Das Not Funny! Friday: I Love You, but Wrap It Up

Friday already? Wow, has this week ever flown by! Tomorrow we will celebrate Lucas and Ashlee's THIRD birthday. When did they quit being toddlers? Sigh. My babies are becoming kids. Naturally, the older they become the funnier they get. So, without further ado, I bring you this week's Das Not Funny! Friday. Don't know what this blogfest is all about? Click here for details.

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One night this week we were finishing up dinner. Lucas and Ashlee had already been excused and had retired to the basement. That left, at the dinner table, me, Luke, Elizabeth, Maw (my grandmother) and Baby Girl. Elizabeth had a pretty bad day that day and was telling me she was sorry and that she loved me. Then, the following comments spilled forth from her (almost) 5 year old lips:

"Daddy. I love you, even when you don't look in the mirror and shave your face.

And Mommy, I love you. Even when you don't take a shower.

And Maw, I love you. Even though your old.

And Baby Girl, I love you. Even though your black."

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During our Memorial Day trip to the lake, Lucas and I decided it would be fun to ride on the water tube. Everything was going great until, out of nowhere, the tube took a nose dive under the water and a huge wave washed over both of us. It scared the crap out of us both. Luckily Because of God's protection, Lucas remained in the tube and I held on.

Later, we were talking about the ride and I asked him, "Lucas did you like that tube ride?"

His reply? "No. Not one bit. I did not like it one very much bit."

I concur Buddy.

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We were driving home from a foster parent get together and Lucas was attempting to recount the story of The Three Little Pigs. He kept getting stuck on, "Once upon a time..." then say a few words, then start over with "Once upon a time." Elizabeth was desperate to tell us about her desire to have frogs at our house, but was trying to wait patiently for Lucas to finish his dissertation on all three types of piggy houses.

Finally, I ask Lucas to wrap it up so someone else could tell a story. He finishes and Elizabeth begins her story,

"Uh, Mom, Dad..."

when Lucas interrupts her and says, "Wrap it up Bizzy!"

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Taking the twins shopping for their birthday party supplies was certainly interesting. They acted as though they had never been

1) In public.

2) In a dollar store.

3) In a position of choice.

All three of those things made our outing to the Mighty Dollar a squealfest. Although Lucas maintained his desire for a "whorsey" party, Ashlee was persuaded away from having to purchase "Dorla" plates and cups (which were NOT available at the dollar store) and instead settled on a Dora-esque flower type patterns.

Choosing their cakes was, in fact, supremely interesting. Lucas chose a "Cowboy whoresy" cake and Ashlee loved every one she saw, exclaiming, with each page of the cake decoration book,

"I want fairwees! I wike da pwincess! Ooooo dinosaulers! Wook! Aye-go! (Diego) Yes! Dorla!"

We settled upon "Dorla" because that was her initial request, before we ever entered the grocery store. I'm so glad she's not a conformist.

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There you go folks, Das Not Funny! Friday from yours truly. I'll have a a super fun weekend entertaining children of all ages (sounds a lot like the circus, doesn't it?). I hope to provide you with countless Das Not Funny! Friday moments from this weekend, with multiple kids hyped up on sugar and party overload.

In the meantime, please leave your URL in Mr. Linky so that I can come and laugh at you at your funny moments, along side you. If you've never played before, be sure to check out this post for the official rules and for an easy peasy way to link your blog right back here to mine.

Happy Friday, peeps!

Mr. Linky
(This week, Mr. Linky is going through some struggles. He and I have spoken about this, but he insists on being stubborn. You'll have to click on the icon that says "Mister Linky" then enter your info like normal. Unfortunately, your name won't appear right here on my blog, but rather on the Mr. Linky page. That's why it's ULTRA important for you to leave a comment, so we will know who's linked. Happy New Linky!)

Smitten...

...yes I am, with her stunning beauty. I love her little fingers as they pat my face. I am in love with her deep dark eyes as they scan my face. I adore her toothless grin as her giggles bellow from her tiny belly. And her teentsey toes, I could just eat them right off her petite little feet.

Yes, I adore her. Her spirit is sweet and happy with a small touch of drama. I can only imagine the amazing things God will do with our sweetest Baby Girl. I can't wait to see.

Memorial Day Memory Lane

What a memorable Memorial weekend we had! We were blessed to travel to my Nana's lakehouse and spend time there boat riding, fishing, swimming, jumping, playing and tubing. It was so hard for me to believe that it was THREE years ago that I looked like this (and only had 1 child - outside the womb, anyway):

In that picture, I was fully pregnant with the twins. I delivered them just 2 days later, all 11 + pounds of them. My Dad is trying his best to make his stomach look as large as mine. He did not succeed, which seriously bolstered my self-esteem. Elizabeth was just 21 months old.

Our teentsey little family had a final, relaxing weekend just before the chaos of two new babies hit. (Although this picture makes us look tattered and exhausted, and not at all relaxed. Oh gracious, if we only knew what TRUE exhaustion was.)

This whole weekend, I was blown away by the fact that it was THREE years ago. And in those THREE years, we've acquired 4 more children. Wow.

Anyway, back to this weekend. Elizabeth and Lucas both caught their first fish. They were so stinkin' proud.


While Ashlee couldn't have cared less about fishing and instead spent her time blowing bubbles, and getting in and out and in and out and in and out of the boat.


Aaron LOVED watching the big kids play on the inflatable island and even spent some time sitting, quite happily, in the on-board cooler. It was a perfect fit for both of them.

Baby Girl spent most of her time sleeping. I think she's having a growth spurt because she is sleeping ALL THE TIME lately. At any rate, I couldn't let the weekend go by without hijacking borrowing my Mom's awesome SLR camera and having a mini photo fest with my littlest beauty. Nor could I avoid snapping this shot of Aaron being an awesome big brother and providing me with a blog-friendly picture of his little sister.

When she wasn't being the object of her brother's affection, Baby Girl sat contently admiring her feet - her newfound hobby. I happen to think they are quite precious as well.


I hope you all had an awesome Memorial Day weekend. I hope you, like me, spent some time in thought over fond memories you've all made and the privilege we have of living in a country where memories are often blessings.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Itty Bitty Boobies Geese and Some Pics

During naptime this week, I'm finishing up my Bible Study time when my bedroom door creeps open. Elizabeth peers in and I invite her to sit beside me while I finish up. I'm wearing a tank top, and she sees that as open invitation to inspect my bra.

"Mom, I reeeeallly need to borrow one of your bras," she states.

"You do?" I respond with a smirk.

"Yep. I need one so I can cover up my itty bitty boobies."

She must have snooped through my jewelry box and discovered that I am a card bearing, lifetime member of the "Itty Bitty Titty Club" and realized her destiny.

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Yesterday, we went to the zoo. Naturally, and thanks to Tarzan, the gorillas were the highlight of my children's visit. At one point, the male gorilla climbed to the top of a tree-like structure then turned his "behind" to us. Only moments later, he stuck his booty out in our direction. With that, Elizabeth spun on her heel, looked me square in the face and said,

"Mom. Uh, I think he needs you to wipe him."

I think not.

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As we ate lunch, on our way out of the zoo, we stopped at a picnic area and tried to eat in peace. A gaggle of geese thought that we needed some obtrusive company. We managed to finish our lunch without being assaulted by our new feathered friends. On the way home from the zoo, all 3 big kids fell asleep. They must have been sleeping HARD, because when we arrived home and I began unloading Lucas and he snapped to consciousness and asked, very groggily,

"Are we done feedin' da ducks? No! They ate all my wunch!"

To which Ashlee responds, "My wunch! Da geese! Noooooo!"

Note to self: Geese cause my kids to have nightmares. Good to know.

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This is Lucas at his gymnastics' Gold Medal Night, offering shuga to da ladies, as he accepts his medal, with honor. Click to enlarge, if you must.

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Finally, this photo is NOT staged. These two were in the bathtub, playing their little hearts out. Lucas had just gotten some of those plastic toy soldiers, thanks to my grandma, Maw. He took one into the tub with him and proceeded to hold the soldier's sword at Ashlee's throat. I know the picture quality stinks, but you SO get the idea. Remember that time she was a Drama Queen? Oh wait, that's NOW.


Alrighty peeps. Do you belong in the zoo? Did you see or hear something funny this week and try your best to conceal your laughter? If either of those are true, more so the latter rather than the former, then you should totally participate in this blogzpolooza known as Das Not Funny! Friday. All you have to do is write your won Das Not Funny! Friday post including all that funny stuff you saw this week.

Then, somewhere in it include a link right back here to my blog. You can do that easy schemeezy by copying and pasting the stuff in the box in this post. Also, by going back to this post you can read all the "official rules" (that aren't really that official at all). Or you can just grab the button up there on my right sidebar. Just copy and paste that text into the "Edit Html" tab where you'd normally compose your posts.

After you do that, come back here and type all your pertinent info into Mr. Linky so that my blog will be linked back to yours.

That's it! Seriously, I wanna hear your funny stuff, so make. me. laugh. people.

Wore Slap Out

Baby Girl continues to go to physical therapy every week. She is making great progress in the areas of sitting, rolling, reaching and (just today) showing me that she can lay on her tummy and turn in a circle to follow a toy...a WHOLE 360 degrees!

However, after a few minutes of sitting, rolling and doing lots of playing, she tires pretty quickly. Earlier this week, I sat her in the floor with some toys and walked into the kitchen for a few minutes. She began to fuss, but I just figured it was because she didn't want me to be out of her sight (she's got a little Mommy-itis). So, I just allowed her to fuss for a bit. When I returned to the living room to check on her, this is what I found:


She slept that way for almost half an hour. It cracked me up.

As for her case status, we head back to court for her on June 18th. At that time, her birth mother's rights could be fully terminated, barring no outlying circumstances or misplaced paperwork. I am praying that God will allow her case to move swiftly and without mishap. After the hearing on June 18th, birth mom will have 30 days to appeal the termination (if such is ruled on that day). After 30 days with no appeal, she is legally free for adoption! Her adoption should go rather quickly since we will have just completed an adoption pre-placement assessment for Aaron's adoption (that assessment is good for 18 months).

And since I brought it up, Aaron's case should be closed out and he should be fully adopted by mid-June. The last bit of paperwork is due to be turned in on Friday, then his adoption social worker will take our profile to the adoption board. Once approved, all we have to do is file the paperwork with the clerk of court and wait out the 10 day waiting period. I was hoping he would be "official" by his first birthday (June 6th) but that isn't looking likely.

This weekend is Homeschool Convention, so I will be gone, gone, gone all weekend, soaking up Homeschooling knowledge (and probably clawing my eyes out by Friday evening). But, before I leave you for the weekend, be sure to check back tomorrow for Das Not Funny! Friday. Tonight was Gold Medal night at gymnastics and I have a few pictures that just make me chuckle, and I'm sure they will you too.

Rainforest Rapids IAP My Summer Oasis

Dear Blast Zone Company,

This year, for the birthdays that my summer born children will celebrate, my husband and I decided to commit social suicide. You see, last year I promised myself that I would take my own advice and continue in the "new" tradition of off-site birthday parties. Our 4.5 year old daughter's 4th birthday party at the gymnastics facility was delightful and completely relaxing for both me and her father. Unfortunately (for us, but very fortunately for you), we opted to forgo this luxury this year and instead we were lured by your high powered marketing tactics (aka: listings on Craigslist and Ebay) and chose your Rainforest Rapids Inflatable Amusement Park (which I will herein refer to as RRIAP) as our one and only option for birthday party fun this summer.

Although I'm sure this will be a decision that I'll live to regret, we were thrilled not only to spend our money the grandparents' money and purchase our own bounce house/water slide for keepsies forever, but to see that we were going to receive it in a week's time, straight from (unless you count the FedEx stops in Kansas and all) the great state of The Governator.

Our Rainforest Rapids Inflatable Amusement Park (RRIAP) sat securely in her box until the first dry and semi-warm day we've had in the past week. Today, we busted open the box, hooked up the Boeing 747 "blower" and tested her abilities. You'll be happy to know that after many relocations, we finally found a patch of lush green grass to kill, right outside our back door.

(Be sure to take special note of Elizabeth, our first born, already injured in the bottom right hand corner of this picture. A class action law suit will also be attached and a secondary copy coming via certified mail. Well, not really, postage is now $0.44, and based on the price of your product, that is $0.44 I no longer have.)

I am humbled to say that your RRIAP, was indeed, love at first sight for both me and my children. Perhaps, because of my children's exhaustion, I will regain naptime afterall. I especially love that you offer RRIAP's use as both a wet/dry amusement park. Today, we decided to open 'er up and take her for a spin. I am thrilled to report that my children loved your product, all 16 ft x 14 ft of her.

However, I regret to inform you that you might have made a small oversight with the use of your product in "dry mode." It seems that, shipped along side of RRIAP (and only when used in "dry" mode) was her BFF, static cling.


The 15,000 watt voltage that lept from my children's fingers and onto my face EACH time they were near me was enough to fling me from my feet and onto our near standing swing set. After an entire box of dryer sheets, Ms. Static Cling has met her demise.

On a better note, I am hoping RRIAP's countless hours of unfailing (and hopefully, unpoppable) love will lead to many, many more of these from my terrorish delightful son.

My second eldest daughter was virtually unable to be photographed. Due to time constraints and necessary running, ear piercing screams and delightful jumping, I barely snapped this photograph before she was, once again, too consumed with sliding, jumping and squealing.

Overall, I would just like to thank you for this product. We have yet to test her out using the water hose, but we rest assured that adding water to her already incredibly slippery surface will make for an enjoyable time for both kids and parents alike (as the latter stands at a distance mocking and smirking at ill timed jumps and poorly placed footings).

A week from this Saturday we will be conducting a test of your product's strength. We have invited over several crash test dummies delightful, bounding children who will be pulling, jumping, climbing, gnashing their teeth slipping, sliding, laughing and enjoying the RRIAP. I will follow up with you at that time as to the effectiveness and guarantee of your manufacturer's 90 day warranty.

Yours Truly,

Jessica

Faith Like A Child

Last night, after a fun filled evening of missions updates, Luke, Elizabeth and I went to go grab a late dinner together.

As we sat there, we began talking about God and what He does for us. We praised Elizabeth for showing her younger siblings love. We told her it made God happy that she loved them so much. We also told her how proud we were of her for loving Aaron and Baby Girl just as much as Lucas and Ashlee. We told her that it was so special that she loved them just the same, even though they did not come from my tummy.

Then, Elizabeth said that she wanted to pray and ask God if Baby Girl could also stay with us forever, just like Aaron is. We said that we thought that was an excellent idea. Then, we heard some serious theology, eloquently spoken by our 4.5 year old, blue eyed, curly headed daughter. She said,

"You know what though. When you pray to God, He always answers you. Sometimes He says 'Yes' and sometimes He says, 'I'm still working on that, so not right now,' and sometimes He just says 'No.'"

Luke and I looked at each other, dumbfounded, trying to figure out which of us had told her that. Luke looks at her and says, "Who told you that?"

We expected her usual answer of "I just knowed."

Instead, she replies, "I learned it at church, from my Sunday School teachers."

The power of a body of believers, reinforcing what we are talking about at home, has cultivated within our 4.5 year old daughter a greater understanding than most adults can comprehend. Faith like a child. Love like a servant. I pray that I can love Him like she does.

Real, Live Missionaries

Missionaries.

Some people wonder what they do? Others wonder how one could ever forgo their own life just for "missions." Yet other people ponder the day to day life of those who willingly live in foreign lands, brave unfamiliar cultures and learn new languages, all for Jesus' sake.

Personally, the questions I have range from petty to monumental. For example, if I were to be able to speak to Real Live Missionaries, I'd probably ask the following:

* How did you know you were being called into missions?
* Have you ever ridden a camel?
* Why on earth (or why in heaven) did you pick that area of the world?
* Is the toilet paper there, uh...friendly?
* What is the one thing you miss most about the good 'ol US of A?
* Seen any black mamabas...EVER?
* Where could I get a Dr. Pepper?
* What about a Reese Cup?
* I'd even settle for a Caramello. Got those?
* What do you mean bad chocolate? Wow. HOW. DO. YOU. LIVE?

If you've ever wanted to ask Real Live Missionaries these or other questions, I've got GREAT news! Now is your chance to hear them answered, in person (at least if you live near me).

Yours truly, (that would be me) will be Emceeing a full on, totally uncensored night of food, fun and a Q & A session with Chris and Lindy Thompson with Only Servants Ministries.

That's right folks, not ONLY do you get a full 2ish hours of me, uncensored, with a microphone, but you may even get your questions answered and some serious belly laughs in the process.

What's that? You live 15 states away but you'd still like to ask a question to Real Live Missionaries? Well, my friend, it won't be quite the same apart from my night of totally uncensored Emceeing, but your questions still have a chance to be answered if you head over to this post and submit them in the comment section. Also, if you're too far away to make it in for the gala evening, I highly suggest you check out this post and watch the video of Only Servants Ministries in action. It's seriously humbling. (And it may even make you wanna click on their little icon where it says "Donate" and join them in delivering the Good News to the people of Kenya. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.)

Again, if you leave a comment on their Q & A post, not only would it have a chance of being answered, for real, on the blog of Real Live Missionaries, but I may even select it as a question to ask during the Q & A session of "A Living Room Conversation."

So head over to Only Servants' blog, and light up their comment box. I know you won't be sorry. The fun begins on Sunday, May 17th at 6:30pm at Rich Fork Baptist Church, in the Multi-Purpose Building. Be there or be square.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Old As Dirt & Leaving A Mark

Elizabeth has forsaken nap time. Since learning to speak Spanish didn't pan out, and in an effort to still salvage quiet time for myself, I decided to google some online interactive pre-school games. I found an online Bible trivia game that was not Pre-k, but I figured I could do one with her, then let her take the reigns.

We are trucking along asking questions. They continued to get harder and harder when I finally got to one that was looking for the answer "Abraham" out of the 4 multiple choice options. In an effort to help her answer it all on her own, I asked,

"Elizabeth? Who was it that had a baby when they were really, really old?" (Hoping she would say Sarah.)

Instead, she responded, "Uh, you?"

Thanks baby, now mommy feels especially young and spunky.

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Baby Girl has this new contraption, courtesy of her physical therapist, that is helping her learn to sit. The good thing about it is that it made for the bath tub as well. Most of the time she and Aaron bathe together. Well, this new sitter device has a mesh-like bottom. At one point during bath, I smelled something rotten. But Baby Girl does have some stank gas, so since I didn't see any floaters, I figured all was safe.

I finish bathing Aaron and set him, totally naked, onto the carpet in the hallway outside the bathroom. I turn to get Baby Girl out and upon raising her see the special prize she had stowed away in the meshness of her new seat. I yell for Luke to come and help me. As he is relieving me of a very nasty little girl, my grandmother comes around the corner, looks at Aaron and says, "What is THAT?"

"What is what?" Luke responds.

"That. In the floor. Is that poop?" she exclaims.

I peer around the corner and into our bedroom and see a man sized turd laying on the floor. I'm still assuming it was Aaron since Luke has stuck by his innocence.

The whole time we are cleaning up poop remnants (both from the tub and the carpet), I continued to say aloud to myself, "This will be funny tomorrow. This will be SO funny tomorrow."

It was.

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Lucas, walking through our kitchen, spots something brownish-black stuck to the floor (shocking for you all to believe, I know). He stops dead in his steps, and says (while pointing to the nasty on the floor),

"Wook! Wook evwebody!"....(Dramatic pause)....."Crotcodile poop!"

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The Big Kids are all about playing "puppy." I find that it is the most annoying of all the games they play. The shrieks that are suppose to be barks, the constant whining. It's just more than my brain can handle.

Apparently Ashlee has decided that she now "marks" her territory. Luke discovered this when he caught her in the act of "marking." Baby Girl is now territory of Ashlee.

According to Luke, it was "just a squirt." That doesn't really make it better somehow.

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Alrighty peeps, now it's your turn. What did you see or do this week that cracked you up? When you saw that something funny, was it a bad time to laugh out loud? If so, even better! Please join me in this blogapolooza known as Das Not Funny! Friday.

Here's the deal. For the "official rules" (which really aren't that official at all) go to this post. Also, by going back to this post you can find an easy schmeezy way to link right back here by copying and pasting the stuff in the scroll box. Or you can just grab the button up there on my right sidebar. Just copy and paste that text into the "Edit Html" tab where you'd normally compose your posts.

It's SO simple. Naturally, you can simply write your own post and just hyperlink right back here. Once you've done that, then type in your info into Mr. Linky and my blog will be linked back to yours. Thatta way, I can find you and laugh along with you.

If you don't have a blog get one you can leave your funny stuff in the comment section, by clicking on "comment." Let the giggles begin.

Thank You Mom

A big and super tearful thank you goes out to my hubby for the super-de-duper tender Mother's Day gift. Just my style, I must say. Plus, it will never wilt like flowers, won't make my hips big(ger) like chocolate and cost next to nothing. I'm one extremely blessed help meet, if I do say so myself.

But, I wanted to take some time and recognize my own Momma, because, well, she's pretty stinkin' amazing. Everyone who knows her agrees with that too.

My Mom is a natural encourager. All my life I've noticed how much she lifts up the people around her, making them feel special and loved and she does it all with a genuine and authentic heart. I stand in awe of how much she truly cares about others. Sure, there are lots of people who say the right things and ask the right questions, but my Mom, she doesn't do it for show or pride or recognition, she does it because of love.

In fact, if my Mom knew that I was about to post an entire page on my blog just for her, I'm sure she'd humble herself right into a corner. But you know what, that's what makes her so amazing. You see, my Mom never mothered me with the thought of one day getting web-recognition. She never taught me to love because she thought that one day she'd get some kickback. She never showed me how to authentically serve others because she thought that I would stand in front of crowds and tell them how amazing her heart truly is.

No, my Mom isn't a show off. She doesn't really even like getting accolades or recognized for her humble successes. She'd rather work behind the scenes, allowing others to shine. Well, Momma, you've worked hard, and you raised me right, and I'd just like to tell the world why I know that God blessed me beyond measure when He knit me together in your womb.

If you didn't know already, maybe it's time you realized, I love kids. Not just my own too. I love all kids, especially ones that poop and pee in a toilet (but sometimes I'll even let that slide if they are real special). I remember being in Montessori school with another little girl with Down's Syndrome. I was drawn to her, loved helping her and knew that she needed a friend who would slow down and allow her to just be herself. Do you know why I knew this? Because my Mom told me so. She encouraged me to befriend her. She told me how special this young girl was to God. She made me realize that although we were different, we were more alike than anything and that everyone is created, and loved, because of the purpose they serve. I remember those conversations with my Mom, and I remember them now as I love all these kids that I am blessed enough to call my own. Yes, they require patience, extra time and special care. Good thing that my Mom encouraged me to acquire those attributes from the time I was barely going in the toilet myself.

I remember, with vivid detail, the day that my parents told me they were getting divorced. I remember the blue chair I was sitting in, and that the paint was chipping off of it, showing some yellow underneath. I can still see the red checkered tablecloth that was on the table in the kitchen. I can still feel the grains from the tiny pile of salt that I rolled beneath my fingers as my 8 year old brain tried to understand what my Mom and Dad were saying. I remember feeling loved. I remember never thinking it was my fault. I remember the question,

"Jessica, who do you want to live with?"

What a hard choice. I love them both.

"Daddy." I said.

And my Mom? She let me go, if only for the night.

You see, my Mom knows unconditional love. She knows that sometimes, to fully love someone, you have to let them go. Sometimes, they have to feel their own pain, they have to see beyond your wisdom. Sometimes, they have to journey out beyond your shelter. She loved me enough to let me chose my Dad again, 5 years later. This time, as we backed down the driveway, she allowed me to stay for longer than the night. She, once again, displayed a love that was so unconditional that it didn't matter that her own heart was breaking. She knew my heart needed my Dad so she let me go.

Over the course of the next 5 years, our relationship was strained. She was in North Carolina and I was in Arkansas. Parting after summer visits, spring breaks and the occasional trips "home" must have ripped her apart. But she never made me feel guilty. She never manipulated me or begged me to come back. She simply loved, without condition.

Then, one night while home from college for the summer, I confessed to her sins. Sins of intentionally wanting to hurt her. Sins of lifestyle choices. Sins with my body. She wrapped her arms around me and we wept together. She did not make me feel guilty nor manipulate me. She simply loved.

As I type these words through tear-blurred vision, I can only pray that my children will see the unconditional love that my Mom has shown me. You see, although I didn't meet my Savior until I was 22, I've felt His love all of my life.

Loving me through hurt. Allowing me to ridicule, break and mock. Loving me through sin. Welcoming me home time and time again. Never manipulating, never forcing. Always loving, without condition.

I can't imagine not knowing this kind of love. It's something I've taken for granted my whole life. I've never questioned whether she would be there, I've never doubted her love. She's always loved, always given, always offered. Even now, as I am grown and ever busy with my own little ones, she gives, loves and offers. She takes on burdens on my behalf. She takes the barks and bites that I sometimes give her and freely offers forgiveness, often before I ever ask. She shows me, daily, what love looks like. It's never forceful or proud. It's always free, always tender, always welcoming.

My Momma isn't perfect. She's not sin free. She's not a woman who loves being recognized for all of her successes. She's not always strong. She's not one to take compliments to heart. But, above all, Momma, you should see that the only reason I love my Lord with my whole heart, the only reason that I claim to be the daughter of The King, the only reason my Savior won me with His love is because of the way you showed it to me first.

Thank you Momma for loving me forever, even before you knew my name. Thank you for showing me how to be a Mother myself. Thank you for introducing me to my Redeemer. Thank you Momma, for all that you are, all that you are growing to be and all that you pray over me.

I love you Momma.

My Aunt Judy, My Momma, Me and my grandma "Maw"

Momma, Me and my (step)Dad

Being a MeMe for the very first time

MeMe, Lucas, Ashlee, Maw, Elizabeth and PawPaw

With Ashlee, Family Pictures 2007

With Elizabeth, Family Pictures 2008

Happy Mother's Day

Das Not Funny! Friday: Grannys and Photo Ops

Yes! It's finally (almost) Friday! How many times this week did you see, or do, something this week and stifle a chuckle? Well, when that happens to me, my daughter Ashlee looks at me, scowls her face and says, "Das Not Funny Mommy!" Which, in turn, makes me laugh even more. Because truly it is so very funny. Thus the purpose of this bloggapoluza known as Das Not Funny! Friday.

Here are the things I found funny this week:

Lucas and I headed out to Walmart to pick up some things one afternoon. As we were walking through the parking lot, we approached an elderly lady loading her purchases into the trunk of her car. She was wearing a hat much like this one (minus those dope shades):

In his typical, louder-than-necessary, voice he says to me, "Mom! Look! A Cowboy!"

We've encountered cowboys before, but somehow, I didn't think this lady wanted to A) Be called a man. Or B) Entertain a (almost) 3 year old.

"No, honey, that's not a cowboy." I replied.

"Yep, it is Mom. A Grandma Cowboy!" he said with a squeal.

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Elizabeth to Ashlee: "You be the Mom and I'll be the Grandma."
Ashlee in response: "Ooooo, you're old."

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And finally, I forgot to actually write down all the funny stuff that they said this week, so I'm going to post some pictures that really cracked me up.

She's faster than everyone in our family. When she turns on the jetts, she can smoke her siblings. This would be the face she makes when she's at top speed.

We opted to be "fun parents" this week and took Ashlee's mattress off the bottom bunk and put it at the bottom of the stairs (the girls' bunk beds have stairs, not a ladder). Then, we let the kids jump onto the mattress. This is Lucas' face, upon landing.

Ashlee, "carrying" Aaron to her bedroom. (By the way, if you look closely in the upper right hand corner of the picture, you will see the "stairs" I referenced in the picture of Lucas.)

That's all I got this week. I know, I know, it stinks. This week I will write them down again, I promise. Since mine was so lame, I'm gonna really have to rely on you all to bring the belly laughs.

Simply create your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and somewhere in it link back here to my blog. Then, once that's done simply type your own URL (your web address) into Mr. Linky, along with the name you'd like displayed.

See! It's SUPER simple. If you'd like an easy schmezy way to link back to my blog, you can copy the info in the box below and paste it into your "Edit Html" tab where you would normally compose your blog posts.

It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…

Naturally, if you don't have a blog, you can always leave your funny stuff in the comment section. Alrighty folks, crack my stuff up!

For The Love of PBS and All Things Fiesta

For over a year now, Elizabeth has been asking for me to teach her how to speak Spanish. Since my Spanish is only fluent in the presence of my good friend "Jose" and his partner, "Rita" I opted out of teaching her from my own knowledge base. Instead, I took on the task at last year's Homeschoolers convention to find a good Spanish curriculum that was, er..."compatible" with my DVD player.

It was then, while I endlessly scanning the shelves for a Spanish teaching course that my "friend" Emily told me of the Spanish kits that she had at home, free for my use. I am using the term "friend" loosely with her now, or at least until she lavishes me with profuse apologies. Let me explain further.

A few months after last year's convention, Emily brought by two confetti splattered boxes, promising that Elizabeth could sit and watch, and I believe she even used the words "learn some Spanish."

Those boxes, ashamedly, sat in our garage (just where she sat them down) for an untold number of months. In fact, I distinctly remember moving those boxes inside one afternoon, not so long ago, when I knew that Emily and her children would be coming over for a playdate. After all, I didn't want her to think I was carelessly allowing them to sit in our hot, dirty garage, mindlessly collecting dust.

Flash forward to last night. Luke and I were debriefing each other about our day (okay, I was spilling forth the tireless efforts of nap time to him, looking for some sympathy). I stated to my sweet, dear husband that I thought that Elizabeth was finally, and all too sadly, outgrowing her nap. He very tenderly suggested that I use that time to show Elizabeth a video on letters or numbers or something educational.

"Well, we do have some Spanish lesson videos somewhere around here," I casually commented.

"Oh, she would love those, wouldn't she?" he added.

I agreed and thought to myself that it was just too perfect. Afterall, Elizabeth spent most of her dinner time on Sunday night at the mexican resturaunt, treating our waitress as her personal Spanish-English Dictionary.

Yes, it was time to literally dust off those Spanish lesson videos and finally regain my sanity during nap time. And today was that day.

After deciding that my mensa-like daughter should probably start on the beginner level, I open the funfetti-esque box of goodness, almost giggling to myself. I just knew that these videos would be my key to a quiet, rested, Spanish speaking house. I located "Leccion Uno" and popped it into our...VCR? (That should have been red flag #1.)

I begin with the "Introducion." Elizabeth and I sit eagerly, waiting for the abundance of Spanish knowledge to seep into her spongelike brain. The screen flashes to life and I see two people, walking along side a large body of water, telling us about how amazing their spanish program will be for our family.

"Yes! Yes!" I silently squeal, "Get to the goods!"

For what seems like an eternity (but was really only about 5 minutes), Mr. Y Mrs. Espanol continued to explain the greatness of their Spanish video program.

"Blah, blah, blah...watch these videos with your children. Blah, blah, blah...this is a family learning session...blah, blah, blah."

I glance over at my daughter. She looks at me.

"Mom, can we get to the part where I learn Spanish?" she pleads.

I concurr and find the VCR remote. I begin to fast-forward, certain that within a few moments, pearls of Spanish wisdom will begin to flash onto our TV. I fast forward more, then more, then more AND MORE.

I keep the VCR on fast forward, go to the bathroom, clean the kitchen, mop all my floors, wash 6 loads of laundry and return to the TV. Mr. Y Mrs. Espanol are STILL discussing the grandios of their Spanish lesson videos. (Okay, we all know that was a tad of an exaggeration. But I would seriously guess that the "Introducion" lasted approximately 45 minutes. 45 minutes of Mr. Y Mrs. standing in front of a large body of water. Talking. Endlessly.)

Finally, "Leccion Uno" begins. I have to say, at least with "Introducion" we had the option of watching the waves in the background or, perhaps, grass grow.

Below is the email that I promptly sent to my wonderful, darling, idea filled husband.

Dear Honey Pie,

I guess you watched those spanish lesson videos before you recommended them to me last night?

I'm sure you have.

I'm sure your idea was that it was SO INCREDIBLY FREAKIN' BORING that it would force Elizabeth to hide her face, under a pillow, thus relaxing her and causing her to fall asleep.

Or maybe you knew that it would cause such little amounts of brain stimulation, that she would not be able to withstand the state of boredom and fall into a comatose state, causing her to nap like nobody's business.

Or MAYBE, you knew that it would cause her to appreciate PBS, thus never complaining again that we don't get any of the "fun" shows anymore.

Or just maybe, you wanted her to realize that learning spanish is NOT AT ALL FUN, and anyone who comes into "our" country should buck up and learn some spanglish.

Whatever your intentions, I commend you on your efforts. Clearly she will hate spanish the rest of her life, never want to see a confetti decorated box, and ultimately, think the Public Broadcasting System is God's gift to all children, across the country.

Love you,

Your wife (who's eyes and ears are bleeding as she types this. I wonder if blood stains are covered in the laptop's 6 month warranty?)

I'm sure my "friend" Emily will be on my doorstep soon, to retrieve not only our friendship, but her super awesome confetti covered boxes. And this year at convention, I plan on shopping for a Spanish curriculum ALONE.

I'm A Sucker...

...for a man baby in a muscle shirt. His blue eyes don't hurt him none either.

Itty Bitty Beaver

Oh my precious, littlest princess. My one and only Baby Girl. I love you so very much, yet you hardly get any recognition here on the 'ol blog. So here, is a post dedicated entirely to you...you little precious snooker wookums! (Oh, was that out loud?)

You are so amazingly beautiful, that sometimes it takes my breath away.

Yet it is not your outer beauty that makes me fall in love with you day after day. It is your love for life, your sweet squeals and laughter. It is the way your whole body smiles along with your tiny, toothless mouth. It is the tenderness with which you snuggle and show affection that makes my heart melt with love.

You already love being in the midst of the chaos of your family. You love to be talked to by your siblings (even Aaron), and doted over as you learn to roll, babble and hold your own bottle. Unfortunately, my precious, tiniest child, you never get to keep anything all to yourself. You are required to share your giggles, laughter, smiles. It is mandatory that one of your eldest siblings hold you, and shower you with kisses, each and every day. Your adoring audience demands that you give them affirmation of their comedic abilities with your shrieks and belly laughs.

And, all to often, you have to share your belongings and have your picture made in your older sister's towel. But, you never really seem to care too much about that.

Yes, my sweet one, as God's abundant goodness resonates through your joyful spirit, it is so clear that He placed you right here, with us, for a specific purpose. We praise God for you each and every day and we stand in awe of the blessings bestowed on us because of your life.

UPDATED: Baby Girl: Court Review

UPDATE:

Court went very quickly this morning. We were out before lunch, which is a HUGE blessing, especially considering that Superior Court was in session as well (all public attorneys are required to fulfill Superior Court obligations before moving to Juvenile Court), and often that means we just sit and wait on attorneys.

Nothing new was set, although the Judge did acknowledge Luke and I being there and said something along the lines of "Yes, I see the foster parents. I recognized them and I am glad to see that they took the time to come today. Thank you, both."

That. Is. Huge. This Judge does not seem to love foster parents, DSS or anyone who is not family, so I was so thrilled to see that she "recognized" us (Although this is the 3rd time we've seen her for Baby Girl's case, so I would hope we'd spark some recognition with her).

Birth mom was not present so no anxiety about that, praise God. And, just about a month's worth of some loose ends before we proceed with fully terminating birth mom's rights and begin the adoption process. Our social worker seemed optimistic that adoption proceedings would begin within a couple months, and that our next court date of November 2nd would not be needed because everything would be final!

I can hardly wait! Thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers! You all bless me so very much.



Original Post:

We head to the court house again today for a review hearing for Baby Girl. It's not anything that will change the case plan, just a simple review.

However, we WILL encounter the birth mother. This causes me a lot of anxiety, facing her mother, sitting near her and watching her actions as her daughter's case is discussed. Naturally, it is my prayer that her birth mother would just relinquish her rights. However, that doesn't seem to be an option in her mind.

There is a chance the the judge would order visitation for a family member (not the birth mother). If you feel led, please pray that the judge would rule with wisdom. I do not see how visits with a family member would be beneficial for Baby Girl, since her mother's rights will be terminated within a matter of months, and at that time ALL family visits would cease. But, this judge is known for siding with "birth families" for no good reason.

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Flesh

I was checking in on some blogs lately and came across one of a friend of mine, one that I've mostly lost touch with. We met about a year ago and I know that, deep down, we have a lot more in common than either of us know to be obvious.

At any rate, this friend has noted recently on her blog that she is no longer a believer in Jesus. She isn't a Christian, and the tone she often takes makes me believe that she may even have some anti-christian emotions. Oh how I wish she could see me, when I was her age, and know that we are truly so much alike.

The part that took me back was when she listed people in history she'd like to meet. She noted some that seem obvious like FDR and Hitler. But then, at the bottom, she blew me away. She listed Jesus, but not for the reasons I would have hoped. The words she used about my King were curt and had a sting of pain. Then at the end of her explanation of why she would chose to meet Him, she stated, "I'd shake his hand though, and let him know I respect his humanitarian efforts."

Wow. My Prince, my Lord. The One who set me free from things that I never even knew held me in bondage. My Love. Shake his hand? I exited off her blog, intent on coming back and sharing with her something profound. The profound never came. But, her words lingered.

Then, this past week when I took Baby Girl to her physical therapy appointment, I ran some errands. As I drove in the (uncommon) silence, I thought about my friend's words. "Shake his hand..."

I thought, "My dear friend, if you could shake His hand, if you could just touch him, see the scars, feel him for yourself, you'd see that He really is all you will ever need."

Tears formed in my eyes. I hurt for her. Not a pity hurt, an authentic hurt, like when you know someone is experiencing a loss that you cannot prevent. I love her. I hurt for her. Then it hit me. There were people who touched Him, soldiers who gripped His arms, felt His flesh, drove the nails. There were real men who carried His lifeless body. There were people who pulled the nails from His hands. They touched Him.

They felt his flesh.

Yet, for some of them, their lives were not changed. Face to face, skin to skin, smearing the very blood that bore all sin, they felt Him and yet, no change.

I think the thing that saddens me most about being a believer in the Savior of the world is that not everyone will take advantage of His sacrifice. Not all who see Him will see Him. Not all who come face to face with Him will believe. Not all will be rescued.

When I know that these people can be friends, loved ones and family, my heart breaks. It breaks terribly. Yet, the truth remains.

He came.
He lived.
He died.
He rose.
He redeemed.

Choosing not to accept that truth does not make it less true. He died, he did, for me, for you, for all people. He would have came just for one, even if all others chose not to believe.

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.

Isaiah 53:3-6
(emphasis added)

It was foretold. It happened. What a beautiful love story.

Although I really believe in my heart that my friend knows the truth. I also know that every day that she questions, everyday that she seeks after other forms of false redemption, everyday that she looks away from the One who is all truth, it is one more day that she is living outside of the fullness that God intended for her life.

The flesh. The nails. The blood. The body. For her, for me, for all.

To believe, to change, should it take a handshake? If you're waiting on all your questions to be answered, I can promise you they never will be. I have unanswered questions. Pastors have unanswered questions. We all do.

So what is the difference between those soldiers who touched Jesus yet never believed and a true Christ follower? Faith. It is by faith, through grace, that He redeemed us all. Faith that He is enough. Faith in what you may never understand. Faith in the One who bore all sin.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command,
so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Das Not Funny! Friday: The South, The Smack and The Streets

Yeeeehawww! It's Friday! Welcome to this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday. Oh how I cannot wait another second to see what funny things we've all seen/heard/done this week. (Actually, I can wait another second because I'm totally publishing this at 12:15am, then heading straight to sleep.) Here are my hilarious moments, for your giggling pleasure.

Me to Ashlee: "Ash, are you going to sit down at the table or do I need to give you a spanking?"

Lucas: "She need a bankin'."

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Here's a sample of the progression of kid annunciations.

I have an Uncle.
Elizabeth calls him "Uncle Jerry."
Lucas calls him "Uncle Jerwy."
Ashlee calls him "Uncle Jelly."

Only one of them pronounces his name correctly. Hummm...I wonder which one? Just FYI, I don't have an Aunt named "Peanut Butter."

---------

This one may not be the best mental image for some of you, but it seriously had me laughing until I had tears...

Let me set the scene. I am fresh from the shower, and still, er...unclothed. Elizabeth is in our bathroom using the potty. As I flip my head over to put gel into my wet hair (our house really is like a small nudist colony...my kids are not alarmed by bare skin), Elizabeth casually walks by, reaches out and SMACKS my bare bottom. Then, she just keeps on walking as if nothing ever happened.

I look up, she looks over her shoulder and we both burst into hysterical laughter.

----------

We've been discussing communion with Elizabeth (actually she's been recounting to us her first communion and the symbolism of the juice and bread). Lucas and Ashlee have picked up on it.

One morning this week, we had what appeared to be Maple & Brown Sugar oatmeal, but Lucas assured me that it was "Jeduses bone." Then, he pick up what I would have thought to be chock chock milk and proclaimed it as "Jeduses bloods."

I'm thinking I've seen Jesus' gang's name spray painted on a train before, but I'm not totally sure.

----------

Lucas: "Mom, are you a boy or a gurl?"

Me: "Uh...a girl silly!"

Lucas: "Are you surwe?"

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Lucas, trying to get Elizabeth's attention: "Ewizabet! Bizzy!....E-lays-a-bet! Heeeeeeeey! Bizzzzay!"

Elizabeth: "What Bub?"

Lucas: "What are you doing?" (in a tone that would make you think that nothing at all was urgent about his need for her attention)

---------

At dinner this week, I sat Aaron's baby cereal down on the table beside Lucas, then turned and went to finish gathering the other things we needed for dinner. Apparently Lucas thought it would be good to take a bite.

After 10 minutes of dry heaving and gagging, he was able to compose himself and eat his chicken. At that time, Luke and I were also able to subside our laughter and eat as well.

Now he moves way away when I put down the baby cereal.

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You know that you are kuntry when your (almost) 3 year old says,

"Mom. I nayde some chock chock may-yulk."

(And, you're also kuntry if you know exactly what I just said without having to say it, aloud, to yourself 10 times.)

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And finally, if this video does not make you laugh (or at the very least, smile), you MUST have a heart of stone.

Okay peeps, it's your turn. You don't have to have funny kids (or kids at all) to play along. Simply create your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and somewhere in it link back here to my blog. Then, once that's done simply type your own URL (your web address) into Mr. Linky, along with the name you'd like displayed.

See! It's SUPER simple. If you'd like an easy schmezy way to link back to my blog, you can copy the info in the box below and paste it into your "Edit Html" tab where you would normally compose your blog posts.

It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…

Naturally, if you don't have a blog, you can always leave your funny stuff in the comment section. Once more, super simple and oh so fun. So now it's your turn, peeps. Happy Friday!

Mister Lankey
(that would be "Linky" for you northerners)