, even, gets along with her! (that's a joke: Jeff gets along with everyone...him and Shelly like to barb each other.) Here is Shelly with Uncle Loyed. She will always be his girl and he'll tell you as much. Of course when it comes to Uncle Loyed, none of us Bailey's would be what we are without him. Maybe him being such a fun uncle is why Shelly is such a fun Aunt. Here she is messing with Garrett. She really is a great aunt. All of the kids adore her. Just ask Edana who her favorite person in the whole world is! Its Shelly, and Uncle Shawn is "the man." (yes, he taught her to say that when she was about a year and a half) When it comes to having babies, there is one person I can't be without. Shelly! (Sorry, Jeff and mom) No, I want them there too, but Shelly is the one who keeps me calm and focused. I pray I'm induced because I'm afraid if I went into labor on my own, she wouldn't make it here in time. Then, what would I do! I don't want to think about it. Last Spring Shelly graduated from the LPN program at a local college where she lives. She was, of course, at the top of her class. She is too ambitious to stop there, though. She is in school getting a few more classes under her belt so that she can complete the RN program. Personally, I think she should be an OB nurse. Take it from someone whose had her in the room with them during delivery. No one else could do a better job. Most people see her life as good and near perfect. It hasn't always been this way. She's had harder times than most could even imagine, but by the grace of God, she's always come out on top. She is my sister and best friend, but she is also one of my heros. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!!!!!

"Kids Say the Darnedest Things"

2008-01-31T22:59:00.001-06:00

Kids sure keep life interesting. Usually, with my crew, if you want to hear something "profound" it comes from Edana. Not today though. Aidan and Declan were on a role. I know what you are thinking "Declan doesn't talk" Oh but he does! You just have to be around him to know what he's saying.

I had an appointment scheduled for 3:30 today. I missed the call telling me they were closing due to weather, and not wanting to miss my first weekly check, I trudged all the way up there for nothing. When I got home, Aidan asked the same question he askes everytime I go to the doctor. "Did Rileigh Cait come out?" I replied the usual "No, Rileigh Cait didn't come out today. Its not time yet, remember?" (he was standing in a chair helping mom cook) He turned around looked at me and put his hands on each side of my belly. I said "see she still in there." He squeezed tight and said, "that hurts my hands, momma." Then placing my hand where his were he said, "here you push and i'll catch her." What do you say to that?!

Dec had a very long and late nap, so he ended up staying up much later than the other two tonight. He was sitting on my mom's lap and she asked him where pawpaw was. His response? He looked at their bedroom door and growled! It was too funny. He was also "saying" Boomer Sooner tonight. Mom would say it and he would mimic it. It sounded nothing like those words, but it had the right tune. And the Superman theme. He's been humming that all day. I hope this means he'll have an ear for music like his daddy does!

The Race Continues

2008-01-30T09:09:00.000-06:00

The race to see what happens first is still going. It looks as though Jeff will win. He got a very good report from his OT yesterday. She thinks he will be out of his splint with limited use by Friday! She told him he could take it off while he was just sitting around the house, but to put it on before he gets up. (I don't know that she realizes that if Jeff is sitting down, there is usually a little one crawling on him.)

Well, tomorrow I go for my first weekly check. We'll have to see what Dr. Hix says. I'm hoping he'll go ahead and schedule and induction date. Then I can plan everything easier. Plus, I'm a little afraid to go into labor naturally. I had Declan so fast! I remember praying my water would break, but I ended up being induced. Dr. Hix broke my water at just before 5 o'clock with the warning that it may take a while, and I had Declan at 6:06.(I hadn't even had any real contractions up to that point) All I could think was, I would have been one of those people on the news whose poor husband had to deliver the baby in the back of the car! I don't want to end up one of those women! (Plus, Shelly would be jealous if Jeff got to deliver a baby before her!)

The house is definitely losing! Its very frustrating. They went a while without doing anything. This week has seen some progress, finally. The septic system was put in on Monday. (they did it all in one day!) Yesterday, the electrician came for half a day. He hooked up the heater, put most of the outlets and light switches in, and hung about half the lights. I can't help but think, if he'd worked a full day, could he have finished. The men came and put the counters in in the kitchen. They should be back in a couple of days to put the vanity tops in the bathroom. Those have to be made at the shop before being put in. Once that happens the plumber can come and finish. That all has to be finished before Dad can put in the floors and paint. Then the whole moving process has to happen. I just don't see it happening before the baby! Anyway, I guess that means I'll have mom to help me when we bring home Rileigh Cait! I just really miss my big king size bed!!

Mom didn't quite get what she thought she was getting with her counters, but they look great! I love the chocolate brown. It will go so well with the red she picked for the walls!

The light in the hall and the fan in the office are installed!Plus all the bathroom lights and the walk in closet light. Maybe he'll finish soon. Doesn't look like it will be today though. Its after ten and he's still not here!

Furniture Fancies!

2008-01-23T18:49:00.000-06:00

Everyone has them....you know, that one thing that you'd just keep buying and buying. For some its clothes or shoes, others kitchen appliances...for my uncles its cars (trucks to be exact.) Well, for me, its furniture. I especially love bedroom furniture and antiques. This fascination has passed on to my two oldest as well. Every once in a while, they actually ask to go look at furniture stores. Edana would change bedroom suites every year if we could let her! I have been so excited because getting mom and dad's place meant that I'd have to buy new living room furniture. (We didn't have anything but my beloved rocking chair) These kinds of purchases only get to happen certain times of the year for our ministry budget...tax time. The one time a year we get a lump sum to boost us for the upcoming year. Now, I'm not as money wise as I'd like to be, but with a lot of prayer, I've learned. I am always extremely cautious about the best ways to spend this wonderful tax money that we get because of the kids. Anyway, all of that said. I pick out our couch the first of Dec. It had to be ordered and our furniture store has a lay-a-way option with no interest...much better than financing. I figured this would work great since the house should be finished by the time we get our taxes and can pay it off!

Well, the couch finally came in, and Sat., we went to pick out a chair to go with it. We didn't find what we were looking for, but we did on the lay-z-boy website. John, the owner, told us he'd call us Monday with the final prices. Here is where things get interesting. Remember, I said I got the couch in Dec. Well, when I found it, I thought I got an extremely good deal. Actually, I misread the tag and left off a very important one...it was in front of all the other numbers...that's right. I made a $1,000 mistake. Well, he called again Tuesday and told us that the chair we wanted didn't come in the color it showed it in on the computer. I suppose that is actually a good thing....now I can cancel the order and just get the couch. Its worth the price...I just thought I'd gotten a bargain. It was kind of a let down. The quality is good and should last us until the kids are big enough to get something a little fancier.(more my style than the kids!) Now, I have a good excuse to go flea marketing for a great bargain treasure!! Not that I really need much excuse when it comes to that! My couch is pictured below with weird pillows...we didn't get those.

Well, blog time is up. My one handed husband it attempting to make cookies by himself...maybe I should be a good wife and go help...

I've Been Tagged

2008-01-21T07:46:00.000-06:00

I've been tagged by Shelly.

Four jobs I've had:

1. Secretary

2. Bank Teller

3. Bookkeeper

4. MOM

Four places I lived:

1. Westville,Oklahoma

2. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

3. Lowell, Arkansas

4. Pensacola, Florida

Four movies I've watched over and over:

1. G.I. Blues

2. Shagg

3. Oklahoma

4. 7 Brides for 7 Brothers

Four shows I watch:

1. House Hunters

2. Designed to Sell

3. Wasted Spaces

4. DIY to the Rescue

Four places I've been:

1. Chinle, AZ

2. Hawaii

3. American Samoa

4. Costa Rica

Four people who e-mail me regularly:

1. Mom

2. Sheila

3. Tammy

4. Jennifer

Four favorite thing to eat:

1. Sushi!!

2. Mexican

3. Chinese

4. Home cooking

Four places I'd rather be:

1. The Beach (I can agree with Shelly on that one!)

2. Farther South

3. In bed actually sleeping

4. At the hospital having a baby! (I know, I know...5 more weeks)

Four things I look forward to this new year:

1. Rileigh Cait

2. Mom and Dad's house getting finished (I'm getting anxious to have our own space)

3. My new furniture!!

4. Potential changes....

Four people to tag:

1. Jessica

2. Amy

3. Kelly

4. can't think of anyone else

Declan's a big boy!

2008-01-17T22:30:00.000-06:00

I know most people wait longer than I do, but we converted Declan's bed into a toddler bed today! I love this bed. It was a really simple process Take the baby rail off. (It just slides right off) Screw in the bottom rail and attach the little toddler bed piece to that.

Put the mattress and pillow back on... Test with Declan. Aidan had to give his approval as well (one day he's going to hate looking at pictures of himself because he never has clothes on) Declan taking a nap in his "big boy bed" He did so well. You can't see in the pictures, but I put pillows down in case he falls. Honestly, I don't see the point in those little bitty rails. They are barely bigger than the pillow. He didn't fall at nap time though, and he went right to bed tonight too. We read a story; I laid him down; sang a song; did prayers; and he stayed in bed until he fell asleep. I'm so proud! We'll see how long until he figures out he can escape!

Check ups all around

2008-01-08T15:34:00.000-06:00

In the past week the whole family has had a check up of one kind or another. The kids had WIC check ups.

Declan is as average as can be. He weighed 24 lbs 9.5oz and is 30 inches tall. He is my only average kid. He is going to be built like my dad, I think. Hopefully he'll be as good or better at football. One of his grandkids needs to like playing football.

Edana's growth chart was as it usually is...Tall and Skinny. She weighed 38lbs and is 43 inches tall. She is always in the 75 percentile on height and 25 percentile on weight. She is blessed! Aidan is huge! He is actually slowing down these days. He slowed down enough in the last year to actually be on the chart at the 95 percentile. He weighs 38lbs and is 41 1/4 inches. He'll pass Edana eventually. Every year he gets closer to her and now they weigh the same. She does call him the big brother... Jeff after surgery number two. His splint was so huge, Edana wanted him to put eyes and a mouth on it. It did look like a hand puppet. He went to the physical therapist today. They made him a new splint out of this really cool plastic. They warmed it up and formed it to his hand. She made it right there in front of us in about 45 minutes. She showed him some exercises to do to start getting mobility back in his fingers He isn't allowed to straighten his fingers at all. he can bend his fingers down but his thumb is to stay still. He can use his other hand to move it down some. Honestly, it sounds like a slower process than I thought it would be. Edana said his new splint looks like cheese. Kids have a great imagination! He goes to the pt again on Friday and see Dr. Henley on Tuesday. He should get the stitches out soon. The swelling was down this visit and you could see where his scare will be. It kind of intrigues me! Having been an athletic trainer in school, the fascination comes back being around the physical therapist and what they do. Oh. I went to the doctor as well. Not too much to tell there. I had gain a pound more than I should have. Its actually better than I thought I'd do being the holidays. I go every two weeks now, so next Thursday. I see Dr. Seale next time. I don't think I've ever seen her before. After that, I'll stick with Dr. Hix until the baby comes. Only 7 weeks to go!! Yippee! Oh! I also signed papers for a tubal ligation this time. (I kinda figured Jeff had had enough surgeries for a while) The doctor tried to tell me that we could wait until Jeff was well enough to have surgery. Considering our track record, I'd rather not take any chances. I love my babies, but I don't want to have another pregnancy, EVER!!! Two months and I won't have to do this ever again!

Catching up

2008-01-01T21:59:00.001-06:00

Well, its been a little hectic and I haven't had time to post anything, so I thought I'd just get it all done at once. Here goes... Christmas was a lot of fun this year, as usual. A little crazy in places, but that just keeps life interesting. We always start Christmas break off with a "ranch" Christmas party. I don't like to call it a staff party. We're more family than coworkers. (especially us women) We do white elephant/dirty santa, whatever you want to call it, every year. It is always a hoot! Justin(our program director) and his son Zack, looking over wife, Holly's shoulder in anticipation of what she will find. It was a hideous looking horse!

Russell (very middle with the green shirt) was the first to open a gift and it was bald guy head wipes. It wasn't planned at all, but it was so funny!

Edana loves Crystal. She babysat them for a while and Edana thinks she is her sister. Next to Crystal is Gene and Rose, two of the sweetest hardest working people to ever live! Jeff is stealing Apples to Apples from Marty (his supervisor) Its a good thing she has a good sense of humor! That is a great game if you've never tried it. This one was actually a Bible version. We broke it in Sunday night with Brian and Christina and my parents. Great fun!

Pamela got a crazy looking monkey that squeaked and stuck its tongue out. (Jester got a new toy!) Wow! A picture of me and Jeff. Those don't happen often. And look! He has two usable hands! It was a great night and a great beginning to break. Everyone showed up and Steve brought a girl! She seemed super nice...we'll have to see what happens with that. There are a lot more pics, but I'll move on. If you don't know what happened the next day, read the last blog I wrote. Jeff came home from the hospital on Saturday to a house full of Baileys. I didn't really think to take pictures at that one. It was a smaller crowd than usual (i think mom counted 35). Her side of the family is huge. It is nothing for us to have 50 over for a holiday or family dinner. The kids all bring gifts according to their age and gender and exchange them with the younger cousin(3rd or 4th cousins that is) Edana got a new baby doll, Aidan got a transformer car, and Dec didn't get anything. (we'd planned to give the blocks as his present....we didn't figure anyone wanted Jeff's bloody blocks!) The adults do an ornament exchange and gift bags. Its definitely more fun when everyone shows up, but this year, I was glad for the smaller crowd. Jeff refused to go to bed until all the excitement was over and people started leaving, so I was actually glad that we had it earlier in the afternoon than usual. We left the next day for Shelly's. That is my favorite part of Christmas. We all go up there and usually spend a big portion of Christmas break with them. We had to cut it a little short this year to take Jeff to the doctor, but we're planning to go back up there this weekend. Christmas eve Jeff and I open our presents to each other after the kids are in bed and "Santa has come" Its just our little tradition to get a chance to focus on each other. Christmas morning is all about the kids! Boy is it fun. Edana got a Barbie and her dog Tanner that eats and poops. She was very excited about that. She ended up with her horse that eats too, and a ton of my little pony stuff, some puzzles and a vanity and make-up. A great time for any four year old girl! My little hero got plenty of heroes to add to his ever growing collection. He got a green lantern(shown in the picture) and Wasp. Jeff had to tell him who Wasp was, but when he found out it was Captain America's friend, he was sold. He really wanted Cap's sidekick, Bucky, but we didn't find it soon enough to order. He'll get that for Easter. He also got some army guys, a tank, tools, and serveral new vehicles.

We didn't do a lot for Declan this year. He was too busy to notice. This is the only picture I actually have of him setting playing with something. His birthday is in November and with their ages so close, all of the kids toys are in such good condition, it was hard even think of what to get him. Plus, he'd rather have Aidan's cars and trucks than his own age appropriate toys. He did love tearing open the gifts though Jason and Lena and crew came later Christmas night. We draw names every year because their are so many grand kids now. Its always fun to see who you'll get to buy for. This year we had Caleb, Jake, and Alyssa. (they are the easiest, other than Aidan) Except Caleb is getting to that in between stage. It took a little while to think of something for him. We ended up getting him a Louis L'Amour book. I hope he liked it. Jake got trucks. You can't go wrong with trucks, cars, or motocross with Jake! Alyssa got a baby doll complete with bath tub and accessories. She was really excited when she opened it! We made game night baskets for Shelly and Shawn and Jason and Lena. Just a little basket with cards, popcorn, peanuts, and a candle in it. (Alex helped me decide what all to put in that one.) We went shopping Christmas eve, just me and her. It was a lot of fun. She is at the age where we can hang out and talk and have fun on the same level. I think Alex will always seem half sister half niece to me. It was great spending the day with her. She even helped me wrap the gifts when we got home.

Here is a twosome to watch out for! Aidan and Alyssa. Edana had her hands full between the two of them!

The Kennedy's. I think Shelly may have gotten a better one of these. (Aidan just had to get in on the picture taking...little stinker!)

Shelly, Jason, and Mandee. (again, I think Shelly ended up with a better one of these) This one really isn't that good, but hey! Jason is clean shaven and has decent clothes on.

All the grand kids 1-10. From left-Bottom row: Aidan, Alyssa, Alex, Declan, Reagan, Caleb Top Row:Garrett, Jake, Edana, and Bailey.

This is how Aidan spent most of his holiday. The boy will not keep clothes on. Most days I don't fight it, but I did insist that he had to put on his p.j.'s before he could come and see what Santa brought! I didn't want all of his pictures to be of him in his undies! What fun! Christmas is so much fun. I love figuring out gifts for everyone. We got mom and dad a welcome mat for their front door and a boot scrapper for their back door. (one of mom's pet peeves is tracking mud in...maybe these will save her some frustration with dad!) I found Jeff a nice watch on sale. It took most of what I'd budgeted to spend on him, but I decided it was worth it. I stocked up! He had started a drafting table for me before the accident. (maybe that can be an anniversary gift) So he stocked my supplies with colored pencils, sketch pad, and various other things, and he found a punch bowl I've been eyeing since before we were married, and the Beatles One cd. (i asked for that last year, but it sold out. I had kinda given up on it) Needless to say, I felt a little spoiled. he did a fabulous job...and just think he had to come up with that while taking pain meds! What a man!

We took Jeff back to the doctor on Thursday (12/27). They scheduled his surgery to fix the severed nerve in his thumb for Saturday. Turns out, he had cut four nerves; two in his thumb, one in his index finger and one in his ring finger. They were able to find and repair all four with out complication. Praise God!! His splint and wrap is bigger than before. Its seems to bother him...the size. He will go in next week and have a custom splint made for better fit. I've learned how to shave him! There are soo many things you wouldn't think about not being able to do, although, he did pretty well signing left handed. He'll be in the splint for four to six weeks...Rileigh is due in eight. That is cutting it close! They have mentioned therapy for his hand, but I'm not sure what the extent of that will be. He seems to be handling the pain pretty well. Today, he didn't take any of the prescription meds, just ibuprofen. He wouldn't say much if it was hurting anyway. He's definitely stronger than me!

New years kinda slipped in this year. We put the kids to bed and watched a movie. After that we went to bed. Just before falling asleep, Jeff checked the time and told me happy new year. Exciting huh! That's okay. We had our traditional new years meal, complete with black-eyed peas and corn bread tonight! I think that is everything for the last week and a half....

My Husband!

2007-12-23T00:23:00.000-06:00

Well, as if Christmas wasn't hectic enough, this year has had some added craziness. I got the bright idea to save money on Christmas by making some homemade presents. (this is something we've talked about since we first got married and finally decided to put it into practice this year.) It was going really well too. I made several things already and Jeff had three projects left to do as of Friday morning. I had just told our director the night before how much stress it had saved us, not having to fight the crowds and all the shopping stress. Well, to the point, I guess. Friday morning, Jeff started his projects. He was making little wooden blocks for Declan and Alyssa (our niece). Mom and I were getting ready for the Bailey family Christmas, which means we were cleaning! I had just started lunch when Jeff came to the door and called my name. I knew by the sound of his voice something wasn't right, then he yelled at me to hurry and get there before Addy. Then I heard mom's reaction and she grabbed Addy and carried her away. As Jeff was cutting a piece of the board got stuck and "kicked" back. (i don't really know what that means) What I do know, if that Jeff's hand slipped and he cut his hand all the way to the bone. Thankfully, he only nicked the bone and didn't cut off his whole thumb. He had surgery and they were able to reattach the muscles and tendon that he cut. He had also cut a nerve and got a couple other fingers and the artery in his pinkie. We didn't realize about the pinkie and other fingers until they did surgery. In all of this, I've learned a few things about my husband and my self. As for Jeff: his laid back ways extend farther than I could have ever imagined! He has a tolerance for pain that I never knew, either. Before, I only thought, he was a person that required no sleep. Now, I know its true. What person has surgery, is on morphine, and stays up most the night watching TV? I'm in awe. Although, I do believe the medication has heightened his "puniness" if that's possible. As for me: I've learned that no amount of first aid training prepares you for finding your husband at the front door spraying blood everywhere. Yep, it all went out the window, except to put pressure on it, which I made him do, so that I could drive. I never realized I could drive so fast barefoot! (thank goodness mom thought to grab my shoes before we left) I just grabbed Jeff and the keys and took off. I also learned that, in an emergency, I can go to town in my pajama pants and dress shoes...at least they weren't really dressy...and not care. I learned some things about my babies too. Edana was scared of course, but she handled it well. She was excited that Jeff had a band-aid from his i.v. and a little more timid than I'd have thought. Aidan's reaction made me proud. Mom said he just climbed on the couch, folded his hand, bowed his head and started praying. (its times like that when you know you're raising your kids to think right) Dec had no clue what was going on, so he was spared in trauma. Thank you Jesus! Well, needless to say, Dec isn't getting blocks for Christmas and I've got some last minute shopping to do. Thank God I have a husband to do it with! and he has all ten fingers! Things could have been so much worse. God protected him! (I know some would question why he didn't keep it from happening at all. I don't know the answer to that. However, I do know that all things work for good and He can bring good out of this bad.) He is awesome and I'm so thankful I have the kind of relationship with Him that in a time of crisis, I have peace. Not once did I have to question who was in control or how it would all turn out. God is great! I'll spare anyone pictures this post! Have a Merry Christmas!

Women's Ministy Christmas Meeting

2007-12-19T12:14:00.001-06:00

Once a year at Women's ministry we have volunteers to decorate tables. Its always a lot of fun to see what the different ladies come up with. This year we did it for our Christmas meeting. The lighting wasn't the greatest but I had to share. Yvonnes was by far the most elegant with antique amber colored dishes, greens, and golds to accent. This picture does no justice at all. This was Shawna's table. "Hogs" of course! Her snowman were so cute, and you can't see them very well but the chairs were so pretty. I didn't think about decorating the chairs. This table was very simple and sweet. The floating candles were a nice touch. Just outside of the picture was a nativity scene as well. I wish this had been a better picture. The center peice was a nativity scene. This one looked like something out of a magazine. The neatest part about this table was the rolled up paper on the plates. It was a story the host had written about Christmas. It was very thoughtful! This is my table. It was pretty simple, but I was proud!

I put real cranberries in Christmas wine goblets and added a tealight candle to make candle holders. I did the same thing in the dessert dishes for lower lighting. And I just stole mom's berries off her mantle to put in this vase with more cranberries to support the plant. We had a great night of fellowship. I always thought of Women's Ministry as an old ladies group, but ours isn't that at all. The median age is probably still 40, but a lot of the 20-30 age group is envolved as well. Plus, 40 really isn't that "old." Anyway, every month we have a food theme and a different speaker. Its so much fun to go and be with all the ladies, eat and have an interesting topic. My favorite is always in March when we do Irish food! If you live close by you should join us some month! Its a blast and not all the women that come are from our church. See you there.

Edana's "Me Day"

2007-12-16T07:50:00.000-06:00

Edana attends Head Start this year. They do not celebrate ANY holidays. I guess they don't want to offend anyone by leaving their holiday out. Personally, its kinda pathetic to me. If its a national holiday, why can't we acknowledge it? Anyway, since the kids don't get to celebrate their birthdays, they each get a "me day." Edana had hers on Friday. Me and the boys stayed at school with her until nap time, and she came home with us early. It was a lot of fun. She got to pick the songs and stories for the day. They also let her bring one special thing to show everyone at circle time along with her Book About Me. It was pretty cute. They did a cheer and spelled her name. It was also the last day of school before "Winter Break" I couldn't help myself. Teachers deserve Christmas presents, so Edana and I made cookies and decorated sacks to give to them. She was so excited about it. The batteries in the camera decided to die after we got to headstart, so I didn't get any pictures of her special day. She was too busy to stop for pictures anyway!

Its was Edana's Me Day, but Aidan reaped some of the benefits as well. He got to stay and do everything they did. He's bigger than most of the kids in her class, but missed the cut off by 7 days. He did pretty well. I wasn't sure how he'd act, but, other than not always sitting when he was supposed to, he followed the rules and listened to the teachers. He played really well with the other kids as well. He did excellent at meal times, unlike at home. He loved the library area and he got to paint a picture too! Declan did pretty good too. He got tired and probably would have fallen asleep, but the other kids were so fascinated with a baby in class, he didn't get the chance. It was a very fun and memorable day! Plus, Edana's birthday is in the middle of summer, so its probably the only time she'll get to have a special day like that at school. I hope she always remembers it!

Rileigh Cait-12 Weeks and Counting!

2007-12-13T21:09:00.000-06:00

I went to the doctor today. Just the usual check up. Listened to the heartbeat and measured my big belly. All was good there! I had gained a little more weight than I wanted. Man! Christmas isn't even here yet! How do you make candy without sampling? Especially haystacks! Oh! Those are my downfall every year! I saw Dr. Hix today. He's my favorite! Mostly because he's delivered two of my three kids and with Addy, he was the only doctor I had the whole time. He is really nice and very personal. He must really review peoples charts because I can't imagine him really remembering that much stuff about all the women he sees. I go back Jan 3, and after that it will be time for my two week visits! I'm so ready to be done!! That probably isn't that good considering I'm just now starting my last trimester. Plus, I'm not prepared at all. I have so much to do! Its scary to think about. Oh well. I just won't be able to get it done until the house is finished, so we'll have to make due. It always comes together in the end anyway!

More Progress!

2007-12-13T20:06:00.001-06:00

After days of rain, this is what we found this morning when we went outside. Heating and air crew and the framers were back to put in the windows! By the time we got home it was dark, so I didn't get any pictures of the outside. The whole back has been sided and one end! All but the big window and two doors have been installed

Working hard and its not even 8:00! (just don't let mom catch you with that cigarette out there on the insulation and drywall go up!) She'll smell that from a mile away! The bay windows are going to be great!These are in the living room Master bedroom All the duct work is done! (Dad wasn't too happy about where they put the outside unit.) For some reason, they put it on the west end. I think it'll work out though. The north, where dad wanted it, is so pretty it may have taken away from it. That whole end is full of windows, and there will be a nice size deck out there.

Shower in the master. The tub is in too, but that picture was too dark. Its got a nice big frosted window above it. Now, who would pick this for a back door? Me either! Dad almost missed their mistake. Should be a pretty french door here. This door belongs in the laundry room. I guess every building project has there glitches. This one shouldn't be to hard to fix.Oh! now that door is pretty! Maybe it goes in the laundry room, that way everyone can see our laundry! Oh wait! It goes in the living room...who would have thought! On a side note: My date stamp is obviously wrong. I have realized it and fix it. Sorry if you are ocd and it stresses you out!

Girl Time

2007-12-06T13:38:00.000-06:00

Sunday was a true family day. We didn't get to go to church, so we had "church" at home with the kids. At first they didn't seem amused but they ended up having fun. We used a video to do praise and worship and then Jeff told them a story and we colored a picture....all in our pajamas. It was kind of refreshing to be honest. We talked about thanking God for things, so when it came time to draw we were supposed to draw pictures of things we're thankful for. Jeff drew our church, I drew stick figures of our family (immediate and extended) and our house; and Edana drew a rainbow with lots of colors. Aidan, well, Aidan drew not one but two pictures of Captain America!

That night Edana helped me make some No Bake Cookies (mm...my favorite!) She had fun and was surprisingly patient. Of course they only take about 10 minutes to make. Perfect for a four year old! Isn't she pretty! I would have preferred to stay out of the pictures, but Jeff didn't listen..... I'm not sure when she got so big! Her final product!!!! She was really proud of her cookies. And she helped clean up the mess! Its good to have a little helper in the kitchen sometimes.

Progress

2007-12-06T13:12:00.000-06:00

Well, after the guy laying the foundation took so long, I was convinced that the baby would be here before Dad and Mom's house was finished. However, the framers have renewed my hopes! They were awesome! They were here early every morning and even worked last friday when it was raining some. Anyway, this is what they accomplished this far.

Mom will finally have a wrap around front porch! She's always wanted one! The view from the front porch.Pretty bay windows. (that is my favorite part of the plans!) This is the view out the guest bedroom window. It is huge. It should be very pretty. A walk in pantry! Mom will have a kitchen with all the storage she needs! Plus pretty windows. The view from them will be my bedroom window....I better buy some good draps! Actually, they are right at the corner of the porch. I couldn't help but think of Grandma's porch and setting out on it year round. It never seemed cold on her porch. I hope mom and her grandkids will have the great memories of her porch as we do of Grandma's! That is all for now. The roofers came today. They got here sometime after 7:30 and were finished before 11:30. I was very impressed. Meeks also delivered the windows and doors today, so hopefully the framers will be back tomorrow. They assured Dad that that is a one day job as well. That means we could see siding next week. Then we have to wait on the electrician. I hope he hurries. I have serious doubts that we'll see him before Christmas, but I really hope he proves me wrong. Mom told them they needed to be done by the first part of Feb because the baby is due the first part of march. Maybe they listened! The first of Feb would at least give mom time to get her stuff moved and me time to get somewhat settled. I have no hopes of getting to paint before that, but that is alright. We'll wait until later in the spring, so that I can air the house out better!

Fun videos

2007-11-30T20:28:00.000-06:00

Hadn't tried doing any vidoes yet, so I just wanted to share these. Declan's birthday was so fun! Jeff and Edana had a great time dancing together. Aidan was in there too, but he didn't make it in the video for some reason. Enjoy! (sorry, the sound isn't very good)

On a side note: I had my first really good braxton hix contraction a few minutes ago. Rileigh kicked like crazy afterward. Guess she didn't like it much. Hope I have lots of those over the next few months!

Having fun!

2007-11-30T20:01:00.001-06:00

Edana picked out her own outfit. I don't know where she gets it! HAHAHA! She was pretty proud of her "styling outfit" I think she actually got the idea from Bailey. When they came up a few weeks ago, Bailey came in wearing a pair of jeans under a dress. Her and Bailey recreated another great outfit for thanksgiving but I didn't get a picture of it. She loves her boots as much as her momma! This was Declan before his hair cut. (his second hair cut) I keep it cut pretty short as you can tell. I don't know, I just think it looks cute! Aidan's isn't as short, but their faces aren't shaped the same either. They are both cute! Meemaw wasn't home when this picture was taken. Pawpaw and the boys were wrestling on her new couch! I couldn't resist the picture. They were so funny!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

We had a rough time at Thanksgiving this year. Mom bought some batteries (they were the "best deal") that were so weak our cameras wouldn't run on them. I had more in the car, but completely forgot about them. Then Shelly pushed the wrong button and lost all of the pictures she'd taken. I did get a couple of cute ones on Declan and one of a few family members eating. Declan and Lilly. It was so cute. He's as big as her and she'll be two in a couple of month.

From left: Stacey, Scarlet(Stacey exchange student from Holland), Dad, and Daniel.

Unfortunately I didn't get any at my grandpa's house. We went there after eating lunch in Westville with the Bailey side. I got to see two of my cousins. My dad's aunt always comes in the evening. It was a nice visit. I don't know if it will every feel right without my grandma there. We did what we've always done, but it's just not the same. Grandpa seemed good. Its funny to see how my dad's brother is looking more like Grandpa every year. It was a good Thanksgiving. Its my favorite holiday. I am very thankful that God has given me such a large family. Thanksgiving is the only day of the year that we see almost all of them in one day! Christmas is next! We'll go to Shelly's. That has kind of become our new tradition since Grandma died. She has a big enough house, we can all go there and still have a room to keep from going crazy! I will have pictures of that!

Catching up!

2007-11-30T18:44:00.000-06:00

Well, its been a couple of weeks now, but I finally got a chance to blog my news. Most of you already know by now, but we are having a GIRL!!! Her name will be Rileigh Cait. (Jeff picked the spelling this time!) We found out on Nov 15th. (Declan's birthday) Needless to day we had a very busy day that day. It was fun though!

Edana and Aidan looked so sleepy. They got to go to the doctor and see the ultrasound. Edana was so excited when they said it was a girl. She just grabbed Jeff and grinned really big. She really wanted a sister. Aidan thought it was neat, but he lost interest pretty quick.

Dec's favorite food seems to be pizza right now, so we made homemade pizza for his birthday dinner. We don't make to big of a deal over the first birthday. Just dinner with the family and a small cake for him to destroy. Everyone else gets cupcakes!

The kids with Dec's cake. We let them help blow out the candles. Declan was so cute trying to blow. He figured it out pretty quick! The cake before he attacked

He got so messy! By the time he was done he had cake all down both arms and on his face!

He seems to like cars. Mom got him a little spider-man push car. We got him the little car to push around on the floor. Not much, but he's only one and there really wasn't much he needed. Jeff's mom got him a see-n-say, but I don't have a picture of him with that yet. Christmas this year should be fun!

7 Random facts

2007-11-16T10:19:00.000-06:00

I was tag by Brittney.

1. I have a very stubborn husband! He is so layed back that most people don't believe me, but once he makes up his mind about something....you're not going to change it. Which is okay, because well, I change my mind about things all the time! (too much) Not really, I can be pretty stubborn at times. But if its not set in stone, well, that means its changeable!

2. I have been an aunt for over half of my short life. I love being an aunt! Its almost as good as being a mom, except I can send them home. I have 3 nephews and 4 nieces, and Jeff has 2 nieces and 3 nephews. That makes for a grand total of 12! I just wish I lived closer to them.

from left to right: in front: Alex holding Aidan, Edana, Caleb holding Declan. in back: Garrett, Jake, Raegan, Alyssa, and Bailey

3. I can't think of anything else! Umm...I have been pregnant every year of my marriage, litterally. I haven't gone more than six months without getting pregnant in the last 5 years. Needless to say, I'm glad we're stopping at four. I'm not like Michelle Duggar! I'm ready to have a life outstide of pregnancy.

4. I have been white water rafting on the Rio Grande. We went this summer after we finished building the church in Arizona. (Before I knew I was pregnant) It was fun. I got out and swam the last little bit, just so that I could say I have been swimming in the rio grande! Even in June the water is freezing. Our guide fell out of the water on our first big rapid. Oh man! That was a little freaky! One minute she is shouting instructions the next minute she is floating down the river. She was the only one that fell out the whole day!

5. I let my husband take my three year old son caving. Not just any cave, one that had to be repelled into. They actually harnessed Aidan up and lowered him down to another staff memeber. I later threw a fit over him taking him up on a cliff that everyone was repelling off of. I had no problem with the cave but the cliff was different. It makes since in my head. I'm not afraid of hieghts for myself, just for others. I'd love to have gone repelling with them...that whole being pregnant all the time thing! I just didn't like knowing Aidan was up that high.

6. oh man! two more....The older I get the more like my Grandma I realize I am. When I was young I thought she was eccentric and "frufru", but not any more. I think I love gold as much as she did. Sometimes I get the urge to paint something gold so bad, I go around the house looking for my next victim. I actually keep gold spray paint on hand, just in case!

7. My secret dream is to be an interior designer. I wouldn't paint everthing gold for other people. I like taking what people like and coming up with a plan for their rooms. I do it for mom all the time, but she doesn't always go for it. I can't wait to decorate my own house. I've already picked out the color schemes. I even put a couch on lay-a-way, just so I could get started planning it all out. The funny thing is, Aidan likes it as much as me. He's always stealing my bh&g mags! Its so funny.

I'm done! I don't think I'll tag anyone because everyone that I know looks at this has already been tagged.

error on last blog.

2007-11-06T19:19:00.000-06:00

I messed up. We didn't go to the Pow a Mu in August. It was the first weekend in October. Just wanted to correct my mistake!

Pow a Mu

2007-11-06T18:55:00.000-06:00

Jeff and I aren't exactly the woodsy type. I love to be outdoors (well, mostly on the river), and we grew up camping out everywhere we went on vacation. Jeff, however, had never been camping for real. Well, I don't count a camper trailer as for real. I know, some people just don't like to camp, but it doesn't seem real if you are up off the ground in a trailer with an air conditioner. However, he has been broken in well. Aidan and Jeff went on a spiritual emphasis retreat with the ranch right after A.J.'s birthday. The first weekend in August, we(Jeff, Edana, Aidan, and me) went to Pow a Mu. This is a weekend put on by Fellowship of Christian Frontiersmen. Everyone sleeps in canvas tents or teepees. They all cook in dutch ovens over open camp fires, and most of them wear authentic dress. It was so much fun! We had a blast, and we won the Seneca walk! I hope we can go back again. I've even thought about making the kids some clothes for it. They had such a good time!

This was the teepee we stayed in.

Camp Site.Ford family crafting. You won't see that everyday.Edana and Aidan playing stick ball with the other kids.Tony and Jennifer. (I'll probably be in trouble for this picture, but they are the ones that invited us. I'm so glad they did!)

Halloween

2007-11-01T21:17:00.001-05:00

Andrew, Abigail, and Addy What?

Addy and her "sissy" Courtney That's all he did for most of the night.

"I may not have the best costume, but I'm still the cutest baby here."

Every fairy need great hair and makeup! She looked so sweet and beautiful! Boy costumes are so much easier. After much debate I gave in and went to the Harvest Party. We've been moving this week, and it was just really not a good night to not work on the house. The kids had a blast. Plus, the costumes were freebies, so who could pass that up? We didn't dress Declan up. Not much point. Next year we'll get him in on the fun, I suppose. Next year, I won't plan any major events for the week of Halloween....

Aidan's Birthday!

2007-11-01T20:45:00.001-05:00

Daddy has a special present! Just for his little superhero His very own COMIC BOOKS!! It was a pathetic cake, but they didn't have a batman cake at Wal-mart. Trick Candles!

(I really did pick them up on accident, but it turned out hilarious) I don't know? He was so focused on getting the paper off, he almost didn't realize what he'd gotten He was sure happy when he did!! He LOVES Captian America. Aidan and Isaac Aidan and Mary Audra I guess he needed a little help getting all of the dinosaurs out of the bag! He had a great birthday. Not many of his friends got to show up, but between Captain America, Comic books and Dinosaurs he was set. I have no idea what I'll do for Christmas. The only superheroes left to get him are too scary in my opinion. Maybe we should start on GI Joes now. He's not too picky. As long as they are "guys" to carry around. The dinosaurs were great. It was a good thing he got so many. All three of the kids love them. I just don't like stepping on them in the middle of the night! Ouch! They keep them entertained for a long time and they are so simple and cheap. At a dollar a piece you can get every kind they have and not feel guilty! And just for the record. He has not worn pull-ups since that day, two months later, I'd say he's pretty well potty trained! Yippee! That was my favorite part about him turning three!

Just for fun!

2007-11-01T20:25:00.001-05:00

Krypto had a rare calm moment with the kids. She took great pictures for me. "Addy's arbor" at least she thinks papa made it for her. Isn't everything for her? Dec is Meemaw's boy! Addy is never still enough to actually focus on the camera. Getting professional pictures made is a crazy experience! Dec has to have goggles when he takes a bath with Aidan...

First time

2007-10-31T21:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I gave in. Actually, I just get tired of trying to get my pics resized for myspace. Now I can just dump them all on here, and whoever wants can take a look. Its been so long that i'll have to go back a couple of months. Enjoy!

Well, that's all I'm doing for now. I'll do more tomorrow, for now, I'm going to bed! Goodnight!