Thursday, April 30, 2009

Busy . . .

The other night I asked Kevin if years ago, when we were first married, if he ever anticipated being this BUSY. His answer was no. I vaguely remember when I used to have plenty of time for myself. I even remember being bored. That has not been a word in my vocabulary for a very long time. I no longer know the meaning of that word. I know this time in my life will pass, and maybe I might even long for these days again. One day my kids will be grown and I imagine I will go through the house remembering this season of my life with a certain fondness and probably even a little sadness.

My life is pretty simple, and I try very hard to keep most of the "clutter" out. Even the things that I want to do, and feel I should do; such as serve at my church, are put on hold. I find that for me, I have to keep my life as simple as possible just to keep up with the day-to-day, seemingly mundane but necessary things. I often wonder how some women can seem to juggle so much, but there is no such thing as Superwoman, and my guess is that although they may appear all together on the outside, they probably really aren't. They probably have bills to pay, grocery shopping to do, and a never-ending laundry basket full of clothes just like I do.

Kevin and I laugh ourselves silly sometimes when we look back on the days when we only had one small child. It was soooooo hard at the time. Hard? Are you kidding me? At least with one, there is still that 2 parent to 1 child ratio. Not anymore. And let's not even talk about finding a babysitter. Three is the "magic", "I won't babysit your kids" number. Well, there are a few brave souls. But you see, I understand, because let's go back to when we thought one child was hard, not three with very different personalities. And in truth, they aren't hard. In fact, I just wish life would slow down just a little bit. I see my Savannah turning into a teenager right before my eyes. Emma is growing up and says so many profound things, and Landon, my baby is not a baby anymore. Even his chubby little face is all-too-fast becoming long and lean.

So maybe I am busy, but years before, I didn't take the time to "smell the flowers" as often as I do now. I am learning to take the small moments with my children, especially since sometimes that is just about all of the time we have. And I blog, to preserve the memories of our life because most of the time I am just too busy to scrapbook, even as much as I desire to. Some things you just have to make the time for. I am still learning that lesson but at least I am getting better at it. What about you? Are you making the time for what's really important in your life?

xo,

Michelle

Monday, April 27, 2009

American Girl Place







I am a little late on editing my pictures but I thought I would share some pictures of Emma's birthday celebration at American Girl Place. We went on the 18th of April and had a blast. It doesn't matter what your age, if you are a girl, you are going to like it! The boys left for awhile and did their thing while we did ours.



We had a great time eating in the cafe, getting a new "do" and even the dolls ears pierced at the doll salon, and of course shopping! What an amazing day!!!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Nephew Time . . .


I always enjoy one-on-one time with my nephews and nieces. It gives me a chance to really get to know them on a more personal level. It is time treasured.

Mattison turned 13 on Easter. He is the oldest of the nieces and nephews. We are going out today to do a little shopping and have fun. I look forward to these annual events where it's just me and them. I do realize that one day soon it might not be so cool to hang out with his Aunt Michelle. When that day comes, I will totally understand, but until then, I am going to enjoy every minute. I wonder what new thing I am going to learn about him this year. :)

Have a fabulous Sunday!

Michelle

Saturday, April 25, 2009

A rare treat . . .


Spending time with my girlfriends . . . I am looking forward to an afternoon of shopping, dining, and catching up. Life gets busy with family and life, so it is always a rare treat for us to get together like this. My girlfriends, there is nothing quite like them.

Michelle

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Little Vegetarian


Yesterday I had the opportunity to take Emma and Landon to see "Earth". It was beautiful, majestic, amazing and also a little sad. At one point I turned to Emma to catch a tear running down her cheek as she watched a predator do what it does; hunt for prey. It was an opportunity for me to tell her about the circle of life, and the necessity of an animals instinct to hunt. On the other hand, I understood the raw emotion because I am an avid animal lover too and my heart was hurting as well. I would be lying if I said I did not have a lump in my throat. We held hands and got through the hard parts. Fortunately, they weren't very graphic, but you knew what the outcome was. At one point our hearts hurt for the predator, and if you have the opportunity to watch the movie, you will see what I mean.

My little, barely 9 year old Emma loves meat more then I can tell you. She can chow down a steak or gobble up three or four pieces of chicken in record speed. I used to do the same when I was her age. I still love a good steak every now and again. But something changed in her yesterday and she decided she was no longer a meat eater, but a Vegetarian. I commend her for standing up for something that she feels so strongly about. We need that kind of strength to get through life. We need to be able to do the admirable thing, the right thing, and the hard thing.

Once a week the kids are allowed to order hot lunch at school. Since it is a pre-order, her hot lunch happened to be today and the main course was a corn dog. "But I can't have a corn dog Mommy, it has meat in it."

"Well Honey, I guess you can go make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for yourself." And so she did. Her carnivorous sister took her hot lunch and Emma made a sandwich. I am proud of her.

I don't know how long being a Vegetarian will last. After all, chicken is a big part of our diet. But I support her, and will help her every step of the way. Good job sweet Em, I am proud of you for standing up for what you believe in, but if bacon calls your name the next time we are having it for breakfast, I will understand and support that too.

Michelle

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Blessed . . .


It's a good day and I am just counting my blessings. Life isn't perfect but I try to find happiness even in the small things. I hope you can find it too.

xo,

Michelle

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Emma!


Happy 9th Birthday my very sweet girl! 9 years ago today, you came into our lives, and our life has never been the same. You are sweet and you are spunky, you are our little firecracker and things are never boring with you around. Daddy and I love you so much more than you could ever know. Have a super-fantastic birthday today! xox

Love,

Mommy

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Off to the American Girl Place . . .


Well we're off, very shortly anyway. Tomorrow is Emma's birthday so we are going to the American Girl Place in Los Angeles. Last year we went for both Savannah and Emma's birthdays since they are just a month apart. It was just the three of us. This year we are bringing Daddy, Landon, Aunt "Robbie" and Cousin Maycee. Aunt Robbie has never been and I am totally excited to give her the American Girl experience. (If you're a girl, you will love it no matter what your age.) It was a blast last year and will be even better this year. I'll let you know how it all turns out tomorrow or Monday.


Enjoy your weekend,


Michelle

Friday, April 17, 2009

Remembering Grandma Magee . . .


Grandma,

Today would have been your 72nd birthday. The kids and I talk about you all of the time. They miss you. So do I. I could never have asked for a better mother in-law. You made me feel more like a daughter than a daughter in-law.

This is about the time of year that you would call me and ask for the kids shoes sizes. Soon afterwards they would each get a package in the mail with a brand new pair of Saltwater Sandals inside. It was almost like the beginning of summer had arrived once they received those shoes. Each summer they looked forward to spending alone time with you and Grandpa. You spoiled them rotten while they were there; buying them little goodies and letting them eat anything their little hearts desired. (All of the things we never let let them do at home.) Kevin and I may have tried to act tough about it (yeah right), but secretly we smiled. After all, that is what grandparents are for.

I used to love to watch you at Christmas time. You loved to give gifts. You always went overboard because of this, but it was something that was a part of you. I enjoyed watching your face as each person opened their gift from you. I am not sure who was more delighted; you or them.

The Christmas after you left us just a few short years ago arrived shortly after your earthly departure. Michelle had lovingly wrapped gifts for each of us; things that you wanted us to have. I cried my eyeballs out when I opened my gift to find the wedding ring inside that you wore everyday. I can still recall the way your hands looked with that ring on your finger. I wear it proudly now, and it is a way for me to hold you closely to my heart. If I still long for you as much as I do, I cannot imagine how Kevin and Michelle also feel. I do know there is now a hole in their heart that can never be filled.

Our lives are just not the same without you now, but we look forward to one day seeing you because we know you are in a much better place where your heart is now whole. Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma/Toni/Pinky. We miss miss you and love you so very much!
Love,
Michelle

Monday, April 13, 2009

A full heart . . .


Today was our first day of spring break. We had decided to *maybe* see a movie but there wasn't much out there worth seeing so the kids and I decided to go to lunch and head over to the Christian book store. They all brought their money which had been mostly earned through their chores. All of them had decided that they wanted to get paid at the beginning of each month so that it would seem as if they had more money then if they were paid weekly. The kids also tithe and save on their earnings. We are trying to teach them to be good stewards of their money.

It touched my heart when I was presented with the little glass angel from Emma and the cross birthstone necklace from Landon. I had a lump in my throat as I received their gifts of love. Gifts from money that was hard earned by each of them. I knew that they had spend every last penny on me. Money that I wish they had kept for themselves. And yet I am completely humbled by their unselfish attitudes; it is a reminder to be more like them.

My heart is full.

xo,

Michelle

Friday, April 10, 2009

Isn't it grand?


Mm mm, love it! This is the Brighton canvas bag that Kevin surprised me with on our anniversary yesterday. I saw it in their catalog and then went into the store to drool over it but it was a luxury I was definitely NOT going to afford myself. Imagine my delighted surprise when I woke up to find this all wrapped up and sitting on the counter! I love the brown and cream together and the embroidered butterfly adds the final touch. I am already putting it to good use, you can be sure!

Michelle

Thursday, April 9, 2009

To my love on our 15th wedding anniversary . . .

April 9, 1994


My Love,

Happy Anniversary. Where have the past 15 years gone? We have often talked about how our life together seems like an eternity, like we have always "been". It is no wonder that when an older couple have been married for so long and one dies, the other tends to follow. It would be that way with me, what reason would there be to stay? I would want to follow you to our true home in heaven. But other times I am chasing after time, trying to get it back. I am left wondering where all of this glorious time has gone. Weren't we just married yesterday?

I wasn't always the wife you deserve. In fact, I am still on that journey. Your have been so patient, so kind, so true. You don't hold who I am against me. You see me at my best, and you see me at my worst. Always you are patient. Always you understand, always you love. You tell me I am beautiful, even more so than when we got married. How can that be? Can't you see the wrinkles trying to form? The graying hair that I am so good at hiding, or the other body issues and challenges that I won't begin to get into? You don't see the me that I see, and for that, I am grateful.

We have three absolutely beautiful children. We are blessed . . . absolutely blessed. You are modeling to Savannah and Emma what a husband and a father should be. You are showing them how a lady should be treated, and they are "true" little ladies. If they find a husband even half as wonderful as you are, I will not worry about them because I know they will be safe, they will be secure, they will be loved.

You are teaching Landon what it is to be a man. I know it to be true because of how he treats me. He holds doors open for me, he tells me I am beautiful, and he wraps his sweet arms around me and kisses me with his whole soul. You are raising him to be a warrior, a hero, a man of God. I am proud of you both.

You work hard. You never complain, even when you have every right, even when you are tired. Often you are awake before me, pulling the covers up to my chin and kissing be goodbye in the morning. Those are some of my very favorite moments. Every evening you eat dinner with me and the kids, you tuck them into bed and pray with them. Sometimes you are gone for awhile because one of them has asked you to lay down with them just for a little bit, and you do; but you both fall asleep because you are tired too. Your work day doesn't stop there because you still have paperwork to do. You do it, and of course, without complaint.

I could go on and on with the stories, like the time you dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh at our now almost 12 year old Savannah's baby shower. I didn't realize it was you until at least halfway through the shower!

I will always remember how sad we were to learn that we had lost our first baby to miscarriage. One week the heartbeat was there and the next week it was not. I was so very sad. In the shower one night, you found me crying and you jumped right in, clothes and all, so you could wrap your arms around me and hold me until the tears stopped.

I remember when your mom died and how you stood up and spoke at her funeral. My heart hurt so much for you. You were so worried about your sister, wanting and needing to be the "big brother", offering comfort to her, when you were hurting too. You are an amazing "big brother". Even to my own sister, you are there, loving her like she is your own little sister.

You are there for my niece and nephews, making sure you are at the boys' games. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Even with your crazy, busy work schedule, you are there because it is important to you, and to them.

I love getting to spend my life with you. I get to be home, raising our children, doing the things that make our house a home. I want you to know how much I appreciate it; how much I appreciate you . . . for all of the small things and all of the big things that you do. I am so glad that you are mine. I love and treasure you with all of my heart. Happy 15th anniversary Honey!

Love,


Michelle

Monday, April 6, 2009

Mommy Sterling Stamped Necklace


Above is Emmie-Lou Designs new necklace design for April. This is the perfect Mother's Day gift! You can win one for yourself, your mom, or a friend! Just add a comment to my blog and let me know your favorite Mother's Day memory. I will be have a random drawing to be held on May 1st.

If you would like to order ahead go here and scroll down!

xo,

Michelle

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Rip Hole


So not too long ago we were at home eating dinner, talking about how even when Landon is at his own wedding, we will be telling him to slow down and chew his food WELL! He seems to have a low gag reflex and he coughs a lot when he eats. Part of it is due to how fast he feels he needs to get the food down his throat but I think part of it is because he was intubated (spelling?) as a newborn before his heart surgery. He used to throw up a lot when he was eating and we got used to it when we were dining out, although the other diners I am sure, did not. I used to just love the way Kevin would actually try to catch the "throw up" in his hands as it was hurling at rapid speed out of Landon's mouth. Huh? I never did quite understand that! Those moments are fortunately few and far between now although I have learned the hard way NOT to give Landon salmon or nuts.

Anyway, as we were eating at the table, Landon said that we would be telling him to chew slower until he was in his "rip hole". "Rip hole", I said? "What is that?" Well come to find out, he was talking about the hole his body would be put in when he dies. Ahhhh, I get it now. He thought it was called a "rip hole". After all, we have all seen the tomb stones, especially around Halloween that say R.I.P. right? Okay, so that was funny and goodness-gracious, I hope none of us are put into our "rip holes" anytime soon. Kids say the funniest things, don't they? I am still chuckling to myself over that one.

xo,

Michelle