Sunday, September 29, 2013

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Mamas and their babies

 We carry them for 9 months in our bodies. We feel them move, kick and hiccup.
We go through whatever it takes to bring these babies into the world.
We love you from the very beginning.
 We endure feedings every 2 hours day and night. We rock them, take care of them when they are sick, and love them more than they will ever imagine.
 We forgot ourselves and think mostly of them. I know all mothers are not the same. I was one who never wanted my babies out of my sight. I couldn't return to work because I couldn't bare to leave them. I worked from home to be close to them all day everyday. 

As they grew up I was never away from them for more than 2 days. By the time my older ones were in middle school I finally left them in the care of grandparents for weekends away with my husband. Only once did we leave them for a week and I left once for a week long mission trip.
 I was (and am) the kind of mother that takes pictures of every movement. I don't ever want to forget these moments. I made hand prints with them to remember every little crease. I smiled when I saw dirty hand prints on the windows and left them there purposely. 
I saved locks of hair and baby teeth. As they grow up now I still have a hard time letting them go. My son is married and a well trained Marine but when I hear his name or see his face I think of him as a baby or a toddler when he liked playing with my hair or reading books.
It doesn't matter how old they are I love them they way I loved them when they were infants sleeping on my chest. I love them the way I loved them when they were sick and I stayed up all night with worry. I love them the way I loved them when they gave me sloppy kisses and when they did wrong. 

I have seen some mothers who don't bat an eye at going back to work after their child is born or who are relieved when their children finally graduate high school and move out. There are all sorts of mothers but I am one who aches with sadness over not having my family all together. 

I know there is a time when they move on and start their own life but Ive lived for only them for so long. I don't think they will every know how much I love them until they have children of their own.  A mama will do anything to care for a protect her babies. 

I am reminded of  the video of the death of Jesus and how his mother, Mary, saw him as her baby when he walked with the cross on his back. I am not saying my children are Jesus or anything (haha) but it grabbed my heart because I know how I feel and how I see my adult son ... he's my baby. I love my babies more than anything.

Friday, September 27, 2013

More blogging and deployment

We have had a lot going on these days. School is back in session for my girls and I started a new job with the public school system and so much more. 
 
My son deployed to Afghanistan. (yes, they are still sending military there) 
I have had difficulty finding things to write about for awhile now but Im going to try to start back to blogging at least once a week. 
 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Wildlife in your area

 Recently our small town newspaper asked for people to send in photos of the wildlife in their area captured by trail cams or digital cameras. These are a few that were put on the newspaper's facebook page. I must say, Ive heard of what wild animals are around us but seeing the photos is a little scary.

Above is an albino deer. We seem to have a lot of those. We had one in our yard awhile back but someone got it during deer season. Below is a coyote!
 There seem to be more and more bear sitings. A friend posted tonight that she saw a cub in her yard just a few hours ago. Ive seen them near the coast but never seen one in our area. However, others have seen them just miles from our home.
 Below is a bobcat. I haven't seen one in our area but have seen large footprints in the mud near our chicken coop. This photo was taken in our township so its likely that it has been in our yard and made those footprints!
Do you know what wildlife is living around you?


***I did not take the photos above they were posted on a facebook page of the Courier Times

Monday, September 16, 2013

Unbelievable

 I cannot believe that these two are my last two children at home. 
Our Future Doctor will graduate high school this year.
 Our baby girl is growing up so quickly! 
Her big brother was amazed at how she has grown up since hes been
away from home.
I am a mother who always loved every day of my babies' childhood.
Small things like perfect tiny handprints on the windows always made me smile and I would put off cleaning them away because I loved seeing them. 
Even though I enjoyed every day it seems that it went way too fast. 
My baby girl will be in high school next year. 
Unbelievable! 

Friday, September 13, 2013

Prayer, Changes and hot flavored coffee drinks

When someone asks for prayer it doesn't have to be a major catastrophe in their life. Maybe its something minor, maybe its an upcoming decision or change. It could be for a family members salvation or any number of things. When someone asks for prayer we don't need to know why just pray and never tell someone you will be praying if you aren't going to.

*****

Our family is going through many changes right now. I started a new job in the Public School System which means getting paid once a month. Our Firefighter had oral surgery and moved out of our home. Our Future Doctor is wearing a heart monitor to make sure everything is ok. Our Marine will soon deploy and that is always tough on everyone. We face financial issues, health issues, and the worry over safety and salvation of family members. Our family is going through a lot and I greatly appreciate your prayers. 

*****
Its the beginning of a new school year and we have to get back into routines. I love routines but when we get used to lazy summers its tough getting back on track. Our Future Doctor is looking at and applying for colleges. I'm so proud of her, so much so I feel my heart will burst at times. I feel that way about all of my children! I'm proud of Future Doctor but its sad to think about only having one child left at home. I think it will be hard on our Baby Girl also.

*****

Our weather is changing. It feels like Autumn and that's my favorite time of year! 
I love pumpkins, scarecrows, hot cocoa and flavored coffee.
Prayer

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Nature in frames

 This little guy loves chickens and lizards!
 These guys love nature!
 They had fun with frames and pods from the Magnolia tree.
Not sure of the proper term..... is pods correct?

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Double Trouble

 These guys are so funny
 they make me laugh
 and melt my heart
they are so sweet :)

Monday, September 9, 2013

Play Room Progress


My Firefighter moved out. (again) 
When she came home from college she moved in to this room. She recently moved out and I was left to decide what to do with this room. (It is my former Daycare Room) 

I am home for a few days before I begin my new job in the Public School System. 
I have a list a mile long! My first project was to create a Play Room/Work Out Room. 

Its looking better! 
I think I will put posters, words, and saying on the walls with encouraging and positive sayings. 

What would you do if you had an extra room?
What sort of room would you create? Library? Pet Area? Please share!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Funny Frames

 We had a little fun
 with picture frames
 and these are hysterical!
 He was having as much fun as
we were having watching him.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Fun with Family & Friends


 This weekend we had fun with family and friends. Its rare to have all 4 of my children together at the same time. It was a good day!
 We cooked hamburgers and hotdogs. We ate cheesecake and homemade banana pudding.
 We talked a lot, we laughed a lot.
 *below is a picture of my son and nephew.
 * Below is a photo of my son and the four boys that I used to have at my licensed daycare. 
My son always says these boys were his brothers.
 We watched children swim in the pool. It was a very good day. I wish I got more days like this with my son and his wife but Im thankful for the time I do get.
Family and friends make me happy. :)

Sunday, September 1, 2013

What does your name mean?

 Have you ever looked up what your name means? 
My name means....  GRACEFUL
I don't think that meaning is very accurate. This is the second time in two weeks that I have fallen.