Blurbs From the Burbs

New York, New York

2011-03-09T14:33:00.006-06:00

Over President's Day, I was able to take Maddie on a trip of a lifetime. We went to NYC and met up with our friends, Barbara and Alex, from Georgia. It was such a special trip to be able to take my daughter on a girls weekend.....to NYC no less.

Here are our NYC girls on the last day. Maddie cried and cried when we parted ways with Alex and Barbara at the Subway.

Empire State Building -

This is the Statue of Liberty as seen from the 83rd floor of the Empire State Building.

We went to see Freckleface Strawberry. It is based on the book by Julianna Moore (the actress). It was the perfect play for our girls. Singing, Dancing.....and only 70 minutes. If you haven't read this yet, it is a cute book about being happy with who you are and how you look....even if you have freckles.

No girls weekend to NYC is complete without going to the American Girl Place. We ate brunch (with Hannah -Maddie's doll and Samantha - Alex's doll) and had a shopping spree while there.

We visited the largest Toys R Us that is located in Times Square. While at the ToysRUs, we rode the 3 story Ferris Wheel and toured the life size Barbie Dream House.

Alex had always had wanted to go ice skating. She doesn't live in the frozen tundra like we do. What better place to ice skate for your first time than Rockefeller Center. What a neat experience to ice skate as the lights came on at 30 Rock! Maddie out skated us all!

We walked or took subways or buses everywhere. That allowed us to see things like NBC Studios as we were going to our scheduled activities.

Maddie and Alex on the NYC subway.

We took the girls to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was a cold and windy day and the water was VERY choppy. But so worth it in the end. We had tickets that allowed us to go in the Pedestal and Museum at the State of Liberty.

After we met up with Barbara and Alex at the airport and found our hotel, we took the girls to see Times Square at night. The look on their little faces with all the lights was priceless. We also made sure to take them into the M and M store and the Hersey store.

Of course I have to end this post by thanking my wonderful husband and Scott, Barbara's husband for keeping the little kids at home. We couldn't have taken this wonderful trip without them.

New Reality

2011-01-18T14:05:00.003-06:00

Since we don't have enough excitement in our lives, Jackson decided that he needed to add some. On January 1, 2011, he fell down our basement stairs. He had just gotten really good at crawling. The big kids left the basement door open after coming up from the playroom and in just a split second he fell down the stairs.

He has a fracture to the right femur......leave it to my kid to break the biggest strongest bone in your body from a fall down carpeted stairs onto a carpeted floor.

He is in a Spica cast. This goes from the toes on his right foot up past his hip and around his torso. Because of this cast, he can't sit up. So, we have had to "rig" everything from car seats to high chairs to allow him to use them. Oh, and since the cast goes completely around his waist....diapering is quite the challenge. Let's just say, buying Depends at the ripe ol' age of 31 has gained me quite a few funny looks. We use a Depend to stick under the cast as best we can and then use a regular diaper on top to hold it in place.

We go back on February 4th with the hopes that we come home with a cast-less child. I am already planning on packing a cute outfit (since we only have 4 that he can wear now....and only 2 PJs with the right foot cut out), soap wipes-that when you add water to them they sud (he has only had sponge baths since the accident and is starting to get a bit ripe), and his snowsuit (we can only swaddle with blankets to go out in the cold). Woe be unto the doctor, if they have to tell me we can't take the cast off!

Hopefully, I will get up a Christmas post complete with cute pictures of the kids.....but that will probably have to wait till the child attached to my hip is cast-less and able to entertain himself.

Maddie's Winter Dance Recital

2010-12-17T08:32:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful that I have found a Christian based dance program for Maddie. She LOVES dance, but her mama is very selective about what kinds of dance and where she dances. In other words, I don't feel that my 6 year old should learn to shake her "groove" thing and wear suggestive clothing.

This year, Maddie is in ballet, tap, and jazz. It's one combined class. Her teach is wonderful, sweet, caring, and doesn't criticize the girls when they make a mistake. It has really boosted Maddie's self esteem.

They have a huge end of year recital with costumes and the whole 9 yards. But, the winter one is much more low key. It is really nice to get in and see what all she has learned without all the stress that a dance recital can bring.

So, now let me put a plug in for Prairie School of Dance. If you live in the frozen tundra, it is a great dance school!

Blizzard 2010

2010-12-15T10:48:00.003-06:00

I miss many things about the south....the accents, family, friends, sweet tea......

But in the winter I miss the excitement the "threat" of winter weather brings.

The news programs love to "interrupt this program for a very important winter weather advisory" (cue the suspenseful music). They also love to name every "winter event" - Winter Storm 2008, Artic Blast 2007...are some that I remember.

Here snow is a part of my daily life. Putting children into snow attire or out of snow attire takes up a lot of my time and makes up my daily exercise routine. For instance here is how Maddie goes to school everyday. Snow pants, boots, coat, gloves, hat and hood. In her book bag, I pack her "normal" shoes along with lunchbox, books, etc.

However, last week something changed in the way that the weathermen were talking about snow. It went from the tone, similar to that of rain in the south, to a bit more excited. It almost had the feeling of a "southern" winter weather event....minus the names and music.

Why did snow suddenly change from daily life to something we should pay attention too?

Because it was a BLIZZARD! Yep, us southerners have now added a blizzard to our litany of experiences we have had here.

Care to know what a blizzard looks like after the fact?

This is our deck after the blizzard. Doesn't look like we will be opening that door till sometime next April. You think I am kidding.....well, I'm not!

And this is our sidewalk cleared after said blizzard. You can't truly get the real picture till you realize the snow is up to the bottom of our window sills on the first floor.....and it is only December.

Here is a poor deer trying to walk in our backyard during the snow. Please note the snow is almost to his belly....and this isn't a small deer.

Another deer, same problem.

This is a look out the front door toward the side walk and street....somewhere out there. Doesn't look too impressive if you didn't realize how many bushes and shrubs have disappeared from very. That blob on the bottom left......is all that is left of our small pine that frames the front window.

Sam's Christmas Program

2010-12-15T10:39:00.003-06:00

Sam has his Christmas Program at school last Wednesday. I love that he attends a Christian Preschool that isn't afraid to celebrate the REAL reason for Christmas. His program was all about the best gift ever given, Jesus.

Sam is such a ham. No pun intended. He knew all the words to all the songs as well as all the motions. Of course, I knew this way before the performance even started. You see, I had been the one to practice with him.

By practice I mean, sit very still while he sang songs that I had never heard and did motions to said songs. Then, I was suppose to applaud him and tell him that he didn't miss any part. Easy. I had no idea if he had missed anything or not.

Win Win for both of us. I got to hear, my baby turned big boy, sing and he had someone to tell him what a wonderful job he did......even if he didn't :)

Sam's last Basketball game

2010-12-09T07:52:00.004-06:00

Sam was FINALLY old enough to participate in a sport. He played basketball through the Chanhassen rec league. He loved it. Of course, his idea of basket and the real world's idea of basketball is totally different.

So different,that I have to go through a list of things that Sam shouldn't do during basketball before every game. For instance, don't stick your finger up your nose or in your ear while running, we don't need to run up and down the court pretending to hunt deer with a gun, we should run and not skip, etc. However, I didn't add....and don't use the strings on your sweat pants as motorcycle handles. And apparently I should have.

Here is Sam, "driving" his pants down the court.

And here he is again, in close pursit of the ball......all while "driving" his motorcycle.

But, this cute face had a great time....and is all we could have asked for.

Thanksgiving in the South Means.....

2010-12-03T15:20:00.011-06:00

Making Bows and Arrows- Thankfully not to hunt the turkey with!

Spending lots of time playing with cousins and seeing family......

A traditional hike, with Aunt Polly (my kids Great Great Aunt) to Stone Mountain falls. For the record, Jackson got a free ride this year.....but next year he's on his own!

Spending hours upon hours in the pasture.

This visit, Maddie accomplished riding by herself. An adult stood in the arena with her, but she was in total control of Strawberry. I told Wade to watch out.....once it's in your blood the love of horses is with you forever. A highlight for me was riding Mandy (the other horse) in the arena while my daughter rode Strawberry, my first horse, all by herself.

Just wait, Jackson, this time next year....Mommy will have you on the back of a horse. Better practice now :)

Eating Thanksgiving meals with both the Harrell/Eldridge and Sheek/Mayhall family

And counting our blessings that we were able to travel to be with our loved ones.

Snowy Saturday

2010-11-13T19:08:00.004-06:00

Well, it finally happened. I had myself believing that we were only going to have beautiful mild weather this year......and then......the snow came.

The big kids loved it this year. Sam had a bit of a problem, when it was snowing hard, with the snow getting in his eyes. After all it took to get him all geared up for the snow.....his mama was gonna make sure he stayed out in it a while. So, I decided that sunglasses would solve the snow in eye problem..

Maddie and Sam awoke with such excitement over the snow. You would have thought it would have been longer than 9 months since they last saw it.

Even Jackson got a kick out of watching from the big window in the family room.

This evening, after J's afternoon nap, we decided to take the whole family out in the snow. This is probably one of the warmer snows that we will have. Wait, does that even make sense....a warmer snow?!? Meaning the temps were right around freezing and not below 0.

Let me tell you, dressing a wiggly 8 month old in a snowsuit is not for the faint of heart. It took quite a bit of tugging and pulling....and some tears (from both parties) but I got Jack Attack in his snowsuit.

My snow babies. Actually I have 2 Georgia Peaches and 1 snow baby......

And he is one cute snow baby.....even if he is mine.

Here's to hoping that you are warm and dry this cold winter night!

While he was......

2010-11-12T14:20:00.003-06:00

While Wade and some of his colleagues were receiving a HUGE (hey, I can brag he is my husband) award in NYC and getting to attend the NASDAQ open bell ringing........

I was fishing a dead mouse out of my disposal.

No need to read that statement again, you read right the first time. What, you haven't ever had to pull a dead mouse out of YOUR garbage disposal?

I think you should. Everyone needs to have that experience. And everyone's father needs to receive the phone call asking what should be done about said mouse.

My father suggested grounding said mouse up in disposal. However, since my "monster" (that is how Maddie and Sam refer to our disposal) is very finicky about what he eats. I didn't think that would be such a good idea.

Your "monster" isn't finicky and will grind down and swallow whatever you give him?

Humph.

Aren't you the lucky one.

My "monster" chokes on noodles. He spits back up greens. He HATES any kind of shell or lumpy food. I know he would have had a fit if I had tried to feed him dead mouse.

So, in order to keep the "monster" happy (an avoid yet another call to the Roto-Rooter man) I pulled on some gloves and retrieved said mouse.

Aren't you curious how the mouse ended up in the disposal in the first place. Well you see it all started with BBQ. Isn't that the way all good southern stories start.....with BBQ? Okay, so I am not in the south anymore, but this story started with BBQ.

Chicken BBQ actually, but I digress.

I made BBQ a few nights ago in the crock pot. After cooking it, I put the crock pot in the sink and filled it up with Dawn water.

What's that? You always immediately clean your crock pot and not let it soak over night....(or um.....a couple of nights). Yea, I did too....before 3 kids, school projects, AWANA verses, teething babies, and a hubby out of town.

Back to the BBQ. I went to clean out my crock pot by dumping the Dawn water down the disposal. When the water and suds had receded all that was left was a tail and 2 hind feet sticking up from the disposal.

I can't stand mice. I HATE mice. I get the willys around mice. But even I thought that having your tail and back legs sticking out of a garbage disposal was a sad way to go.

Want to know what I did after I found the tail and legs?

I screamed.

Isn't that what all good southern ladies do when they see a dead mouse in their sink. Well, even if it isn't....that's what I did.

Then, I called my Daddy. Yes, I realize that my Daddy is 1800 miles away.....but Daddies can fix anything, right?!?! My Daddy talked me through the whole process (after I declared that feeding the mouse to the "monster" wasn't the best idea). My Daddy stayed on the phone with me through all my gagging and making horrid putrid noises while touching the mouse (with gloves and using a Target bag - just one of the many uses I have for Target bags).

So now Wade can come home to a house free of dead mice in the sinks. But, he had better come home with mice traps in hand!

A Brief Catch Up in Pictures

2010-11-03T15:28:00.005-05:00

Jackson started eating baby food and now he is eating some finger foods too.

I ran my first 5k with my good friend Jennifer. It turned out to be a beautiful fall day, when the year before we had snow the same time of year.

My Littlest Pet Shoppe Kitty, Capt'n America, and Baby Pumpkin celebrated Halloween.

Brotherly Love.....most of the time.

Maddie lost her first tooth and then her second the next day.

We continued our tradition of pumpkin picking in the fall.

GA-GA CAME TO VISIT!!!!

Jackson turned 6 months....and 7 months.

Maddie played soccer.

Fresh Start

2010-11-03T15:04:00.003-05:00

Hello....anyone out there?!?!?

If you are, you are super stars for sticking with me during LONG absence. Can I say, "sorry"? I was once told by a very intelligent lady that "sorry doesn't get it". But hopefully it will this time.

I haven't blogged in so long that I feel that I need to start again.

A clean slate. A fresh start.

Is that allowed in the blogging world? It is in my world. By the grace of God my sins are forgiven, when I repent, and I get to start fresh. A clean slate. And boy do I need that....often.

A clean slate. A fresh start.

So here it goes, my fresh blogging start.

My name is Christa. I am a slightly klutzy southern gal who finds herself living in the mid-west. Um, is that where I live? I guess it is more of the northern mid-west.

Is that an oxymoron? NORTHERN mid-WEST?

Anyhoo, I have 3 simply wonderful children who always greet each other with hugs and kisses.....What's that? You don't care 'bout my dream world? You want to know the nitty gritty of my REAL world......

Well in THAT case. I have 3 simply wonderful children. That love on each other as much as they try and kill each other. I'm okay with that as long as the lovin' and fightin' is bout 50/50. Just sayin' that is how it happens here.

I feel that God gave each of my children to a reason. My oldest, Maddie, was given to me to be my princess. She is a bow wearing, loving, southern belle. She is a 6 year old that has a spot of drama queen in her. She is a care taker, rule follower, and people pleaser. She loves to read, ride horses, and play with her brothers. According to a survery asked by her first grade teacher, she wants to be a missionary and her favorite night time activity is snuggling with her Mommy (can you just see my beaming face).

My middle child, Sam, was given to me to make me laugh. He is my prince. He is a wonderful 4 year old that I wouldn't change for the world....even if he goes to the beat of his own drum. Case in point, last year's Autumn painting from school. His was of a "funny wookin sha-ark". Why a "funny wookin' sha-ark" you ask (as did I), "Cause mama....sha-arks weve in oceans in fall time too". Can't argue that can you? I held my head high and was a proud mama when attending the "showing" of the 3 year old class Autumn paintings. There were a many a pumpkin and apple tree....but only 1 "funny wookin sha-ark" hanging on the wall!

My baby, Jackson, was given to me to always remind me of God's grace. He was born after a devastating miscarriage that rocked me to my core and shook (but not broke) my faith. He was given to me after he survived a placenta bleed and blood clots that required daily injections of blood thinners to keep us both going. He has kept us on our toes, requiring surgery at 3 weeks for a "non retracting" hernia, suffering from reflux and now battling eczema. Every time I look at his healthy glowing slobbery smiley face I know that God is in control and that His plan is bigger than me.

Now that you have a bit of history.....I can big blogging again......

Sigh...

2010-08-21T08:22:00.004-05:00

So, I haven't been the best blogger lately. Okay, I saw all the rolling of eyes out there...haven't been the best blogger in a LONG time.

Can I use the excuse of having 3 kids now? What's that? The baby is now 5 1/2 months and I haven't even posted his 4 month picture! Well, how about I do that?

You want to know where the bear is that has been in his previous monthly pictures? Hey cut a girl a break...I can't remember EVERYTHING!!

So, know you think you need to see his 5 month pic?

Yes, I realize he isn't in his normal spot on the couch. However that I can't help. Didn't you hear? We were gone for 2o days with 3 kids. On our Tour De South, J man turned 5 months. That I can't help!

Trip to North Carolina June 2010

2010-06-28T10:10:00.001-05:00

Maddie, Sam, Jackson and Mommy went to North Carolina for a week. It was Jackson's first trip south and his first trip on an airplane. As always, all kids did GREAT traveling. We had a wonderful time swimming at Great Granddaddy's, riding horses, going to the lake and playing with cousins at Papa and Grandma's. We are counting down the days till our trip on July! Enjoy the pictures!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Slideshow of Maddie's Kindergarten Year

2010-06-11T10:29:00.002-05:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

While making this slide show, I realized that while MN isn't my home....it is home to my daughter. Maddie had a wonderful school year, made tons of memories, and made lots of friends. It makes my heart happy and sad all at the same time to see how much she loves it here. This is "home" to my children and I need to remember that. Even on days when it is raining and 60 degrees in June.

Jackson's 3 month Pictures

2010-06-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

Jack-Attack, you are 3 months old now. Wow, time is passing fast. You are such a good baby (when your tummy isn't hurting). You are sleeping from 8pm to 8am.....whew what a blessing that is. You are on a solid schedule now. You are eating 5 times a day and taking 2 long ( 2 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon) naps with 2 cat naps during the times we are out and about. Your hair is completely out of control and sticks up everywhere....but I love that it does! You are such a flirt and smile at everyone....however you save your best smiles for your sissy and brother. You love your "lion" and "cat" toys. You also love to snuggle with your bear blanket and suck on your binky. You still sleep swaddled due to the crazy arms you haven't quite gotten control over. You are wearing a size 2 diaper and have grown out of some of your 3-6 month clothes. You are such a blessing to me.....I love to rock you and smell that sweet baby smell. I love you, my sweet baby boy!

Random Pictures of the Kids

2010-06-09T17:01:00.002-05:00

My little Madelina the Ballerina

2010-06-09T16:47:00.002-05:00

Maddie finished her first year of ballet. I can't say enough wonderful things about the program she was in, Prairie School of Dance. It is a loosely Christian based program....meaning they teach about loving themselves and others as Christ loved while teaching dance. It is a very traditional, only black leotards with pink tights, ballet program. Her teacher is awesome and Maddie learned so much. Her confidence soared this year and I accredit much of that with ballet. Maddie got up on staged and danced her heart out with a single fear.

Spring Review in Pictures

2010-06-02T16:48:00.005-05:00

The weather is finally warm enough in the now thawed tundra to venture out to the parks again.
Jackson was able to make his first trip to Lake Riley......

Maddie's Kindergarten class put on several plays. She was the character "Stephanie" in the play Stephanie's Ponytail. I was so proud of her. She didn't miss a single line and just ate it up being in front of all those people.....totally unlike her mommy and daddy who would have had a heart attack.

Uncle Nate came to visit to meet Jackson. While he was here, he took Maddie to ballet so that he could watch what she was dancing to for her recital. He also was able to go to Sam's spring program.

Uncle Nate was also able to watch Maddie's TBall game. Yes, we go from ballet to TBall on Monday evenings. What can I say, I want her to be a well rounded little girl!

We had a bit of excitement when Uncle Nate was with us.....Wade had his 5th kidney stone. This was a doozier of one. Lasted from Monday till Friday and included 2 trips to the ER. Luckily he was better by Memorial Day and was able to go to the "beach" (I cringe to call it that as it is just a sand mud spot on a lake) with the kids. Maddie and Sam loved swimming in that frigid cold water that was solid ice just a month or so ago. Jackson, Wade, and I hung out in the shade and watched.

I am fighting to keep my kids as southern as possible....however I find them becoming more and more Minnesotan as time goes by. Not only do they love to swim in frigid water, but Maddie called a "Coke" a "Pop" the other day. I just about passed out....no daughter of mine will say "Pop" :)

Pictures worth a thousand words....

2010-05-20T16:34:00.002-05:00

This time last year I was starting infertility meds and worried that I would never get pregnant again. This year, I am soaking up the joys of having a smiley chunky monkey in my life. All the glory goes to God. Jackson had a rough started from the very beginning. This journey hasn't been without tears, fears, and lots of worry. But, by the grace of God....Jackson is a smiley, refluxing, projectile spitting up, loving baby!

Motherhood

2010-05-11T15:39:00.003-05:00

This is my "mother's bracelet". It is one of my most prized possessions. I wear this, with pride, daily. It has the names of all my children and their birthstones on it. You may notice that there are more birthstones than names. Yes, your math is correct....one of our children went to heaven before we had a name for them. But, they are honored with the birthstone of the month they were due in.

My bracelet is a constant reminder of why my job is so important. Though it lacks in the financial pay department and it's vacation policy stinks, it's benefits are overwhelming. However, sometimes I get tired. And sometimes I get overwhelmed with life. And sometimes, I forget what all I have to be thankful for.

I look down at my bracelet and remember.

Maddie, Jackson and Sam.

Blue birthstone for precious baby waiting me in heaven.

That is what I have to be thankful for. No matter the ups and downs. No matter the tears and smiles. No matter the laundry and crunched cereal under foot. No matter how much projectile spit up lands in my basket of clean clothes.....Those children. My babies is why I am thankful and so lucky.

Motherhood allows me to be a kid. Seriously, only a mother can actually climb and play in the play structures at the park and not look like a bloomin' idiot. Oh wait, what is that you say? I do look like a bloomin' idiot. Probably. Let me rephrase....only motherhood allows me to NOT care that I look like a bloomin' idiot while playing with my kids.

Only motherhood allows for bedtime books that bring back fond memories of years past by. Little House on the Prairie, anyone? Ramona Quimbly?

Only motherhood allows for sweet kisses (that certain boys always wipe off) and precious snuggles (that sometimes leave you with the perfume of spit up lingering behind).

Only motherhood allows me to be the greatest thing EVER in the eyes of my 3 darlin's. All I have to do is pop some popcorn and presto....my "cool" status has returned.

Motherhood allows me to swell with pride at even the smallest accomplishments. Maddie learning how to read and actually reading a book to Sam and Jackson. Sam being such a sweet big brother to Jackson and actually getting the burp cloth to wipe the spit up off of him without gagging. Jackson's sweet smiles and coos that follow a no nap day when I am plum worn out.

With motherhood comes a certain responsibility. Little one's egos and self esteem are so fragile. They look to me for encouragement and excitement for their projects. And I have to be so careful to give each project- be it a painting of a "funny lookin' shark" done for Sam's fall picture or a carefully crafted long bragged about piece of pottery- the praise that is sought after. Even when the piece of pottery comes home looking like.....well.....something out of Jackson's diaper.

Being a mother means even proudly displaying pottery that reminds you of "business" that you wipe up day in and day out. So, next time you are in my house....look for my newest decoration that I get to inwardly chuckle at when things are going awry.

Being a mother means getting to love on these precious little ones........

Note: Maddie is also my precious little one, but she was at school when I took these pictures. Don't want you to think that her pottery made me not want to take her picture :)

Happy 2 Month Birthday, Jackson

2010-05-11T15:30:00.002-05:00

Jackson turned 2 months on May 5th. At his doctor's appointment he weighted in at a whoppin' 13lbs 15oz and was 25 inches long. If you remember he was 7lbs 15oz and 21inches at birth. Quite a bit of growth in 2 months. He is trying hard to follow in big brother Sam's growth footsteps.

In true Jackson style, we landed back at Children's. Might as well purchase us a parking spot it seems. He had an upper GI study done due to the spitting up through his nose and getting choked....following after his sister in that respect. The study came back that all the bodily structures are in the right place and he isn't aspirating when he eats or when he spits up. Yeah for that....however, we still have to deal with the choking. Always somethin' in the house, I tell ya!

Jackson is now (and has been for about 2 weeks) wearing size 3-6 month clothing and a size 2 diaper. I cried when I put up his newborn and 0-3 month clothes. It is so sad that he is already such a "big boy".

He was sleeping 7-9 hours a night, but in the past few nights has been getting up again to eat. I do believe we are going through yet another growth spurt. Yikes, hope he doesn't go up another clothing size on me!

And Life Goes On.....

2010-05-04T15:21:00.003-05:00

I have never in my life (emphasis on the word never and life....that's the State Road way of saying it) seen so much laundry caused by someone so small. My life seemed to revolve around the washer and dryer before Jackson entered the picture. Now, I think I spend more time folding clothes, putting up clothes, and washing clothes than any normal person should. Then again, I never claimed to be normal did I?

Hard to believe that tomorrow J will be 2 months old. Seriously he should be walking and talking by now. It has been the longest most stressful 2 months of my life. Seems 'bout right seeing that his pregnancy was the longest pregnancy EVER. I was pregnant for about 10 years, right? This little sweet boy is bent on causing me an ulcer....wait a minute already had one of those.

He seems all sweet and innocent doesn't he? Hum....wondering what he is plotting next? Already pulled the ER visit, surgery and hospital stay on us. Getting choked while spitting up through his nose? Yep. Getting choked to the point of not being able to breathe? Check! Completely drenching the sweet friend who wanted to hold him at MOPS? Check, Check.

As long as he doesn't convince his brother Sam to do something like run a temp of 103 on a day when I had to teach book club at Maddie's school.....oh wait, that happened too. Wade had to work from home that day so that Sam could go to the doctor at the same time Jackson and I taught book club. I'm good at juggling things, but even I haven't figured out how to be 2 places at once.

Huh, what is all this talk about me causing trouble, Mama? Look at me, how could I do anything like that?

Ha, Ha....got 'em all fooled don't I? Just when things are starting to settle down.....that's when I like to work my magic and get everyone excited again. Found out that spitting up through your nose and choking in the middle of the night lands you right in bed on Mama. And that, my friends, is where the best sleeping EVER occurs....all part of my master plan.

Sam and Jackson are going to make the perfect partners on crime. I truly believe from the bottom of my heart that Sam was given to me to make me laugh. If I only had the guts to share the stories about Sam lately on this blog. I can't bring myself to do it for fear of utter embarrassment when he is older. Let's just say it revolves around his curiosity with my pump.

However, I can share that his new song of choice to sing at school is "Hard Day's Night." Yep, nothing like your 4 year old belting out, while "juking" to, Beetles' songs at his CHURCH preschool. While I'm at it, I can share that his teachers are so amused by his playing is air "ma-tar" during music they have to tell me about it.

While Sam is my stand up comedian, Maddie is my princess (read DRAMA queen). Everything that happens, be it having to get up for school or not knowing a word while reading, is the most horrible thing ever and needs lots of tears to go with it. She is, however, WONDERFUL with Jackson. She is so sweet to him and is a huge help. I can't quite convince her to change a diaper yet and the sight of his spit up sends her running...

It is a crazy life with 3 living in the thawed by still chilly tundra, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am truly blessed to have these three crazy nuts in my life. Even though Jackson has only been a part of the family for 2 months, he fits in so well that is seems like he has been here all along. Now if I can only find out how to rid my hair of spit up smell before my meeting tonight life would be perfect :)

A little this and a little that...

2010-04-13T15:52:00.005-05:00

In the midst of the whole Jackson hernia saga...........

Sam got a new bike and learned how to pedal.

We hunted Easter eggs with Ga-Ga.

Ga-Ga kept Jackson while we went to church on Easter Sunday. Have I ever mentioned how wonderful my Mommy is? She flew up the day we went to the ER and stayed with us through the surgery and Easter. I couldn't have handled it without her!

Jackson turned 1 month old...

And he finally got a real bath complete with pictures.

And finally to leave you with some of my favorite pictures of Jackson recently.

Update on Jackson

2010-04-13T15:28:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone-

Sorry I am so late in updating post surgery. Jackson had surgery on Thursday April 1 at 7:30am. He was in surgery for about 2 hours. He did have 2 hernias that needed repair. We spent the night on Thursday night and were sent home Friday.

I didn't realize until I typed this that he had surgery on April's Fool Day.....if only it had been an April Fools joke.

We wanted to thank everyone for their prayers for us during this time. I could feel the peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit surrounding us the day of the surgery. How else could I have handed over my 3 week old baby to the nurse in blue scrubs? I didn't even cry. Then again, I think my break down the night before saved me the public humiliation of being a blubbering mess.

I was convinced that Jackson had to have a bath the night before his surgery. I couldn't take him to the hospital without having had a bath. We had been slacker parents and hadn't given him a "real" bath yet. Plenty of sponge baths, but not a "real" one. Then again, we couldn't let him cry from the previous Saturday until surgery for fear that the hernia wouldn't retract and we would end up with emergency surgery. But, the night before he went in I HAD to give him a "real" bath....I couldn't have something happen without Jackson having received a "real" bath. My mom and Wade thought I was crazy, but I was adamant....and he received his bath. Of course it was too quick to even get a picture since we had to do it so fast so he wouldn't cry. After that I retreated to my room for a full out sobbing cry complete with the snubs.

I am happy to report that Jackson is making a full recovery. His stitches on the inside to his abdomen sac will absorb on their own. His outer incision is covered with a glue that will come off on it's own. He incisions look better and better with each passing day and the swelling from where the intestines were pulled out of his scrotum is all but gone.

That being said, we have had nap and sleep boot camp this past week. Jackson had to learn to fall asleep without someone (namely his mama) holding him. I love to hold and snuggle him, but good grief a girl has to sleep sometime! He is currently only waking once during the night to eat and is taking MUCH better naps (knock on wood) during the day.

Here is a picture of my baby when were in the ER and his hernia wasn't retracting...he looks so pitiful.

And here he is once he awoke after surgery....a much happier and hungry baby. See the hand in motion? He was waving for me to put the phone (which I used to take the picture) down so I could feed him. I wanted a picture of him awake to send to eagerly awaiting grandparents so they could see he was okay.

And the rollercoaster continues....

2010-03-29T12:39:00.002-05:00

Life was going so well with a newborn. Too well in fact. He was the perfect baby. Sleeping great. Eating great. Only fussing when you changed his diaper......and then the roller coaster of life took a downward plunge again.

Jackson started to seriously do some spitting up the beginning of the last week. So, last Friday I took him to the doctor for reflux....or what I thought was reflux. This is where our roller coaster started barrelling downhill at a neck breaking speed.

While at the doctor, they palpated his abdomen to make sure it was soft and to check for bowel sounds (sorry if that is too much info). It was then that the doctor's face turned pale and she instructed me not to move Jackson while she went to get help. I was slightly confused. Jackson was crying, but he was laying flat on his back....which any reflux survivor knows in a no-no. The doctor came in with another doctor who started pressing on Jackson's lower abdomen. Words like emergency surgery and should we go a head and call Children's were passed around. Needless to say, I was in a panic. A panic without cell access to call Wade.

Long story short, Jackson was diagnosed with a left hernia. Meaning he has a hole in is abdomen sac that should have closed in utero. Due to this hole, his intestines can slip out of his abdomen into his scrotum. If his intestines aren't able to retract on their own (which they were failing to do at the doctor) he would need emergency surgery to prevent the intestine from twisting, cutting of the blood supply and ultimately killing that part of his intestine.

Seriously, I went in for a routine...well routine in our lives....reflux check only to find out that my 3 week old needs surgery.

What we didn't know was that the roller coaster hadn't fully hit the bottom of the hill yet. On Saturday night, as we were getting ready to go out for dinner, Jackson started screaming. I am talking turning purple and blue screaming. Can't catch your breath screaming. After a call to the peds office, it was off to the ER for us. All of us. All 5 of us. Great fun.

After the intestine was out for 1 1/2 hours the ER doctor was able to finally physically push the intestine back into place. In her words, it slurped back.

Maddie and Sam were great troopers. They were confined to a small ER room on an empty stomach way past bedtime and did great. We were finally able to get them dinner at 9pm at night. They earned that Happy Meal!

So, my little baby boy is having surgery on Thursday morning. He will have his abdomen cut open so that the hole can be sewed up. We know he has a left hernia and the doctors are suspicious that he has one on the right as well. We will have to spend Thursday night in the hospital and barring any problems will come home on Friday.

We trust that God's hand is on Jackson just as it was through the placenta bleed, blood clots, and blood thinners. Jackson is a fighter and we are confident that he will make it through this is flying colors as well.

Maybe, just maybe our roller coaster ride will end after this surgery!

Jackson: The first two weeks

2010-03-23T17:41:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that Jackson is now over 2 weeks old. No matter how I try and hold on to time, it is flying by. He has grown and changed so much just in 2 weeks. He lost down to 7lbs 5oz, but had gained it all back plus to 8lbs 9oz at his 2 week check up. He also grew a full inch in two weeks.

After we learned of the placenta bleed, I promised myself that IF we made it to the end of this pregnancy I would cherish each and every moment. I wouldn't stress over the house not being picked up, I wouldn't get upset over losing sleep. I find myself following through with this for the most part. However, there have a been a few teary eyed middle of the night feedings from this tired mama of 3.

I can't complain. Jackson is a GREAT baby. Of course after my little lady who screamed non stop for months and months on end and my spitty uppy refluxy boy....we are due a laid back baby. Jackson cries when he is getting his diaper changed or has a dirty diaper. He occasionally cries when he is hungry, but I have to wake him up to eat most of the time. He is starting to have longer and more alert wake times.

All of my children are precious to me, but Jackson will forever hold a special place....not only will he be my last and my baby.....but he is my fighter that stayed with me regardless of the placenta bleed and through the blood clots and the daily injections of blood thinners. He is also my baby that came after a loss. It makes having him all that much more special.

Maddie and Sam are adjusting really well. Sam has been in time out a few more times than normal, but other than that they are doing really well. They both love to kiss on Jackson and hold him. Maddie is a wonderful helper and will wipe spit up and put the paci back in for me. It is really neat to watch them come into their roles of older siblings. Maddie was so little (not quite 2) when Sam was born and really didn't understand. This time around she thinks that Jackson is the neatest Bitty Baby ever!

Here are some pictures from our last 2 weeks!!!

Jackson Gibbs

2010-03-11T14:10:00.005-06:00

Jackson Gibbs was born on March 5th at 3pm. He weighed in at 7lbs and 15 oz and was 21 inches long. So far he has been a great baby and is loved on all the time by his big sister, Maddie and his big brother, Sam.

We are so blessed to have this rough journey finally behind us and to have a healthy baby boy to add to our family. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers!

Winter Catch Up

2010-02-22T17:28:00.016-06:00

I have been a horrible terrible no good blogger lately......so I wanted to catch you up on our lives.

Since I last posted we have..........

Decorated our small Christmas Tree in Minnesota.....

Went to Maddie's Christmas Ballet Preformance......

Went to Sam's Christmas Play at School.....

Flew to NC for Christmas.....

We flew 1800 miles to find more snow......however it was "warm" snow. Warm meaning we could play in it. The kids made their first snowman. We all agreed that NC snow was MUCH better than MN snow!!!

Watched my "little" brother graduate from UNC......

Opened Presents at Granddaddy's and Ga-Ga's on Christmas Day.......

Had our traditional Christmas Eve "formal" dinner and then rode around to look at Christmas lights......

Helped Decorate the Christmas Tree at Grandmas and Papa's House....

Opened Presents with Grandma, Papa, Uncle Bear, Uncle Josh, Aunt Cherie, Lily, and Zoe

Went to Christmas Dinner at the Harrells..........

Watched my "little" brother be baptized......

In following his request, I only have pictures of the family afterward.

Went to visit with Aunt Lizzie......
Last year, we were able to visit with Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Conrad. Since our visit last Christmas, Uncle Conrad went to be with the Lord. I have pictures of the kids with them at Christmas since Maddie was first born. They are actually my Great Aunt and Uncle....that would make them the kids Great-Great Aunt and Uncle. What wonderful memories!!

After spending 2 weeks in the snow in NC, we flew back to the frozen tundra and went sledding.

Went to the Rainforest Cafe for Sam's Birthday with Alicia and Derek...............

Sam turned 4.....

Ga-Ga came to visit.......

We went to the Children's Museum for a Mommy, Ga-Ga, Sam day....

We had a Ga-Ga, Maddie, Mommy evening at the American Girl Bistro. Of course Bitty baby and Bitty Twin came too!!

We had a Pirate Party for Sam

And a Princess Party for Maddie....

Maddie turned 6.....

We still really miss the south and are tired of the winters here. However, we are looking forward to our next post which will be to welcome Jackson Gibbs into life in the frozen tundra.

Thanksgiving Trip "Home"

2009-12-06T08:47:00.006-06:00

We were so excited to get to go home back to North Carolina for over a week at Thanksgiving. We were able to spend time with both Papa and Grandma and Granddaddy and Ga-Ga. Here are so highlights of our trip. I forgot to take pictures of Thanksgiving at Ga-Ga's....blame it on the blood clots and blood thinner injections!!!

Thanksgiving at the Sheeks, riding with Lily.

Horseback riding at Ga-Ga and Granddaddy's.

We took the Harrells and the Sheeks to dinner at the Pirates Landing. Strange to find a restaurant in the shape of a pirate ship in the foothills of NC, but Sam LOVED it!!

Wade had to fly back to MN a few days before the kids and I for work. On the day he left, Granddaddy and Ga-Ga took us up on the mountains to play and hike. Sam's choice toys of that day were the stethoscope and other items from the doctor's kit. He would wear them around his waist and called it his "wistening belt". Strange kid.

Uncle Nate's Visit

2009-12-06T08:37:00.005-06:00

Uncle Nate was so sweet and came to visit us for his fall break. Most of his classmates went places to Florida for warmth and sun. Nate, came to the frozen tundra. While he was here we went on our yearly trip to the pumpkin patch.

And we went to the Mall of America. Uncle Nate and Maddie rode the "big"roller coaster. Then, Uncle Nate road the Swiper Cars with Sam. We finished up our MOA experience with dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.

Maddie and Sam are going to be older siblings to a....

2009-10-29T08:22:00.003-05:00

.....precious little boy!!

Here is a 3-D picture of little baby Sheek with his arm up beside him.

In this picture you can see his legs crossed at the ankles.....very proper!

Here is a regular ultrasound picture of baby boy!

------------

Or a "real boy", as Sam calls him. Sam was in awe that there was a "real boy" in Mommy's belly. He kept asking the ultrasound tech, "It's wil-wee a real boy?".

Sam also kept rubbing it in that he was right about the baby being a boy. I didn't hear him, but apparently he kept telling Maddie, "I told you, I told you it's a boy."

Great, something else for them to argue to about. Sigh....and the sibling rivalry continues.

The ultrasound looked great. The things that mattered most to Wade and I were all there....4 chamber heart, brain, kidneys, bladder, spine....etc. Though I was sure we were having a girl, I am just thankful the baby is healthy and big. He is measuring a week to a week and 1/2 bigger than he is suppose to be.....can we say hello another LARGE baby. He is already following in big brother Sam's foot steps.

We don't have name yet. We are horrible at agreeing on boy names. If you ask Sam, his name will be "Capt'n Hook". Don't worry, though Sam may call him that.....something different will be written on the birth certificate!!!!

Remembering...

2009-10-15T16:56:00.002-05:00

Today is the National Day of Miscarriage and Infant Loss. What a wonderful thing to have a day for families to remember their babies that were either born right into the glory of heaven, or that spent only short time on earth before being held by Jesus.

I knew that today was coming. And I knew that this was our first year for this day to hold special meaning in our hearts. I had been dreading today just about as much as I dreaded September 25th (that would have been my due date). But again God's grace pulled me through.

I secretly was trying to decide what, if anything, to do on this day. I had grand plans of setting a balloon loose on the 25th.....but decided against it at the last minute and opted to spend the day with Sam and a sweet friend. I debated whether to follow through with my plan of setting a balloon loose today, but realized that Maddie didn't have school. You see, our earthly children aren't aware that they have a sibling waiting for them in heaven. Even though Sam was with me when we found out we were losing the baby, Wade and I felt that they were much too young to understand and we were afraid that it would cause them more confusion than comfort to be told at this point. One day they will be told. You see, this is as much a part of their story as it is mine.

Today dawned gray and snowy, thus making the decision for me to once again honor my lost baby by simply spending time with Maddie and Sam. The three of us spent the day at the Mall of America, surrounded by bright happy colors and thousands of unknown people full of laughter and smiles. Of course every baby we passed reminded me of what we had lost, but the joy in the eyes of my precious children made it worth the moments of pain.

As I am typing about remembering the baby we lost, I am feeling the subtle bumps and kicks of the baby we are looking forward to welcoming into the world, March 12th 2010 (but are looking toward an induction on the 5th, as I have fairly large babies). We are currently 19 weeks along.

I have been hesitant to declare on here that we were pregnant. Of course, most of my readers are family and already know. The real reason I haven't blogged about being pregnant is simply fear. Fear that I fight to suppress daily. Fear that threatens the joy of this pregnancy. But a fear that is real, as we have lived the nightmare that can happen.

We found out at our 7 week ultrasound that I have a placenta bleed. At last check it was 1.6cm by 1.9cm. My body is currently absorbing the blood and so far it hasn't caused problems. We didn't share the news of our pregnancy with anyone other than immediate family for quite a while. Now that I am 19 weeks we have a good chance to carrying to term.....that being said, I will not relax until this baby is out and in my arms.

I know in my heart that God's grace will pull us through no matter the outcome and trust that God is a loving God and that only He knows what is best.......BUT........I want this story to have a happier ending than the last chapter. I pray next October 15th to be remembering the baby we lost Feb 2009, while holding a new addition to our family.

Apple "Core"chard 2009

2009-10-12T11:23:00.005-05:00

With the threat of snow looming, I took it upon myself to make our yearly trip to the apple orchard.....or "core"chard as Sam says. I couldn't bear to think of missing a year taking the kids, nor could I think of having snow as a background for my apple picking pictures.

So, we loaded up the ol' minivan and took off and yet another adventure. This year, however, we were by ourselves. We didn't have Kim's tree climbing expertise to help us get the best apples. This pregnant lady wasn't going to climb any trees. So, the kids did most of the picking. They had a great time....it was just a bit chilly (read 39 degrees).

Walking to the bus stop, October 12th.

2009-10-12T11:19:00.002-05:00

I think I will just let these photos speak for themselves........and people wonder why I get homesick up here in the frozen tundra. It's only the beginning of October and this is what I have to look forward to for the next 7 months. Yikes....

Soccer

2009-09-10T18:06:00.003-05:00

Maddie is FINALLY old enough (according to MN standards) to begin to play organized sports. Of course, she was already old enough to do this when we left GA. Very confusing to a child that you can play soccer in one place, but not another. Also, very confusing to the parents of said child who can't find any sport their child can participate in.

Anywhoo, Maddie is so happy to play soccer. It doesn't seem to phase her that there is only one other girl on her team. Nor does it phase her that the boys out voted the girls to call their team "Transformers". Well, duh....when there are only 2 girls.....not a fair vote if you ask my opinion.

But, since you didn't I will just share some pics.....

Pictures from our trip south

2009-09-09T13:01:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the delay, but here are the pictures from our trip south. We really enjoyed our few days in ATL before we flew on to the beach. It was great to see friends and attend church back at NFBC. And of course, we had a wonderful time at the beach!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You've come a long way, baby....

2009-09-08T17:50:00.003-05:00

Today I sent my baby girl off into the great unknown that is Kindergarten. To think that she is old enough to attend school is a scary thought. It forces me to reflect on how fast time has gone. Surely she was just born yesterday, right?!?!

I am sure that just yesterday she was the drama queen baby that was kicked out of the hospital nursery for crying too much.

Really, just yesterday she was named "Spit Up Queen" due to her incredible distance she could project her formula.

I am quite sure that yesterday she learned to crawl.

While in real life, yesterday she was my nervous little five year old. Scared of what Kindergarten held. Frightened she wouldn't have a friend or find her way to her classroom.

And today......

Well, today she knows there is nothing to worry about.

Today, she conquered Kindergarten.

And tomorrow.......tomorrow holds endless possibility.

We love you Maddie and we are so proud of you!!!!

It's Good to Be.....Cancer Free

2009-08-21T17:07:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of catching up to do and photos to post from our journey south., which I will save for later.

We had a great trip. Maddie's only request was to go "home" to see all her friends for vacation this year. How can you turn that down? So we spent a few days (not long enough) in Atlanta and saw just about everyone. Sorry to those of you we just couldn't get too....next time! After that, we flew to Charleston, SC and spent a week at the beach with my parents. Then, the kiddos and I accompanied Ga-Ga and Grandaddy to NC while Wade had to return to the thawed tundra for work. The kids spent 2 nights with Grandma and Papa while I went to the hospital with my parents for dad's surgery.

I am thankful for all the prayers, calls, emails, visits, and love that everyone gave us during this time. Mom and I weren't alone for a minute during the surgery. We had Uncle Ned (mom's big brother) Uncle Steve (dad's little brother and surgery expert), Uncle Buck and Aunt Polly (my Nanny's sister and husband), and Rev. Hensley with us. My cousin Page and his wife Jenny showed up with a great basket of goodies as dad was sent to recovery and mom's dear friends from church showed up too. Nate left work early and drove all the way to hospital to be there when dad woke up knowing he had to drive back and get up early. Of course, we couldn't have survived with out the Chick-fil-a runs that Uncle Steve and Aunt Terry did for us. I was in heaven....Chick-fil-a for three meals in a row....I was trying to save up since I will not get it until we come south again. I think my mom could have done with out that last Chick-fil-a meal, but that's what happens when you send me out for lunch!!!

Dad did great. According the surgeon his went "Great". My dad is a real trooper. He would apologize for complaining. Can you believe that? Just went through major surgery and was apologizing for complaining. After all the years he has listened to my belly aching, I think he was due some of his own.

I must say, no one likes to see their parent in pain. Even though he was hard to see him in pain, I wouldn't give up being there with my daddy for anything. Someone questioned why I would go home for his surgery.......my response....He's my daddy. End of discussion. It's family a thing. I wouldn't have missed being there for him for anything.

So, now after a painful surgery and with a long recovery on the horizon we know that he is cancer free. The cancer was contained and completely removed. A full recovery is expected. He may drive my mom crazy in the process, but my dad is cancer free and on the road to being right back and at 'em.

Homesick

2009-07-30T12:54:00.008-05:00

I thought I knew what it meant to be homesick. I thought what I had been feeling for over a year WAS homesickness. Come to find out....it was only a touch of homesickness.

I received a phone call over a week ago that caused me to know what REAL homesickness is. It was the kind of call that you have to sit down for. You just can't take standing up because you don't trust that your legs will hold you up.

You see, I received the call that my daddy has cancer. I find it hard to believe even as I type the word. Cancer. More specifically he has prostate cancer. My granddaddy had it and my uncle. Guess it runs in the family.

Hearing the words that your Daddy has cancer and not being able to go immediately home, has to be one of the worst feelings ever. Ranks right up there with "Willie's (my Nanny) gone" and "You have lost the baby."

We were finally able to work it out that the kids and I will be in NC for his surgery. Takes a bit of finagling to get childcare, rides to the airport, etc when you are 1,158.9 miles away. So to all of those that have made my coming home possible, I can't thank you enough.

Most of you that read my blog personally know my Daddy. If you don't, you are missing knowing a great man. He is the kind of man that would pick you up wearing his sweats, camo jacket, and cowboy boots and not care, fix your teeth at odd hours, help you clean out the rabbit cage...even when he knows it was your job you hated it, drive at all hours of the night to pick up his homesick daughter when she was a child, and dance to your "special" ,though not widely used, song at your wedding.

He is a true blue Carolina fan. He didn't miss a home UNC football game from 97-01 (funny that's the same years I was there). You could always pick his voice out as he yelled "Go Clarinets" while the band marched to the stadium. Seriously what MAN do you know that would actually cheer on the band?!?

He even changed his allegiance from his Alma Mater and where he played football, Elkin High School, to the rival high school, Starmount, during the years of 96-97. After my graduation he promptly changed them back.

He has driven all over Western NC for band competitions and swim meets. He never gets upset even when you tell him the wrong place said competition was to take place.

He has been known to ride an ol' barrel horse at full gallop through the field, perform a cartwheel in the most random places, put seaweed on for a hat, and pose for pictures with random statues..........just to make people laugh.

If you ask my kids, he can build an awesome "pool" in the sand at the beach, can teach anyone to ride a boogie board, and will even loose his glasses if it means keeping a grand kid from being drug under by a wave. According to Maddie and Sam he can read books the best of anyone, no one can touch his ability to play "Playmobile", and runs beside Strawberry, while they trot, faster than anyone.

But most importantly, my Daddy loves the Lord more than anyone I know. He has spent his life trying to serve others and spread the love of Christ. My Daddy doesn't just take anyone's word about what the bible says, but studies it and finds out for himself. He knows more scripture and is able to apply it to everyday life. If I only knew a fraction of what my Daddy know about God, then I would be "sitting pretty," as they say down south.

So, would you do a favor for me? Would stand with me in prayer that this cancer be contained and easily removed, that the surgeon's hands be guided by the One true Surgeon, and that recovery be as quick and painless as possible? I have been taught by my Daddy and learned though life that prayer works.......even if we don't always see it here on Earth.

Summer Catch-Up

2009-07-28T17:12:00.012-05:00

Wondered where we have been this summer?

Our first Twins Baseball Game.......

The Nature Center during a visit from our friends Kim, Collin, and Shawn...

Maddie's Ice Skating Lessons......

A Mommy and Daddy Get-A-Way-

Wade had a conference in Coronad0, CA. Since the hotel was paid for, I decided to tag along. Many thanks to GA-GA for braving the thawed tundra to keep our munchkins!!!!

We stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado, as that was where the conference was. In the words of my dear Daddy.....it was high cotton!!

Sunset cruise of the San Diego Bay...

Here is a picture of my toes in the Pacific. Quite a bit more chilly than the good ol' Atlantic I am used too. Not that I am complaining......I LOVED spending a week on the beach sans kiddos!!

We spent a day at Sea World!

My final early morning walk on the beach I found a rocky tidal pool. It was so neat to see the star fish and sea urchins.

We went to a local July 4th fair...

We went to a cookout at our friends, the Armours, on July 4th.

We spent the day at the Minnesota Zoo with Ms. Jennifer and Jacob.

Eight Years!

2009-06-15T17:45:00.003-05:00

On June 9th, Wade and I celebrated our 8th anniversary. Eight years ago I was blessed enough to marry my best friend in the church that I had always wanted to get married in. Of course this church was in the comfort of my small southern hometown.

I must say, it has been a whirlwind of adventure these past 8 years. I always like to update our litany of adventures every year. Kind of interesting to look back over the highlights of 8 years...
3 jobs

3 houses
2 states

2 apartments

2 kids

2 countries (visited)

1 cat

1 dog

1 trip to Disney World

I can't wait to see what we will be able to add next year!!

Want to know where we went, all dressed up, on our anniversary??

Why, Jason's Deli, of course. That's right finally a Jason's opened here in the frozen tundra. I am sure they were tired of seeing our minivan drive by, with four faces pressed to the windows, hoping to see the "Now Open" sign.

I am sure the people at Jason's weren't prepared for 4 very excited southern folk to invade their establishment. That's okay, they will see enough of us that we will eventually just blend it. We plan to take back up our Saturday night tradition of eating at Jason's, now that we don't have to drive all the way back to ATL for one:)

Princess Dance Camp Preformance

2009-06-15T17:29:00.004-05:00

Last week, Maddie was in a Princess Dance Camp at Prairie School of Dance. If you live in the frozen tundra, I highly recommend this Dance School. I was SO impressed with the teachers. They worked so well with the kids and had a very organized program. They had actually taught the kids a tap routine in just one week.

Of course, Maddie LOVED it. She decided to take ballet this fall. I tried to talk her into taking tap because she did a great job and was able to follow the beat with her feet. That and she looks so darn cute as a tap dancer........

No matter how much I tried to push her to tap, her heart is in ballet. She loves everything about ballet. She loves the pink shoes, how she gets to use a bar and watch herself in a mirror, and how she can "move yike a princess". What more could a girl want?

And the fact that she got a princess tiara at the end of class helped sealed the deal.....Yep looks like ballet is in our future!!!

A little this and a little that.....

2009-06-09T16:34:00.006-05:00

Maddie started a Princess Ballet and Tap camp this week. According to her it is, "so great" (with arms moving up and down to emphasis just how great it really is). I have been really pleased by the program's setup and with the way it is so smoothly run.

However, for this camp you had to have pink or black leotards, tights, ballet shoes, and tap shoes. Woozer......you need to go through a class to learn the ins and outs of dance shoes and wear. .

Did I mention that she needs her hair in a bun?!?! Let's just say it was the battle of bun on Monday morning. Maddie has REALLY thick hair (hum, wonder where she gets that from?!?). Getting that thick slick hair in a bun was a challenge. Luckily she didn't have to go through airport security.....I can't even imagine how much binging and buzzing all those bobby pins would cause.

Oh, you are wondering about the other half of my troublesome two-some. He cried when we dropped his Mad-die off. Then, cheered up when we got home and he got to "help" me around the house. He, of course, had to get he picture taken too!!

***************************************

In other news, the weather here has been terrible, horrible, yucky, stinky.......and I could go on. Upper 40s in June just doesn't cut it for my southern sun loving family. So, we were really excited to get a package in the mail from Grandma and Papa.

In the package was the neatest dress up kits yet. Sam's was a race car driver complete with gloves. He was slightly confused as there isn't any snow on the ground......to him all gloves equal snow. Maddie's was a hair dresser. It came complete with cape, wig, drier, and curling iron.

Even Daddy got in on the fun when got home. Luckily, when mommy had the wig on getting her "hai-er" (love that my kids still have their southern accents) fixed no one was there to take a picture.

Thank you so much Grandma and Papa.....the dress up kits have already got lots of use!!

Back in the thawed tundra......

2009-06-03T08:05:00.006-05:00

We have been spending lots of time at the pool.

What can I say, apparently our blood has thickened over the winter. 40 degree nights and 70 degree days make for wonderful swimming weather. Can't believe I actually feel that way....but I do.

We have been spending time experiencing local fairs....

We got our first "ice cream" (HUGE Popsicle) from an ice cream truck..

We have been visiting the Nature Center..........

Kim, the my kids really miss your kids when we go to the Nature Center!!!

This is a picture of the pond that Ga-Ga walked on when it was frozen this winter. Don't worry, we didn't tell her she was on a frozen pond until she was already out on it.

Summer here is feeling more like summer "back home" this year. I am sure that has to do with the fact that we are in a house and not the apartment. Maddie has a room and a bed this summer and I am no longer worried about DFACS coming because of her sleeping in a closet.

I am sure summer is feeling more like summer "back home" since the temperature feels much warmer to us. Last summer we kept waiting for it to get "warm". When we moved it was already in the upper 80s in GA. So, we were used to warmer weather. After spending days and days below 0, 70s feels quite nice.

I know that having more friends is helping us feel more at home this summer. Preschool is out so we have been spending lots of time with friends at the "outdoor water park" (aka Lifetime Fitness). Maddie and Sam are both signed up for several camps this summer. Maddie starts her ballet and tap camp next week. Of course we are signed up and ready for VBS as well.

I am really trying to savor every minute this summer with the kids. It feels like a pivotal point in our lives. I am sure that is due to the fact that my baby girl starts KINDERGARTEN in the fall. Seesh...I can't believe I am old enough to have a child in school.

Our Trip Down South

2009-06-02T19:36:00.002-05:00

Here is a montage of all the pictures we took down south. Though Wade couldn't make the trip and we missed him, the kids and I had a great time.

The first week we spent at the NC Dental Society's annual meeting in Myrtle Beach, SC. My dad was President of the Dental Society and it was so nice to be apart of that for him.

The second week we spent in NC. We went to the park, rode horses, hiked Stone Mtn Waterfall with Ga-Ga and (Great Great) Aunt Polly, and spent time with Grandma and Papa. While the kids were with Grandma and Papa, Ga-Ga and I drove to Raleigh to see Cousin Sarah and her simply adorable twins. We were also able to spend sometime with Uncle Steve, Aunt Terry, Katherine and a much better Elizabeth.

As always, it was with tears that we left. We love you family and friends in North Carolina and hope to come back soon!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A year gone by.....

2009-05-29T14:29:00.004-05:00

We have officially lasted a year in Minnesota. We came, we survived, we conquered. Okay, well maybe NOT actually conquered......but we didn't freeze. That says a lot about how hardy us southerns are, doesn't it?

I can't believe I have lasted a year in Minnesota. Upon looking back the time has really gone fast. However, while living it......it time dragged so sl-ow-ly.

I can say, without a doubt, this has been the hardest year of my life. Seriously. No over exaggeration from this displaced southern gal. I am NOT a cold weather person. I can say that while really knowing what cold weather is now. I deeply abhor the cold weather. I hate having to bundle the kids up to do anything. I hate spending months and months indoors with only the occasion trip sledding.

Added to the weather, was living in a strange (no offense to native Minnesotans, you would find the south strange too) place without any support. And added to that was a sorrowful family event we had overcome.

I have seriously been knocked down this winter. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse....they did. And then when I thought I had hit rock bottom, the ledge I was on gave way and I fell some more.

But, I am still here. I am still standing, though maybe not as tall as I once stood. I am still staying at home to love on my children and husband.

Oh and love my children, I do. Can I go as far to say that I love them even more than I did before this horrific year started? And my husband. I can't even begin to express the love and gratitude I have for my husband for sticking by my side through thick and thin this winter. I told him I would move to the ends of the earth for him......guess I should have been a little more specific in saying.....not quite so far north!

Want to know how I have been able to survive all this? Want to know how I managed to get out of the bed when things were at the lowest of low? Only God's grace, comfort and love.

Seriously, I would have not been suited to be a mom if God wasn't holding me tight in His hands this winter. Please don't misunderstand. I has taken me a while to see that it was God's grace, comfort and love that allowed me to survive. You see, I have been rather angry with God this winter.

Can I admit I have never been angry with God before? I mean seriously down deep in my soul angry and devastated. To the point that I couldn't pray. I hurt so bad that when I tried to pray nothing came out. Nothing came to mind. Nothing came but pain.

Then again, I don't think I have ever had my faith tested as much as it was this winter. I KNOW I have never had my faith tested as deeply as it was. I had never been to the point where there was nothing and I mean NOTHING I could do other than trust in God.

I have always been a "fixer". Fix this problem, that problem, his problem, her problem, my problem, their problem....that is just how I am wired (I get this from my wonderful Mommy- and yes mom, I know that wasn't a complete sentence....but it I wrote it how I would say it -ahem). This winter I was faced with problems that I nor anyone on earth could fix. So, in my child like faith I trusted that God would fix them with the outcome that I wanted.

Guess what? He didn't. He didn't fix them they way I wanted. He didn't fix them the way I cried, no strike that, sobbed for Him to.

But because He didn't (because there is no doubt in my mind that God can heal and change anything.....just look outside for proof of His power), my child like faith that I had been stuck at for most of life grew and thickened.

Doesn't make sense, does it? I was completely let down. I was completely devastated. My life as I knew it, will never be the same. I am a completely different person than the one that moved from Georgia last May. But my faith......oh my faith is stronger.

Why you ask? Why is my faith stronger? Why did I continue my walk with Christ when I felt so forlorn and forsaken, here on earth? That's the key.....here on earth. That's the key to everything. God didn't answer my prayer here on earth.....but He did answer it in heaven.

Okay so I feel like I am skirting around the "issue" without disclosing what the "issue" was. If I am going to be able to help others who have gone through, are going through, or Lord we pray not...but may have to go through times like this, I am going to have to make myself vulnerable and open myself up to you. I started out this blog to be open and honest...and that is what I am going to do.

The "issue" isn't an "issue" at all. It's a baby. A sweet baby that I will never meet on earth. A sweet baby that was born straight into heaven without having to face all the pain and sorrow on earth. A sweet baby that all I have to remember of is a newly added blue stone to my bracelet that holds my earthly children's name and birthstones.

Wow, that didn't hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would. I actually typed it with only a few tears. Thank you Lord for being with me today and giving me the strength to type what has been pulling at my heartstrings to type for quite sometime.

Okay back to the point of all of this. My baby wasn't healed on earth. It wasn't in God's plan for that baby to be born in September as it was suppose to be. But, my baby is healed in heaven. The bible says that there is no pain, tears, nor sorrow in heaven.

Please don't misunderstand. I am not saying that God took my baby away. Then again, maybe He did. I don't know. All I know is that God is good.

Oh it has taken me months to be able to say that and really mean it.

God is good. He has my best interest and that baby's best interest at heart. He loves us both so much that He sent His only baby son (all grown up) to suffer and die for us. That is the ultimate love.

I can't imagine what He felt as He watched His son on that cross. I only know the pain and sorrow in my heart when I knew I was losing the baby and then deep despair that came when I lost the baby. All that hurt and I didn't even have to send that baby to a cross.

So back to why my faith is stronger now. My faith is stronger because I know that God was the only thing holding me up during all of this. He was the one that was catching all my tears. He was the one up with me in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. He was the one that sent comfort my way (even though it took until now to see how He used people to send comfort my way- thank you so much Mom, Sarah, Barbara, Trisha, Salli, and Sam's Sunday School teacher). He was even holding me up when I was mad at Him. Hard to believe that He loved me when I was so mad I couldn't even talk to Him.

Then, I realized. Feeling devastated isn't new. I am not the first, nor the last person to have something devastating happen to them. My devastation pales in comparison to most others.

It also occurred to me that anger isn't new God. I am not the first Christian who has been angry nor will I be the last. Actually the word "anger" occurs 234 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Not only have men been angry at God, God has been angry at men.

Think how many times God got angry at the Israelites after He had saved them from slavery. So angry, in fact (with every right.....building those idols after God had saved them time and time again) that He made them wonder in the desert for 40 years and didn't allow the 1st generation to enter the "land of milk and honey". He was angry, but never stopped loving them and protecting them.

My faith grew when I realized how much God really did love me. Not only loved me, but wanted to have a real relationship with me. A relationship that didn't shy away when I was hurt and angry, but instead held me tighter.

If nothing else, I realized this winter that God wanted to grow me in my faith. He wanted me to quit being a mediocre Christian and really dive deep into Him and really get to know Him on a whole new level.

And my dear sweet friends, God wants nothing less than that for you. He wants to know you. Really know you. He wants you talk to Him and tell Him everything....even when you are hurt and angry. God wants you to love Him above all else. Above things, above money....even above your family.

God is good. I now know that to core of my being in a way that I never knew it before. God is good.

Dare we say it.....

2009-05-05T08:03:00.003-05:00

Has spring really come?!?! Have we really survived a winter in Minnesota? Or is this just another tease? Another glimpse at warm weather, only to wake up to cold the next morning?

We are hoping and praying that spring has FINALLY come!!

Do you remember the first wear of shorts and short sleeves in the spring? Do you remember the first time each spring your legs would feel the freedom from pants?

I vividly remember the turning point of spring as noted by being able to wear shorts and short sleeves. I looked forward to that day from the day I had to put them up in preparation of winter.

Shorts and short sleeves meant long lazy summer days, playing outside till dark, adventures in the woods a plenty, sticky hot horse back rides, and reading books till my hearts content.

Shorts and short sleeves for my kids means the ability to run and play after being cooped up for 7 months. Ladies and gentlemen, 7 months is a LONG time to be stuck inside.

Here are some pictures from Maddie and Sam's first day of short and short sleeves freedom. I hope you enjoy the look of joy on their faces as much as we did!!

Should I obey or should I not? This is the question of every 3 year old. And for the record, he did obey and not go in the water.....this time.

Consignment shirts and shorts for two kids $6. Old shoes, free. The ability to "fly" in the spring....Priceless

Cards for Elizabeth

2009-04-27T16:04:00.005-05:00

UPDATE:

Elizabeth came through surgery with flying colors. There is evidence that it was successful and that it will give her a much better quality of life without the horrible headaches she has suffered from her whole life. God is good. God does hear and answer our prayers. Thank you for your prayers and your cards!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear sweet readers,

I am coming to you again with a request for prayer. However, unlike the request for prayers for Stellan (which by the way worked visit http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ to see how he is doing), this is a prayer request that touches our family personally.

My sweet 16 year old cousin, Elizabeth Harrell, is undergoing brain surgery Monday, May 4th. She has a condition where her skull is too small, thus pushing her brain stem into her spinal column. During her surgery, they will actually cut out a piece of her skull to allow her "growing" room.

Elizabeth is a beautiful vibrant 16 year old. She loves animals and hanging out with her friends. My dad has always loving called her "Sally".

Her family is an amazing strong Christian family. Their faith runs strong and deep. They are asking for prayers everyday at 12pm from now until the surgery.

When I think back to high school and all the struggles I went through, I can't imagine adding the anxiety of brain surgery to the mix. Elizabeth should be worried about what dress to wear to her prom (which is on Saturday before the the surgery), not about an upcoming surgery.

In order to encourage Elizabeth, we are setting out to get 1,000 cards sent to her. They don't need to be long winded....just a simple praying for you will do.

Could you spare a few minutes and a stamp? Could you take some time out of your busy life to uplift a sweet Christian teenager?

Her address is Elizabeth Harrell
216 Timberbrook Trail
State Road, NC 28676

Please spread the word and let's get 1,000 cards to Elizabeth!!!

Prayer is powerful!!!

Thank you so much!

Spring in review.....

2009-04-20T16:46:00.012-05:00

EASTER-

Our first Easter in Minnesota was spent with friends and family. Our good friends Aaron, Salli, Natalie and Jackson came over on Easter eve for a good ol' fashion good egg hunt and a huge Easter dinner. Also, Wade's cousin Alicia and her husband Derek came to join us as well.

The kids table!

The BIG kids table!

After Church Easter Pictures......

Before church Easter pictures....

Easter Morning: Getting the Easter Baskets......

Easter Egg hunt in Bloomington:

The Saturday before Easter we went to an Easter Egg hunt with Sara (who works with Wade) and her son Joseph. It was more of an Easter Egg gather since none of the eggs here hid, but covering the ground.

Children's Museum with Salli and Kiddos.....

The Sheeks came to visit........

We were so excited that The Sheeks were able to come and visit with us for a few days in April. The kids had such a GREAT time. For weeks before they came, they continually asked when they were coming.

The weather didn't cooperate with us, it snowed the first day they were here. Then, it was cold and windy. But the kids had so much fun just playing in the basement with Grandma and Papa.

Despite the weather, we were able to go to the park (for 5 minutes) and to the MOA (Legoland, rides, and Rainforest Cafe).

Spring Break in Minnesota-

Children's Museum with Cindy, Kayla, and Lydia

Mall of America to meet Curious George with Ms. Jennifer and Jacob.....

Maddie and Sam's last Ice Skating Lesson...

Pray for Stellan....

2009-03-23T16:16:00.003-05:00

Okay dear readers, I must confess.....I blurk. What does that mean, you ask? It means that I lurk and read other's blog. While I realize this isn't a bad thing.....I felt I must confess it before my next request.

If you believe that God is in control. If you believe that God is the ultimate healer. If you believe that all things, anything can be done through Christ.....then, I need you to pray for a baby boy named Stellan.

I have only met Stellan from a distance, never personally. However, this baby boy is a miracle. His parents were told that he wouldn't survive birth and yet he did. And now, this precious baby boy is battling for his life once more.

I found out about Stellan from my friend Gina's blog. I started following his story and praying for him. Then one day, his mom and other siblings were at McDonald's near our home. I didn't introduce myself or intrude on their lunch, but it was really neat to see a miracle in person.

Isn't it a small world? A baby I prayed for because of my friend from GA's blog....lives near me in the frozen tundra.

Right now my heart goes out for his family...waiting to see what will happen.....waiting to see what miracles God will perform this time.....or waiting to see what God's timing will be. Please join me and literally thousands of others as they lift up this child of God.

You can read about his family and journey if you click on McMama's blog link (My Charming Kids) to the left of this post.

I know he is mine......

2009-03-20T16:46:00.002-05:00

.....but surely don't always understand how he got be "SAM".

Okay so I get that statement doesn't make a whole a lot of sense. I realize he became Sam when we named him Sam. When we (read Wade....I was a little out of it after the whole pushing a baby out thing) wrote his name, Samuel Reeves Sheek, on the birth certificate he became our Sam.

Oh my darling precious snuggle baby boy was once a sweet toddler named Sam.

Then, Sam turned three. He went to sleep one night my snugly baby boy Sam and he woke up an independent three year old, SAM.

What, you can't tell the difference? Oh, when I write in all caps......it means I am, ahem, yelling. I could have lied and said that I was saying it with great enthusiasm. Or that I was just enunciating every syllable. But, I am an honest open book. So, I let you know the truth.

But, I must explain yelling. Yelling is not something you do out of anger or because you are mad. That would be screaming. Yelling isn't something you do when you are being mean. That would be telling someone off. Yelling is something you do to get over your child's voice as he zooms around the room....as Buzz, of course. Yelling is something you do to get over your child's voice as he is making sword sounds and repeating "aye matey" over and over.

You see, SAM is not longer Sam. He has to be someone else all the time. His favorites are Buzz "Yightyear (Lightyear)" and Capt'n Hook.

Lovely.

When he isn't being someone other than himself, he shocking us the darnest things. You know like whopping his sister upside the head just "cause".

Or he is crossing his arms and telling the nurse at the ENT that he wouldn't clap at the beeps cause he was "dumpy" (grumpy). Granted, clapping your hands at a heard beep to get a battery operated dog to bark is a little corny. But still

Or, my favorite, stomping his feet.....while telling me he was "tomping him footed"...just in case I hadn't noticed when he doesn't get his way.

Simply Lovely.

SAM has spent way more time in time out that Maddie ever did. And SAM has spent more time out at random places than Maddie ever did. Church, yep time out there (never by the workers there...on no, he is only SAM when he is with me). The mall...um, check. The park, check check (and I am sure you realize we have only been there twice since Sam turned into SAM)

Wade says, it's just my imagination and that I am not remembering my quiet, book loving, always drawing, little girl correctly. Well, maybe. But she sure never pushed a child down at a play area simply because she needed "somes body to walk the fank (plank)" - any guesses who he was that day?

Wade took SAM and Maddie to school this morning. I had the stomach flu yesterday and have been completely of commission....the point that SAM actually turned to Sam and explained to me that, "Mommy's not fee-wing soes well."

When I picked up SAM I asked his teachers (as I always do with a big smile on my face apprehension in my heart....but bless their hearts they love him for who he is....and he is actually really good for other people) how he was. I was informed that after Wade dropped him off, they asked Sam if that was his Daddy. Did my son answer as most would, oh no. My son shrugged his shoulders and said "him not know who dat was".

Oh yes he did.

Luckily the preschool figured it must have been his daddy....cause what kidnapper would actually take the child to school? Actually I think, with a child like SAM, they would probably return him real quick like.

Sigh.

But, I love SAM for who is his. Whether he is Sam, SAM, Buzz, or Capt'n Hook. He is mine. God granted me this little all boy, boy to be in my care and I will do all I can to teach him about God's love, keep him safe, and play with him.

Speaking of which SAM has returned to Sam and just came to ask me to "snuggle" with him....so off I go to enjoy Sam for the few minutes I have him before he becomes SAM, who I love just as much.

We will survive.....

2009-03-16T15:48:00.004-05:00

I can't believe we have been here just a couple months short of a year. I can't believe that last March, my babies and I were enjoying the warmth of southern Georgia sun. We didn't have a clue where God would lead us on this incredible adventure. We certainly didn't plan on spending the next winter in the "Artic Circle."

But here we are. Winter has slowly come and gone....and we have made it.

I really can't believe that it has been 5 months since we were last at a park. 5 months is a long time ("wong time," as Sam says) for a 5 year old and a 3 year old to be couped up in a house. 5 months is a long time for me to be couped up in a house. Just when I didn't know if we would make it....spring came.

Just like that. It warmed up.

Please don't misunderstand....it Minnesota warmed up....not southern warmed up.

It warmed up to the upper 40s...plenty warm enough for an afternoon at the park.

Here are some pictures from our first trip to a park since October. You may notice that yes, there was still snow on the ground. But we didn't mind....it was warm to us!!

This is a picture of Maddie and Sam in front of the still frozen lake. People were still walking on the lake and before we left, we saw a truck driving on the lake. That, my friends....I will never understand.

Do you remember this lifeguard stand? I have pictures of the kids on it in October. When the air was nippy and the colors vibrant....and we were excited about the adventures winter would bring.....before we knew how long and how cold it would actually be.

Here is Lake Riley, "ice-in". I would have never thought that it would seem warm enough to play at the park while a lake was still frozen solid. Funny how your perspective changes with your life experiences..

Girls Night Out......

On Saturday night, Maddie and I left Wade and Sam at home for a girls night out. We met up with Salli and Natalie for an evening of Perkins Restaurant and a showing of the "Music Man" put on by a community theater.

The girls got all "gussied up" and had a really nice time being "grown up". Though the musical was lacking talent, Maddie and Natalie thought it was great.

Poor Maddie, she was plum tuckered out after her big night out on the town. We didn't get home until after 10pm....that is very very late for her. She fell asleep about the time we pulled out of Salli's driveway. Bless her heart.

Sunny Zoo Day and "Icicles"

2009-03-13T15:20:00.005-05:00

Today was a "warm" Minnesota day (it was around 33). So, Salli and I loaded up the big ol' van and off we went. Word to the wise, don't trust Map Quest directions to Como Zoo...you end up in the 'hood.

First stop at the zoo was the Tropical display.

I was so excited to see flowers...even though they weren't blooming outside or near my house...they were still flowers.

This is a sloth. This sloth was on a tree in the room without a cage. Luckily (thanks to Diego) I know that sloth's eat veggies and are very shy and slow. So, it wasn't too scary to have a lose animal around the kids.

Sleeping sloth.

Here are the kids before going in the primate area. And yes, that is snow in the picture...you see snow is very common in Minnesota in March.

Here is a baby spider monkey riding on the mommy spider monkey. Apparently it was grooming time in the primate area. We were so lucky to see all species of monkeys pulling things off each other (and out of each other's nose) and eating them. We just hoped the kids didn't notice and start following suit!

The orangutans. Sam's favorite.

Like Mommy, like daughter. Here is Maddie and her camera. She has become quite fond of taking it on trips.....just like I always have my camera on hand.

And of course, the giraffe. What is Maddie doing, you ask? Why holding her nose of course. Wouldn't you like to know how stinky a building with 3 giraffes and zebra is. My daughter, was so obsessed with holding her nose and exclaiming how "stinky" it was that she missed all the animals.

The seals were very active....

We spent quite a bit of time watching them frolic (thanks for the wording Natalie) and play.

Of course we had to see the Penguins. Maddie loves penguins. She is close to being obsessed by them.

Here are my monkeys getting their picture made with the penguin!

Just as we were able to leave the aquatic animal area, the seal trainers came out. Of course we had to watch the seals do their tricks and get fed fish.

Don't worry Granddaddy....they even brush the seals' teeth!

We had a wonderful trip to the Como Zoo. Of course having friends to go with us made it all that much better!

Sam's first "icicle".....

Sam and Maddie have both been sick. Luckily, this is our first sickness since moving here. Going 9 months without a sick visit to the doctor is unheard of in our family. Of course, fevers and sore throats call for Popsicles. Or in Sam's case, icicles.

Sam first started off by licking the "icicle". Knowing it was close to bedtime and that it would forever to lick a Popsicle, I suggested that he put it in his mouth and suck on it.

Yummy! He wanted the green "icicle" and luckily there was such a thing in the box. I am not a lime fan, but apparently Sam is. When he was asked what it tasted like he replied, "wike ba-ba and pooh". "Ba-Ba" is his paci and "pooh" his pooh blanket that he sleeps with. Side note, the next day Maddie chose the green Popsicle since she wanted to know that "ba-ba" and "pooh" taste like.

The bad thing about sucking on an "icicle" is that sometimes they break off in your mouth...

And, as we all know...."icicles" are very very cold....especially with a large bite in your mouth.

And what are you suppose to do with a mouth full of frozen "icicle"? Why, you ask if you can spit it on your plate, of course. What can I say, all manners go out the door when you try and eat a Popsicle indoors!

Catch Up

2009-03-03T14:15:00.010-06:00

Dear Readers-

I am so sorry that I have, once again, fallen behind in my posting. I really meant to keep on top of the happenings in our lives....but alas, life got in the way once more. We have had a busy few weeks here, in the Artic North. To catch you up, I am going to start with the most recent and work my way backward. I hope you enjoy!!

New Friends, Familiar Places.....

On Thursday, Feb. 26th, we went to the Children's Museum in St. Paul. As you know from this blog, we frequent the museum...even in -20 degree weather. This time, however, we went with our lovely new friends Salli, Natalie and Jack. I must say, Salli has been a lifesaver for me. She is a recent transplant from the East Coast (Rochester, New York). Yeah for another East Coaster!! Her kids are close in age to my kids and of course they hit it off right away.
Maddie and Natalie at the Children's Museum. Maddie was so excited to find another girl that wore, "will-wee pretty bows" just like her.

All four of the kids, Maddie, Natalie, Sam and Jack.

The new exhibit at the museum is "Clifford". Here, Sam is driving the "ferry boat". He claimed it was just like Granddaddy's boat. However, I am certain it doesn't go as fast.

Maddie all prepared to ride on the ferry with Sam.

Ms. Salli and Maddie riding in the truck while Natalie was driving.

Maddie hanging out with Emily Elizabeth. That is Clifford in the background.

Jack and his choo-choo on Clifford's foot.

The girls in the truck.

Sam loves T-Bone. I think they suit each other.

Maddie, Sam and Natalie playing in the water with frogs. This was after I reassured Ms. Sallie that the frogs weren't real!

And of course, Sam found his favorite "ma-tar" to "juke" with. Look at that expression!

Sam and Maddie "juking" together.

Sorry it's blurry...but that is what happens when you catch "juking" in action.

Serious Sam on the "ma-tar".

Saying Good Bye to Old Friends.....

On Friday, Feb 27th, our friends Micah, Kim and their boys Collin and Shawn moved to Wisconsin. If you remember, I met Kim when I first moved here. She has been my saving grace through this whole transition time. Though we know it is for the best, we are going to miss them!!

To have one last "hurrah" with Kim and the boys we went to Toddler Tuesday at the Mall of America. This one was filled with Care Bear fun. The kids even got to meet Bedtime Bear. Our friend Cindy and her girls, Kayla and Lydia went as well.

After Toddler Tuesday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese. Kim had some great coupons and it wasn't crowded at all on a Tuesday morning. It was a great way to spend some last minute time with them before they left.

Kayla and Collin

Collin and Maddie in their PJs.

Cindy, Kayla, Lydia and Bedtime Bear.

Collin hugging Bedtime Bear.

Maddie and a not so excited Sam.

Listening to a story.

The four at Chuck E. Cheese.

Water Park of America

On Sunday, Feb 21st we were able to go to the Water Park of America. The church that we attend, Grace, rented it out for all the workers in the children's ministry. Since I teach in the AWANA program on Wednesday nights we were able to go. The kids had a great time. I had a hard time getting over the fact that I was walking into a water park wearing a winter parka. But we are so thankful we had the opportunity.

Sam in the water park.

Maddie wanted Daddy to go down the slide with her the first time.

Then, she was able to go down all by herself.

Sam kept fairly close to me and the shallow water.

Look at me with my Nemo swim trunks.

Sam playing in the water fountain.

Maddie wasn't too sure about the slide at first.

Then she found out how much fun it was.

Today's weather....

2009-02-26T12:59:00.002-06:00

I know, I am behind on posting pictures and keep you up-to-date on your lives. But I just had to post the local weather......

Forecast Details from the Weather Team
Rest of Today - Snow late in the morning...then snow and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. New snow accumulation of 6 to 7 inches. Highs 25 to 30. North winds 15 to 20 mph.
Tonight - Colder. Mostly cloudy with snow likely in the evening...then partly cloudy after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Storm total snow accumulation of 8 to 10 inches. Lows around zero. North winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.

Okay so I didn't know that thunderstorms and 10 inches of snow could happen all at the same time.

Live and learn.....live and learn.

The Promise Is....

2009-02-23T13:05:00.003-06:00

......"when everything failed, we'd be held".

I heard a song at church the other Sunday. It was a Sunday when I truly didn't know if life would ever get better. I truly believe it was meant for me. The lady singing it didn't know me. I didn't know her, she has never met me. She might have been singing it for some one else, or maybe even for herself. But on that Sunday, God knew I needed to hear it. I was held, but had forgotten.

The chours of "Held"is this:

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

I have been a Christian since I was 8. I have been in church since I was born. I was blessed (pronounced in the south as "bless-ed") to have Godly parents that raised me to love and trust the Lord.

Somewhere along the way, I forgot the promise. It isn't that life will be perfect. God never said that life will always be "peaches and cream". He promised healing, but not necessarily on Earth or when WE want it. He never promised pain and anguish wouldn't enter our lives.

His promise is that when, "everything fell we'd be held". When life spins out of control we are tight in His hands. When we are sick, when we loose a loved one, or when the pain seems like death itself....we are held.

The payment for sin is heartache, trials, and hurt. The only thing different for a Christian is that we are lovingly held and have the promise of heaven. That is the difference between living life full of hope and just struggling from one heartache to the next.

James 1:2 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

I will admit, I find it hard to consider trying times "pure joy". I even struggle with understanding why such a loving God allows terrible things to happen to His children. I believe to my core that God is the only God. That Jesus died on a cross for my sins and that only through Jesus can I be saved. I believe that He can heal and preform miracles at anytime, but understanding why He doesn't is really hard for me.

This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

I need to just praise the Lord that, "gave and the Lord has taken away" Job 1:21. I just need to remember that the promise was given to us by a Father who allowed his Son to die on a cross. That promise is that we are deeply loved and tightly held at all times, even when everything else falls away....He is there.

I pray today, dear readers, that you are "held" and if you aren't....that you find your way back to the God that created the heavens and earth.

Sam's first ice skating lesson

2009-02-20T13:48:00.005-06:00

Sam loved watching Maddie ice skate so much that we decided to let him try ice skating lessons. Nothing is as scary as watching your "baby" slip and fall their way onto an ice rink. Let's just say....I don't think an Olympic metal is in his future.

Hey, look at me I'm up on the ice.

Still up, talking to one of my many teachers. I am sure she was telling him that he actually had to make an effort when trying to stand on ice.

And down again. Of course, I am not going to ACTUALLY TRY to get up on my own...no, no!

Thanks to the help of a teacher, I am up again....Hey Mom, look at me.

Wait, yes still up looky looky...YEAH.

And down again.

This last picture was followed by Sam trying to tell his teacher that he needed to go potty. I could read his over exaggerated lips as he was trying to explain. Of course, these teachers are young and not versed in Sam-speech. Finally, someone understood him and skated him to the side where Wade was waiting for him. We will see how next week goes.

Catchin' Up

2009-02-19T16:01:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends-

I am so sorry I have been so long in posting. I didn't realize how many people actually read my blog till the emails started arriving...wondering where I had been.

I have been here, in the "frozen tundra" near the "Artic Circle". But life and other things have happened and kept me from posting. But I am back and will catch you up on all that we have been up to.

February is a busy month for us. Sam turned "3" on February 1st and Maddie turned "5" on the 13th. We also had a joint birthday party for them. We are so blessed that Ga-Ga was able to brave the cold and join us. Actually, she brought the warmest weather we have had since Thanksgiving with her.

So read the following and catch up on all the "Blurbs from the Burbs".

Love to you all.....near and far!

Maddie turns "5"....

2009-02-19T15:41:00.004-06:00

On Friday, February 13th, my baby girl turned 5. Even as I type it, I can't believe it.

Really.

Just yesterday she was born.

Really.

Just yesterday she was a colicy infant, that screamed her lungs off the first 3 months of life.

If you know the history of Maddie.......If you know the scare we had when she was just a few weeks old...you know how grateful we are that she was able to scream her lungs off. How so very thankful we are that she is able to celebrate her 5th birthday.

This year, she chose a "bee-u-tee-ful" (drawn out in that sweet southern way she talks) heart cake. Heart cakes are always easy to come by near Maddie's "day before Valentine's Day" birthday.

May all your wishes, hopes, and dreams come true baby girl!!

Can you tell Maddie is "willy wee" excited about her new Leapster. Her old Leapster had seen it's better day. It was a well used, well loved, well traveled, and well worn Leapster. So, she got a new and pink one.

Grandma and Papa sent her a great box full of goodies. Thank you Grandma and Papa!!

Some of her friends in Georgia also remembered her birthday. Her friend Jacob sent her a new Strawberry Shortcake movie and Sleep Beauty Polly Pocket. Her friends Matt and Alex sent her a new outfit and Tinkerbell Color Wonder. I LOVE Color Wonder. Color anywhere with that!

From us, she also received a Snow White doll, some Polly Pockets, and some My Little Ponies.

Maddie has grown into a wonderful little girl. She is a great big sister and really tries to be a good girl. She has a wonderful heart on her that makes her really try to take care of everyone and please everyone. I am so proud of the way she has taken this tough transition and really blossomed. I tell her every night, as I am putting her to bed, that "I love her to the moon and back and all the way past the stars". I can't wait to see what wonderful things God has in store for my "baby girl".

The Splatter Sisters....

2009-02-19T15:36:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday, February 10th, the kids and I attended a Splatter Sisters' concert at Mall of America. We went with our friend Kim and her boys, Collin and Shawn. I am so sad that Kim will soon be moving on to bigger and better things, as her family relocates to Wisconsin.

American Girl Bistro....

2009-02-19T15:32:00.004-06:00

Minnesota Style.

I took Maddie and Ga-Ga to the American Girl Bistro as part of Maddie's Birthday celebration. We also went to the one in Georgia right before we moved.

Maddie chose a new out fit for Bitty Baby. And both Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin were able to join in on the birthday celebration.

We were so happy that Ga-Ga could be here to join us!

Maddie and Sam's Birthday Party, 2009

2009-02-19T15:00:00.006-06:00

This year, we had a different sort of birthday party. Gone are the days of parties with all our Georgia friends and their kids. Gone are the parties where it is more of a get together for the parents, than a party for the kids.

This is a new era of birthday parties for the Sheek family. So we decided to embrace it and jump in with both feet. This year, Maddie and Sam had their party at the Nature Center. If you read my little blog, you may remember that we "lived" at the Nature Center this summer. We caught frogs and turtles, hung out with friends, and made puppet shows there.

What does a birthday party at a Nature Center entail, you ask? Good question...let's explore and see.....

First, a Naturalist meets with your party and talks about all the different animals that live in your area and the footprints they leave.

Then, you walk up stairs and to the "look out room" to see if any of those native animals are near. Obviously, the turkeys were out and about that day.

Next, you get the group of 6 2/3 year olds and 6 4/5 year olds bundled up in their winter gear...

and proceed to track animals in the snow. Do you remember the pond that Ga-Ga and Granddaddy caught frogs at over Labor Day? If so, you probably will not recognize it in the next picture. I thought I had a picture of my mom walking on the frozen pond....but I guess I didn't. She was brave enough to walk out with us. Looking mighty cute in her boots from Marshall's I might add :)

Once back inside, with every one's winter gear off, the birthday kids got to choose a resident animal to "come" to their party. The Nature Center has a selection of birds and other animals that live there. Maddie loves the owl......

However she chose the SALAMANDER to come to her party. What in the world was she thinking?!?!?

She was able to hold her choice Salamander while the other kids could only touch it.

Any guesses what animal Sam chose? The really cool hawk? Nope. The friendly turtle? Uh-Uh.

A snake. Guess he didn't want Maddie to seem braver than him.

But Daddy had to hold Sam while Sam held the snake. I don't blame him....I wouldn't want to hold a snake by myself.

After hiking in the snow and meeting the animals....it was pizza time, of course. This is a Georgia tradition we brought here with us.

Of course after pizza comes cake. Maddie chose a Tinkerbell theme this year and Sam chose a Cars theme. Please don't tell him he had the same cake 2 years in a row. He doesn't remember his 2 year old cake and chose it again this year.

After eating the cake Sam spit all over.....I jest, I jest..... it was PRESENT TIME! Luckily Ga-Ga was here to help Sam while I helped Maddie.

Both kids received many wonderful gifts. However, the best gift of all was having friends come to their party. I admit I was nervous. I sweated it out, until guests started to arrive.

God blessed us with friends to come to the kids party even though we haven't been here a year yet.