Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of a new year, not on the calendar but in the mind of the school. A new year, a fresh page to see what God has in store for my small humans, what curiosities the children will have, subjects they will love, extracurricular activities they will want to pursue and how we will grow even tighter as a family.

While each year I feel like the kids get bigger and time with them slips faster away, I also feel like the relationship I have with them has grown stronger. Their sweet kisses, hugs, and saying the precious words “I Love You” have always been special, but now they say and do these things because they want to – not because it is simply modeled behavior. I see how they care for their siblings as they share excitement over the others preparing for their first day of school. I see it when after a long day of school visits, haircuts, and the final rush for new shoes Hannah and Charlie wrap their arms around me in the middle of a store – yes, in public where anyone could see them – and tell me they’ve heard hugs are the best medicine. I see it when they all pack their lunch, set their alarms, bathe without being ask – they get it. We are a family, and to succeed in this mission we need each other to play our part. As we start another new year I realize that the kids are now starting to get it.

We will still have days where it’s every man for himself, every instruction from parent to child feels like you’re playing King of the Hill, when riding in the back of the van is worse than being tortured or even better not honoring super seat savers on the living room sofa. But, for every one of those moments there will be a son who showers without being ask, a little who holds my hand as we stop at lights on the way to school – looks at me with clothes quickly thrown on & no makeup and says, “You’re so pretty, Mommy.”, a sister who looks up to her older brother with anticipation as he enters high school so it won’t be so scary for her in a couple years.

My favorite story is from this morning, while Lilly was getting ready beside me she says, “I just realized that we’ll only have Charlie with us for four more years. I’m going to miss not having him to throw the football and Frisbee with when he’s gone.” It was precious. My reply, “Then you know what that means? You should take every opportunity you have to play with him from now on. Anytime he asks to play catch you should do it.” She walked right out to the living room and told him she’d play catch anytime he wants. While the structured part of me that was trying to get everyone out the door on time was panicked that they might walk out right then (we were moments away from needing to leave for school) and start playing catch, I quickly realized that wasn’t either of their intention. Sometimes it is just nice to know that you are loved, and to be told that in your own language is priceless. That is, until someone takes your favorite spot in the van and then all bets are off!

Proud of my girl for loving her brother, and wanting to connect with him, for understanding at the little age of 10 that these moments are priceless and we should cherish them all. Proud that this afternoon as excited as each of the children will be to tell me about their day they will be just as excited to hear about how it went for their siblings. Proud that while I feel old having a 5^th year, one in middle school, and one who is as tall as me starting high school today – Kelley and I have made it this far without completely screwing them up, and we still get to have them around to embarrass for a few more years. These are the moments we cherish.

Happy new year, everyone!! Make it a good one!

Happy Easter y'all!

Jesus rose from the dead almost 2,000 years ago so today we get our party on. 

Fancy dresses and a bow tie were worn. The Easter Bunny came. Songs were sung. Pictures were taken. Lunch was eaten with the family. Eggs were hidden and found. Laughter was heard. Dessert was delightful. Nap taken. Coffee consumed. Boat rowed. Movie watched. Leftovers eaten. Sleep is soon.

Missed the family and friends we couldn't see today but overall it was a successful day all around.

Happy Easter, y'all! 

The sweetest Brownie ever

This mourning is bittersweet. 

A tiny, energetic, sweet little dog made sad puppy eyes at us over 10 years ago. Looking out from the kennel where she was on display, awaiting a new owner to take her home, something in her eyes said get me away from all these crazy animals, and people who want to pet me, bust me outta here and I’ll be the most loyal member of your family for years to come. I’ll teach your children about responsibility, I’ll comfort you when you are sick and listen when you think no one else will, frustrate your husband by loving him so much I go anywhere he goes with such dedication that sometimes he might trip over me because he forgets I'm there and I love him just that much. When I hear you come home for the day I’ll make sure to signal your arrival for the family by sitting patiently at the door for you to walk in. If you are home alone, I’ll be your guard dog - I may not look like much but no one messes with you and of that I’ll be sure. There is one little thing I should have mentioned before you fell in love with me - I like to run, a lot. So, if you leave the door open even the smallest amount I am going to bust out and run as fast as I can in any direction so I can take in every inch around me, but I will always come home, or, jump in to the truck, because there isn’t anyone out there who loves me more, or feeds me.

Brownie joined our family when there was a three and half year old Charlie, a days away from one year old Hannah, and a baby growing in my belly. To say we all grew up together probably says it best. She taught me a lot about myself along the way, and she has been the best nanny to my children. They love her so much as is evidenced by the grief they have felt once we knew our time with Brownie was coming to a close. As sweet Lilly said this morning, she is in a better place and that she is. We had more time than we thought, but still that will never be enough.

Once Hannah learned the news, through tears but with a smile on her face said, hey, it’s the circle of life. That it is, and we are thankful Brownie was part of ours.

To the bestest brown dog ever, you will be missed sweet girl, we love you Brownie.

What to do on a rainy day? Get creative!

With the never-ending rains that have hit Georgia this summer, and especially this past week, we have all been getting a touch of cabin fever at times. I mean, how many times can you watch the same House Hunters
episode on HGTV, or the Disney Channel, before you just need a change of scenery. 

To beat the rainy day blues we taken to a variety of activities. From the typical shopping, and hitting our favorite places to eat we've also gotten clever - cleaning, home projects, making music, and one of our favorites - crafting! Always a good time to get out the bucket of buttons, and scrap fabric to see what treasures you can create. I'm a fan of the clever denim & button cuffs and headbands the girls designed. 

Nothing says "Happy Birthday,
America" like a trip to The Varsity!

Quick break in the drizzle for sparklers on the 4th

Hannah, inspired by HGTV is adding a modern touch to a vintage dresser with new knobs.
An easy project even for children.

Nothing says rainy day escape like bike shopping!

Gettin' crafty

Timeless Headband

Rockin' Cuff

Although the rain gets some people down, me - I love it and will be a bit sad to see the sun take resume its rightful place in the sky without the delightful drops of rain and the serene sky of gray. Oh well, until next time. Can't wait to see the adventures we will have next time!

My little man

Wide awake this morning - 6:00 a.m., July 4th, no good reason to have opened my eyes, but instead here I sit feeling more awake than most mornings when I need to be out of bed early. I gave up on going back to sleep and now sit on my covered back porch - listening. The sound of the rain, which people are expecting to wreak such havoc today with flood conditions that most Atlanta fireworks have been cancelled, the drops sound so delicate as they bounce off the roof and leaves around me. Hard to imagine the problems this delicate dance can cause. There is a sweet sound of birds singing in the distance, and while I feel it's to early to be up and moving, clearly nature knows this day is already well underfoot.

Waking this morning, besides the startling discovery of the early time, was what seems to be a more routine discovery as of late of the sleeping 10-year old beside me. Sounds in the night, especially wind and rain, are cause for alarm for her - or more likely cause to have a Mom-worthy excuse to need the safety of her parents room. So, as I have every morning this week I also woke to a most precious angel - who is now almost the height of me, mind you - cuddling up for comfort. She, of course, is still sleeping peacefully through the rain which caused her waking earlier in the evening. Although as is her pattern she too will wake soon before it seems to make sense because she has a wonderful gift of being a morning person very much unlike me.

In the stillness of this morning I also remember who is not under my roof, my little man, Charlie. He is off for fun and adventure at the lake with his cousin. While I'm sure he will have a fantastic time, returning home with more stories than you can possibly imagine which he will be so excited to share in painstaking detail, I miss him. It's a moment that makes me reflect on the not-so-distant future where my children will have things they chose to do that do not involve them spending time with their Mom and Dad, so weird. This is a next step that I'm not ready for yet, or at least have not begun to let myself even think about, and today has made me realize it is time to start adjusting my thinking.

As I think about what I am writing I sound like a crazy woman - sitting here in this serene moment, writing on my back porch at an unusually early time in the morning (for her), and choosing to fret about my 13-year old son not being with her for the day. Yep, sounds completely logical to me. It is not that he chooses to do something else it is that it is a symbolic representation of what is to come. Today is Independence Day, the 4th of July, when we should be together as a family - eating hot dogs, swimming at the pool (or better today with the rain - complaining that we aren't swimming), trying to catch a glimpse of a firework somewhere, me afraid that a child will burn down the house with a sparkler - and instead we're not. Weird, and a little sad for me.

So, I will go back to listening to the sound of the rain as it falls gently on the awning above me, to the birds as they tweet a delicate melody no one will ever do justice to replicate, be thankful that my over five feet tall 10-year old would give anything to cuddle with me each night, and remember when my little man really was little and I would get up at this time of the morning because he needed me to, and that was all the reason I needed.

Happy 4th of July y'all, and Happy (Start of) Independence to my little man.

Our Family, In Lilly's Words

Hi my name is Lilly. My family is very nice. My sister Hannah is so nice sometimes she can be mean. I do not think she loves me but I love her. My brother Charlie is nice to but he likes to play the drums. I like to play the drums when he is not here. I love him very much gust like Hannah. My mom and dad known as Kelley and Sarah. I love them very much they love me, too. They sometimes yell at me but I forgive them. They let me sleep with them when I ask nice and they say I have to be quiet  or they will send me back to my room. I just got a new room my dad worked hard on it and I like it is just my type. I don’t know if you know how crazy my family is I love everyone. I have some news I mite get baptized. Thank you. 

Love, Lilly

The Wisdom of Lilly

Today was a first for me, gave blood at our community clubhouse. The experience itself was unique. I had the bright idea to be healthy and walk the mile to our clubhouse, only to realize I needed my license in order to give blood - who'd a thunk. Of course, having walked, I didn't think to bring any identification along only my iPhone in case I felt woozy on the walk home - in the hot sun. So, clearly there were some flaws in my thinking. Waiting for the ID I did get to watch a little QVC as that's what the friendly American Red Cross staff decided to put on the TV for the last hour, different. This did give me the chance to have a rather interesting conversation, with the woman who would later draw my blood, about why someone might, or might not, purchase a $210 purse in pink with cupcakes on the side, but I digress.

Fast forward - first blood donation went well, ate the cookies, they loaded me down with snacks for my kids & drinks for me, I headed to the pool next door after being told I shouldn't plan to do anything this afternoon (figured the mile walk back might not be smart). Kids and Kelley arrive, they swim, I read and drink lots of water, we head home.

The ride home, while short, was full of lots of questions about blood types, blood donation, why they give you snacks after blood donation. In the middle of a great educational conversation about blood types, and how your blood type is determined, Lilly pipes out of nowhere, "And, that's why you can't marry your cousin, 'cause your baby'll come out weird." Wait, what? The wisdom of Lilly.

When Sickness Attacks

Parenting Thought #43: When purchasing something for your children's use keep in mind how it will hold up when cleaned because the inevitable will happen - it will be drug through the mud, the dog will sleep on it, accidentally thrown in the trash, or as happened this weekend for us - thrown up on. Consider, is this item going to last when washed? And if not, is it cheap enough that when the inevitable happens I'm good with just chucking it in the trash for good? Finally, if it's cheap and I'm willing to part with it, will it cause devastation for my child when I chuck their beloved _____ in the trash?

Many in our area have been experiencing an awful stomach bug that somehow our family has been able to avoid. This past week, however, it crept up upon us in the middle of the night, when we are at our weakest. It's like it knows, wait until everyone is resting and peaceful, then attack!

Child one, Hannah, went down just as Thursday was starting and while it was a long night things were spaced out enough that the parents could tag team caring for her and clean-up, and all involved were able to get a little sleep in between. The rest of Thursday brought on mild fever, and general puny-ness but it also hadn't brought on any other sick children, or parents for that matter. Both my husband and I spent the day feeling icky, but didn't know if it was real ick or just the thought we'd end up sick after what we had experienced the night before. Overall we managed the day, and at the end felt victorious as only one of the five had officially succumbed to this plague.

Friday would bring Kelley and Charlie leaving for a weekend retreat, while Hannah showed signs of returning to normal, but then at the end of the day it was apparent Lilly wasn't herself. Because everyone else seemed good I chocked it up to Lilly just being tired from a day of school and play. I'm sure you see where this is going. Friday night, scratch that, early Saturday morning just as I had fallen asleep it was Lilly's turn. This time we were down by one parent, but I wasn't that worried having just gone through this two nights before I was the pro, and knew what was coming next. The first two times Lilly was sick I was preparing her for what was next. By the third time she had the drill down and her precious face was stuck down in the trash can before she even knew what was coming. Nothing like the sense of accomplishment your child feels when they realize all their throw up made it in the trash can and not on themselves or the stuff around them. Sweet victory! She wanted me to sleep with her on her pallet. Thinking this wasn't the best idea since I'd be an easy target, I opted to lay on the floor at the head of the pallet. Not the most comfortable position with my head in the bathroom doorway, and legs extending up under my bed, but it worked. (Side note: my back is still killing me but sometimes the pain is worth the sacrifice for our kids. however, need to figure out a better option next time.)

By the fourth time I was letting her know there were only one or two more times to go. Also at this point her sister, sleeping on the other pallet in my room, was waking up each time as well to share her stories of pain, and encourage her sister. The best was one of the last times when Lilly was crying out in pain, Hannah told her to just think happy thoughts and don't think about what's happening that way it won't hurt so bad. So sweet. It's these moments that they demonstrate how much they truly love one another. Where Hannah had been fairly quiet when she was sick, Lilly was very vocal about how much it hurt and equally how much she missed her Daddy. Lilly sounded like me going through natural childbirth, and Hannah, like my last delivery when you know it's not easy or fun but everything about it just seems peaceful.

Finally we made it through the night. The next morning Lilly was proud of the fact that she holds the record for most times getting sick for this round. I think she counted 9, where Hannah only had 6 or 7. Both girls main concern was not the night before and lack of sleep, or pouring rain outside, but the fact they were about to miss their first soccer game of the season. Thankfully, the rain caused that to be cancelled and also provided a great day to stay inside for rest and recovery.

As soon as we were settled in our new, clean spots for the day it was time for Lilly to get to talk to Daddy. Little did we know he had a treat for us - Charlie had also been struck with the bug, only he wasn't in the comfort of home, he was at camp, with 100 other kids, and no running water in their cabin. Always glad Kelley is able to go along on these retreats but particularly glad this time because it meant Charlie could retreat to the quiet of his private room to complete his sickness. After the brief moment of sadness because I wasn't able to be there for him, and the sad realization that he had thrown up all by himself in a bathroom stall , I resolved to channel that sadness into action.

It was time for Laundry-geddon! My counter-attack began with Lysol and Clorox wipes attacking the low ground, while anything that could be washed was to cover the high ground. As I write this the mission is still going on as there are two more loads of sheets to wash, and one or two loads of clothes but then sweet victory will be mine!

Today Hannah is back to crazy, bubbly, organized, entertaining Hannah. Where Friday night she didn't want ice cream, but then caved and ate a little vanilla (side note: if she doesn't want ice cream or something chocolate you know something's wrong.), last night she was eating Chick-fil-a and this morning Chocolate Chip pancakes. We are in the clear with her!

Lilly & Charlie are right where Hannah was yesterday - still puny, happy to lay on their pallet watching Disney movies, and occasionally playing Wii, giving in to my nagging requests to drink more water, willing to eat some crackers and a small bite of ice cream only because I say so.

Much to everyone's sadness they will probably all be good to go by tomorrow just in time to head back to school. I will have a house full of clean sheets and freshly laundered comforters. But the cheap Ikea pillow I bought as decoration for Lilly's bed well, jury's still out on that one, but it may be finding a new home at the dump.

School

  School isn't a walk in the park. It takes time and being in fourth grade i know what its like. so when starting a whole new chapter in life you have to take time and read it and i have noticed that. Don't hurry take your time and join the team and go slow.Rock and roll takes time even to. 

Big Loss Today! Lilly's First Top Tooth is no Longer on the Loose!

A big start to the night in the Davenport household - Lilly was crunching on a crouton when one of her top teeth, which has been just a little loose, suddenly started to sprint to freedom. After a couple of mouth rinses, a quick tug on the tooth by Miss Lilly herself released the tooth from the chains that have held it these last eight years. And like that, Lilly is a toothless wonder again.

Oh, my

Dear me, my family has gone crazy. Between crazy pictures on the iPad, Hannah having access to post on the blog, dear me. I would say almost a week of family togetherness has finally driven us over the edge, hopefully in a good way.

- Sarah D.

Just Another Morning on Vacation

The day started out as a mean ugly morning. No fun what so ever. May or may not get to see the new movie Brave. hopefully we can. Tring to make a nice video on why we like cars. hopefully lilly will pull it together. dancing like loony bird girl right now and laughing her heart out. What a normal family vacation (crazy pictures, fire works,& Normal family things to do).Yay Inever have this much fun on family vacations its usally just alot of screaming and yelling so yay to an awesome  yet NORMAL family (not)!!!!

Cant wait for lilly to take the picture cant seem to take one the right way. now charlies in my dads armpit in the picture ha ha ha. laugh like a crazy family. crazy crazy family yyaaayyy!!!!!!!!!!!

- Hannah D.

Crazy Family Photo Time (Lilly D.)

Happy July 4th

Happy 4th of July 2012! As I write this it is actually July 5, and I'm realizing just how long it has been yet again since I have posted any of our family adventures. This post is even more special because as I type I have a precious red head to either side of me. We have spent the last few minutes reading my previous blog posts, with Hannah and Lilly both quite enamored to learn that we have our own blog! It's like we're famous now, or something. Lilly is, of course, quite concerned that there aren't more posts about her and Charlie, only a long expose celebrating Hannah's birthday four years ago. Now that the little ones know of this blog hopefully it will challenge me to write more frequently. If for no other reason than that they can look back and remember the sometimes challenging, often fun, always special times we have had together in this crazy adventure called life. I love my family!

Ah, Where Has the Time Gone?

Had a new experience this morning and it prompted me to want to write about it. First thought was to utilize this existing outlet to post my thoughts. Imagine my surprise when I logged in and realized my last post was in 2008, yikes! So many times I write posts in my mind, but somehow the words never make it from my mind to the keyboard. I digress...

This morning I had the unique experience of getting to visit the GA Department of Labor office. In and of itself not a bad experience, employees were as kind as they could be when dealing with lots of folks and the place was not in disrepair but beyond that, wow. It is interesting that the office is in an older building, hidden down a hill and tucked in the backside of a cul-de-sac, just pulling in makes you feel as though you should be a bit ashamed and they are tucking you away from prying eyes. I realize it's just an inexpensive location and my tax dollars thank them, but in the moment it is humbling. Not saying DOL should have fancy, expensive offices but I do wonder what effect that might have on the morale of people entering the facility in search of employment.

As I enter the building I am greeted by two "guards" one of whom is kind enough to open the door for me, which prohibits me from seeing the sign stating "NO FOOD OR DRINKS", so the other guard kindly tells me I can't enter. "Excuse me?," I respond. "You can't bring cups in here," he states. So I proceed back out to the car to leave my insulated, spill proof coffee mug. Now, back in one more time to no clear direction on where to proceed. Thankfully a kind man waiting for the same meeting points me in the right direction. I walk to the counter to check-in and the woman proceeds to speak so fast she almost made my head spin. As a fellow fast talker I appreciate the art, but lady, wow! My favorite was when I ask her a question about something she had just said and she looked at me confused not understanding how I didn't get it all the first time.

The rest of the time there was not overly interesting, just funny to me that speak down to you the whole time. The woman leading the meeting was nice, and professional, but certainly there is a feeling that people are looking down on you somehow. A little encouraging pep talk would be nice now and then. I realize it is a system that people abuse and they want to make sure that doesn't happen, but still, a little positive energy would go a long way.

The highlight to the day? Learning that because I was one of the lucky few who had filed on-line I would get to leave early in the session, yahoo! Thankfully the experience lasted just under an hour, and now I will be rolling in the riches of the world of the unemployed, ha! Better yet, good motivation to find a job to not have to rely on the system, and it's many check points to sustain my family. Hm, maybe that was their intention the entire time...

Stay tuned. You never know how many years until the next post!

Pink Party!

We had a great time at Hannah's party this past Saturday! Everyone was decked out in their pink, even parents & grandparents carried out the pink theme (even Charlie!)! Thank you to our friends and family who came to celebrate Hannah's special day. She had quite a full day with presents, breakfast at Waffle House with Kelley, then party and more presents, and lots of time to play with her friends. Charlie and Lilly did great letting it be all about Hannah for the day! Well, they really did want to go to Waffle House for breakfast but instead they were good sports and helped to decorate for the party. Here are a couple pics from the day (thank you Mom & Duckwalls for taking pictures!).

Hannah McCay

Hard to believe that Hannah will be six years old tomorrow!

Tomorrow will be a special day filled with lots and lots of pink, and friends, and family! She has already requested a date with Daddy to Waffle House for breakfast, and they have to sit at the counter. Tonight we decorate; she has been quite concerned that the decorations are not in place, but I was hoping to surprise her....not my little party planner, she wants to make sure everything is perfect! I am so proud!

This morning while everyone else in the house was asleep, we had quality time together baking cookies for her birthday celebration at school. She was very clear that she wanted sugar cookies, and chocolate chip to make sure there was a choice. Another important piece was that everyone should be able to have two cookies. Happy to report that our baking was a success and there will be lots of cookies for everyone! She has been looking forward to this celebration since her first day of school back in February. Frequently over the past months we have had talks about what would happen on her celebration day. Just as we have been counting down the days to her birthday she has been counting the days to her celebration!

While the cookies baked we had a chance to sit and look over pictures that she was taking to school to make a timeline. I printed photos from when she four months up until our trip to the beach a couple weeks ago. She has grown into such a sweet and loving child over the past six years, and she is still as beautiful as the day she was born. I am looking forward to watching as she learns and grows even more in this next year.

I love you Hannah Miss-a-kay!

Okay, so it's been a while

When I first set up this blog I had the idea that I would constantly be posting things that were going on in our family. Not so much for others to read, but to serve as more of an on-line diary. One place to record all the interesting things that happen in our family of five. Now quite a bit of time has passed but I am finally going to start plugging away at this forum for documenting our life. Rather than trying to go back and recap many months of interesting events I'll just start with this week in our life.

Week started off icky with Charile & Hannah going to the doctor. Thankfully Kelley was able to stay home from work to take care of the babies. Both have a sinus infection and cough, and are now being treated with medicine. Thankfully they are not contagious, but that hasn't kept Kelley and me from having scratchy throats. Hopefully we will get all the sickness out of the way now before the holidays arrive!

On Monday (10/13) Charlie lost his third tooth (on the top, in the front). He was too cute when he called me at work singing "all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"! He is just the cutest boy, and with the loss of each tooth he melts my heart even more. To hear him talk you can detect a slight whistle, precious! Financially he is doing quite well with losing three teeth since February. The cash just continues to roll in under his pillow from the tooth fairy. I'm thinking of pulling some my teeth for cash! At school, he is getting ready for a Historical Pageant and he wants to portray Neil Armstrong. These next couple weeks we will be creating an astronaut costume at home....should be fun!

Hannah is counting down the days until her birthday. Saturday she turns the big SIX! I cannot believe that she is going to be six, yes, I am in denial, let me stay there for a couple months. She is also such a beautiful girl inside and out. We cut her hair (short) and it seems to suit her so well. But, it is making her look less like a baby. Where did this big girl come from all of a sudden? She is reading so well and enjoys making lists. Hannah definetly has her mama's addiction to lists! Monday night she made a list of everything that needs to be done for her party and who was in charge of what. Kelley was wondering why she put him in charge of just preparing everything -- he has to make a pinata, and a pin the nose on the clown game! One thing is for sure, Hannah knows what she wants. Yesterday at school she was stung by a bee! Don't know how things went at school when it happened but by dinner she didn't seem to be bothered and was showing off where she was stung (on her face, ouch!). She has recently expressed that she would like to be a fashion designer when she grows up. This morning she laid out Charlie's clothes for him so she is already training as a stylist. I can't wait for the day that she starts telling me how to dress...should be interesting!

Lilly, where do I start, she is Lilly! A continuous bundle of energy that can be channeled for good or bad, that's my girl! Sunday night while Kelley was at church she decided to play daddy. This being a good idea to her because it means she gets to boss around her big brother and sister, and sleep in my room. She was in character the entire night, and did not like it when I would call her Lilly. Even Charlie and Hannah played along and started calling her "Dally" (a mix of Daddy and Lilly). Throughout the night she called me "Honey"....which I found funny because Kelley doesn't frequently call me that, interesting what children pick up I guess. When Kelley got home she was happy to revert to being just Lilly and cuddling in my lap. For all the frustrations we have with her at times, she is such a loving child. Instinctively, she knows just the right thing to say at the right time. I have some of the best conversations with her, and she seems to genuinely care about my answers to her questions ("What you doin'?", "How was your work today?"). You gotta love some Lilly! Her haircut from last week is also priceless on her! Short 'n sassy, that's what we call it and it is her to a T!

At this point I should probably write something interesting about Kelley and me but I'm not sure what to say. I managed to wake up at the crack of dawn to walk this morning which has been getting increasingly more difficult the colder it gets! Kelley has been wonderful this week to take care of the children on Monday and pick up from school on Tuesday. Tonight we are hosting small group at our house so after work we will be cooking chili and cleaning. Believe it or not I am actually looking forward to those activities! Today work has been so quiet, it will be nice to be up and moving around. Plus, we get to see some of our friends!

To whomever may read this, thank you for sticking with me to the end. For my sake, I hope to write again soon!

Today is the first day of our new family blog. The kids managed to all stay in their own beds all night! This is quite an achievement in our household. As a treat they got to watch a cartoon this morning. I was pleased that they did not get upset when it was time to turn the TV off. This morning was actually quite pleasant.