Striving to Love...

january blues...as in skies...

2012-01-26T12:46:00.001-05:00

People save up all year to come to where I live. I get it.

However, I HATE December through February in South Carolina...hate it. Not the people, the weather. This northern girl can't manage to figure out what to wear most days and is very thankful for the weather app on her phone.

Last week I had my little guy all to myself Friday until Sissy got home from school. He decided he wanted to walk over to the "pond" (I say this lightly b/c we're in need of so much rain...it's more of a puddle), to see and feed the "quack quacks". Little guy is ALL boy and loves to throw, punch, and wrestle...as well as choose "It's Raining Men" on Just Dance 2, wear mommy's heels, and knows 2 colors, blue and PINK!

My little guy has stolen my heart. His cuddles are incredible, he dances like it's his job and he can side-step like no other 2-year-old. Yep, 2! He'll be 2 next weekend and I can't even believe it.

We have had quite a time these past 2 years and I'm eagerly awaiting what the Lord has in store for this one. I've really been trying to become a more patient, attentive mommy. I lose my patience, a lot, with the kids, and I'm really trying to be more loving. I'm trying to sit down and actually reenforce the education Sissy is receiving, as well as read to my little guy so he's nothing like his mommy...who HATES to read.

I have not much to say at the moment...so here's what I'm looking forward to:
1. Spring-it's basically already here, but we have to get through the crappiest month in PI...February. (I use that term lightly, we don't deal with slush, scraping, the works...)
2. The Hunger Games movie-as I just mentioned, I hate to read, but I have read these books and LOVED them. The first one premier's on my birthday, so you'll know what I'm doing that night!
3. Date Nights- Hashtag (as my husband would now like to be referred to...life in my home...) is now on a complete day schedule. That's right, NO MORE NIGHT SHIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, we'll be getting out as a couple and enjoying something we call "married life".

Have a great weekend!
Love, "Landing Gear" (my new nickname.......)

down to 99...

2012-01-17T09:30:00.002-05:00

My hit list is at 99, which I don’t even know 99 people who readthis with ZERO comments on most of my postings. However, I came across thislittle number on Matt’s cousin’s page The Merry Mrs.Mobley, and I liked it…

The rules. . .

one: you must post the rules.

two: post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

three: answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post,and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

four: tag eleven people and link them on your post

five: let them know you've tagged them!

…FYI…I’mnot following these rules…

fun facts. . .

1…I maintainin a constant state of “middle child syndrome”.

2…What ever I’mpassionate for, I’m passionate for it.

3…I lovebeing a mother, however, I think I’m a terrible mother.

4…I get readythe EXACT same way every morning, from the routine of when I wash my hair, whenI brush my teeth…my routine has been the same since I was in high school.

5…Having ahusband that loves the Lord is better than anything I could ever want or askfor.

6…Friendshipsmean everything to me.

7…I lovechicken wings and buffalo sauce, I could eat them every day.

8…I have tochange my pillowcase at least 3 times a week.

9…The way Ido it, is the only way to do it (in our home).

10…I havemirrored my sister’s life for a good portion of mine.

11…I love theLord with all of my heart and am thankful for His saving grace and mercy on mylife. His forgiveness and redemption carry me through daily.

questions . . .

1. Where isyour favorite place to shop?

Loft,Anthropology, Banana Republic…(all sale racks!), Target, Forever 21

2. What food could you eat every day?

Cheese andBuffalo Wings

3. What is your favorite animated movie?

UP! It’squoted in our home daily and it’s an incredible story

4. What was your best subject in school?

English…Imajored for a year and a half in college…until they asked me to read books.

5. What shows are you watching these days?

The Bachelor,Keeping up With the Kardashians…anything trashy and no story line. Although welove that show Up all Night

6. What is something you collect?

Until recently…bitterness…however, now I’d say forgiveness

7.Where isthe furthest place you have been from home?

Los Angeles…I think that’s farther than Jamaica

8. If youcould go on vacation to anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Europe

9. What is aTV show that you absolutely won't miss?

The Bachelor/Bachelorette

10. Do youhave any "favorite kid" names planned out for your future children?(C'mon, we all do!)

If I have another child you will never see me again…b/c I’ll beinstitutionalized.

11. What isthe first thing you do in the mornings?

Read and pray.

gratitude...

2012-01-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

I try to make sure we are never late and that we have things done in a timely fashion in our home. So, for Christmas this year, I had to plan out way ahead. As Spencers passion for being a "cooker" continues to grow, I wanted to make sure we had the appropriate time to bake for Christmas this year. I made sure I had all the right ingredients, pre-measured everything and we spent 2 entire weekends making breads and goodies. It was a great time.

As the third Sunday of advent quickly approached, I made the final adjustments to all of the breads we were giving her teachers, both Sunday school and Kindergarten. Spencer was SO proud to hand out her gifts to the men and women who pour into her life on a daily and weekly basis.

As one conversation went:
S: "Merry Christmas! Here's your present, I made it myself!"
teacher: "Oh, thank you, Spencer! I can't wait to enjoy it. Did your mommy make it with you?"
S: "She helped me."

Spencer was so excited to share in the Christmas spirit to show gratitude to her teachers and leaders. To give them, even something so small as 2 mini loaves of pumpkin/zucchini and cinnamon bread. Something to acknowledge the time and effort they put into her life. She may not be able to put those words on paper, but as her mother, that's why I took that time to bake.

I waited until after Christmas to write this, for obvious reasons. However, I know I have a number of younger mothers that read this. Here's my question: When do we STOP acknowledging the people that pour into our kids lives?

I can remember my mother getting things together for my elementary teachers and Sunday school teachers. However, the minute I entered the 7th grade, I can't. And, guess what, once I hit the 7th grade...I was a beast to deal with. Yet, those teachers, youth pastors, Sunday school teachers and confirmation teachers were some of the biggest folks in my life to shape and mold me into the woman I am today. And, we simply forgot about them during the season where we lavish over each other.

When do we stop acknowedging the adults that are working tirelessly for our teenagers? The adolecent years are critical and those adults are dealing with our students on a daily and/or weekly basis for 7 years, if not longer if you actually take time to follow up with college students. Are we thankful for our middle and high school teachers, youth pastors, Sunday school teachers, confirmation teachers, CCD teachers, you fill in the blank?

And, does our thanks go beyond a pat on the back?

When working with teenagers comes with a cup of coffee cemented in to our hands, let's take the time to NOT step back from parenting once our children are in the middle school/high school years. Let's press in and continue to acknowledge the many folks who wake up at night thinking about our children. Let's remember the folks who's heart breaks for our children when we know they have taken a "wrong turn". Let's acknowledge our people who love our children unconditionally and want and pray for the Lord to do mighty things in our kids lives.

Let's not forget gratitude.

could be my last post...

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

...until after New Years! (Are you kidding...I love blogging!!)

The above photo is our Christmas card this year. If you're reading this and you didn't receive the coveted Elliott Christmas card, please don't have hurt feelings. With stamp prices and printing prices and all that, the card list has been carved from about 145 to about 80, and most of those are family. When you haven't received a raise in 6 years (not complaining...I realize I work for a church!), stamps and Christmas cards are first to go!

I really thought I was only going to do a digital card this year. However, when I was finishing up with work one evening, about 2 weeks ago, I got a surge of "Christmas card-itis". I had everyone meet me at the beach, got some Christmas-y type clothes out, grabbed my snap and shoot, and these photos are what we came up with...which I think were pretty good!

In a age where every new mom has pegged themselves a photographer with their new Nikon, I have about 72 photographers at my fingertips, however, the resources to pay them, not so much. My Nikon coolpix point and shoot seems carry out the Christmas card magic I was going for...however, the family isn't quite as airbrushed as I'd like. I was hoping for a tan and for Matt to now have a beauty mark above his lip. ;)

The other reason I opted out of paying a photographer would be mr.bowtie here. This was at the end of a day where he was at his daycare all day, which means his nap was about 1/4 of what he gets at home and he's been going and going all day long. The minute we hit the beach and even suggested sitting still for a picture, total meltdown. The only way he remotely cooperated was with the magic of a Tootsie pop.

We had a really nice evening at the beach. Ian was not pleased that he couldn't go in the water, however, he got a quick feel of it and quickly realized how cold the water was!

If you're wondering if we just picked up some random teenager to be in the photo with us, no, we didn't. :)

Vince moved in with us in August. Nutshell: Vince hasn't lived with his parents since he was about 15 years old. When he graduated from high school (i.e. turned 18) he finally had the choice of who he was living with (he was in "make shift" foster care). He was living with my assistant, but when he moved away, Vince moved in with us. He's totally part of our family and we love him so much. Ian and Spencer are head over heels for him. He fits right into the family.

We're headed north the day after Christmas and will be in Pittsburgh through New Years. We're excited to be with family over the holidays. I'll have lots of pictures to share from our trip home. I have to leave my laptop at work for a server overhaul, so enjoy your CHRISTMAS (not holiday), celebrate the New Year and we'll be seeing you in 2012!

time together...

2011-12-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

This year, Christmas has been really on the forefront of my mind. No, not because it's December 19. I've been far more observant as families gather together and parties are thrown. There's this desire to come togther, create memories and share in each other's company. But, it's really not sitting well with me.

No, not because I don't want to have time together, much more the opposite! Why do we WAIT to have time together. Why is this entire world waiting until December to have parties, spend time together and create memories?

Is it because we're in a transition from one "sport season" to the next for our children? We don't have to be in 7 different places at once? Is it because we're "supposed to"? Why?

I'm pretty sure when Christ came to save, he came to save us from far more than we think about. Far more than murder, adultury, lies and lust. Far more than fighting, war and hate.

He came to save us from our busy-ness.

Why are we so overscheduled? Last time I checked, our kids can't drive themselves to sign up for activities. We do it to ourselves.

I don't want to wait until December to create lasting memories. I want to have time with my husband, kids, family and friends, whenever we need it. No, I'm not saying my kids won't be involved in things, but I want to be held accountable for the "hustle and bustle" of life, not just Christmas. I want to be painfully aware if I am putting pressure on my kids for involvement in this or that. I want my kids to be kids, my family to be a family and our lives to emulate the aroma of Christ.

If HE has plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11), then I'm pretty sure my kids will get into college, find a spouse, and move on. Whatever happens in between, I pray is Spirit led.

i am a white girl...

2011-12-13T09:23:00.003-05:00

My sister posted THIS today on Facebook, and I had to share it with you.

So.stinkin'.funny.

settling into december...

2011-12-05T09:37:00.001-05:00

We are settling right into December. Like I mentioned, Thanksgiving break was a great teaser for what our Christmas break holds. We really enjoyed our time at my mom's. Ian is such a little funny guy, and Spencer is an amazing big sister. I couldn't have asked for better children.

When we got back, I "enjoyed" a trip to the dentist to have a cavity filled. You can see by the picture below he was a bit generous with the novicaine!

One thing I am really looking forward to is time with my ENTIRE family over Christmas. I wish I could see my little brother more, but am proud of all he's doing on the West Coast. We skyped with him on Thanksgiving day, so I'll take what I can get!

There are a few things that will never sit right with me about living in the south. First would have to be that I have worn flip flops EVERY year to get our Christmas tree! And, even this year, I wore shorts. Also, we go to a grocery store for our tree. Matt and I have refused to give in to the fake tree fairy, and we nurse a real tree each year.

As we navigate through the maze called parenting, we are at a crossroads with Ian. He is really trying to find his place in the family. He does this by a high pitched scream/shriek. It's very loud, hurts our ears and is just annoying. We've tried just about everything. The other night, I told Spencer to just ignore him. She looked over at me with tears in her eyes, "He's so loud, mommy. He's hurting my ears." So, I went into our closet and got out her noise cancelling earphones. Yes, what you are seeing is 2 children, eating their dinner, not listening to music, but just with earphones on. Ian wanted some once Spencer put her's on.

Garlic has made his grand appearance. We decided about 2 years ago to wait until December 1 for his return in our home. This was due to 2 things. First, we simply run out of spots to hide him. Next, upon his arrival, he brings advent calendars with him. Therefore, we like for the kids to get right into the advent season with the calendars. I am on the search of a really nice advent calendar, one that I can fill on my own. Of course, there's always something built by my in-home man, Jono, but I know there's something out there I just haven't found yet!

Silly time at night with a little girl and sparkle stickers.

Finally, this morning, we all awoke to one of Garlic's antics. He was busy at night, having a marshmallow fight with the dog, Midnight. Spencer was very interested if Midnight witnessed Garlic flying in and out of the house each night. So, Garlic left a note for the kids that Midnight was going to try to wake them up to see Garlic fly. So, Garlic twarted her efforts with a war of marshmallows. Spencer LOVED it.

In return, Garlic left 2 Christmas cups for the clean up they would have to help with (which they didn't). The cups are super cute. My friend's mother owns a beautiful shop here in Pawleys, and last time she was at market, she had picked these up for her 4 grandchildren and grabbed 2 for my kids. It was really sweet. The red bottoms screw off and are snack cups.

I found peppermint mallows at Wal-mart and thought they would be perfect for Garlic's fun.

What are you doing to keep in the spirit of Christmas?

THANKSgiving wrap-up...

2011-11-30T09:43:00.001-05:00

Our life is beginning to resemble a new normal. One of which I'm still unfamiliar with. One I'm not willing to really go into much detail about, right now, but it's a good newness. A needed newness. A blessed newness. We took the week of and went to my mother's for Thanksgiving. Forced to be in the car for over 10 hours (total), with lots of conversation. Thank you, Lord.

Spencer loves any minute given with her extended family. This break was nothing but rewarding. We hit up the Discovery Zone in Charlotte, one afternoon, and played 'till we could no longer. Ian loved it, Spencer loved it, and the boys were great sports about it.

Spencer LOVES time with Nana and Grandpa, and this time was no different. My mother and Brian have great food in the house, give the kids way too much attention and we end up peeling Spencer off of them to get in the car to come home. We had lots of great snacks all day long, Shawn's "famous" Nog 'n' Rum, cards, and lots of laughter.

I managed to stay under the radar with helping to cook at all. My mom asked me to set the table, which I tried to do wrong (so I wouldn't be asked again), but it went unnoticed. Oh well.

Shawn taught Matt how to carve the turkey this year, and he did a great job. The turkey and all the fixin's were delicious and I ate way too much!!!

After a great dinner, I chugged some coffee and hit the line at Target (about 9:15 PM). I was 44th in line and did manage to get us a new 40" TV! Woo hoo! We love it, and I'm pretty sure Santa picked up way too much, as well, for the rest of the family. I was home by 2:15 AM, which wasn't bad at all. I still think the stores should wait until 4am to open on the ACTUAL Black Friday.

We were exhausted after our week of family. But, thankful.

swore i wouldn't...

2011-11-20T14:37:00.001-05:00

I'm at the YS convention. For those who don't know what that is, it's a conference for youth pastors, either paid or volunteer. I didn't come last year and I was skeptical coming this year. I came for 2 reasons: first, to gather information to teach a few workshops at theAM winter conference. Next, to see Crowder a final time as he hangs up his guitar with his current band. That's it.

I didn't show up as that "youth pastor needing refilled". That "unappreciated youth pastor". Or, that "broken person". However, it turns out...I was all of the above.

Shane and Shane led worship tonight. However, they invited us to sit down and receive. As they sang one of their new songs, the Holy Spirit fell in a mighty way. As I took in the music, my eyes were led to the ONLY man standing and worshipping. I was moved. Not because of the music, or even because if who he was. I was moved because this one man was standing for every youth pastor in the room.

Standing because is is exhausted. Standing because nobody will for him. Standing because every parent he runs into has an opinion about how he does, or doesn't do, his job. Standing because he has probably been thanked less than corrected. Standing because he misses his children, because he's always with someone else's. Standing because the kid he has poured his last bit of life into, for the moment, now won't even acknowledge him at church...

Standing because he can't imagine doing anything else other then loving teenagers.

I am that man.

Thank you Lord for calling me here in August. You are God, I'm not.

little lion man...

2011-11-17T14:30:00.001-05:00

i have to disagree with mumford and sons...there's nothing "messed" up about this little lion man...

after the flood...

2011-11-17T09:24:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back, we were cleaning up the house and as the kid's bathroom was being mopped, the pipe coming from the house decided to break off. Yikes! There was no shut off valve to what we hit and the water came a floodin'!

In the process, we had to bring in plumbers to get up all of the water and tear up all of the carpet in Ian's room, the living room, the hallway and down to the boy's room (guest room), it was a mess. However, in the process, I decided we needed to rearrange the living room. I had my high school retreat that following weekend and Jono was home from the police academy. Matt managed to crawl under the house to restring the cable and here's what we came up with. I included some pictures below of what the house did look like (however it's Christmas from 2 years ago, and a mess).

The rearranging really opens up the room and I am loving it. There's more room for the kids to play and it allows for a better flow from room to room. Also, now that we have cable on both sides of the room, we have options! I was so excited to get back from my retreat to a newly arranged room. Of course, the room needed a bit of a girls touch, but for the most part, it was perfect!

happenings...

2011-11-14T09:54:00.001-05:00

My Fall should just be filed by title. I travel almost every weekend of the Fall and before you know it, it's Thanksgiving. 2011 hasn't been any different. I have been going and going and haven't stopped, yet. I managed to plan my calendar around Spencer's birthday, so I made sure I was home to celebrate 6 years of life!

Back in October, I attended the wedding of one of my "original" students. I love the Woodberry family and wouldn't have missed Lindsay's wedding for anything. I had a great time with her sister and family and enjoyed every minute of the evening. The weather was a bit cold, however, we managed to dance the night away and enjoy great food and drinks in the process.

October also brought Homecoming at Waccamaw high school. We went over to the church for the parade and Spencer spent the afternoon/evening with her very best friend, Hollis. They play so well together and I love the time the enjoy. Hollis has 4 older siblings, and Spencer hangs out with teenagers all of the time, so they are very similar. Thank you, Lord!

Spencer went with me to Pittsburgh for my high school reunion weekend. I have no pictures of my reunion, however, I did snap a few of this little girl. We stayed with my sister and Spencer soaked up the Fall weather. I absolutely love the Fall in Pittsburgh and wouldn't trade it for anything.

While we were there, Spencer enjoyed a number of sleepovers. She stayed with Uncle Marty and Aunt Katy (and their slew of children ;)...and Spencer fit right in. Our kids are all around the same age, and Katy said Spencer did great. We ended the time at the Children's museum!

Vince has fit right into our family. Spencer and Ian love him dearly and he's very much a part of our home. Ian enjoys cuddles with him and Spencer loves tackling him. I can't remember our life with out Vince in our home, and I don't want to!

Happy Monday, everyone.

6 years old!

2011-11-10T10:41:00.001-05:00

Spencer turned 6 yesterday!! Each year goes by so fast and I want time to slow down a bit.

I had a whirlwind past week. I had my middle school retreat, and then received word that one of my very best friend's father passed away. So, at the end of the retreat, I had my amazing leadership team take my students back to Pawleys and I hit the road for Sewickley. I was really glad I made the trip. There's nothing like going through something and having little support. I know Robyn felt so much love and support. Not only from family and friends, but her awesome new fiancee. The timing couldn't have been "better" (considering the circumstances) and I was able to hit the road at 4am Wednesday morning, back in time to celebrate Spencer's 6th birthday.

I did, however, feel terrible that I wasn't there to make her birthday snack. So, this guilt ridden mother ordered these fancy cupcakes from the Pawleys Island Bakery. They were a hit. Pink on Pink...for my pink princess!

We ended the night with a dinner out at TGIFridays. Not the best pick, but it allows for Ian to be as loud as needed!

Parties will commence tomorrow with her little girlfriends, and family friends on Saturday evening!

Zoom

2011-11-02T06:46:00.001-04:00

It's November 1!? Actually, it's the 2nd. I recall, last night, putting my Jammie's on and thinking this months is going to fly, as well, and it'll be Christmas before you know it. Zoom!

I have been traveling every weekend since mid-October and I have one down weekend until AFTER thanksgiving. Spencer's 6th birthday is next week. She's growing up way too fast. Zoom.

I had youth group on Monday night and so I missed trick or treating with the kids. I did manage to get home and put than in costume and do makeup. Can you believe April marks 10 years of us living in South Caroina? Zoom.

the Lord's hand...

2011-10-24T13:32:00.001-04:00

I received a call at 6:30 this morning from Matt. "Spencer and I were in a car accident". Now, if you know me, I'm NOT a drama person. Yes, my baby and husband were in an accident, but they were OK. Obviously the car and boat were not, but they were. Thank you Lord.

Apparently the woman traveling behind Matt did not see that ALL the traffic was slowing to a stop, as she plowed into Matt going approximately 70 MPH. Matt has said the trailered boat saved their lives. The boat acted as a launching pad towards the top of the truck, sparing any crushing bodies. From this point, the speeding Explorer plowed Matt into a car infront of him, setting of his airbags and shattering a few windows.

Spencer and Matt were checked by EMS and they are both ok. They finally hit the road around 12:30 PM with the salvaged belongings. We'll have to walk through insurance crap, but that's ok, because they are OK.

Thank you, Lord, for your hand of protection. Thank you for reminding us that you never leave us nor do you turn your head.

The beauty of technology...

2011-10-21T21:20:00.001-04:00

I can now blog from my phone, what a world I am opening! I just wanted to share this cute picture of Ian. Our life is insane and the lord keeps me on my toes and at his feet. Prayers welcome!

lightspeeds...

2011-10-19T10:07:00.001-04:00

My life is moving at paces I can't even explain at the moment. However, I am seeing I'm a bit lack on the postings, so I thought I would take 5 minutes to say "hi". Hi.

As I move at this pace, of course, everything bothers me, because I'm moving at a certain speed, and the world needs to keep up with me, duh! So, as I've been observing in many areas of my life, here are a few things that drive me crazy...because if I can't complain on the internet, where can I!?

Uneven fingernails! Oh.my.goodness. It drives me crazy. I like to keep my fingernails nice and short and nicely filed. I hate dirt in fingernails and wash my hands a bit more than normal. Unless nails are properly polished, they totally gross me out. And, if you're a friend of mine reading this, and you have unpolished fingernails, I still love you. However, I'm secretly judging you. ;)

Double parking! This is like nails on a chalkboard for me. Really, how hard it is to back up and make sure you're between the lines. And, if you're not confident that you can actually back up and do this the proper way, maybe you need a new car. I am in the biggest rush, all of the time, however, I still manage to park in just ONE parking space!

Earwax. It's called a Q-Tip people. Invest! There is nothing like unkept ears. When I look left or right, I like to see a nicely groomed set of ears. My children HATE when I get close to them, because they know they will have their ears checked out and, most likely, swabbed out. I'm always worried I have hangers in there and people are just staring at my dirty ears!

So, what are your hangups?

a typical saturday in our home...

2011-10-08T07:34:00.001-04:00

bound to happen

2011-10-08T06:31:00.000-04:00

I didn't include these 2 beauties when I posted last. It was bound to happen. The fact that I have been moving at warp speed, honestly, since I have had Ian, has caught up to me and I am sick in the bed. I have been feeling terrible for the past 3 weeks. I did nothing about it for the first week. But, when I was at lunch with Dina, and could hardly hear her while she was talking, she encouraged me to actually see a doctor. I was put on a z-pack and Hydromet syrup. The sinus infection was definately alleviated, but I was still sick. I was continuously told the z-pack takes 12 days to work, so I tried being as patient as possible. However, I felt terrible on Thursday and Friday was no better. The docs were able to see me yesterday and put me on a new anti-biotic as well as more cough meds. I had a 101.3 fever and could not get warm. I felt terrible.

Thankfully, I had thought ahead that week and had ordered out for dinner on Friday, so the family was take care of with yummy pumpkin soup, and beef strouganoff. I'm bummed I missed out on it. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast yesterday. I'm hoping I'll have an apetite today. I HATE being sick. My appointment was at 5pm yesterday. I slept from 1-3, went to the docs at 5, and was back in the bed by 6:30pm. I still feel terrible, but can not sleep any more. I don't think my body has slept that much in 6 years!

Other than that, my life is currently: mommy and wife full time, working way too much, getting Spencer to and from dance (on the weeks Matt isn't on night shift), getting Spencer to and from swimming lessons (again, if Matt's not available), attending football and volleyball games for my students, cooking healthy meals for my family, trying to spend time with my children, and the list goes on. I'm not surprised I'm so sick. It was bound to happen.

i can't hear you

2011-09-29T13:41:00.001-04:00

I have been so sick for 2 weeks. I can't hear anything. I mean, I can hear, but I have everything turned up a few notches at the moment!

If you look back through old Fall posts, you'll see a recurring theme that just about the end of September through October, I'm slammed. And, this is true for 2011 as well. However, at the beginning of September, we did squeeze a bit of fun in.

We fared just fine during Hurricane Irene, but it did have daddy and Uncle Jono working a bunch. So, in efforts to keep the house quiet, I took the kids to the aquarium, the day after the hurricane. We had a fun time there with lots of laughter. Also, Ian just keeps getting bigger and bigger...and wigglier!

This little girl is one of the greatest helps a mommy could ask for. Spencer loves Ian so much and helps a bit too much at times. However, her heart is pure and look at her, who could stay mad at that little face!

The aquarium has a mermaids exhibet right now! It was super cool to see them swim in the tanks with the rays. However, their tails were so tight, Spencer could see the outlines of the girls feet. So, the mermaid quickly let her know they do have feet for if they need to come on land. Phew!

I tried to snap a shot of the kids before church. Matt HATES smocked outfits on boys, and I'm not a huge fan, but they looked so cute! And, this is the last photo of Ian with his long locks. We cut his hair last week and he looks like a little man now!

My mother turned 60 this past summer, so I planned a family trip out to LA to visit my brother. I was able to fenangle my schedule to free up a long weekend, and Robyn's in-laws were able to come in to help with the boys. So, we all got on a plane and flew to California-which I have never been!!

Seeing Luke was great. We had SO much fun. It also gave me an opportunity to visit with one of Matt's and my dearest friends, Gene. Gene happens to live with a member of a pretty well-known band. Upon my arrival at Gene's, we headed on into Adam's room to get some photo's with his Grammy's.

So, here's me...with Marroon 5's Grammy's...in Adam's bathtub. Definite highlight.

But, an even bigger highlight was the amount of time I got to spend with Gene.

We took a bottle of wine over to Gene's on Friday night and caught up. And, Sunday, Gene took my sister and I on a long hike up Hollywood hills. It was a fantastic hike and I loved hearing all about Gene is up to. He's really doing well, writing a ton, and he has a show slated to be piloted for NBC next Fall! We're so proud of him.

Thursday evening, I received an email from an old college friend of Matt's, whom I've never met. He happens to live in LA and is the head caretaker of 2 of LA's oldest theaters, the Los Angeles Theater and the Palace Theater. So, on Saturday morning, my mom, sister and I hitched a cab and went downtown and got a personal tour of both theaters. They are so beautiful. The art is so intricate and the history is so rich. At the Palace, they were filming an upcoming blockbuster "Gangstar Squad"...of course we met not one single person.

My Facebook status on Saturday night: "Only I can come to Hollywood and hang out in a Grammy winning singers home and visit a live film set...and not meet a single famous person!"

I had one "to do" when I got to LA, and that was to take one of those "Tour of the Star's Homes". My family agreed and we laughed A LOT on this trip! Lots of good memories.

Saturday night, we dropped my mother to the hotel and Robyn, Luke and I headed on over to The Brass Monkey, where we took part in some epic karaoke. Seriously, it's the best karaoke club I've ever been to. Robyn and Luke killed it, I won't talk about the debauchel of singing I did.

I love any moment I get to hang out with my sister and brother. I missed my family terribly, and wished they would have come, but I had such a great time with mom, Robyn and Luke. I'm so glad Luke will be coming home for Thanksgiving. I know a 5-year-old little girl who will be VERY excited too.

Sorry for few and far between updates. I have a feeling it will be this way for a bit. Thanks for being understanding!

quoting and sleeping...

2011-09-05T08:32:00.000-04:00

2 quick updates...

First, friends from the church gave Spencer a beautiful doll house (it was their daughter's when she was younger). It's Fisher Price, huge and fully loaded...and pink. Spencer's eyes lit up when she saw the photo on my phone. BUT, Matt and I told her she had to have "7 sleeps in a row" to get the house. With the busy summer we had, we developed some old sleep habits trying to get back into the swing of things. She had been coming upstairs, nightly, and not just once. We were exhausted. So, we had a few rough nights in the beginning. I did figure out I was keeping the house a bit too warm while they slept. (Ian was having trouble staying asleep as well.) Also, we got Spencer's "machine" (a humidifier) back out and put that on low.

Well, I was woken up by a very excited little girl this morning, right at 7am! We went into the garage and brought the house into her nicely cleaned room, another expectation to get the house. It's 8:30am and she hasn't even come out of her room yet! I may have to pry her away from the house to get her to eat something.

Next, we went to our friend's birthday party the other day. Spencer and Ian attend their daycare with some very sweet children. And, Lillian turned 2 the other day. The night before, I was giving Spencer a shower and let her know the schedule for the upcoming day. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: Oh, we have 2 birthday parties tomorrow. We have Lillian's and Maris's.
Spencer: What did we get for them?
Me: Well, we need to go to the Toy Isle and get Maris something tomorrow. But, Mrs.Angela said we shouldn't get Lillian gifts, so we didn't get Lillian anything.

(long pause followed by an interesting look...)

Spencer: Mommy. I do NOT want a party like that. I was lots of presents.

From there she referred to Lillian's party as the "no present party".

i don't know how she does it...

2011-08-29T10:05:00.000-04:00

I am going to invite you all in on a very "well kept" (I say this lightly, b/c if you've ever been in my office, you've seen my skeletons) secret. I am a SLOB. Seriously, when I was younger, my mom would ask me what I wanted for my birthday or as a nice treat, and it would be simply for her to clean my room. No wonder she's a professional organizer, she had PLENTY of experience while I grew up. My sister and brother inherited her neat genes, me, not so much.

Matt and I are quite similar with our "gifts" in clutter, and sadly, I think Spencer is on her way to that freedom as well. Ian is showing signs of OCD, which I think may be a light at the end of our messy tunnel!

However, with the anticipation of the upcoming movie "I Don't Know How She Does It" (starring SJP), I thought I would give you a little project I took on a few weeks ago. You all know my busy life and my home gets the brunt of my little time. I would rather do things with my kids and give them my attention, then put things away. It's not an excuse, it's the truth. Because, now that I am a mother of 2, I really do want a clean home. I really try. But, when this full-time working mommy is out all of the time, putting things away is not the first thing on my list.

Case in point: the kitchen. We're in the kitchen ALL of the time. Someone is always eating, needs juice, whatever. We've had folks in and out, and picking up the place, again, last on the list. But, I was FED UP with my home looking like a future episode of "Hoarders", so I tackeled it one morning.

The above basket, was in efforts to put Matt's things in one place. When the basket was full, have him go through it and start over. Well, it became a dumping ground for just about everything, and overflows.

Dishes are my least favorite thing to do. As well as getting things back to where they go. Medicine bottles, various grocery items, they just all sit on the counter 90% of the time until we need them.

I know. Gross.

Why put it away!? Just throw it in another corner, or on top of the microwave!

Trash is empty? No worries, just leave it on the stove top!

If you ever need a measuring tape, just look by the coffee maker.

If you ever need a wireless "microphone" to the kitchen table you shall find!

Enough! After THREE hours.....

I bombed the kitchen. Cleaned the ceramic stove top properly, put everything in it's place, threw SO MUCH away.

I dusted the light above the stove top, cleaned the kettle and toaster. Recoiled all of the chargers in the charging basket.

Every bottle is back in the cupboard it should be in! Moldy bread is gone! The basket has been emptied out!

My sink is CLEAN!

Jono and I cleaned the airvent and replaced the filter! Dust be gone!

Everything in it's place!

I even found my way to Bed, Bath and Beyond the following day and now have a new rug at the sink, rather than my Christmas rug. Jingle, Jingle no more!

Guess what!?

I have KEPT IT THIS WAY. These pictures are a MONTH old, and it still looks this way! Yay! I'm totally being a nag and grouch, at times, but the family is getting the picture that I do not want our kitchen looking this way EVER again.

What's a big project you're working on in all of your "spare time"?

say cheese!

2011-08-25T09:49:00.000-04:00

Ian now "poses" when you say, "say cheese". He scrunches up his face and smiles, it's so flipping cute.

My life is going from regular crazy, to insane crazy, with the school year starting. However, I didn't want to overlook Beth and the family coming for their annual visit over Beth's birthday. We have a great time, which the Brown's are here, and lots of laughter is throughoutthe house.

Ian loved being with his cousins, and getting to know them better. Spencer LOVES when any family comes to visit and HATES when they leave. We had many tears when they pulled out.

Normally, I make a cake for Beth's birthday. However, my summer didn't really "slow down" much, so I spoiled her with a red velvet cake from Kudzu...mmmmm.

I can't believe Owen is going into the 7th grade, Jillian in to 5th, and Christian will be full time this year in 1st grade! They are so polite and tons of fun!

Beth loves her children and my children all the same...but she's definately a baby person. She loved her some Ian time. However, Ian's much of a momma's boy, so getting that time was small. Beth ate it up when she could.

i've become "that" blogger...

2011-08-17T13:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I know it's been forever. And, really, this posting won't be very long. However, I wanted to share with you the videos from the summer. Enjoy!

marking today...

2011-07-28T08:26:00.000-04:00

Today is a date that I think about, but don't ponder on. A date that a good friend of mine celebrates on, however, I take a moment to remember. A date I don't look forward to, but this year it's different.

Today marks a day that I have been a daughter without a father, longer then I had one. I was 16 years old when dad passed away, and it's now 17 years.

If I'm going to be honest, I will admit that tears fall at the most random times. A point in a movie, watching Matt play with Spencer, those sort of things. (I made the mistake of watching "Life is a House" once...that was the worst WEEK!) However, to say that I miss him and the "times we had together", I can't say that. But, I do get sad that I didn't get many "times" with him. You know, those monumental times. When I graduated from high school. Walking me down the aisle. Having children. Those sort of moments.

I'm also not going to sit here and write what a great man he was or that he could never be replaced. If I'm going to be honest, I didn't really know him. When your parents get divorced when you are 8 years old and you welcomed to see your father every Thursday and every other weekend, you can imagine the depth of time spent.

But, my sister tells me he loved us, so that's all I needed to know.

I think I posted about this last year, but I'm so thankful for my Heavenly Father, for filling in the holes in my heart through the years. Thankful that my Heavenly Father put men in my life, though they may not have been consistent, they loved me and continue to pour into me at various moments of my life, like a father. People like my Uncle Dana, my old youth pastor Patrick Dominguez, an old friend Jason Pauli, my Godfather J Bonner, and my father-in-law the duke...to name a few. (Of course Matt-but in a non-father sort of way.)

I was challenged, a few years ago, to make sure we point out those who have influenced our lives in a way that you're thankful for. I will randomly email those folks, just to let them know how thankful I am, still to this day.

So, July 28. 17 years with out my dad. I can't even upload my favorite (and only) picture of him and I, as it was in the previously mentioned Bible. He was TALL, I think like 6'6 (yeah-didn't inherit that one...all 5'3 of me!), he had black hair, had a stern voice, made everyone laugh, however, I think he was a bit of an introvert. He would say things like "Hey now" (in a fun, surprising sort of way), and would help, most of the time, when needed.

I'll never forget when I was in 8th grade and we were given a book report assignment. Being the stellar student that I was, I went to the library to figure out which book I wanted, read between the lines, which book was the smallest/shortest? So, with my brains, I chose The Red Badge of Courage. Needless to say, I had no idea what this book was about, and I actually read the book! It was very confusing for me. It happened to be a Thursday and I was really struggling to do the bookreport. Dad asked me about the book I had chosen, to which I really couldn't even answer. When he asked me what book I chose, he was so angry! He couldn't believe I chose that book and how hard it was to read. Dad went into his living room, sat on his blue winged chair, and read the book from cover to cover (in about an hour or so!). He sat down and helped me write the report, after giving me instruction to never choose books like that again.

That's how I like to remember him.

lost cord...found!

2011-07-24T16:02:00.000-04:00

After we got back from camp, I misplaced the cord to my camera (in the pit of Spencer's bedroom). However, I cleaned her room yesterday and found the cord! Horray! We ended up being in town for the 4th this year, as my plans were changed when my sister ended up moving that week. I tend to go away for the 4th as Matt works non-stop that week (it's the busiest week of the year here).

We began the morning at the Pawleys Island parade with a friend of mine and her kids. Spencer is in school with her oldest, and Nan and I have hung out a bit. We had a nice time. It was so HOT, so the kids were a bit out of sorts. However, they did manage to pose for a few shots. Also, Nan has a friend on the island, so parking and location was no problem.

I had to keep this little guy strapped in, or he would walk right into the road and the traffic wasn't stopped until the parade came by. They both liked the parade, but were a bit disappointed at the lack of candy (not allowed to throw it on the island).

We were excited because Matt acctually got to ride in the parade this year, so the kids got to see daddy, which they loved, as did I.

We had the cooler and beach bag all packed up and headed up to N. Litchfield to meet up with some friends for the afternoon. It was a nice time, however, all of my friends had babysitters for their younger babies, so I was the only one chasing a baby, so I didn't really do much visiting. But, it was still a nice day. We were home by 4pm and the evening was pretty uneventful. I did get to hear some fireworks, but as usual, didn't get to see any. We will definatley be in the 'burgh for the 4th next year!

The kids are really getting along and creating a great relationship. Ian is SUCH a loudmouth and ALL boy. Coupled with an ALL girl sister, we have many tears. I never had to deal with hitting, biting or screaming, and now I need to. However, the gentle, loving disposition that Spencer has, Ian is finding as well. Together, they are quite a team!

on losing my Bible...

2011-07-17T10:36:00.000-04:00

All through High School and college, I had my NIV Student Bible. I loved it. It was FALLING APART when Matt and I made the move, in 2002, to South Carolina. That Christmas I asked for a more "grown up" Bible, maybe one of those study Bibles. I was SO excited to receive the NIV Study Bible from my mother in law, complete with my name etched in the front. I fell in love immediately.

It would be an understatement to say that our first 3 years were "rough". I was going through many ups and downs, questioning everything. In 2004, I found myself in a Bible study with a group of women who I still hold very close to my heart. When I walked into the small group of women, my first thought was "great. I will have NOTHING in common with these older women." However, the Lord completely orchestrated that group and they were just what (we) I needed. During my 2 years in that bible study group, I fell totally in love with the Lord, realized he actually LOVED ME, and my fingers and heart walked throughout that new "fancy" Bible. So many notes were taken. Lines underlined. It was like my new security blanket.

I lost my Bible at the end of May and I still haven't been able to locate it. I'm heartbroken.

Of course I have another. I bought a cute little brown and pink one a few years back for my purse and for traveling. (My study bible is about 3-4 lbs and is LARGE so it doesn't pack well.)

I'm just sad. I have looked EVERYWHERE. Matt cleaned out our garage a few weeks back, in preparing for Jono's arrival and needing to store everything there in the process of finding a place of his own. I cleaned my office before I went on my trips. I cleaned out my car. Cleaned the youth room. Cleaned my bedroom. I've contacted the place where I last "taught from it". I'm at a loss for where it could be.

Inside of this Bible is countless notes of my walk with Christ...and the ONLY picture I have of my father and I when I was a teenager. I'm not this toe dragging, mopey person when it comes to that picture. Honestly, I didn't have this relationship with my dad which they write movies about, good or bad. But, he was my father and I want to have something with him. Not to mention the relationship I moved into with my HEAVENLY FATHER, accepting his love for me, as I felt I was unloveable at one point of my life.

I guess I am just asking you to PRAY I FIND MY BIBLE. I miss it.

a revolving list...

2011-07-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

I'm heading into serious planning mode, which means my brain is in high gear. So, in no particular order, here's all that's on my mind that I've considered blogging about, but probably never will...feel free to comment:

-so many of us are so quick to put down the "church" yet we don't realize we ARE the church
-i live in one of the top family vacation areas, yet Matt and I never get to do the whole "extended family" vacation, and we're missing that tremendously
-raising a baby boy is competely different from raising a baby girl
-my job as "Sayward" ranks in this order: love god, love matt, love my kids...the rest falls into place from there
-why is sea salt so freaking good?
-i may complain about it, but I LOVE to travel
-i'm slowly falling DEEPLY in love with a road bike and taking LONG rides (like 18-25 milers)
-as I lose weight and get in shape, the upper half of me continues to shrink (which Matt isn't too thrilled with) however, my rear and thighs just stay the same! C'mon!
-if you haven't tried Palmetto Cheese your life is incomplete
-i'm speaking, at the end of this month, at a very LARGE festival in Myrtle Beach (like 300-600 folks) and i get sick to my stomach everytime i picture myself on that stage...praying the Lord will work that out!
-getting older is lonely and challenging, however, i'm ready to step up to the plate with what the Lord wants
-i'm finally at a point in my life that if you want to question my faith, go ahead. i love the Lord more today, then I ever have, and hopefully the way I love YOU will show you HIS love.
-losing my Bible has brought me to sorrow, frustration and questions.
-red wine is yummy.

Happy July 11 everyone.

9 years and counting...

2011-06-28T14:57:00.000-04:00

My job is SO not all about me, not one bit. However, before I got to the meat of The Great Escape, I thought I would share these 2 different night's themes. I've been attending The Great Escape for 9 years, now, and I look forward to it every summer. This summer's program included a "Red Carpet" theme, where they asked leaders to dress up in various outfits each night, and then the "Fashion Police" would assess. Above, is counselor/youth pastor night.

Explanation of outfit:
-hat turned sideways: to keep up with the boys
-large dangly earings: to keep up with the girls
-older TGE shirt: to show my tenure and experience at TGE
-cargo shorts: for odds and ends
-Teva sandals with socks: duh!
-(faintly photographed) facial hair: which goes with the sandals and socks.

Winning!

The final night was "Formal Night", but, honestly, as "G-rated" as I can say this, the leaders basically turned the outfits into "P's and H's". (You'll need to message me if you don't get this.)

I pulled out my talent show outfit, while Kevin went with a fitting pasley blue and flashy 70's suit, complete with ruffles. We were a hit!

frest brewed coffee and God...

2011-06-26T08:27:00.000-04:00

My marathon month has come to an "end" with the traveling. Over the course of the past 2 weeks, I flew to Pittsburgh, with the above team, to volunteer at World Vision PGH and participate in The Pittsburgh Project. I had 10 dedicated high school students along for the ride, with expectant hearts and ready for anything. I can't say that I'm fully recovered from my travels (14 hours after I returned from Pittsburgh, I left for my middle school camp), but the Lord was present and active, and for that I am thankful.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to take my students up to the 'burgh. It was really neat showing them where I grew up, my old high school, stuff like that. But, I am also very thankful because I was able to have various friends speak into their lives, as well. Matt and I have such an amazing network of friends (most in ministry) up north, so I was eager to capitalize on their wisdom and tenure in ministry. The first night we were in town, we headed over to Washington's Landing and cooked out with Jayson and his children, and Jayson gave the students a great challenge to kick-off their time on the mission trip.

Because of flight issues, we only had 1 day at World Vision, however, we soaked up every minute volunteering for them. Murielle, above, was the organizing QUEEN with packing the boxes. I just let her tell me what to do, and she had that warehouse working seamlessly!

Friday evening we took in a Pirates game. They lost (which right now is not normal!), but we soaked up the sights of the city. (Especially since I parked by the Science Center...we had a bit of a walk!)

A bit out of order, but I thought I would share the above photo. If you're ever wondering, "what happens to all of the tshirts and hats for the losing Superbowl team!?" Well, they are donated to World Vision and distributed all over the globe. (However, I was quite tempted to scale the wall and snag this little beauty!)

Saturday was a team building day and we spent the entire day at Kennywood. The kids loved the coasters and other rides, and lots of bonding took place. I don't think I have laughed as hard as I did that day. Margaret, all the way on the right, was a trooper. She doesn't like rides, at all, and kept a smile on her face the entire time.

The work at The Pittsburgh Project was perfect. We were on different work sites and up early every day. Mary and Kate, above, volunteered (every day!) to serve breakfast. They had to be in the kitchen at 7:10 each morning and did it with a smile. I received countless compliments on my students. I was so proud of them.

Thursday evening is a "free night", so I made reservations at Bucca de Peppo in Station Square and we FEASTED. Afterwards we headed up to Mt.Washington, via the Incline, and took many pictures. We even grabbed some ice cream and laughed, more. Seriously, the amount of laughter was endless.

Each year I am amazed on how the Lord moves and what he reveals to each student. We had many discussions on how "nothing could top the last mission trip". One thing I challenged the students to keep in mind was the Lord didn't want to challenge His work or miracles. He called each of them on this trip for a new reason. Our expectations should be focused on Him and let Him set the bar, not us. Once we got over that hurdle, the complaining or comparing widdled and it was then when our sharing time blossomed and became full.

The Lord is good. He is faithful.

forced to sit...

2011-06-09T07:21:00.000-04:00

It's 7am and I am sitting at the Myrtle Beach airport. I should be walking through security with my mission trip team, on my way to Pittsburgh to begin an adventure. Only to get here, walk up to pre-check in our group, paperwork in hand (on the letterhead from the airline with an 8am flight time noted), only to be told the flight was "always scheduled" for 1pm. What!? I quickly texted my entire team and caught most before getting here, and tried a call to my mother. No luck. She didn't have her phone. So, I'm sitting at the smalled airport in the world, or so it seems. I am beyond frustrated and fighting tears.

I pride myself on how organized and in control I keep things. I rarely miss a beat when it comes to my trips and plans. However, I'm at the mercy of an airline who clearly needs...well...me to work for them. :)

So, I'm forced to sit here. I have about 4 more HOURS until my group is scheduled to show up, so I can catch up on some reading, and try to get a hold of the airline for them to explain themselves. However, my dying Blackberry isn't really receiving calls/making calls at the moment. So, we'll see how that all pans out.

So, I'll take advantage of the time I have to catch you all up on a few things. First, Spencer finished her pre-school years. Oh.my.gosh. I am officially the mother of a Kindergarten student. When did this happen!? Jono was in town for his second round of interviews (more on that in a minute), and we got to all of Spencer's final "things". We attended her art show at school where they showed off what they did all year. Being from Pittsburgh, I was excited to see they did a Warhol study, and Spencer colored some "Princess Aurora Soup". Typical.

Spencer was a shining star of her program and made us proud. They did a little ditty about counting in "10s" and all wore dark frames like "school kids". It was cute.

Mister man, above, is really going through a learning curve. He's hitting everyone and everything and yesterday, picking him up from Wanda's, he bit me. And, time out is just a time for him to sit in a chair and look cute. We've got to figure something out with him, because I am getting a bit frustrated with him at the moment. It's becoming a natural reaction to flinch when Ian gets near us. Not good.

June 1 was graduation, and it was a special one. First, it marked my NINTH graduation from WHS that I have attended, but also, there were 2 special seniors from this "batch". Now, I love all of my students, however, 2 of them I've gotten pretty close with.

Logan and I developed a great relationship about 3 years ago and we have really grown together. I'm so proud of her. She's in no way perfect, but she's real and authentic about her walk with Christ. I love her to pieces and I'm going to miss her terribly next year as she heads to college.

Vince is one SPECIAL guy, who is really a part of the Elliott family, now. He's 18 and super. To say that Matt and I are proud of him is an understatement. He's risen above so much and succeeded beyond what anyone could have forecasted. Spencer loves Vince, Ian loves when he comes around, Matt loves him...he's a great guy.

So, if you read this before 1pm on Thursday, June 9, pray we fly out on time to Pittsburgh.

a reminder...

2011-06-04T10:03:00.000-04:00

Many times, I'll be driving, running, working, and I think of a blog post. Something profound that you may or may not be challenged by, or at least get your brain moving for even a moment. However, I'm lucky to remember where I put my phone, lately, so remembering a blog post on parenting or youth ministry is few and far between. But, this morning, the thought stuck.

I was on my bike ride this morning. (bragging rights: 1 mile run and 20 road miles on a MOUNTAIN bike...read TIRED AND HARD!) The course begins in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot, goes up Willbrook, down River Road, down Waverly to the Island. Once on the Island, you head to the very south end, turn and go to the very North end and then retrace your way up the North Causeway to the Pig. 20 miles total.

A majority of my time and life is spent at the church, or "across 17". I don't get to the beach a ton and ever since we bought our house, I'm not "oceanside" that often.

Right when I hit the Island it was like I was back home. Matt and I spent so much time on the island (well, he still does) walking, biking, strolling, you name it. Once we had Spencer, my time on the island widdled. As I biked along, looking at the updated homes, noticing ALL the "For Sale" signs, I began to plan my day out with the kids. (Which, as I type, I need to get going!) I dragged Spencer all over Myrtle Beach, yesterday, shopping, and today will be a nice, laid back day, soaking up the sun.

Right, the bike ride....

So, as I'm slowly peddling along, I watched as all the tourists were busy loading up their cars, looking around the houses for any missed items that may have been overlooked. Kids dragging their feet as they make that long car ride home to whereever they came from. At that moment, I was filled with gratitude.

I grew up not going on vacations. It wasn't in the budget, nor could my mom get us out with her work schedule. We always enjoyed summer at the pool, playing with friends, going to a camp, and heading up to Laurelville for a week, but we never had that "destination" where our family would retreat. I am so thankful for where I get to LIVE. The only packing of the car for the Elliott's is from the beach back to the house. And, we can turn around and do it all over the next day, if we'd like. We own a home 2 miles from the coast. We can afford this home. We belong to a Holy Spirit driven church with dynamic leadership and Godly families. We, both, have stable jobs and excellent bosses. The Lord has orchestrated our time and employment that we can both do what we love doing.

Thank you, Lord. You are good.

leave it to dina!

2011-06-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

I have misplaced my brain. My Bible. and my camera. Thankfully, during our fun in the sun weekend, Dina had all 3!

During my few weekends home, before my endless June travels, I have been determined to get to the beach and have some fun kid and family time. On Sunday, the entire family hit the beach for a good part of the day before heading over for some pre-Memorial Day festivities. Sadly, that day was not captured as for the aforementioned lost camera. However, after a great morning on the boat, Matt and Ian stayed home to take in the NCAA Lax championships, and Spencer and I hit the beach with a bunch of people from church/friends.

Dina is the resident photographer and caught Spencer in all of her glory. Spencer and Hollis (below) have become very good friends and play really well together, which means going to the beach definately has it's mommy and Spencer play times, however, Hollis can fill a good portion of that time in as well. Nice.

Spencer took a month of swim lessons and is much more comfortable in the water. She needs another month under her belt, but it was a good first go. She and Hollis played and played.

They had so much fun. I am so glad these memories were caught of the fun-filled day! Thanks Dina!!

reach in, give big, write it out...

2011-05-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

I don't normally do this, but I can hardly contain myself with how proud and excited I am for an "old" student of mine, and now dear friend. This coming October, she is leaving everything behind for 11 months to travel the globe, love others, grow the Kingdom, you name it. She has to raise $14,000.00 to do this. I completely believe in her. She has been faithful to the call and she has risen above what has been dealt to hear. She is a leader, strong and couragous.

Please follow this link to Chrissy's blog (it only took me 9 years to spell her name the right way) and click on SUPPORT ME, get out your debit/credit card and put an amount in. No amount is too small. And, if you don't do that, send me a check, written out to her, and I will get it to her. Seriously. I'm not kidding. Now's the time. We have ONE reason we're here on earth, let's support Chrissy as she fulfills that in her life.

Chrissy, I am so proud of the woman you have become and I'll be cheering you along every step of the way! Love you!

our star...

2011-05-24T11:41:00.000-04:00

So, I realize I'm skipping ahead a bit, however, Spencer performed in her first dance recitle this past weekend and proud doesn't begin to define Matt and I after her 2 performances. She represented our family and her talent so well, and the next day asked, "When am I in another recitle?"

Inching closer with Mother's Day...

2011-05-23T13:30:00.001-04:00

Spencer's school does a Mother's Day Tea every year, and this year was just as great. They did a little song (above) for all of the mommy's and had some yummy treats and a special craft they designed for each mother. Spencer has definately grown in the "production" area and is all smiles and full of stage presence. I was very proud.

I had a girlfriend snap a shot of Spencer and I. Rarely am I in shots with the family, as I'm always snapping away!

Spencer made me this beautiful plate, which is displayed nicely on my ~~cluttered~~ counter. She handed it to me and said "DON'T PUT IT IN THE MICROWAVE". I have a feeling they went over this rule, daily, with their teachers so we were sure not to ruin our new gift.

This is Spencer and a few of her friends. Only Spencer and Molly (in blue) will be in Kindergarten together, next year. I decided to keep Spencer in a small classroom for one more year until the public school conversation is a must. But, I know she's going to miss Teddy a lot!

Of course you can't have a posting with out fat boy.

Prom night was the night before dinner. I had talked with my 2 junior girls who had opted out of prom to do a "prom-less" dinner night. One of my juniors was Dina's daughter, so of course we wanted Dina to join us!! And, what's a night with Dina and Sayward with out a photoshoot!? We took "prom photos thru the decades". Above was our 80s shot, back to back.

This was the "today" shot with the arm on the hip.

This was the kissy face from about 6 years ago.

And, then Dina and Sayward do what Dina and Sayward just DO. :)

Here's a nice shot of Frances, Jordan and I as we waited for our table at PF Changs. We all dressed up for PROM...

...because even though they didn't attend THE prom...we went to PROM...the movie! It was a great night!!!

...then it was Easter...

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Between work, that doesn't seem to have an end or beginning, and a family, the blog is the casualty at times. However, without further ado, the Easter celebration! My sister and her family come here for just about every Easter. This year was no different. Spencer was very excited when they pulled in and LOVES to play with her cousins. We hit up the Easter celebration at our church that Saturday for the Easter story and hunt!

The sun was SHINING, so getting a good shot of the cousins was a bit tough. We left Ian at home with Matt. He would have just cried the whole time. :)

When we got back, we brought out the eggs and put the kids to work. Nana helped with the egg process and the kids had fun. I bought some cheap dye cups, which I will not do again. The color was kindof crappy.

The Monday after Easter was my step-father's birthday, so we made babysitting arrangements and headed out on the boat for dinner in Geogetown at a local eatery. We had a great time. And, look, we even picked up an immagrant!

I really like this shot of teh guys. We had a great time.

After church, on Easter, we took the kids out to get a picture. Ian was less than cooperative, but we managed to get all 4.

With all of the hustle and bustle, I seldom get a picture of me with my family. I made sure of it that morning!

Easter afternoon was great. We were very relaxed, had the lamb in the oven and really enjoyed ourselves. My sister helped me clean out the ~~abyss~~, van, and we all packed up for early morning departures. Friends of ours who are empty nesters were in town, so we invited them over for the Easter feast, which was great! We headed back over to their house to let the kids swim for a bit before bedtime.

Easter Monday we were in the car by 4:30am and headed down to visit Duke and Grammy in Boca Grande. We had a great time with them and soaked in plenty of sun.

Spencer was a bit worn out and had to make a stop at the bar.

This was Ian's first WALKING time to the beach or pool. Let's just say I have my hands FULL.

Spencer and Duke, they had lots of good time together of reading and laughing!

Our last night in Boca we went to the south end of the island to a great restaurant right on the water. Both kids ate a really good dinner and played on the beach for quite a while. It was great! We were bummed to leave, but really enjoyed ourselves.

we're mid april, folks...

2011-05-06T09:49:00.000-04:00

The third weekend of April was an exciting one. First, Hannah went to her first prom with her beau Phil. Spencer and I went over to watch her get ready and see Phil pick her up. They were going to his prom, in Socastee, so we didn't get to see everyone dressed up. Spencer is a little taken back by Phil, mainly b/c of how Hannah explained prom to a 5-year-old. I loved the example. Basically, that she was going to a ball with a prince. But, b/c of Phil's name, also sharing the name of the prince to her favorite princess, Prince Phillip is a bit overwheming for Spencer. It's really cute. :)

I wanted to share this picture. As we were taking pictures, Spencer was dancing. As we were leaving, she was having a great time, and responded with, "Mommy, I never want to stop dancing with that pole". High hopes, Spence, high hopes.

From prom, I went home, grabbed a quick shower, and headed back over to the Strong's to kick-off our high school in-town retreat. We all went to dinner as prince and princesses, and had a royal feast at Sanford's. It was grand.

Of course, Kipp and I dressed the part to the "t".

Amy and all of her men in waiting.

The girls all came dressed up and had such a great time playing dress-up for a night.

After dinner, we went to the Clarke's where we were viewing "Tangled" (i.e. Princes and Princesses) Dina had the house all decorated with Tangled gear and she even made herself a Rapunzel wig, which I'm pictured above "climbing". (I feel I need to mentin there is a tube top under my Thrift Store dress.)

Jordan led us in some very late night worship, which was beautiful.

We all met at Eggs Up for a yummy breakfast. We did call ahead seating and got seated right when we got there, at 9am!

We ended our retreat by helping with the All Saints School carnival. It was a great time. I really enjoyed the retreat and love when I can get away with my students for a night.

a brief pause...

2011-05-04T10:41:00.000-04:00

We spent 5 days with Matt's dad and stepmother in Boca Grande, Florida, last week. Not much rest, but tons of sunshine and family time. I'll post about it tonight. But, I'm back and better than ever!

...then the hunt was on...

2011-04-21T10:26:00.000-04:00

During a recent conversation with a number of my high school students, they had mentioned that once you hit the later teenaged years, some holiday traditions go by the wayside, like Easter Egg Hunts. They were saying how much they love them and how fun they are. True to my nature, I decided to "go big or go home" with this one, and Kipp and I hid approximately 250 eggs all over the All Saints campus. My 2 "star students" above came in full Easter gear.

...and some didn't.

Never the less, the kids were excited for the opportunity and were like 5-year-olds when I let them loose. They had a great time! We had all sorts of various eggs, including camo eggs which were a big hit. We had 2 golden eggs and 2 silver eggs which held either $20, $10, $5, or $1.

My sweet Amy took the time to decorate a basket and all!

This is a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR (just accepted to Notre Dame) who is RUNNING to find eggs. Seriously, he was so competitive. I hope the Fighting Irish are ready.

These were my big winners of the night. They cleaned up with some tasty treats inside of their eggs.

Of course, we got down to "business" by the end and it was a fun and powerful night. The journaling part of our ministry has really taken off and the kids really respond well to it. I'm so thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness!

marathon month...

2011-04-19T09:46:00.000-04:00

I have had quite a marathon month. I'm not complaining, because I make my own schedule, but I think I over did it a bit. March was busy with confirmation and other outings with students, as well as my trip to Pittsburgh, and then I hit April running. My middle school students participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine and did a great job!

The theme was "Love Hungry" and they did just that!

There were all on different "tribes" where they took on the identity of kids in Haiti and learned all about what the people of Haiti have gone through and are still going through. It was really eye opening.

Over the course of February and March, we collected as much card board as we possibly could. And, we had a lot! The kids constructed their own cardboard city and slept outside for one night, to possibly try to understand what someone who is homeless walks through. They were allowed one blanket, no pillow. The boys above have participated in 3 Famine's, so they had really thought out the construction of their shanty. They each had their own "bedroom" and a common space in the middle where I found them playing cards later in the night. Very creative!

These 2 girls decided to sleep only with their heads in a box, and made a window to talk to each other. They were a bit cold as the night went on...

However, our sprinkler system did NOT get the memo we were sleeping outside, and at 1:45 AM, we all were surprised. (A group of my 6th grade girls had a sprinkler come up IN their shanty...) The kids dealt with this so well, and reacted in such a mature and Godly way. It was actually great application along the homeless lines.

One activity we participated in was "Survivor Scramble" where the kids went door to door and collected canned goods, bottle water and blankets to donate to The Friendship Place, which is a helping hand to those in need in Georgetown County, and Matt happens to serve on the board. They collected a TON for them!

The students also participated in really cleaning up the church grounds. I am so proud of them. There were hardly any complaints and they were all smiles. And, if you're wondering, yes, I participated in the Famine as well. ...34 hours for me!

it's the little things...

2011-04-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

I know I did quite a lot of updating on the house, however, I don't think I ever posted final shots of our addition last year. This is probably due to the new addition we added to out family weeks after we moved into our "other side".

There are a few things that just put my mind at ease, and one is a clean yard and outside of our home. Really, it's the little things for me.

To drive down our road and have the edges cleaned up, the pinestraw to be GONE, not blown all around, grass to be cut, pinecones collected, it's really a happy ending to a great day. I am so thankful for our landscapers. He is our old neighbor, who moved only a few "blocks" away, but we never see him anymore. We love our new neighbors, but miss our old.

This is a shot of "Spencer's tree", which we planted the week she was born. Quite appropriate that is buds pink!

I still can't get over how we came about this home, 5 years ago, and I'm so thankful for it every day. Yes, I wish we had someone to clean the inside as well as the out. Maybe again, one day...

growing and growing...

2011-04-11T14:44:00.000-04:00

The weather has turned and we're outside a ton! I'll post more soon...

dink

2011-04-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

When I get a text, my blackberry makes this noise, like a "dink". So, my phone went dink about an hour ago.

It was a random text from a girl that I really have no relationship with (up to this point) but who I distinctly remember when and were I met her, her freshmen year of high school. We were on the In Town Retreat, at a soccer game, and of of my (then) junior girls introduced us. She was so sweet and bubbly. I loved her. Thankfully, she has had this awesome relationship with the Lord, is plugged in to an area youth group, and her heart breaks for the lost.

To that I say DINK!

She simply said she was thinking about me, wasn't sure if I remembered her, but just wanted to say hello. And, she gave me a prayer request. It was really cool. Actually, DINKABLE cool!

You know, I'm in this serious funk at the moment. I love my family, love my job, love my Lord, but I'm in a funk. And, that dink was just what I needed today.

DINK!

A note on the picture. Since it was a random dink, I simply googled the word "random" and this was the 4th picture Google came up with. I feel it's fitting, for some weird reason.

at odds...

2011-04-04T10:37:00.000-04:00

My children are only 5 and 1, however, we're dealing with minor squabbles already, something I'm NOT ok with. I think I have some repressed sorrow and frustration with just HOW MUCH my sister, brother and I fought as children. Honestly, it's embarrassing to look back. The fighting and arguing, on and on, and I found myself in the midst of it frequently. I am strong enough to admit, now, that my jealousy towards my siblings and anger about our "family dynamics" came out in anger and rage. So much so that I'm sure the defining and pinnacle moment was throwing a book (aka. the Bible) at my sister's face, causing some harm. (Yes, it comes up at family dinners.)

I have at least one conversation a week with Spencer about how much I love her and Ian, and how much it would break my heart to hear them fight as they get older. I've encouraged her to pray for Ian and to ask the Lord to help her find things they will have in common to share together, as they get older. Yes, the prayers are "childish" but honest and so loving.

Sidenote: When Spencer says grace before meals, they sound a little something like: "Dear God. I love Ian. I love Mommy. I love Daddy. Thank you that I love you. (if others are sitting with us, she loves them too, in her prayers.) and I love me. Amen. (On Sundays, there's normally something thrown in there that she loves, having to do with her Sunday lesson at church. "I love Moses.")

All of this anxiety about "when they will start to fight" has put me in a place to question, "why do we anticipate drama and fighting"? Why do we find ourselves knee deep in drama? Why do we want there to be drama? Why do we want to be at odds with people?

And, the answer I have come up with is, we don't. However, we're not going to see eye to eye with everyone. There are simply people that I either don't totally get along with, or don't have those common grounds that set the foundation of a relationship, and that's ok. But, I do need to keep myself in check to not be in the middle of the gossip circle, sharing "the news" with anyone that will listen. (Which, I have been in the past, and I don't care to be there again.)

I hope I can instill this in my children through example. Spencer called me out on it the other day about someone that I simply am having a hard time working with. She just said, "Mommy, why are you always talking about XXX"? It really put me in a place of repentance and accountability. Since that day, I can't say I have not said one thing about this person, however, I've spent much more time PRAYING for this person. And, I have to say, our relationship is no where near perfect, but our daily conversations have become much better, or at least civil.

Today, in this time of Lent, my challenge to you is to prayerfully consider those you are at odds with. Why are you at odds? What good is it? What is your part in the perpetuation of the sour relationship? Pray for this relationship. Watch for the Lord's mighty hand to work in a way that you weren't expecting.

textbook supernanny...

2011-03-29T09:21:00.000-04:00

I have hit a wall, a HUGE wall.

Ever since the time change, and maybe a tiny bit before, Spencer has developed some sleep issues that I am just not ok with. She is waking up 1-2 times a night. Not only is she waking up, she's coming up stairs and trying to get into our bed. I feel like this has been since she was sick for THREE WEEKS in February/March, and now we are having to figure something out.

We were trying to deal with it with various ways. Matt and/or I would take her downstairs, however, her vulcan death grip would not allow us to leave, nor did we want her tears and crying to wake up Ian just accross the hallway. Now, we've been tired of going downstairs, so we've set a sleeping bag on our uncomfortable floor, assuming that would "run its course" and she would go back down. Not so much.

I have not slept longer than 3 hours, in a row, for almost a month, and I'm about to scream. I'm so frustrated and NOT ok with this sleep pattern she's developed. I've taken her out, talked with her about any sort of fears she may have, extra love each night, we've had a steady routine, you name it, we've done it.

So, as of tonight, I'm going Jo-Jo on her little behind and putting some serious Supernanny into full gear.

That's right, if you had the night vision camera on us, we're doing the drag back to bed, close the door, full of emotion, night time "fun". I am determined.

Please pray I don't give up.

...or lose my mind.

remembering the forgotten...

2011-03-20T20:43:00.000-04:00

I feel like this blog is filled with endless pictures of Spencer, as well as our home, however, you need to search our home for exhistence of Ian! So, I've been trying to get a few more shots of my boy, when I remember to! He's such a cuddle boy. He'll come right up to you and put his head into your lap and just stay there for a moment. He's super yummy.

Our church had their annual mother/daughter tea party. Spencer and I were very excited to head to it and have a great time!

The weather is finally turning for the better and we spent last Sunday OUTSIDE. Ian is walking, walking, walking and loving the freedom. He is eating, all of the time, and really well, which we're NOT used to from his "big" sister.

I have to admit/brag...having one of each is perfect.

However, a little boy is so very different than his princess sister. He is getting dirtier and dirtier. He eats anything and everything, like the rock he is holding up to me in this picture.

And he does NOT sit still. Getting a picture of the two of them together is IMPOSSIBLE!

But, I did manage to get this one shot with my little guy.

That afternoon we headed up to Broadway at the Beach to walk around in the sunshine and play at their playground. We had a great time and it was really nice to spend the time as a family, which in the Spring, is so not common.

I can't remember I got a nice picture of Matt and I together, so this will have to do. This should be a nice week, one which I love at least...

one step at a time...

2011-03-15T09:40:00.000-04:00

Toddlers and Tiaras. Jersey Shore. Miley Cyrus. Britney Spears. Justin Bieber. The list can continue of let down, after let down, of icons we have placed on a pedistal of someone for our kids to look up to. But, even more, we watch these kids grow up way too quickly. Seriously, Justin Bieber is SIXTEEN. I work with sixteen year olds every day and, although I love them with my whole heart, I can whole heartedly say that I would not put them out there as examples, just yet. They are learning, they are deciding, they are forming their hearts. I am so proud of all of my students and and am their front-row cheerleader, but my biggest cry to their parents and teachers is "SLOW DOWN".

These kids are getting more and more thrown in to their faces day after day, and required so much more, year after year. Yes, I understand the world is moving at that pace, however, I can't help but ignore Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

So, where do we begin. Being the parent of a 5 and 1 year old, I feel it starts the minute they are born. What are we projecting on to our children? Hurry up. Grow up. Get out of diapers! I don't want to pay for them any more. Walk! I'm tired of picking you up and we've got stuff to do. On to the toddler bed! Straining myself to change your sheets is tiring! Or, even more, that child over there (who is 1-2 months younger than you) is doing A, B, or C so you need to be! The list goes on.

But, what ends up happening? The stressful Facebook status' emerge. Tear filled evenings, from both mommy and child, are endless due to fatigue and exhaustion. The child is feeling like they have failed you because they can't "produce" in whatever area we are wanting them to fill.

What is the rush!?

Now, before I go on, let me say I am looking at myself in the mirror as I ponder this. I am guilty of imposing a few things on this list on to Spencer, my 5-year-old. And, I'm beginning to "stress" about my 13 month son.

Why do children need to be "off the bottle" when they turn 12 months? Why do they need to be potty trained by 2? Why do they need to be in a toddler bed? Why do they need to be getting ALL A's? Why do they need to play a certain sport every day of their life? Why? What is the benefit of any of this?

I challenge, each and every parent, to put down your "parenting book of the now" or your desire to have your kid be the best and greatest, and take a minute. Get to know your child. Learn how he or she learns. How do they want to fit in? How do they want to stand out? What are they, honestly, ready for? How have you totally overprogrammed them or projected your desires, versus what they want or dream of doing?

You know, being from a single-parent family definately had a number of issues, that I would trade for anything. However, not having mom, or a dad, around during my "critical years" did benefit me in a few ways. One was I got to figure out who I was, and what I wanted to do with my life. I'm thankful my mother was careful to raise me in a home that loved the Lord and went to church and encouraged youth group. However, my relationship with the Lord was my option, and I'm thankful for the seed planted. But, there was no "push" on this or that in my life. Sure, I guess I would have loved/appreciated some of that attention. However, when I was a cheerleader (and no one else had been in my family), mom simply said, "if that's what you want to do, then you better work for it". And, you know what, I did. I was captain in junior high, and I LOVED it. And, the list goes on.

No, my life was not perfect, but I'm thankful that I got to live life at my own pace. I worked hard, got into college and I have a great life. Not a perfect one, but a great one. I'm thankful.

I hope Spencer and Ian will be able to say the same thing as they approach 33.

gonna try it out...

2011-03-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, I was raised in a Christian home, however, "giving something up for Lent" was never something that was put into practice in our house. AND, for that matter, the example that I had was not quite the strong front. I'll keep my childhood friends nameless, however, our very dear friend, growing up, were forced to give up candy each Lent. So, they gave it up at home, but would we would frequently find the girls hitting up our leftover chocolate in the Reilly freezer during the Lenten season. (ahem...I know you're reading this right now!!) Therefore, I really never saw the point of the whole "give something up for Lent".

This same family taught me a lot. It wasn't really about a "season" of giving something up, but a lifestyle of living for Christ. Therefore, again, I wanted to take on Godly qualities all of the time, not just during the Lenten season. (And, I'm not sure I was too good at that either!)

However, I've found myself at a crossroads. I really feel like the Lord is trying to get my attention, I'm just not sure about what. I'm finding myself hitting a wall, frequently, and everytime I hit, I see the Lord's face. So, at 3am, this morning, when the Lord spoke, I listened.

Therefore, for this Lenten season, I am "giving up" being on my Blackberry when I am with my family*. I find myself checking up on Facebook, answering my work emails, BBMing, and answering texts ALL of the time. And, 95% of them are work related, yes, even Facebook. Now, in my line of work, I can't ignore these things all together. All 3 of these streams (which come through my BB) are primary means of communication with my students. But, I have realized, that since the purchase of my BB last December, I have spent less time paying attention to my children and husband.

I am not giving up these means of communication, but when I am with my children or husband, I am going to honestly try to not be on my telephone. So, if you need to get a hold of me, you're going to have to go back 11 years and actually CALL me. We will have to TALK on the telephone if you need an answer within 10 minutes in the evenings or on Fridays or Saturdays. If it's a "work day" for me, a text will be answered, but the minute I'm "off the clock" and with my family, it's all about being "old fashioned".

I'm praying my Matt and the kids will notice this and feel appreciated. I'm also praying that I will be able to disconnect from work a bit. Ever since I got my blackberry, I feel like I never leave work, ever. And, that's not healthy.

I'm really looking forward to, hopefully, figuring out what the Lord wants to show me.

2:30am

2011-03-06T05:56:00.000-05:00

(This picture wasn't taken at 2:30am, but 5:45am before my morning run. It was a really cool sky. I had to run back inside to grab my camera.)

Thankfully, Ian is sleeping through the night. It only took a year. However, mommy isn't. Nope. EVERY night, I wake up at 2:30am and have the hardest time falling back to sleep. Couple that with a squeaky bed and a very sick little girl for the past two weeks has made for an exhausted mommy.

When I wake up, I try to not let my mind race, but it starts, and this is even if Spencer wasn't sick. Seriously, it's been like 6 months of Ian waking up to cry at 2:30am, so it's just a habit for me now. But, I digress. I start to go through all the doors (in my head) to make sure they've all been locked. I begin to listen intently, b/c I feel like someone might be trying to break into our house. You name it, I'm probably thinking it. I'm so over it and ready to hit a wall.

Then, on top of it, Spencer battled strep throat all last week, and now this past week, she's had the flu. She's tired, remaining with a fever, and has multiple body aches. Not to mention, she's getting up at 5:30am. (Which isn't helpful to this lady who just fell back asleep at 4am.) Matt and I have tag teamed with taking off work, which has been fine, but I just want Spencer to get better. And, of course with her history, and the logevity of this flu, I'm scared the hospital is our next stop.

It's hard not being closer to family, but this is definately one of those times. It is very lonely dealing with a sick kid all day and only have a telephone to talk with your family, rather than let them risk it to come over and visit. But, regardless, I just pray that Spencer will be healed, sooner rather than later...

...and that I can sleep through the night.

nyc baby!!

2011-02-25T15:17:00.000-05:00

I know it looks as if we're just SHOWERING Spencer with these lavish trips, but it's really not that! Disney had been planned since last March. When my sister let me know she and her family will be moving back to Pittsburgh, I wanted to get up there to get Spencer to NYC. My sister is in Philly and it's an hour and half drive into the city. AND, I wanted to do it WITH my sister. We've not traveled, much, together and I really want some memories with the girls, Aunt Robyn, mommy and Spencer. So, this NYC day was as special for me as it was Spencer.

We started the day out with a stop in Hoboken to Carlo's Bakery...aka CAKE BOSS! My sister knows the trick to not have to stand in line for 3+ hours. We preordered some of their famous crumb cakes and walked right into the bakery. Our timing couldn't have been better! Right when we walked in, Mauro (never saw the front of him) was out taking a cake order...and then Buddy made a quick appearance!

Spencer was really excited to see "Cake Buddy" (as she calls him). It's the one "real people" show Spencer will watch and has declared she wants to be a cake maker when she's older. She loved the bakery and all the hustle and bustle.

We even saw, I think his name is, Anthony (the younger guy they always give a hard time). He never came out, but I tried to zoom in as much as I could.

We finished up outside when Aunt Robyn came out with all of our goodies. Crumb cakes, lobster tails and a cupcake! Delicious! Then, it was on to the city, first stop, FAO Scwarz!

At FAO they have a Barbie area where you can create your own Barbie doll. It was a bit disappointing as they were out of shoes and your options were pretty limited. However, Spencer loved it!

After the order is complete, the Barbie comes out on the catwalk (if you request it) and they do a who mock fashion show. They turn up the music, bring out an announcer, the works. If you look behind Spencer, it drew a crowd, as well. It was so cute. That's Spencer's Barbie on the right of the photo, in the pink princess dress.

The Barbie even comes in a special box that you can get into immediately. Spencer loved her time with Aunt Robyn!

We walked around FAO for a while until the Big Piano opened up. We got ther at the right time and got a turn, immediatley, on the piano. It was pretty cool I even took a turn. Then, we headed over to American Girl Doll Place...

We had 4:00 reservations for afternoon tea. It's great. They have a seat for your doll and bring out a play cup and saucer for the doll. Super cute. Spencer loved it. However, the actual food they bring out isn't too 5-year-old friendly. (It doesn't help that Spencer is the WORST eater.) To round out the trip, we grabbed some Bison Burgers at Ted's in downtown and then finished out the day at Dylan's Candy Bar...

The floors are even made of candy! It is a two story candy store with lots of throw back candy options. I, honestly, don't know how she stays open. How much candy do you have to sell to actually make money in NYC? I'm sure it helps that Ralph Lauren is her father.

The NYC day was a big success, and our time with my sister and her family was even better. She lives in a great area and I know they are going to miss Philly. However, it does make things much easier with all but 1 sibling living in the Pittsburgh area. We've already got our plans to head up north the day after Christmas for a week! Yay!

first birthday bash...

2011-02-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

In the midst of our crazy winter travels, and whatnot, Ian managed to turn 1! I was toying with a bigger party, but I felt badly that Spencer didn't have a party, at all, when she turned 1. Therefore, we had a bit of a celebration before the Superbowl. We had a few friends over to sing to the fat boy and, of course, had cake.

We had the house decked out in "black and yellow" (as the trend goes with the latest rap song) and lots of official Pittsburgh food. I ordered perogies from Penn Mac, had the local beer distributer get me a case of IC Light (which we're still inching through), and did a pork roast (I skipped the kraut...we don't like it). It was a great night...except for who won the game.

Matt picked up a balloon and a couple of other decorations. I had a retreat that weekend, so Matt had to get a number of things ready around the house. Thankfully, the retreat was only in Myrtle Beach, so I was back quickly and got some great sleep where we stayed.

Let me just point out, Ian NEVER plays with the books. Except for when I spend a good portion of the day organizing them by height and separating them between Spencer's side and Ian's side. They stayed that way for a good hour.

While we were waiting for our guests to arrive, Spencer decided she should camp out by the front door, so Ian couldn't "get out". Thanks for helping us out, monkey. :)

Old Navy had these cute cloth birthday hats. They stand STRAIGHT up, like a dunce cap, it was cute.

The song was a hit, for Ian, and he was VERY interested in his cake. If you have been reading this over the years, you'll remember Spencer wanted NOTHING to do with her first birthday cake. Oh, how times have changed, as I had to continuously remind her to not touch the cake!

I think Ian definately felt special. He loved the celebrations, loved being sung to, and loved the gifts he received. It was a grand occasion. (Except for those darn Steelers!)

Looking up...

2011-02-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

I've been quite intentional about looking up, lately. It's been needed in the fatigue and long days of full-time work and motherhood. A few weeks ago, looking up (physically), we discovered a new friend we had around for about a week. A bald eagle.

It's quite magestic and facinating to watch. He stuck around, feeding in the pond for about a week. I really loved watching this creature, and know and understand why this bird is such a representation of this country.

I've been working out, pretty early in the mornings, lately. I was meeting my girlfriend to run, and when I came out of the house, this is what I came out to. It was beautiful.

my first post ever.

2011-02-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

This was the very FIRST post/picture I had for this very blog. In April of 2005, my first posting. And, coincidentally, it is a picture of Matt and Hagrid from Valentine's Day, 2005. Matt and Hagrid had picked me up from youth group (it was a Monday, too!) and had cooked me dinner. The best part was, about 1/2 way through dinner, we looked over to see Hagrid's tie, just a nub, the rest chewed onto the floor.

Happy Hallmark Day!

a gift...

2011-01-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

My very good friend, Dina, approached me in December to help her host the talent show at our church. Of course, anything I can do with Dina, I immediately say "Yes"! However, January is actually a very busy month for me because all of my programs are about to resume and I add in confirmation and our mission trip. Just a ton to work on! However, I was thrilled to help her, making sure I was clear that I couldn't do a ton for the show.

Dina worked her tail off for this night. She interviewed all of the talent and really put in endless hours...only to receive a text message at 6:30am, the morning of the show, to find out that Dina (and the rest of her family) had come down with the stomach virus and she was not going to be able to make it. Oh.my.gosh.

I began to freak out because I did not want to be one stage alone. After some circles in my head, I asked our Assistant CM Director, Kim, if she would host with me. She, reluctently, agreed, and did a great job. I, however, being the fame-"whore" (for lack of a better term) definately enjoyed the evening.

We had 3 prizes at the end of the night. The "I didn't see THAT coming" award, The Snickers Award, and the Best in Show. All wonderfully homemade trophies.

Spencer and her "partner-in-crime" Hollis enjoyed the entire evening.

The entire "schtick" was this run-on of "Sayward's Got Talent", as opposed to "All Saints Got Talent". So, I kicked off the entire evening with the video that I had posted in the previous post, and then, when the screen went black and Waterloo continued, I burst into the room with a dance routine I had come up with. It was a great kick-off for the night's agenda.

Spencer had said she wanted to perform. And perform she did! She, on the spot, came up with a dance to "Kingdom Dance" from the soundtrack from Tangled. I was behind her the entire time, but Matt said she had a smile from ear to ear and soaked in the spotlight the entire time. Complete with a bow at the end. (I wonder where she gets it from!?...either mommy or daddy!)

The Snickers Award (funniest act) went to these 2 who did a family "belly roll" where they can make their belly's "wave". It was great. And, Hollis actually got up and did it with her brother, which we weren't sure she was going to do!

A little out of order, but this was a famous twirl of Spencer's.

As part of the run-on, I would continuously try to "one up" each performer. No, I can't play the guitar. But, by golly, I tried!

This was the "I didn't see THAT Coming" award winner. (above) Robby can hear a word and IMMEDIATELY put the letters from the word in alphabetical order. And, not slowly. IMMEDIATELY. Like, Peter started to sink and Jesus grabbed him, immediately! It was pretty cool.

Our "Best in Show" award, went to Kate who played the piano and sand "Came to My Rescue" by Hillsong. She had me in tears. I was so proud of her!

Honestly, it was a highlight I can put on my non-exhistet bucket list. I had SO MUCH FUN on stage. Matt always makes fun of me because I still talk about the musicals I was in, in high school. I LOVE being on stage and performing. It is a gift (meaning I know not everyone can do it) and I love it. I breathe new life when I'm up there. I love making people laugh. I love entertaining. I really hope the church does it again next year, and I hope they will give me the opportunity to host it, again. (Of course, I hope I'll get the opportunity with Dina...and she won't get sick.)

PS: Kim did SUCH a great job. I definately didn't give her the mic very much, and I'm sure she was annoyed, but it was so comforting having her up there with me!!

All Saints Got Talent!

2011-01-24T07:06:00.000-05:00

Our church had a talent show on Friday night and I hosted it with Kim, our AD of CM. I was supposed to host it with my "partner in crime", Dina, but she managed to pick up the stomach bug Thursday night, boo! This was the opening video for the night...

staples in my house...

2011-01-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

So, I am always blogging about verious things and how great my kids are. But, I feel like this blog is boring, sometimes. Not that this post will be super spicy, but I was getting things in order in the house yesterday and thought about my grocery list. I am always looking for new snacks/food to offer Spencer, and soon Ian, so I thought I would share the staples in my home. Food that I HAVE to make sure I have on hand to keep a happy home. I'd love to know what you keep on hand.

Apple Juice. I really try to get a juice that is low, or not at all, in high fructose corn syrup (a.k.a. "corn sugar"), and Mott's seems to do the trick. I don't give straight juice, to this day, for Spencer. It's 1/2 juice, 1/2 water. She has a sensitive stomach, and too much of the sugar upsets her stomach. She also inherited a touch of her father's lactose intolerance, so we keep PLAIN Soymilk on hand for cereal. It's alarming how much sugar is in soymilk, even the plain, so I try to limit that as well.

Ian and Spencer love these. And, since (to this day) getting my kids to eat vegetables is nearly impossible, I feel better about giving these to them. We go through a box of these every few weeks. They are REALLY tasty.

What home doesn't have goldfish in them (with children)? Spencer likes the Flavor Blasted Goldfish, however, I think they are a bit strong for Ian. His little tummy is not quite ready for them.

Spencer really likes fruit, and I have to confess, I'm terrible at keeping fruit in the house. With working full time, and the kids being at Wanda's for most of the week, the fruit tends to go bad. However, my mother taught me if you wash grapes and take them off of the vine, they last a long time. I've not given them to Ian, yet, because I don't have the patience to peel them.

Spencer is a huge yogurt fan, and the Gogurt is a pretty good buy. She prefers the scooby-doo, because she loves Dafney. It's great for playdates, as well. However, Spencer has sensitive skin and I have to make sure I trim the sides of the packet b/c it tends to CUT the sides of her mouth as she eats it, ouch! For Ian, we're still giving him YoBaby and YoToddler w/ his cereal in the morning.

I know I said Spencer has taken on a bit of Matt's lactose intolerance, so we definately have to track what she has snacked on through the day. If she's had goldfish (which does have lactose in it), and a cheese stick, and then macs 'n' cheese, we're destined for an upset stomach at night. But, if she does have a cheese stick, she likes the duo of the cheddar and mozzerela.

We were a Kraft family, with the original macs 'n' cheese, but recently Spencer discovered the shells and cheese. I think we were at Food Lion and it caught her eye and she asked to try them. She LOVES them and they aren't that expensive.

The final staple in our home is PIZZA. I know, right!? But, Spencer LOVES pizza. So, I make personal pizzas for her, at least 4 nights a week, and I don't feel badly about this. I tried just doing the Totino's pizzas, however, they are SO bad for you. So, I buy small round crusts, a yummy tomato pizza sauce and lowfat, part-skim mozzerela and she eats the ENTIRE pizza. And, for my tiny little girl, anything she'll eat ALL of, I'm game.

So, what do you keep in your house for your kiddos? Or, even if you don't have children, what's your favorite snack?

looking forward to it!

2011-01-15T09:36:00.000-05:00

Our 2011 is starting out great! We've gotten a lot in order and are getting things in place for a very busy Spring. My work schedule explodes in the Spring by adding the mission trip into my schedule. However, in the midst of work, there is still real life, which I am really trying to put first this year. To being our year, our little guy will be turning 1! I can't believe it's been a year. This has been an INSANE year. It seems like life just gets crazier and crazier. I don't think we'll do anything big for Ian, maybe just some cake and whatnot w/ his Godparents. Spencer didn't have a 1st birthday party, so I feel badly trying to put something together for Ian.

Right after Ian's birthday, I'll head to my mother's to drop off the kids for a few days. Matt will join me in Greensboro for theAM Winter Conference, AKA...hang out with Marty for a few days, and we'll head back to my mother's to hang out for another day or so. I've already gotten a couple of crafts for Spencer to do with my mom during nap time. Spencer is also looking forward to play time with Grandpa and another fun filled day at the Discovery Zone.

After that, we're looking forward to a long weekend in Philly to spend with my sister and her family, before they move back to the 'burgh. It'll be nice hanging out, and we have a day in NYC where we're taking Spencer to the American Girl Doll Tea Room. I have a feeling we'll swing by FAO Schwartz where Spencer will create her very own Barbie Doll.

My two girlfriends, down here, and I were discussing a girls trip. However, I really am feeling a trip to Sewickley is in need, for a number of reasons, so I'm really looking forward to spending my birthday weekend with this foxy lady in her brand new home. I'll get to spend a bunch of time with my grandmother, which I haven't done in quite a while (without children) and I'll get to see my nieces, nephews and in-laws. I wish all of my high school friends would be there, but time with Sassy will be good. I'm looking forward to silly girl time and lots of laughter, which is something I know Sassy and I both want/need!

And, I love time with her parents, too. Judy and Terry are super special to me!

This is where the photos got out of order, however, Spencer and Ian are looking forward to crazy times at the McIntyre's (my mom and Brian's) house.

To round out everything, we're trying to figure out when we can get down to Florida to see Matt's family. We haven't seen them in quite a while and the Duke had hip replacement surgery, so we want to get to see them. Not sure where we'll fit it in, but I'm sure we'll figure it out.

Of course, I'm going to miss my kiddos in March...

My mother is really great about projects and crafts with Spencer. She's a super Nana!

one of those days...

2011-01-13T10:11:00.000-05:00

So, "flow" gets here tomorrow, which doesn't help this posting...one bit!

Ian is going through major teething at the moment, which had me up at 2:45am...and never fell back asleep. If this were a one time thing, then I would be able to handle it. But, it's the 4th time in the past 3 weeks. So, after trying to console him, change his diaper, give him a bottle...I resorted to full out drugging. Nightime Oragel and gave him a small portion of a Triaminic disolving strip. (I KNOW you're not supposed to give them to babies, however, my sweet boy could not breathe!) And, on top of all of that, I slathered him down with baby Vicks. He was finally back down by 4:30am...but mommy wasn't.

I'm committed to working out in the mornings, so I did not want to give that up, which is probably why I am now SO tired. Of course, as I was getting ready this morning, I began to break down. Right after my hair was done, make-up applied, the tears began to fall. I could hear Ian screaming (probably for more food) downstairs, and I'm thinking "what on earth do you have to scream about!?" (Which I know, terrible mother thought.)

But, I'm in this funk phase where I have nothing to wear (literally), I have like 4 shirts that actually fit me (the "girls" aren't really getting any smaller at the moment), and I am totally inbetween sizes in my pants. Add fatigue on top of that, which led to my total breakdown.

I love being a mother, but I'm just tired at the moment. And, people telling me I look tired, doesn't help. I'm sure they are trying to empathize with me, but it just makes me feel like I look as bad as I feel. Then, to top it all off, Spencer really didn't want to go to school this morning. She was a bit clingy and just wanted to be with mommy. Which, in turn, made me feel terrible that I had to go to work.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

time with my kids...

2011-01-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

Our babysitter took the week, between Christmas and New Years, so I, in turn, did as well. It was a much needed week, for me, to get our house in order. When we added on, last year, we never really appropriately moved in and out of various rooms. I'm going to get some good pictures of our bedroom today and then post those. But, we had fun playing together all week. Spencer had some playdates with a few of her girlfriends, which really helped me get things done.

Spencer started dance this year, and LOVES it. She's doing really well and looks forward to each week of class. She received a calendar from my parents, this year, and it's already been so helpful so Spencer knows when things are. I've updated it with the activites she's a part of, as well as when she has Show and Tell, lunch bunch, all of her cousins, aunts and uncles birthdays...you name it, it's probably on there (with respect to her). I have her put a sticker on her calendar every day, so she knows what day we are on, and she's able to count how many days to the next thing. Up next: her cousin Conner's birthday!

I began my New Year with committing to run/workout, five mornings a week. First week down, and I'm good! A girlfriend of mine meets me in my driveway at 6am and we're off. However, she told me the other morning that if it goes below 32, then we're going to the gym instead, so I have a feeling Healthpoint will be seeing us this week, as it's supposed to be in the low 20s at night all this coming week!

All that being said, I had "my" bin down with all of my scarves and whatnow, and Spencer got into it and the above was the result, all on her own doings. Too cute.

And this little guy is growing up more and more. He's 11 months old and doing great. He eats a TON and expands his palet just about every day!

We've begun to slowly incorporate whole milk into his diet, and finish the formula. I know breastfeeding isn't for everyone, but I honestly don't know how people can afford to do formula full time! It's so flipping expensive. I am NOT going to miss this expense. $25 a canister. We've got 3 weeks to go, and then that's it!

But, in the mean time, Ian is eating so many different things. Here he's enjoying a cinnamon roll, which he devoured. Matt took the kids to wings last night, as I had a girls night, and he said Ian tried chicken (from the wing), macs and cheese and ice cream. And, he held it all down! It's amazing how different Spencer and Ian are!

Hopefully I'll get the house pics up this afternoon. Happy Saturday!

our new year...

2011-01-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

Since I can remember, we have done the surf and turf for our New Year's celebration. Whether we were at the Belgie's, in a mountain house with friend (getting engaged!), or down here in SC, we've always done it. So, it was only right that we bring our children in on the celebration and get them used to it, as well. Spencer LOVES crab legs, so she didn't mind one bit!

Around 6:30 we steamed up 2 pounds of crab legs and dove right in. Spencer loved them and that was a nice little celebration of the new year with her. We let her stay "up late" and by 9pm we found her curled up on the chair, dead asleep. She was so cute.

Matt's parents got him a give certificate for a lobster dinner, over a year ago. It's been sitting in a basket, waiting to be used, and I finally remembered to cash it in. I called the day after Christmas and had it shipped for New Years Eve. It's a great deal. Lobster, clams, lobster bisque, corn on the cob, a stick of butter, "crackers" (like to break apart the lobster), a bib...and a lobster pot! They give you the entire boil! It was great. Ian tried to get in the box early...

"I'm trying here and no one is helping me!"

"Maybe I can find something in here that will help me..."

Once we got Ian to bed, Matt opened up the box...in which we found TWO lobsters! We didn't order an extra one, but low and behold, 2 big guys were in there waiting.

Spencer wanted to see them, but once we got them out, she wanted NOTHING to do with them.

We tossed them in the pot and let 'em cook.

I had a steak and shared in some long neck clams with Matt and then he tore into the lobsters. It was so much food, he had left over tails for lunch the next day!

looking thru my eyelids...

2010-12-30T06:46:00.000-05:00

If I am up before Spencer, she'll come right out of her room and snuggle right up on my lap for a few minutes before really waking up. I love it. We have a special routine in the morning and I wouldn't trade it for anything...except sunlight and getting to run in the morning. :)

Spencer and Ian are playing in her room much more, now. I have had to keep up on the Polly Pocket shoes (found often IN Ian's mouth), but that keeps me on my toes and getting things in place. Which, is what I'm doing A LOT of this week while I'm off. I have tackled many rooms by today, and I'm not done yet. I may actually post pictures of our new bedroom (which is a year coming!). I'm really trying to get our home in order, which is very hard to do, and keep that way. I am so tired of coming home to a messy home that is is total disorder. So, I'm getting everything in it's place and then tomorrow, the chore chart will be created and implimented. EVERYONE will have chores.

Spencer is definately at an age where she can help out, I've just not required that of her, but now I will. This also comes along with the fact that my mother got her an American Girl Doll for Christmas and Spencer is interested in getting more clothes and accessories for Rebekah. So, Spencer will receive an allowance, weekly, if her chore chart is completed by the end of each week. She'll get "her age" for an allowance, which I think is more than reasonable for a 5-year-old. (Especially because I never got an allowance!) Hopefully this will teach her a bit of responsibility and eagerness to contribute to our little family.

THIS little guy is putting me through the ringer! To put it bluntly...he sucks at sleeping. He's a great napper and GOES to bed on time. However, staying asleep isn't his forte. It's almost like an alarm is going off in his room at 3am, every night. And, we do ignore him, most of the time, and he'll go back to sleep. But, there are many nights where he won't go back to sleep and we have to change the diaper, get a bottle and THEN he'll go back down...most of the time. But, the problem is, by this point, I'm awake. (Thus the multiple blog updates...I've been up since 3 folks!) I can not fall back asleep. (I wonder where he gets it from.)

He's also been battling this nasty rash for a MONTH on his bum. It goes away, and then comes back FULL FORCE. I haven't taken him to the doctor, b/c it will go away for a few days, and then the minute he has something a bit acidic...the rash is back. It's driving me crazy. Not to mention the never ending cold we've had in this house. I'm OVER the winter and sick children.

I'm sure some of this rash and runny nose has to do with all of those teeth you see coming through his red gums. I can't believe he'll be 11 months in a few short days! (I think I'll celebrate his 11 month birthday by saying farewell to Monday Night Football...and hello to the Bachelor!)

Christmas 2010 Review...

2010-12-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

On Christmas eve night, Spencer was in charge of getting the cookies, milk and reindeer food all ready before bedtime. She decided, last year, that Santa prefers Chocolate milk, as well. (Thankfully we had some chocolate in the fridge, b/c we don't drink chocolate milk in our house, so it must have been left over from visitors this summer-yuck!)

You'll notice our "fireplace" that we have. I got this for Matt, last year, for Christmas and it's been buried in our bedroom for the past year. Matt decided that we needed to bring it down, for Santa, and I'm so glad he did. It looks great in the living room. We'll find a new place for the piece that was there, b/c our living room looks a lot more grown up, now.

Spencer had NO desire to sit on Santa's lap this year AT ALL. However, she was a bit worried he wouldn't know what she had been wanting for the past months. So, her last ditch effort was leaving a note for Santa by the cookies. It was a 2 pager, reading, "Dear Santa, I want a Wedding Barbie. I love you. Spencer."

The big guy pulled through and managed to fish one out of his sack for our sweetie.

Of course, the Wedding Barbie was no trip to Walmart! Wedding Barbies are not on the shelves, at least in the 4 Walmarts and 1 Target I was able to get to these past 2 months! (Nor Kohl's, Walgreens, CVS...you name it!) Thankfully, there's this thing called the INTERNET. So, I found one on Amazon (I googled "Wedding Barbie" and "Bride Barbie". I waited and waited. No delivery. Finally got a message from Amazon at the beginning of December saying it wasn't coming. After another google search, Mattel relased a handful of these Barbies about 3 weeks ago. Phew!

Ian's first Christmas was great. On Spencer's first Christmas, I think we bought her like one toy and waiting until she napped to unwrap presents. However, with Spencer being aware of things, we had to fill Ian's stocking and get him something this year, so he wouldn't be "forgotten" by Santa. So, I basically threw the grocery list of things Ian needed (sippy cups, binkies, etc.) in his stocking. Compared to the other 3 stockings, Ian definately got the shaft. Oh well. He knows we love him!

Santa was good to all of us. Jesus is King. All is well.

cold campfire nights...

2010-12-30T06:16:00.000-05:00

We have had a really cold December! I can remember, most, Christmas eves where I have worn black sandals to church, it's been that warm, but not this year! Matt has been on an outside kick, so he bought some firewood with Spencer and we made a fire and had s'mores a couple of nights. It was really nice!

Spencer, however, petered out and went inside about 20 minutes later. It was a bit too cold, and not a big enough fire for her little bones. Matt stayed outside for a while, smoking his new pipe. :)

Ian stayed inside (pre-fire) with us while we were getting some things done. I needed a bit of help with things, so I made him take 20 minutes to work out to do some of the heavy lifting for me...

merry christmas to all...

2010-12-23T09:25:00.000-05:00

I FINALLY got our Christmas cards out, yesterday, so get excited! I also, mostly, finished up my Christmas shopping yesterday, I just have to make one final stop for some stocking stuffers for Spencer. But, I'm looking forward to lots of family time! Have a great Christmas...enjoy!

a view from our tree...

2010-12-20T06:51:00.000-05:00

We've had the tree up for a while now, and I've had all intentions of updating this blog, however the advent season has been surprisingly very busy for me. Between ending our two programs at church and going to Disney and getting everything finished before I left, time slipped away from me. But, I LOVE decorating the tree. And, we always have a REAL tree. In the south, it's tough to keep it alive, but Matt does a great job watering it and taking care of it, so the house is full of an evergreen smell and it sits in our living room window.

This year we got a BIG tree, which I love...and it's from Food Lion, which I LOVE the price of Food Lion trees! Every year, I pull out the ornament box and lay each ornament on the couch, remembering when it's from. We've got a lot more, now, with 2 kids. Some homemade ones from Spencer, that I'm sure I'll get rid of at some point, but just don't have the heart to right now. Matt and I save various items that we want to have forever, that manage to become part of the tree as well. Here are a few of our favorites:

The summer before Matt and I got engaged, Matt worked for Kennywoood Entertainment Corp and was their programming director. He learned a lot and met lots of great folks. I don't think it was on his top jobs list, but he definately has it as an experience and we got lots of great pictures from that summer. It's always cool to say you were a part of the Kennywood family, as well.

This is Spencer's first ornament. My mother makes a point to give Spencer an ornament every year, and now Ian, and she always has them personalized. I'm pretty sure, this year, she went as far as making the ornaments herself! I can't wait to see what she came up with.

From March 2003 to November of 2005 we lived on the North Causeway of Pawleys Island. While we were there we shared a duplex with a GREAT couple, Jenni and Jeff. I really loved these years on the Causeway and loved becoming friends with these two. While we were there, Jeff had the opportunity to travel on a submarine for about a month, possibly longer. So, when they would submerge, styrofoam had a way of shrinking, probably from the pressurizing of the vessel. So, what you are looking at is a LARGE cup, that Jeff designed, and then when they went down, the cup became this size, which we turned into an ornament. We LOVE it.

The same summer Matt was working at Kennywood, they did this parade, at Kennywood, to welcome Garfield as a "face" of Kennywood. Our friend was the PR Director for KEC for a long time and asked me to help her with the parade. I came up with the idea of cheerleaders in the parade, but it was such last minute that I ened up being a cheerleader, along with my friend Sara, as well as a poor KEC employee. I have a picture of us as cheerleaders, but this was my ID badge from that one fun day as a KEC employee!

Finally, I bought this for Matt the Christmas after he decided to become a police officer. It's a hat, resting on a megaphone, with a gun, billyclub and a radio. It's a tough job that you return to everyday, no matter how busy a department may or may not be. You always have to be ON and ready to go. Our prayers are with Matt's sergant who lost his wife, Saturday night, after fighting cancer for the past few years. Please send your prayers to the Naar family this Christmas season.

Disney 2010

2010-12-18T07:49:00.000-05:00

I know it's been few and far between postings. It's been a very busy Fall for me. Between 2 jobs, 2 kids and a home (which I've hardly been in), I don't even know what day it is! The Fall took me to Lexington, VA for a meeting for the AMiA, as well as Little Rock, AR, for another meeting for the AMiA, as well as to Ashville, NC for a retreat with my middle and high school students. We also hit up my mothers in Denver, NC, for Thanksgiving. We rounded out our traveling with surprising Spencer with 4 days in Disneyworld! Uncle Jono flew down for the week, my mother kept Ian, and the 4 of us headed to the happiest place on earth...which also ended up being the COLDEST place as well.

Jono will celebrate his 40th birthday, this June, and has never been to Disneyworld, so he was WAY into the trip. Right when we got to the Magic Kingdom, I picked up autograph books for both Jono and Spencer. Jono made good use of the book. Spencer, however, will need to hold onto her book for a future trip, as she was NOT into meeting the characters.

The whole make believe was a very good thing for Spencer. She loved seeing "where the characters lived". We toured Pooh's house, as well as Minnie and Mickey's houses. She LOVED those. She also LOVED seeing the Playhouse Disney Live on Stage show in Hollywood Studios.

We used the Unofficial Guide to Disney touring plans for the parks, which were AWESOME. We utilized Fastpasses, and hand-off for Spencer, and the adults got to enjoy all of the thrill rides. If you are planning a trip to Disney, I definatley reccomend this book. I also recommend GETTING UP early and being at the park when it opens. By 10am, each day, we had accomplished so much of the parks and had tons of time left. Seriously, it's worth the $15 to get the book. You save time, energy and money!

We were at the Magic Kingdom on Monday and Thursday, and got to enjoy the fireworks everynight, as our hotel room overlooked the Magic Kingdom. So even though we didn't have tickets to Mickey's Christmas party, we enjoyed the show every night!

Animal Kingdom was great! We were there right when the park opened, followed the touring plan, and enjoyed everything we wanted to and were at Epcot by 3pm to enjoy the afternoon and evening there!

Of course the highlight of Spencer's trip was meeting Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, her two favorite princesses. If you haven't seen Tangled, you should. It was a great flick and totally blew Princess and the Frog out of the water. Rapunzel was great with Spencer, as Spencer was pretty shy with her (actually, she wanted NOTHING to do with Flynn Ryder...so Rapunzel sent him to "pick flowers" which Spencer met Rapunzel).

At Minnie's house.

We ended the entire trip with tickets to Cinderella's Round Table restaurant where we ate dinner in Cinderella's castle and Spencer got to meet Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Belle. We were a bit disappointed that Belle didn't have her yellow dress on, but, I guess you can't win them all!

it really is...

2010-12-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

...the most wonderful time of the year!

If you are friends with me on Facebook, you know that Matt and I stick to a strict rule of NO Christmas music before Thanksgiving. (I have one exception, b/c I have a Christmas night at my middle school program...but I digress.) But, literally, by Thanksgiving night, it's going non-stop in my home, car and life! On our way to Black Friday shopping, my sister and I surfed the radio to find that one channel that will play non-stop Christmas music from now to Christmas.

Even as I sit here, I have the Holiday channel going on our digital cable.

There's something about it that brings life to me, which of course brings me to the Nativity. I fall deeper in love with the Christ child every year, and it's so remarkable that our King of Kings came in the form of a baby. It's not some fairytale, it's truth and firm ground. Something which is lifesaving to me, and I pray it is to all of you out there, this Christmas.

I won't go on, however, if you haven't heard Mariah Carey's new Christmas album, I would encourage you to download track 11, "One Child", from her album. (The entire album isn't that good, however, I can't stop listening to track 11.) Carey has got to have some sort of faith, belief, or something. No, I'm not making her the "poster secular singer" in any sense, however, in the CD sleeve, she wrote this song. The words are complete truth and hold so much power.

Don't forget THE one child this December 25...

a taster...

2010-11-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

I had a great Thanksgiving with my family in North Carolina. Luke was able to get in from California, my sister was in from PA. It was a big bummer that Matt could only be with us for 2 days, but he ended up having to work.

I have some great candids of the week's fun. Spencer is Luke's #1 fan and it was pretty cute.

The cousins always have a great time together. They were sad to leave each other at the end of a great week!!

We took the kids down to the beach for a little Christmas card photoshoot. Here's a taster of what's to hit the mail in a week or so. We had a fun late afternoon, cold, time!

festive weekend...

2010-11-15T09:48:00.000-05:00

Spencer celebrated her birthday party this weekend and it was very fun! We invited her entire class from All Saints School and she was SO excited to have her little friends over. It was a princess theme and most of the children came as princesses and princes...and a few knights, as well!

I made more cake pops, as the cake was not big enough for everyone, and they went like hotcakes! My mother is in town this week, as Matt and I both have to travel for work, and my mom makes sure she gets into town for Spencer's day each year. We love Nana!

I found these "sport sippers" at A.C. Moore ($1 each!) and the kids were able to design their own cup, which was a great little time filler and party favor for each. We kept the kids outside, which was great, and the weather was on our side. November is a pretty great month for an outside birthday b/c the weather is normally in the upper 60s, lower 70s, and we got the great half for the party! Spencer's swingset was a huge hit and the kids played and played!

Cakes have become a huge "thing" of parties (duh!), but moreso since Cakeboss and Ultimate Cakes and the like have become such a huge phenom on TV. We simply don't have the money, nor do I want to pay a million dollars for a CAKE! However, Spencer even watches Cakeboss and was very into how the cake would look this year. I figured that spending $12.99 on a cake tin vs. $95 for a bakery was a good compromise. A.C. Moore has spray paint food coloring, which gave us the hotpink detail you see on the out skirts of the cake, and we bought some pink, edible, glitter, for the jewels of the crown. I am NOT crafty, so this was a big deal for me!

This is Spencer's close little friend, Emersen, and they are attached at the hip...most of the time. Emersen is in a class below Spencer (just like her mommy!), but they have dance class together and get together for play time as well. There are days where they want nothing to do with each other, but at the party, they were inseperable!

I caught the kids on our way out the door this morning. Spencer LOVES Ian and I'm excited to spend an entire week with them at my mom's next week. We head out right after church on Sunday and Matt will be with us for 2 of those days! Yay!

birthday overdose...

2010-11-11T09:49:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday evening, we surprised Spencer with a night out with just Mommy and Daddy. She was THRILLED! We love our sweet Ian to death, but he does throw a bit of a wrench into going out at night and celebrating it up right. So, we got a sitter and took Spencer to her FAVORITE place to eat, Red Robin...or as she calls it...Red Ridinghood. And, we totally lucked out, the bird was there! This was a nice little test, because we are surprising Spencer with a BIG trip in about a month, and we wanted to see how she would do with a "character". She was quite stand-offish, so we're going to have to work on that with her.

I had Matt drop me off at the front door of the restaurant, and my little space cadet didn't even catch that I was pulling out some gifts from the back of the car. Throughout the night, we would put a little gift infront of her to open. She was so sweet, and loved each trinket. However, once this was opened...

a response of "ALL OF MY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE!!!" and (think a growing volume on this response...) "this is the beST BIRTHDAY EVERRR!!!!". I was so happy she was excited. We attended a birthday party back in April and I bought this cupcake set for her little friend. The minute Spencer saw it, she wanted one too, which I replied with a "you'll have to ask for one for her birthday". She did NOT forget. And, three weeks ago, she reminded me about the cupcake set. Thankfully our local toystore had them stocked and ready for Christmas!

She was totally worn out on the ride home and ended up crashing in the back seat. We're having a party for her on Sunday with all of her school friends, and she's very excited about it. It's a prince and princess theme and all of the kids have been asked to dress accordingly. They will play prince and princess of the tower, do crafts and of course have cake! It should be a royal event!

Happy Birthday, Spencer!!!

2010-11-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

Today Spencer is 5 years old! I can not believe it! She woke up to a dozen pink balloons on the floor, streamers all over the house, and a few gifts waiting for her in the living room.

Matt found these princess figurines at Walgreens, that Spencer could paint. She got right to work on them, and even mixed the pink herself! Of course, after she painted them, she inquired about "where are all of the other presents?" We're surprising her with a date to Red Robin (her favorite restaurant) with just mommy and daddy tonight...no Ian. (She LOVES Ian, but she'll be happy to have our undivided attention tonight!)

I saw these Cake Pops on another blog about 2 months ago and decided, then, that I was going to make these for Spencer's birthday. They are an alternative to cake and cupcakes. They were REALLY simple, just a bit time consuming. Once the cake was cooked, it took about an hour to make all of these. I didn't do anything special to them, so they could take longer. You can make them into all sorts of animals and other things, but if you know me, I'm creative, but not artistic! So sprinkles were as far as I went on the artistic side. They were a big hit, this morning, at her school.

Happy 5th Birthday, Margaret Spencer! We love you!

not done with me....

2010-11-03T10:19:00.000-04:00

Baby girl's lucky escape as she falls 50ft from window, bounces off awning and is caught by passer-by

Nov 3 2010 By Ian Sparks
A BABY girl survived a 50ft plunge by bouncing off a cafe awning into the arms of a passer-by.
Witnesses said the man must have had the "reflexes of a rugby player" to catch the 15-month-old infant after she fell from a seventh-floor flat window on Monday.
The tot was playing unsupervised with her four-year-old sister when disaster struck
The man was walking past a cafe below the flat in Paris when he spotted the baby falling to he ground.
Police said: "He could see the child was about to hit the awning so he positioned himself where he thought it would bounce.
"The child struck the fabric and ricocheted off and he dashed forward and caught it.
"Incredibly, the baby was completely unscathed but was taken into hospital for a routine check-up.
"The parents were absent from the flat when the infant fell, but we shall be interviewing them to find out why two young children were left unattended."

I was on my way to meet my high school girls for breakfast when I heard about this story on His Radio (yes, serioulsy) this morning. It's an incredible story. They had folks calling in with stories about their "bouts with death" and how the Lord is not done with us. This reminded me of my ONLY car accident a few years ago.

I owned a really nice Pathfinder for a blink of an eye. I LOVED it. It was the worst purchase ever, we totally could not afford it and only owned it for about 7 months. But, this car saved my life in that 7 month time frame.

I was on my way to a southern part of Maryland to spend the weekend with my best friend and her husband. I was so excited for some girl time and to be in some cooler weather. While driving on 295 outside of Richmond I felt the hand of the Lord upon me.

If you know me, you know I like to drive fast. I ACTUALLY was not driving too fast, 5 over, along with all of the traffic. It was 5:45pm, totally dark, early December, and it was sleeting. I was in a 4-lane highway and put my indicator on to get into the 4th lane. Just as I went to move over I must have hit a patch of black ice, or something, because that's when it happend...during rush hour traffic, where there were small breaks in the 80mph traffic. I began to fishtail. As I was fishtailing, I went from the 4th lane, over to the 1st lane, back to the 3rd, back and forth, for what seemed like an eternity. I continued to see headlights barely miss me. I had my cruise control on (I never hit my breaks) which I think is what saved my life. On my final fish tale, which was right after an exit on 295, there was a patch of grass (probably about 150 yards wide and long). When I hit the grass I fishtailed one final time and slid to a stop, sliding sideways.

I sat there for a moment, eyes as if a deer caught in the headlights, then burst into tears. No one hit me. No one else was in an accident. They all swirved, missed me and went on their way, safely, home to their families and loved ones. I got out, called Matt. A truck of 2 work men pulled over and had called highway patrol for me. It was a miracle. My poor car looked like one of those cartoons with the car that just looks worn out and exhausted.

When I gained my composure, the workmen said something like, "HOW did you not get hit!?" I seriously should have been slammed into like a pinball. I siezed the moment and said, "the Lord is obviously not done with me, yet", to which I got a "whatever it was...you were lucky!"

Thank you, Lord. You are good and I hope to sieze more moments in my family, life and legacy.

fall...

2010-10-21T09:55:00.000-04:00

I'm not really one to "air" my dirty laundry about my life, especially when it comes to my marriage. But, I'm going to let you in on a little arguement that takes place in our home just about 2-3 times a year. When Matt and I are arguing about something (no, our marriage isn't perfect!), the comment "well, if you want to move back to Sewickley, go ahead!", always comes out. Now, this is unprecedented when it comes to the conversation, but it always comes out. But, the truth is, I am ALWAYS homesick in the Fall.

We have been here for 8.5 years, and there's not a Fall that comes by when I don't miss Sewickley. It's hard not to miss a place that comes ALIVE in the Fall. The leaves change, walks are daily, there are street festivals, smells permeate the air (no, the Paper Mill doesn't count!), and the list goes on. This also includes familiar faces.

Now, my family is strewn all over the country. My mother is in Charlotte, my sister is in Philly and my brother is in L.A. However, Sewickley is still "home". Yes, Pawleys Island is home. It's where we're raising our children, where we will grow old, and where we have the MOST memories as a couple, but Sewickley is where I was raised and married. It's just familiar. Both of Matt's sisters are there, as well as so many old friends, as well as my grandmother.

But, I am thankful.

There were so many safe and comfortable things about Sewickley, that when Matt and I moved from Sewickley, we finally became man and wife. The scripture "where a man will leave his mother and a woman, her father" came alive for us. Although Matt and I were husband and wife, we hardly made time for the two of us. We were constantly with other people and doing so much. When we moved here, we actually got to spend time TOGETHER and become US. Thank you Lord!

So, why the post? I get lonely in the Fall. My schedule is JAMMED in the school year. I'm pulled in a million directions. Family wants to see us constantly. Spencer is becoming, brutally, aware as to how much I am NOT at home. Over the course of the next month, I travel to Virginia, North Carolina and Arkansas. Spencer's birthday is in the mix of that, and I'm out at least 2 nights a week, not including sporting events. And, in the midst of this all...I find myself lonely.

I'm so busy taking care of EVERYONE else, that I've been left by the wayside. I've let all relationships slip. I SUCK at returning phone calls, or even making them, getting together with friends or even having a civilized conversation with Matt.

So, after all of this, here's the thing. We need to pray for folks in ministry. They get caught up in everyone else's lives, caring for them, that they lose the relationships that feed their soul. They find themselves lonely and lost. Walking out into a world of fog. Pray for rest and abiding for those who care for you, your family and their needs. Don't just expect them to pray for you.

the unREAL world...

2010-10-19T09:42:00.002-04:00

This is for a series we're currently doing with our high school students...

view from the camera...

2010-10-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

So, a friend gave me her old camera LAST year, and I did not have the proper USB cord to upload my pictures from the camera. Well, I had a kid, went back to work, traveled...time went by. Well, I JUST got a cord for the camera and am enjoying the pictures I've taken over the past year. Here's a few that I thought you would all enjoy.

Grammy and Duke came for a whirlwind trip in May and Spencer made a picnic for everyone while they were in town.

Back in the Spring, our church hosted a mother/daughter tea party and Spencer and I dressed to the nines for the occasion.

I can't believe how big my fatboy is now!

Sorry for the absence in blogging for a bit. Matt's grandmother passed away this past Sunday, so we had to travel up to Winston Salem for the funeral. Nana was a great woman and will be missed, however, she was 93 and lived QUITE a life! She was definately celebrated and it was good to be with family!

a beautiful reminder

2010-10-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

I participate in a bootcamp at 5am, 3 mornings a week. It's a 6 week program run by Matt's chief and I LOVE it. It put me in the best shape I had been in since college, right before I got pregnant with Ian. I can say, today, that since I started 5 weeks ago, I've lost about 10 pounds and a number of inches all over. Due to hard working out, and dieting, I'm getting there.

At the beginning, there were about 20 of us, and now we're down to about 12 of us, on a good morning. The bootcamp cosists of weight training, plyometrics and running. Normally, we do some warms ups, and then hit the pavement for 3 miles. We're all in pretty good shape where we can get back and have a good workout after the run.

There is, however, one woman who's a bit more heavyset than the rest of us, and she's DETERMINED to lose the weight and get in shape (we'll call her Jen). So, the 3 mile run is a bit tough for her at the moment. When we returned from our run, we were all standing around talking, drinking water and stretching, before the cheif came back to KILL our bodies! About 10 minutes went by and I said, "are we working out somewhere else?". We went back down to the "finish line" and everyone was waiting there, saying the cheif was out there with Jen. The chief is a seasoned runner and runs marathons, like I run to the bathroom! He stayed with her the entire time. She RAN. She did the entire run, but the chief stayed with her the entire time.

All of a sudden, one of the other ladies calls out, "here they come!". We all began hootin' and hollerin', cheering Jen on to her own personal victory. There was no ribbon to be won, nor prize to take home, however, she finished and RAN the whole way. I thought she may pass out for a moment, but she had this HUGE smile on her face. She finished. She didn't give up. She felt AWESOME. I had to look away from everyone because I found myself tearing up, even now as I type.

I screw up all of the time. I find myself second guessing time, and time again. What a beautiful reminder of Christ's love for us. That He is walking and running with us, never leaving us behind. Sure, He could SCHOOL us with His perfection, but He doesn't. He lovingly takes our time, walking with us, teaching us and encouraging us. And, at the end, there will be a band of angels cheering us on at our finish line.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

3 of 4

2010-09-30T15:01:00.001-04:00

the good vs. the bad

2010-09-29T10:01:00.000-04:00

(This is a stock pic from the internet...but I think itlooks like Spencer!)

My friend recently posted on her life, and looking at other lives and touched on "jealousy and coveting" a bit. Let me be honest with you for a moment...

I was looking through my postings and have noticed that I show everyone the great and wonderful things my family takes part in. I also tend to "brag" on the little things that get me through the day. But, just so you all know that my life if not perfect, here's the skinny in black and white.

First, I do have 2 wonderful children and a loving husband, who works endless hours at all hours of the night. They are my world and I pray to the Lord for Him to show me new ways to love them every day. Because, I tend to think I'm a terrible wife and mother....it's true.

Yes, Ian and Spencer were great in the car. That was a huge answer to prayer. Because currently, although Ian sleeps in his own room and goes down at 7pm. He wakes up at least 3 times a night and it's driving me insane. I get, maybe, 4 solid hours of sleep. Then, I have to go to work for an entire day, leaving my children in other people's care all day long, so I can help to support our family. Matt works so hard, and I appreciate him so much. I'm not complaining that I have to work (I actually don't think I'm knit together to be a stay-at-home mother) however, I would love more time then I get with my kids. When we get home from the day, at 5pm, we hit the ground running, Ian has to eat, then Spencer needs to. Ian still spits up, which then I'm on puke patrol, cleaning binkies and carpets and looking at the CRAP HOLE of a house that I live in. (Oh, did I mention that when we returned from vacation, there in the "wanted" section of the newspaper was OUR cleaning lady...for petty larsony...yes...we were victims of that!) Which means, the cleaning lady that I paid to only clean our kitchen and bathrooms (I do the rest of the house...it's all we could afford), is no longer helping. So, even the small time I do get with my children, I'm cleaning the house again.

The grand car trip we took to Florida, was in our only car. Which we currently don't own (we're making payments on) and to even afford this van, we traded in BOTH of our cars and got Matt a "beater" truck. Yes, wise decision, as we now have ONE car for our family, making freedom at home nearly impossible (b/c with someone at work, that puts the car with them), and we have no idea if the truck can even be fixed. And, if it can, it's going to be expensive...probably more than the truck is even worth. However, we don't have any more money to get another car...which we NEED another car.

I could go on, but honestly, I'm pointing out these two areas of my life to put all of your minds at ease. We don't have an easy life. I'm so thankful for the family and friends that are in our lives to keep us sane, because honestly, day to day, that's how I'm making it. I could send you my journal, so you can see everything else I've dealt with, just in the past 12 months, let alone my life.

I'm so thankful for the Lord and HIS provisions, because without him, I'd be lost. I'll let Him pick my next steps, because when I've walked on my path, it's lead to destruction, which I no longer want to live by.

second of four...

2010-09-27T10:24:00.002-04:00

re-plugged...

2010-09-25T21:57:00.000-04:00

Matt and I agreed to totally unplug from the world for the week while we were away. It was the best decision we have ever made. Honestly, I'm not really on my phone a ton, however, when I'm pumping, I'm reading Facebook and then I'm normally texting a lot. It was magical to have uninturrupted time with my family...and a great challenge to bring home.

We spent our days on the beach and our evenings cooking at home. However, one evening we did take the water taxi to Palm Island for dinner at the Rum Bay Restaurant. Spencer loved the water taxi, and Ian was totally chill the entire time.

This is Ian's new trick. TOUCHDOWN!

A quick pose before our outside adventures.

i heart my job

2010-09-14T16:25:00.001-04:00

can you get that for me?

2010-09-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

I began Chief Big Daddy's Bootcamp on Tuesday morning. I've been feeling too sorry for myself, lately, and took the plunge and signed up. I am physically tired, so, so, so sore, but I feel great! Bootcamp begins at 5am, and since I am still pumping, I get to get up at 4:15am to pump and take care of all that jazz before I get to workout. On Tuesday morning, I came home and fell asleep on the couch for 10 minutes...my sweat stink woke me up!

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow morning, when I don't have to get up and do ANYTHING! We kick off our middle school program tonight and have lots and lots to take care of. I'm still not sure how dinner will be prepared this evening. I kept thinking I could get home to put something together quickly, but it's not looking as such. Matt's truck is in the shop and we have been with 1 car for a week now. So, I have extra fetching to do at the moment.

One week until vacation for us! We are SO SUPER excited to get out of town for an entire week-just us! I can't wait to spend time with the kids. Get up early, go to bed early, enjoy coffee on the deck, overlooking the Gulf. It's going to be WONDERFUL!

you can read me...

2010-09-07T14:22:00.000-04:00

I received this picture from a friend. Her husband was running in DC, looked up and saw that he was running on Sayward Blvd! Coolness!

Have you ever noticed a "relaxed" facial expression on someone? Like, when they are just sitting there, not really thinking about anything? Sometimes people look content, sometimes they look sad, tired, etc. I've been told, over the course of the past few months, that my "relaxed face" isn't too pleasant. Folks have thought I'm angry, or frustrated. It's really begun to bother me.

I began bootcamp, again, this morning. It's been over a year since I embarked on this journey and am despriately trying to fit into my old pants and just FEEL GOOD about myself. As I began to think about the "relaxed face", especially this morning (as I was running at 5:15am!), I came to a realization that I'm sure I do look "less than approachable" these past 6 months. I've had less than a stress-free summer, with having a baby and a number of unplanned life circumstances flung my way. I'm EXHAUSTED. And, to top it off, I loathe looking into the mirror.

My self-image directly affects my daily life. When I feel good about myself, physically, I feel better all around. So, this morning, when I'm normally just trying to figure out when I can turn around and run BACK, I gave that time directly to the Lord. Asking Him to sustain me, to carry me. The whole Footsteps poem...well, that's me at the moment.

Have I mentioned we leave on vacation in 2 weeks....!!!!!!!!

guess who?

2010-09-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

5:40am: up and shower
6:20am: pump and wash up dishes
7am: breakfast w/ senior girls
8am: home and prepare breakfast for kiddos (daddy's on nightshift and hanging on by a thread)
8:10am: makeup and mommy dresses for day
8:25am: get Spencer ready for school
8:45am: out door
8:55am: drop of Ian at Wanda's
9am: drop off Spencer at school/mommy to work
10am: pump and wash up dishes
2:30pm: pump and wash up dishes
5pm: pick up Ian
5:15pm: prepare and feed Ian dinner
5:45pm pump and wash up dishes
6:10pm: prepare Spencer's dinner
7pm: get Ian ready for bed
7:10pm: final bottle for Ian and he's down
7:30pm: Spencer's bedtime
8pm: daddy leaves for work
8pm: prepare our dinner
8:45pm: dinner time for the Elliott's
9:30pm: pump and wash up dishes
10:30pm: TRY to go to bed
12:05am: Ian starts talking and needs his binky in his mouth
4am: Ian talks in his sleep

What is your day like today?

No Prissy Shoes

2010-08-28T09:06:00.000-04:00

In a couple of weeks our church will celebrate the author of this book, Linda Grabeman. Linda is a mother of 3 of my students in my ministry and is an AMAZING woman. We've become quite fond of the Grabeman's over the years and love their strength and dignity along the way. If you, or someone you know, is walking through breast cancer, or has walked through it, I'd love for you to consider gifting them with this book. Way to go, Linda!

parts of me...

2010-08-24T11:51:00.000-04:00

Spencer starts school this week. It's a big week for her. This past Sunday she attended our "Sonshine Service" which means she's no longer in the nursery and attends church with us. She is "released" for a children's church service during our sermon and prayer time. This did NOT go over well and it seems to be bleeding into the rest of our week. I asked her if she was excited for school to start this week..."NO."

I'm beginning to see a number of my insecurities in Spencer, which makes me sad and I wish she would "be strong and couragous" when it comes to new opportunities. One thing that is huge in my life, which I'm noticing more and more in her, is this feeling of "will I be accepted"? This is an over-arching theme of my life, still at 32, which I deal with. Spencer is asking who she will sit with, who she will play with, and the list goes on. I want her to see the banquet the Lord has placed before her. The great school she has the opportunity to attend. The children the Lord has placed in this school. The teachers he handpicked for her.

I look in the mirror and I have to tell myself that time and time again.

Until school starts, she's enjoying time with her daddy, mommy and Ian. She even caught her first flouder! I'm so proud of our monkey and I pray she'll feel the Lord's equipping for this year. That she'll knw she's cared for and loved, in all arenas she finds herself in. More importantly, I pray she'll know all these blessings come from above.

go ahead...ask...

2010-08-18T11:53:00.000-04:00

I KNOW I have some serious blog stalkers...but don't know who you are. It's ok...I'm with you on stalking SO MANY blogs, and they don't know I read either.

But, do you have any questions for me? I know, I know, you'll have to reveal yourself (possibly), but I've seen on so many blogs, here and there, questions for the blogger, so now's you chance! Baby advice? Work advice? Organizing (hahahaha!)? Go ahead, fire away! I have some time, as the kids are out of town, and this seems fun.

what will we do?

2010-08-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

I am about to head out from my mother's house for a week's "staycation" with Matt, right in Pawleys. We're super excited about this time together and are really hoping for a great week. I, honestly, don't know what we'll do with our time. I know we're going to enjoy the time, but it's going to be really weird and quiet around the house!

Spencer should be enjoying her time with Nana and Grandpa...who wouldn't with a new "box house"!

calm before the storm...

2010-07-27T14:35:00.000-04:00

We're getting ready to host for the next week w/ family. I'm knee deep in planning my 2010/2011 school year and trying to hire someone...which is a FOREVER long process! I wish I could snap my fingers and have everything taken care of!

Last week was Matt's birthday and I put together a very last-minute surprise party for him. He was surprised and honored that his friends took the time out to celebrate him. Look at that little family of mine...so precious. (My fat arm made it into the picture...)

So, have a great Tuesday and I'm hoping to have more to say later this week!

a view from my blackberry...

2010-07-21T15:32:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here at work and I was trying to do some brainstorming, when I noticed (you'd think I would have noticed before) that the connection to my BB is the same as my camera. I have misplaced my BB software, but took a shot in the dark and hooked it up to my computer. Low and behold, I can upload my pictures to my computer! Yay! They aren't the best quality, but there are some moments that I haven't gotten to share w/ my blogging world, that the Facebook world gets to enjoy. Above is Spencer at Old Navy. She LOVES to pose with the Old Navy "people" when we shop there!

This has been a downfall of mine which I choose to never revisit.

This was about 2 hours after Ian was born. Look how yummy and BIG he already was! To think he's more than TWICE this size now is incredible!

I have ventured to the beach with Ian (and daddy!) and it's been successful! Yay! Matt loves when we can come and watch him sail, and Spencer and I have fun playing while Ian sleeps in the jogger. If you look closely, you see baby, then you see sand, then you see Sea!

When I am holding Ian, he just looks up and SMILES at me! He's almost sitting up now! He'll be 6 months on the 4th of August. I am really falling in love with this little guy.

My sister and her family was here for a week a while ago and this is a great snapshot of Spencer w/ some of her cousins. She LOVES when they come to visit. We all have a great time...even though they don't like the beach!

I need to get my butt back in some sun! I'm totally losing this rockin' tan I have going in this picture. You can see that BOTH of my children LOVE the TV. Actually, this morning, Spencer was going through her "favorites" and her favorites are, in this order, "Lucy Bear. Polly Pockets. Playing w/ toys. and TV! I love TV! I love TV...it's my favorite mommy!" (Fail!)

I took this one last week. It's Ian looking up at me in a mirror. I'm actually not holding him up in this picture, just "guiding". I think he may sit up at any point!

As for me, I'm HOME! So thankful to not have to travel for a while. Thanks for your prayers as I was getting home yesterday. I managed to get back to PI just in time to pick up the food I had ordered for Matt's surprise 45th birthday party!

let me just tell you...

2010-07-20T11:17:00.000-04:00

Let me say first, the entire reason of me traveling was for a youth Mission camp in Houston, TX...which is going GREAT. I am so excited about what the Lord is doing there and how He is working through the lives of the community of Houston and our student's lives.

However, that's where the "good" part of this trip ends. This has been the worst trip OF MY LIFE.

It started and ends with US Airways. Basically, I had to check a bag b/c of the fact that I'm pumping and you have to have only 2 bags to carry on. My pump, and cooler to bring everything back, makes 4. So, I had to check my bag on the way down. I never received my bag at the Houston airport. I got to Houston Saturday. Leaving Tuesday (Today).

I got my suitcase back last night, only to find that someone had gone through my bag, taking a number of things for themselves. This would include my hairdryer and straightener (totaling in a value of $150).

When I went to check-in today (I left my larger suitcase at the hotel and purchased a smaller one that I could carry on), they said (knowingly) I could not carry on the 4 items. Long story short, they ended up checking my suitcase (I didn't pay for it!), and they let me keep the pump for medical reasons.

Now, as I'm sitting in the airport, I am in a dress that I had purchased while waiting for my bag these past 3 days. This dress is a "tunic" dress and is gathered in the bust area. The gathering pulled out, and now I'm walking around the airport in what looks like a moo-moo...and if I even try to lean over, you can see COMPLETELY down my dress. The sink I was washing my pump parts stopped working half way through. I sat next to a gentleman who apparently couldn't see me and LOUNGED all over me the entire flight from Houston to Charlotte. While I was pumping in the family restroom (plugs) I was "knocked on" about 10 times.

I am literally about to lose it. I'm at the end of my rope. I am about to go over the edge. I've never felt this way before.

Honestly, I feel like everything around me is crumbling.

alone in houston...

2010-07-18T10:56:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting in a hotel room in Houston, TX with none of the belongings that I packed in my suitcase. With all of the economic downfall, I actually PAID US Airways to LOSE my luggage. This is so frustrating on so many levels. I have no problem carrying on (for short trips), to bypass issues like this one. However, because I am still nursing Ian, I have to bring my Medela and pack a cooler, to bring everything home that I "express" while on my trip. So, 24 hours into my trip, I've spent a ton of money on re-purchasing everything I purchased before leaving. I bought one pair of underwear, and as I'm typing, I just washed the other pair in the sink with the 99 cents tide-to-go pack I purchased at the Target in the backyard of this hotel.

The best thing is, I'm here on business, and have NO make-up with me. So, as I go to meet folks from this new church, I look like complete death. Great.

It's so frustrating. I worry about money all of the time and now I had to purchase a new dress, underwear, nightgown, the list goes on. Ug.

But, I do have to say the camp we're getting ready to kick-off this evening is going to be awesome! The church hosting, St.Timothy's Anglican Church, is so prepared and fired-up for Soul in the City. They have thought of so many great things to invest into the city of Houston, as well as the students, I really wish I could have stayed the whole week. Please join me in praying for the 55 kids joining Soul in the City!

forced to look back...

2010-07-17T10:32:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting in the Charleston Airport, on my way to Houston until Tuesday. On my way here, I had to call 911.

As I was driving down 17, I noticed a car that was driving recklessly, weaving from the far lane to the next, going into the median, over to the shoulder...it was scary, to say the least.

It was at that point, I was forced to look back. I slowed down, making sure that if this guy was to crash his car, I would not be caught in the wreckage. But, I definately did a bit of soul searching, even for a moment. "Lord, I'd really like to see my kids grow-up", "Lord, there's still so much Matt and I need to do", "Lord, I didn't bathe this morning" (I'm sure everyone on the place will appreciate that one...). Isn't it funny, when life is put infront of us, we automatically find ourselves on our knees, seeking the Lord for help and assistance.

I wonder if we all started doing this daily, rather than treating our Heavenly Father like Santa, how our lives would look, and ultimately, how this world would look?

2010-07-12T13:56:00.000-04:00

Here's a snapshot of our time in the 'burgh, ending with Ian's first solids, some rice cereal.

We had SUCH a great time in Sewickley/Leetsdale/Pittsburgh. There's never enough time when we're there, and I never take enough pictures. I don't have a ton of time to write, but I wanted to share some cute ones of the kids.

looking forward...

2010-07-12T13:52:00.000-04:00

While we were in Sewickley, we did manage to get up to the Chalfant's pool a couple of times to swim. I can't tell you how many memories come RUSHING back into my head from this pool. I grew up swimming at the "summer celebration pool", making millions of memories. It was kindof surreal watching my little girl swimming around. Who knows what will happen with all of this property in the next 10 years, or so, but I'm thankful for the memories.

The "pee wee herman dive" will live on infamy...