New Layout

I always thought my blog was too boring. I found this really cool site and messed around with different backgrounds and such. I had so much fun and now I actually like the look of my blog.

Sam's First Steps

We had to run down to my mom's house on Tuesday night to pick up some things. The whole family went and had a good time. Carl decided to work on my parents computer to help them out. They are not computer savvy and have been having problems with it. Carl, myself, my mom, and dad were in the office looking at pictures while they were downloading. The kids were watching TV out in the front room. My parents have cable so it is a special treat for them to watch television over there. Sam was with me. I set Sam down and we were all trying to get him to walk. The most precious thing happened. He actually turned a step away from my mom and me and walked right into the arms of my father. My dad had tears in his eyes. When I think of all the times we have almost lost my dad it makes me rejoice that he is alive to enjoy his 12th grandchild. We did not think he would live to see Alex born and here he is almost 10 years later being the one who his grandchild first walks to. It was such a precious moment and one that I am so glad all of us were able to share. Things are still uncertain with my dad as he is still going through chemo. He has next month off and then goes back again for November. After that they will do the tests again to see if the leukemia is in remission. I just thank God for every day we have with him. To see him be able to enjoy all of his grandchildren is such joy and blessing. I can't get down there as much as I would like (about twice a month with gas prices like they are) but the times we do have together are such a joy. What a wonderful memory of Sam's first steps (even though I am a little jealous he did not first walk to me.)

I Do Have Five Other Children

It seems like my last few posts have all included pictures of Daniel. I do not have the others hidden away somewhere and just to prove it here are some pictures.

Just Like Daddy

Isn't imitation the best form of hero worship? Carl was cleaning out some of his old uniforms and Daniel decided he wanted to be just like his daddy.

Keith and Kristyn Getty

If you have never heard of these guys you are missing out. I got their CD a while ago and fell in love with their music. They are modern day hymn writers. I have never heard music that was so moving. The words are just so amazing. We went to their concert tonight at a local church near our home. It was awesome and it was free. I have never been to any church service of any kind that glorified God more. You probably have heard many of their songs and not realized that it was their music. God has definitely given them a gift to share with others. Please check them out and get some of their music. You will not be disappointed. And if they ever come in concert near you, GO! It is worth it.

Spilt Milk

Did you all know that a gallon of milk spilt on a driveway takes about 30 minutes to spray off with a hose? From now on I am going to take the milk in from the van. Oh yeah, and you can't clean up a milk spill in the driveway with all of the dish towels that you own. Boys can do a lot of damage in the time it takes a mom to put two children down for naps. Just thought you all might want to know those little facts about a $3.60 gallon of milk spilt on the driveway. I am now down one gallon of milk and two loads of laundry, but hey, the driveway is real clean.

The Dance

I love my new ipod that Carl got me for mother's day. My sister recently gave me an old set of speakers for it. The kids love it because we have been listening to Paws and Tales and Jonathan Park on it. I usually play music or an episode while I am fixing dinner. I came downstairs this afternoon to fix dinner and the house was a mess. We had to leave for church soon so I was flustered. Ever get that way ladies? I cannot stand for my house to be a mess. I know, it is something I am working on. The kids had drawing paper all over the place and markers and crayons too. I should have been happy with all the pictures they tried to show me. All I saw was a mess. The Lord caused something to happen that kind of put things in perspective. I was putting the hot dogs on to cook (yes I know hot dogs for dinner is not the healthiest.) I had just finished cutting up some fruit (see I did include something good for them to eat.) I had put some music on more to drown out the chaos than anything. It was country music (yes I know but it was Randy Travis so it was not all that bad.) I was kind of dancing around the kitchen when it happened. Daniel came over to me and looked up with his beautiful blue eyes. "Dance with me Mommy." My heart melted. I picked him up and held him close and we danced around the kitchen. His little head was tucked into my neck and he was hanging on with his little arms wrapped around my neck. I closed my eyes and savored the moment. What if I had been too busy or preoccupied and had missed this precious moment? As we twirled around he lifted his head up and yelled for all his sibling. "Look at me dancing with Mommy." In my own mind I knew that this small act had made him feel loved and accepted. As the song ended and I put him down he ran off to play with the rest of the kids. They were in the process of chasing each other with light sabers. A tear rolled down my cheek and I grieved for all the missed opportunities with each child. I remember all the times I told them I was too busy or made them feel unimportant by my actions or words. I made a commitment right there to let go of my pride in the fact that the house always has to be clean. Who cares if it is a mess right now? One day there will be no children to make it a mess. My relationship with my kids is more important that any thing or possession. Especially in a big family kids tend to feel left out. I need to make a concerted effort to make each child feel loved and accepted and special. I want my children to remember the times I twirled them around the kitchen. Not that my house was clean all the time. I want to pass on to them traditions of dances, special plates, and mommy and me time. I can make each meal and event of our lives special. It all starts with me and my attitude. So from this day forth I intend to dance more and clean less (and yes, Baptists do dance!)