TWO BY TWO - Stories Page 16

Friday will mark Brady and Cooper's 6 month birthday! They are laughing all the time and are still the best babies to ever live on this earth. They are just wonderful and a pure joy. They are rolling all over the place and trying to sit up. Brady loves to eat cereal but Cooper is satisfied with a big fat bottle! These boys love each other. They totally thrive on knowing the other is nearby. I love seeing them interact with each other.

Jackson is so funny. He's watching High School Musical all the time. When he gets a wild hair he will start to dance like Troy! It's hilarious and makes me laugh so hard. He's not really doing anything but jumping and rolling on the ground but in his little mind he is bustin' a move!

Gabrielle is talking non stop. We regressed a lot on potty training while in Georgia. She's gone all day today with a dry pull up so I hope we are getting back on the train. She's turning into such a little princess. She likes to play with babies more than she has in the past. She's more carefree and smiles a lot more, too. She loves to play with her brothers and if she has a choice she'd much rather play with a toy rifle than a Barbie any day!

Connor has all of a sudden had a vocabulary explosion. He's trying to talk and it's just precious. I can understand his words pretty well and what I can't make out Gabrielle will translate for me. "He say he want milk, Mommy!" He has zero interest in potty training but that's fine with me... I can only handle one at a time anyway. He's also very sneaky, he plays the innocent card to a T. He can flash those big brown doe eyes like nobody's business.

My 6th child, Brad, is starting to get "Chief-i-tis." He's so ready for his chief year to be over he can't stand it. After getting back from GA and finding a home it's given him the incentive he needed to kick it in gear and finish out this year. He's excited and so am I! Residency has been more difficult than either of us expected. I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments as a father and a husband.

My computer is up and running better than ever, thanks to Dusty! He came over again today to do some "tweeking" and now my camera is transfering pictures, too. I am so thankful that God gives each of us different talents and gifts. Heidi (Dusty's wife and my dear friend) is out of town with their kids so Dusty ate dinner with us, too. I made vegie lasagna (Bonnie's yummy recipe), garlic bread and ceasar salad. It's the best recipe ever... if anyone's interested just shoot me an email. You and your kids will love it. It's a winner for sure.

Today we all headed out on the town. I took Sis and Nancy out to do some shopping. We found some clothes for Nancy and they both got Brad and I a EARLY housewarming gift. Nancy bought me a beautiful clock. It's lovely! She also got us some monogramed hand towels for the powder room. Aunt Sis gave us 3 beautiful candle stick holders. I can't wait to put all of them in our new home. They'll hold a very special place in my heart. Of course we had all the kids with us today. We ate lunch at Panera. I realize how hectic my life as a mother of 5 young kids is more when I'm out with other people than when I'm alone. What seems "normal" and under control to me seems "crazy" and out of control to others. Some days it wears on me, too. There are days I think, "I can't keep this up!" By this I mean the crazy schedule of non stop caretaking. But as always, God pulls me through!

Tomorrow is another fun filled day starting with a 9:30am dental appointment for Gabrielle and Connor. They are due for their 6 month cleaning.

Well, we are back in Indy. We arrived in town at 5:30am Sunday morning. We brought Nancy back with us. I drove her van and followed Brad. In Lexington, KY we picked up Nancy's sister, Aunt Sis. She's staying all week and Brad's cousins will come pick her up this weekend. So I'm thrilled to have company. We took a short nap Sunday morning before the kids woke up and I stumbled to the coffee pot seeking any form of caffiene I had available. When I poured in the water, ants erupted from the coffee maker. It was so gross. We had an exterminater come out before we left for a small ant problem but while we were gone they had a field day. After we got that mess cleaned up and discovered we only had soy sauce for breakfast I started to head out to find food. On my way back home I walked in the door and noticed the laundy room was flooded! If it's not one thing, it's another. Ughhhh! So we had no food, no coffee and now no hot water! Anyway, we got all that stuff under control and decided that a good nights sleep would make it all seem a little better tomorrow. Needless to say, it did. I woke up ready to tackle anything that could come my way.

We found our house!!! Yesterday was a very exciting and long day. We decided on the Mountain Cottage. It was our first choice but unless the builder was going to come WAY down and agree to many stipulations on our part it wasn't going to be possible. All due to the glory of God, he agreed and we signed a contract. This is my DREAM HOME! I never expected to get exactly what I wanted down to every little tiny detail.

This builder is amazing. He and the agent/developer took us under their wing and wanted us to have this home as badly as we did. When the deal was done (which by the way was painless) I was in tears and so was the agent. I said, "I want to hug you both!" They said, "Well come do it!" So I gave them the biggest hug and promised to make them proud of their home. If you ever want to build a home then Don Sackman is your man and Rebecca Martin is your woman for real estate. BUT OF COURSE she's 2nd to Mrs. Susan Baumann... my best friend in the whole world and the BEST agent ever! You can tell that so much love went into building this home. It's incredible and felt like home the minute I walked into it. I am so thankful. The name of the subdivision is The Estates at Brooke Park. It's a brand spankin' new home and will be shown in the 2008 Atlanta Regional Parade of Homes in April. We won't close until August 1st (by our choice). We will leave Indy June 29th and stay with Brad's parents for 4 weeks until closing. As soon as I get home and get my computer I'll post pictures.

Now that we have a home I'm less scared and sad about the move. It gives me someplace to focus on and call home when we leave. Indy friends.... get ready to head south to Canton, GA where I call home!

We are counting down and the house search is narrowed to three houses. I love each of them in different ways. It's just a matter of preference. Two of them are more of a "mountain cottage" with spectacular views and one is a "ranch" with a great view. The ranch is very open and spacious and the cottages are a little cozier but still very roomy. Once we have the decision made and the offer finalized I'll be very excited. Susan has done a great job listening and helping us with our choices. We took the kids as well as Richard, Nancy and Mom to see the choices today. They loved all of them and could see how it was so hard for us to make a decision. The best part of the homes is the view. I love them all and I'm thankful to have such a wonderful opportunity ahead of us.

Tomorrow is a not so fun day. We are heading to Rome, GA to visit Jack and Kate. Jack and Brad went to dental school together. Jack is Brad's best friend. He's an endodontist. I need a root canal on a cracked tooth and Jack's going to take care of it for me while we are in town. Ouch!

3) It's human nature to never be satisfied and that saddens me... "Please forgive me, Jesus for such selfishness I've shown at times." It's a much much harder decision to make than I anticipated.

4) More square footage does not always make a house bigger and better; there is a fine line between a home feeling open and spacious verses empty and sterile.

5) Most important lesson learned... Always take a real estate agent who just also happens to be your very best friend EVER. It's not that she just says what I want to hear that's so great but she and I usually have very similar taste. 2 against 1... how can I lose?

1) He can be "right" or "happy" it's just that simple... make a choice, BIG MAN!

2) He tells me that "It's up to you, Doll. Whatever you pick is fine." But he means, "I hate this house and I'll pay for it if you really like it but I'll hold it over your head for the rest of your life if we can't sell it again one day and make a profit."

3) In order to put dead animals on any wall in the house he better get a finished basement.

Now of course I'm poking fun at most of these but really it's a tough decision. Please pray that the Lord will give us clear direction!

Today began our house search. Susuan was at the house at 9am and we were off! We looked at what felt like 1,000 homes but was more like 10. We found two areas we really liked in Canton. We have more to look at tomorrow and then we'll start to narrow our search down to four or five. It's really exhausting looking at homes. They all start to run together at some point. Susan was very patient with us and had everything so organized. We are very thankful to be looking at such beautiful homes.

Happy Easter! The kids woke up to a beautiuful spring morning here in GA. They ran down the stairs to find their Easter basket with a fun toy in there for each of them. Gabrielle got a "Fancy Nancy" book, Connor a Thomas the Train and Jackson RED Power Ranger. We went to The Buckhead Church and heard Andy Stanley this morning. It was awesome. Papa is here visiting and stayed home with the baby boys. The kids looked beautiful in their new easter clothes. We came home and the kids hunted easter eggs with Daddy and Uncle Aaron while Nancy and I finished up lunch. We had ham, turkey and all the fixin's. Each of the kids got $1 in one egg from Uncle Aaron. Gabrielle opened her egg and said, "Look Mommy, I got paper!" Bless her, she was so excited.

Easter thoughts and prayer... "Thank you Jesus for your birth, life, death and (praise God) your resurrection! Not even death can hold or contain you. You are my almighty Savior and I praise you, Lord!"

I hope you all have been wondering where I've been? My computer is being worked on and I've been without again. I won't get it back until next week sometime. Heidi's husband, Dusty, is a computer genius and he's working on it for me. I hope it's back better than ever with more memory and ready to work!

We are in Georgia today. We left last night from Indy at 8:30pm and rolled into Alpharetta at 5am this morning. Needless to say, Brad and I are very worn out. But the trip was a success, the kids did great and we made it with only 1 pitstop for fuel. Gabrielle stayed dry the entire trip using the potty. I put a potty seat in the car and the kids just used it when they had to "go." I emptied it in a ziploc bag, gave the seat a swipe with a Clorox wipe and we were good to go. No stopping required. Today was filled with tons of outdoor play. It was a beautiful 75 degrees with clear skies! Grandpa had put two tire swings on this great old oak by the pond. The kids LOVED it! Nancy had every snack and sweet imaginable ready for us, too. Tomorrow will be church, lunch and play.

Gabrielle Renee has been in panties for 2 days running. I wish I could take the glory but really it's all her doing. She's sort of just "sprouting" and becoming such a big girl with her vocabulary and comprehension. Isn't it amazing how they do that? Just all of sudden, one day, you wake up and they are like 3 months more mature than when you laid them down? So anyway, she's been asking to wear panties, making it to the potty and needs hardly any help. When Jackson potty trained I had to go "assist" for months. She can hop up on the potty without any help and REFUSES to use one of those potty chairs or liners. "I do it MYSELF!" Those are her favorite words. I'm so proud of her! What a big girl.

This morning we woke up and had a good breakfast together then headed out to church for soccer pictures. Jackson's team is the Gators. Miss Caitie is his coach and Brad is Asst. Coach. He can't commit full time due to his schedules but he'll do his best to be at all the games and practices. Jackson looked so cute in his Umbro shorts, shin guards, socks and cleats. As soon as this crazy computer (Lola) is working right I'll load some new pics. Ughhh... I really really want a new computer!

After pics we came home and put the kids down for a nap. I ran to the grocery store. Low and behold you'll never believe what I came across. A couple with two sets of twins!!!! She had a set if Identical 4 year old boys and a set of Fraternal 9 month old girls. How random... I couldn't believe it. We shared a few giggles and went on our way. It's nice to know I'm not alone.

This evening Brad and I took the kids to Portrait Innovations for Easter pics. They turned out okay. Not the best though. Jackson is the only one who would smile. Gabrielle and Connor will not smile on command if you got on your knees, begged, pleaded and promised them all the widdzers (twizzlers) they could eat. So we got a cute 4 yr pic of Jackson and a decent picture of all 5 in their pretty clothes. When we got in the car after pictures and a quick visit to see the Easter Bunny, Brad said, "That was torture." I just giggled. That was his only complaint and it was short, sweet and to the point. The rest of the night he watched basketball which I know is what he really wanted to do all day.

Okay... the Chocolate Gravy post has many people talking. Think of it as Chocolate Syrup. It's called gravy only because it's poured over biscuits like a gravy would be. I've had several requests for the recipe so here it is:

In a large pot, combine first 4 ingredients. Add milk slowly and whisk until there are no clumps. Add butter and vanilla. Cook over medium heat stiring constantly to prevent sticking. When it gets to the consitstancy of a "smooth runny pudding" it's done. Remove from heat immediatley and serve over hot buttered biscuits.

If you don't make homemade biscuits (which I don't) then try the frozen Pilsbury Buttermilk Biscuits. They are the closest thing to homemade! You have to split the hot biscuit open and put a generous pat of REAL butter on each half then drown the biscuit in the gravy. Enjoy!

This move is getting more and more real to me with each passing day. I was talking to my girlfriend, Melanie, on the phone this morning and we had a little cry. Bittersweet is the best word I can use to describe my feelings. I will miss my friends like there is no tomorrow. Yet I can't wait to be close to Susan and my family. I know God will provide a new church family for us. I pray that I can make the same kind of friends again. The older I get the more I realize that true friends... the kind who would drop anything for you, go the extra mile, come to you in need and really pray for you when they say will... are far and few between. I cherish every single one of my Indy girls! I love ya'll with a passion. It's a honor and privledge to call you friends.

Speaking of friends, Lisa and I went out for a little "Girl Time" last night. She's in school right now to finish up her RN. She has a huge test today at 1pm. If you catch this post during this time please pray for her. She was prepared for the test and wanted to just relax last night. We went to dinner and a movie. I saw The Other Boelyn Girl for the 2nd time. Needless to say, I think it's a great movie.

Oh Beautiful Day! We had a georgous day today with weather in the 50's and lots of sunshine. Here in Indy you don't get sunshine all winter long. It makes for a depressing winter if you let it. After naps today I took the older kids outside. The babies slept inside and I kept a listen with the monitor. Cooper has his first cold. He's coughing and has a runny nose. So pitiful! The first of many, unfortunatley.

Jackson has been such a good boy the last couple of days. We rewarded him with a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods for soccer cleats, socks and shin guards. He is playing on our church Sunshine Soccer League. This is his first year playing and he is estatic! He looked so cute in his little shoes. He had to show us all evening how he'd play. He makes Brad hold him up in the air after he makes a "prentend goal." Jackson pumps his arms and smiles big. Just like he's on a movie set. He should be in acting. I really mean that. We get soccer pictures taken Saturday morning and then Easter pics Saturday afternoon.

I watched Becky's two kids today for an hour or so. David is 3 and Madelyn is 1. The kids loved having someone over to play with them. They were all so good and the kids shared well. It was one of those moments that I was so proud of my kids and Becky would have been proud of hers, too. They all sat at the table eating lunch (hot dogs, cheese eggs and cinnamon toast) looking like a little Day Care Center! One time Connor did something not nice and Sissy said to him, "Con-OR, dat not nice. Dat not make Gees-us happy. Say 'Saw-wee Gees-us!'" And of course, Connor did. It was priceless. In case you don't understand toddler talk it translates as "Connor, that's not nice. That does not make Jesus happy. Say Sorry Jesus!"

If I have to have one more conversation about This HOuse and That HOuse I think I'll just move us into an apartment! I'm praying that when we are there in GA and can really look and get a feel for the homes then they will start to make an impression. Right now, they are all just jumbling together. Jackson is starting to get super excited. He keeps asking if he can take certain things to GA or not. Like his batman, favorite tennis shoes, blankies, eagle shirt, etc... He's been hearing my conversations about getting rid of things we are not taking and he's holding on to all he can. I've been slowly but surely cleaning out the house of items that no longer have any value to my family. It's nice to purge!

I hosted Mom's Group on Tuesday. I decided to make a North Carolina favorite... Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits! It was to die for... Christina said she just wanted to "pour a mug of it and drink it"... Heidi said it "put her in a very happy place" and I said "Let's just hook up an IV and let it drip." Soooooo good. I introduced them to some southern phrases, too. The one they liked best was, "It's so good it will make you sass your granny!" haha

Nancy left today to head back to Georgia. So, so sad! It's wonderful to have an adult to talk to during the day. Not to mention to have someone to watch American Idol with me. Brad works such late hours I've gotten used to being at home alone with the kids most of the time. It will be an adjustment for both of us when residency is over. Anyway, I'll miss Memaw and so will the kids. After having my Dad here for over a week, GG for a week after that and Nancy for the last 2 weeks I've been spoiled. The big question is this... Do I still remember how to work my washer and dryer? It's been a month since I've done my own laundry. Thank you Sweet Jesus! As an added bonus, Nancy said when we move she would like to take care of the kids laundry. Meaning each week she would take their dirty clothes and return them to me clean and folded sometime later in the week. I thought I was going to turn into Scarlet all over again! What a great blessing.

Two weeks from today we'll be in Georgia looking for a house. We've been working with Susan compiling a list of homes to see. Susan has been really working hard and I'm so thankful. She's driven across Atlanta several times to preview homes for us. This is such an exciting time but also stressful. I'm trying to keep myself composed. We are blessed to be buying a bigger home that can accomodate ALL of us. I don't want to get caught up in the "this or that" is not exactly what I wanted mentality. Who says we get everything we want in life or even need it?

I have so many pictures to update but since Lola came back from the computer doctor she is not letting me update pics. I have to reload the software. Pictures are coming soon.

After Nancy left I loaded up the kids and we went to the bank, Cookie Cutters for haircuts and then to the grocery store. There should be a loud speaker announcment when we are entering the store... "Attention Meijer customers: Mother with one singleton and two sets of multiples is now entering the store. Yes, she has her hands full... there is no need to remind her of that fact. Please just stay out of their way so they may make this trip as fast and painless as possible. Thank you for shopping with us, today." Now, ya'll know I appreciate that people are fasicnated by my famiy. But for heaven's sake can't they tell I'm in a hurry? At the checkout counter I had to let Connor out of the basket part of the buggy to put the bagged groceries in there. Well of course Gabrielle wanted out, too. BIG MISTAKE. All 3 children were running in seperate directions... literally. I looked like "That Mom" who we all hate to see in the store. You know the one who has no control and you just nod your head and say to your child, "See honey, those kids are being naughty." I admit it. However, I regained control quickly and partnered Connor and Jackson making them hold hands and Gabrielle had to hold the buggy while we all waddled out to the car. They really were so good and I was very proud of them.

Ummmmm... I just noticed that my website has over 18,000 hits! Then I had the sudden realization that I just told "who knows how many" people that I stink... literally. Well, why hold back now? I've shared every drop of blood, sweat and tears on this site. You might as well know it all.

Thanks so much to all of you for checking the webiste so diligently. I love posting and keeping family & friends up to date on our family happenings. I love to see your notes on the guestbook. So please give me a "shout out" or "amen" on your thoughts. I'd love to know I'm not the only one who has to work in personal hygeine to their schedule of to do's! giggle/LOL

I apologize to everyone that was at Meijer tonight grocery shopping. If you smelled a funk in the air, it was me. It's 11pm and I still have not managed to find the time to shower today! So goes the life of a Mom, right ladies? I swear before this night is over (and it's still not over) I will shower. It was funk or food and we all know I choose the food!

I can go to bed feeling really good about my parenting today because I did arts and crafts with my kids. Surely I'm good for another year without having to do this again? Those of you who know me know that I hate crafts. I mean I enjoy the end result but the work you put in is just... exhausting. And heaven knows I don't need anything else in my life to make me tired. Like the whole scrapbooking thing... the last time I decided to scrapbook I nearly threw all my pictures in the trash. Literally, ask my husband, I was in tears. I got so overwhelmed with the process that I wanted to just say "Okay we all know our kids are cute so let's just ditch the evidence!" Anyway, what was the craft you ask? I put out a vinyl table cloth on the floor and set up the easel. We played with chalk and a dry erase marker first. I thought that would satisfy my little artists but of course it didn't. Before this time of torture was over we had finger paints, markers and do-a-dots all over the place. And if that wasn't enough we had to end it with a round of Aqua Doodle-ing and Color Wonder! Now, I know what you are thinking... why does she have all these art supplies if she hates crafts? There is a very easy explaination for this. Memaw decided that they NEEDED the easel, paints, markers and chalk. Aunt Susan thought Jackson should have the PERFECT gift which was a ART BOX full of water colors, finger paint and markers. And Melanie was thoughtful enough to buy them a year supply of ColorWonder Paint for their birthday! Thanks ladies... I'll return the favor. (giggle) All jokes aside, the kids loved it and the finished products were remarkable. I saw a part of their imaginations kick in that blew me away. I guess we'll have to do it again... but not too soon! The kids must get this creative streak from their Uncle Aaron. He's an amazing artist... honestly and truly. The man holds a talent that few posess and he does it all to the Glory of God.

Happy 5 month Birthday to Brady and Cooper!!!! Happy Birthday to Larry! Hope your year is full of blessings.

Spring day on Sunday and Wintry Mix on Tuesday. So goes the weather in Indy. And yes, I love it! I still get excited when I see anything other than rain fall from the skies. I laid on the floor playing with Cooper while everyone else was down for a nap today. Our attention was grabed by the trees in the backyard. They were covered in ice and the wind was blowing them back and forth. It was amazing to me to see God's creation, how he freezes the rain from the heavens and they form these perfect daggers of ice on the trees. Jackson came down the stairs and wanted to know what we were looking at. I shared my thoughts with him, in 4 year old terms of course, and he looked for a minute and said, "Yeah that's great Mom now can I have a snack and watch a movie?" Okay, back to reality!

The morning started off by taking the older kids to school at 9am. I rushed back home and started the coffee pot to prepare for Mom's Group. Everyone arrived at 9:30am. We had a wonderful breakfast of egg and sausage casserole, waffles, pound cake, cheese grits and more. I shared my drama story with them from the previous night. It was late and I was rushing around the kitchen to prepare for this morning. Making lunches, setting the coffee pot, putting out cups and plates, etc. I opened the cabinet to get a cup out and I jammed my right ring finger into the cabinet in a sliding direction and I somehow managed to drive a splinter the size of a 2x4 underneath my fingernail down to the cuticle! I suddenly became Scarlet O'Hara and threw my other arm over my forehead shouting at the top of my lungs, "Oh Law in Heaven!!!! Brad Brad Brad Brad Brad get in here.... HURRY! I'm dying I'm dying GET IT OUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brad thougt there was a mouse in the house. I threw myself over the oven because I thought was about to pass out. Brad looked at my finger and said "DON'T LOOK DOLL, IT'S HUGE!" (Yeah, I had that part figured out) I"m screaming/bawling/crying "Hurry Hurry Get something NOWWW" Brad runs to the garage and says, "Brace yourself... here...I...go... NOWWWW!" "Oh My God In Heaven, OH LORD HELP ME HELP ME... birthing babies two at a time didn't hurt this much!" At this point Brad and Jackson are looking at me like YOU ARE SUCH A DRAMA QUEEN! After it bled like a gyser and I got some ice on the finger I felt much better. After a few minutes I asked what he had used to remove the splinter (which I'll frame or use to hold up a small wall haha giggle) he said, "Ah just this old thing." I looked close and realized he had used wire cutters. That would have worked great had I just wanted it trimmed. But it worked so I let it go! It's a little sore today but actually feels fine. "There's always tomorrow, Scarlet."

Milestone * Brady and Cooper are eating rice cereal. They are doing really well. Brady likes it pretty well and Cooper is aquiring the taste. Also, we've started putting them in the Jumperoo. They love it!

March already? It just can't be! Today was a beautiful preview of Spring. We had clear skies and 60's. The kids spent the day outside. The kids loved it. As beautiful as the day was the weatherman predicted snow later in the week. Go figure?

For those of you who look forward to daily updates please forgive me? I LOVE to keep up with the site... it's sort of my therapy. But the past couple weeks have just been really busy with all the guests visiting. Also the entire family has been battling some sort of "bug." There just hasn't been much opportunity for me to sit at the computer.

As I mentioned, GG and Memaw were here all last week. The kids loved it. They got so much attention and I pretty much spent the whole week "on the go." I took care of doctor's appointments, shopping, meeting friends for lunch/dinner, bible study, movies you name it and I did it. It was so nice to have the time to spend on myself. Friday morning I left early for the Women's Enrichment & Renewal. It's sponsored by the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. So there were women their representing southern baptist churches across the entire state of Indiana. We had a wonderful time. The keynote speaker was Kim Davis. She's a UGA Alumni and former International Mission Board missionary. I really enjoyed listening to her speak on "Finding Joy." It can be so easy to find JOY when the kids are quiet, your husband brings you flowers and says those jeans look good on you, your best friend calls for a long chat and the laundry is caught up. But man oh man on those days when you get ugly looks from the lady behind the counter, all the kids decide to poop at the same time, you are out of milk/eggs/bread and caffiene, your husband didn't notice you shaved your head and your favorite jeans were much tighter today than the last time you put them on... JOY is nowhere to be found! I learned that JOY can be found even in the midst of sorrow and a broken heart. God is worthy of being praised through it all.

The retreat lasted from FridayAM-SaturdayPM. We spent the night in a hotel near the airport. We had about 25 attend from our church. About 15 of us gathered in one room for a couple hours. We played "beauty school" and I was the teacher. All the curly hair girls let me talk them into the world of flat irons. (My CHI is little slice of heaven on earth) So everyone had smooth straight hair. It was lots of fun. And of course there were many many laughs. Most of them at our husbands expense of course! But there was one subject that we made sure would not be discussed... my upcoming move. If someone brought it up then we'd smack it right back down. We'll have that little party another time. ( Hey, that's not a bad idea... a girls weekend at a hotel to laugh, cry and try to say goodbye.) My roomies were Lisa, Becky, Kit and myself. I took a new sleeping pill so when it came time for bed I was in a coma. Becky said that Lisa and I sang the "Hallelujah Chorus" in rounds the entire night. Lisa would snore then I'd chime in! Poor Becky and Kit didn't sleep a wink all night. YET they still loved us the next morning... now that's a true friend!

By the time I got home Nancy had taken Mom to the airport. She had already prepared supper. That was a big load off my shoulders. The kids were happy to see me and so was Brad. They all looked pretty dissheveled but they managed very well.

Thanks so much GG, Memaw and Brad for helping make my girls weekend possible. I love you all very much!

I'm in hog heaven! Memaw and GG are here visiting. I've gotten so much done in the house it's wonderful. They have been entertaining children while I work on closets, laundry and other little things I've been wanting to do. Does it get any better?

Jackson has been requesting spaghetti for a few days. I made my sauce and meatballs last night. All I had to do tonight was make the pasta and put a salad together. It was delicious! He ate two bowls without a problem. I think this is the first time he's "requested" something besides a poptart or fruit snacks. I was very proud. He was so thankful and told me over and over how good dinner was.

I'm hosting Mom's Group tomorrow so I need to go and get some stuff done before bed.

It's a sad sad day in the Harris house. Papa left for Georgia today. I knew it had to come sooner or later but I was hoping it would be much much later. The kids hated to see Papa leave, too. We all did. But making it a little easier is knowing that GG and Memaw are coming tomorrow to visit for a week. I have a Women's Evangelism Retreat to attend this weekend (Friday and Saturday). They are coming to "man the kids" so I can go. It's here in Indy but we still get a hotel and spend the night one night. I went last year and had so much fun.

A lot has changed in a year! I got my taxes done last week and my accountant asked, "What's new?" Little did he know we had two more deductions... I mean sweet little blessings. (giggle) We'll be getting a nice refund this year and just in time for our move, too. Thanks, Jesus. Only 4 weeks until we head to Georgia for vacation. We are spending that week looking for a house. I get butterflies in my tummy just thinking about it. I'm so nervous and excited about the future I can't stand it.

Brad made it back home safe. He's been in the bed for about 4 hours, sleeping. He's got an earache and terrible jet lag. The trip was a bust and he wouldn't go back with the same organization. He's glad to be home and we're glad to have him back, too.

I started off the day by heading to the dentist. I had a cracked molar and needed a crown. It was not painful and I actually fell asleep during the procedure. (That was a direct answer to prayer by the way.) After that I went to Applebee's for lunch... ALONE! It was great to sit and drink coffee have a salad/sandwich combo and just relax. It snowed all day today and was just beautiful. I sat there just thanking God that Papa was here to watch the kids and I could do something so great like treat myself to lunch. After lunch I visited a friend in the hospital. I came home in time to put the kids down for naps and by then I was having some pain from the crown. I took some motrin and took a nap (Papa's orders). After sleeping for a couple of wonderful blissfull hours I cooked dinner (breakfast casserole) and gave the kids a bath. I was sure to get Gabrielle and Connor to bed by 8pm so Papa and I could watch American Idol without distractions. I think the guys are better this year. There are several I look forward to watching but so far my favorite is Michael "The Australian." My friend, Jamie and I think he has the most awesome mouth... I mean voice. Haha giggle snicker Ladies you know what I'm talkin' bout!

Speaking of good looking men, my husband called today while I was at the dentist. Daddy spoke to him. I was so upset I missed the call. For whatever reason he is coming home early. Yeah! He'll be home around 11:30pm tomorrow night. I'm so excited. I don't think the trip was what he thought it would be. I'm very anxious to find out the details.

I'm BACK! Oh my goodness, it's like losing a limb when you are without a computer. I wanted to hug and kiss it when they handed it over to me. It's like a member of our family. I always wanted to name Gabrielle LOLA but didn't have the nerve to do so. I think I'll name my computer Lola... my 6th child. I'm so glad she's home!

Today is Jackson's 4th Birthday! Happy Birthday my sweet baby. Wow, it took me about 9 mos to entertain the idea of having more kids after Jackson. Not because he was a bad baby but because I wasn't sure I was such a good Mom. I didn't think I could handle anymore responsiblity. Giggle... little did I know I could and would handle much more! Jackson is my big helper. I've said before that I didn't think I could do any of this without him and I mean it. He's such a blessing. He never fails to tell me daily, "Momma, I love you so much." My heart feels like it will just burst with pride. I love you, Bubby! We had a family party tonight with a BLACK Spiderman cake. I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, sautee mushrooms and cornbread. Brad's favorite meal... :(

I had a hearing test today. I thought for sure I was losing my hearing but it turns out I just don't want to hear what anyone has to say. HA HA! No really, my hearing turned out to be normal (thank you, Jesus). I just have some problems with understanding people when there is a lot of background noise. The audiologist gave me some "tips" to help. This was just a precautionary test for my headaches. But I think we have those under control with my daily medication.

After I got the kids from school I went for my hair appointment. Papa stayed home with the kids... gotta love that! I told Sherry (my hair dresser) that I wanted something different. I've had the same style for 3 years. But I didn't want to go shorter because I'm letting it grow a bit. So we decided to go darker... and boy did we go darker. I'm a brunette! A true brunette with a few highlights. I really like it. I keep catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror and it confuses me. Who is that woman I see looking back at me? Papa was shocked when he saw me. He said, "Is that YOUR hair?" He thought I had a wig on! Jackson wanted to know where the white was? I hope he meant the blonde and not the gray! Anyway, it's just color and it can be covered back up if I change my mind later but for now I really like it. I'm not so sure Brad will go for it... we'll see. My friend Jamie came over tonight and I got her approval. She would totally tell me if I looked freakish. She liked it as well. Jamie... you would tell me right? Your my only fashion sense PLEASE say you would tell me? I'll post pictures tomorrow. I'm really behind since Lola was sick. I'll have to post the party pics and my makeover hair color for all of you to see!

I heard from Brad on Monday morning at 1am. He had just arrived at his hotel and was headed to the "hospital." He was exhausted and more. He said one leg of his trip was 16 hours! In the meantime, I'm performing a "Clean Sweep" on the house. I guess it's like I'm "nesting." I'm just doing tons of stuff to pass time quickly. I've cleaned out every cabinet, closet and junk drawer in the house as well as cleaning cabinets and light fixutres. We've taken 2 truck loads to Good Will, 8 bags to the trash and I still have a few more bags I'm sure I can come up with around the house. I'm really trying to save myself some trouble. The less there is to pack the better off we'll be when the big move comes. Now is just a great time to do these things while Daddy is here to help. Nancy and Mom are coming next week... yippee! I'll be able to work in the house for another week. I should get so much done.

I'm off to bed. Jackson is sleeping with me this week since Brad's gone. I can't wait to snuggle up next to him and just pray over his sweet little body. God is so good ALL the time!