VictoryWalk

4 years old

2009-10-24T17:45:00.006-05:00

Princesses!

2009-09-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

Myer is Cinderella.
Tatumn is Belle.
Clara is Sleeping Beauty.
Lexi is Tinker Bell.

This was taken during Taylor's 16th birthday party. It's just not a party until the princesses have arrived!

Happy 16th Birthday Taylor!

2009-09-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

A dream come true!

Best Friends Forever....

2009-08-03T17:50:00.002-05:00

I have told and retold the story of Tatumn's adoption many times. The details of how the Massey's started their adoption journey right alongside us. That it wasn't planned that way at the beginning but after that initial first step we couldn't have been more grateful to be on the same path together.
God, knew in advance what that road looked like ahead of us...and He knew we would need each other.
As I type those words and re-feel the emotions of those days, tears spring up in my eyes and my heart does this flutter thing. On one hand, I am surprised we made it. Honestly. And on the other hand, I am humbled and in awe.
God's plan all along was to bring these two little Asian girls together to be friends.
The bestest kind of friends.
The kind of friends who sit by each other and laugh hysterically.
The kind of friends who love to put make-up on each other and is patient when one of the friends hands doesn't move as fast.
The kind of friends who know how to encourage the little details, like hair bows and twirly skirts. And when one of the friends is crawling to the play house. And if one could pick what makes her the happiest...it would be the crawling..every time.

This weekend found us side-by-side with our most favorite people for a lot of activities.
And this is how you would have found our girls.
Holding hands.
Sitting beside each other in the restaurant. Holding hands.
Worshiping together...which is a rarity..but a blessing beyond words..holding hands.
A birthday party...holding hands. And putting on make-up.

Enjoying the Fairy Tale

2009-07-23T14:19:00.001-05:00

Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life love comes along....

and brings you a fairy tale.

author unknown

Cousins

2009-07-13T10:29:00.002-05:00

Blessings

2009-06-29T22:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-22T09:51:00.001-05:00

This is the 16th time you have had a portion of the Father's Day event. 16 years ago, you were so incredibly brave and the way you honored me, I will never forget. Your loyalty to me left me changed, humbled, and so proud to be yours.
We didn't expect to partake of the time honored tradition so soon in our young lives but this is where you found us. So young. So unprepared. But walking forward, holding your hand as you held on to Jesus.
In the past 16 years, our first born little boy has now grown up to be taller than we are. Who also incidentally thinks he is smarter than we are, too. Our second son,posed to be a challenge before we ever saw his sweet face and red hair. That pregnancy will go down in our history as one of the hardest seasons we faced. 7 months of bed-rest with a toddler was tough. Losing two grandparents was almost more than I thought we could handle.I will never forget sitting at your PaPa's funeral and watching them hand you the flag that had been draped over this brave WWII soldier's casket.Your PaPa loved you so much, Kip. I will never forget him peaking in our hospital room the day after Taylor was born. It was a bit of an awkward moment, remember I was trying to breast feed the baby? But when I saw him standing there, he didn't see any of that stuff. He was watching you. And the look of pride on his face will be forever hidden in my heart. He would have gotten a big kick out of our middle son. I am so sorry they never got the chance to meet.
The birth of our youngest son came with it's own challenges. You were finishing up your PGA qualifications and pursuing a "dream" career. I remember getting up with Tucker in the middle of the night and being greeted by you at the kitchen table studying. My pillow laid out on the chair and a glass of water waiting for me. Thank you for that. Tucker's health issues brought us together as a team. Kind of like peas and carrots. The Lord saw fit to teather us tightly to each other and to HIM during that season.
Little did I know what was in store for us!
The addition of our daughter into our family has truly been the Great adventure. Our first step into the parenting adventure, we stepped into with timid steps but with this one we seemed to jump in with both feet! Thank you for listening to the Voice inviting us to trust and 'go'. I am so thankful we didn't get to see the days rolled out before us, I don't know if I would have stepped out at all. However; this time we both held on to Jesus with both hands.
I loved watching you fall in love with Tatumn in China.

Who would have thought that our family would have been made complete half-way around the World? That the teenage couple would one day be grown-ups with 4 kids?
Thank you for walking a life with integrity.
Thank you for allowing God to change your career path and not being bitter about it.
But actually becoming better for it.
Thank you for fighting for us. For me.
Thank you for sitting in the rain watching Taylor play football.
Thank you for taking Tanner to Summer school at the crack of dawn so I can sleep in.
Thank you for taking Tucker fishing. Just the 2 of you. Even though your poison ivy break out was killing you.
Thank you for delighting in all things princess and dancing with your Cinderella.
Thank you for pouring my coffee and sitting it out
because you know I don't drink hot coffee.
Thank you for loving me in-spite of my quirks.
Thank you for loving Jesus and being His hands and feet to a world that needs to see Him.
Thank you for loving a fun-loving, mouthy, insecure teenager.
And the woman she is still trying to become.

Fater's Day

2009-06-22T01:08:00.000-05:00

To the beat of their own drummer!

2009-06-03T09:23:00.002-05:00

The girls have found a new way to play with this drum set. The drum sticks are now officially MICROPHONES!! They will sing for hours! It is so funny! Sometimes they will really sing a "song" and other times it just start with a loud giggle and the swell into a scream! When they get tired, they will just lie down and sing some more!
If one of them talks to the other with out the microphone up to their mouth, the other one will say "I cannot hear you! Use your microphone!"

Watching them play together, independently, is truly one of God's sweetest blessing poured out over us. At the same time, just out of the picture are two happy momma's enjoying sweet tea and laughing. Basking in this precious promise that His plan for us is good.

The Princess gets her Wish!

2009-06-03T08:44:00.003-05:00

Tatumn has been asking for a swing set for a while now so over Memorial Weekend Taylor and Kip set out to build her a swing set. The other two boys mostly smiled for pictures and asked "how much longer". Our girl is NOT a dare devil and when Kip showed her pictures to pick out what style she liked , she picked out this one. The others were "too high" for her. Except for the one that would have taken a building permit to build. And we didn't think our back door neighbors would appreciate such a monstrosity; especially because it would taken up their yards too. Except for one neighbor, he would have liked it because then he wouldn't have to mow his yard...ever. But we didn't ask him.

We have already gotten many hours of swinging and sliding fun out of it. And it only took 45 seconds for someone to get hurt. Tucker threw the other swing into Tatumn's flight pattern and knocked right in the head. The Princess ice bag was summoned and all was well after a that.

The VERY NEXT DAY, Tatumn did have one more request. She said " Daddy I really, really need a baby sister to swing with me, please."

Happy Summer!

2009-06-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

Middle Son was out first for Summer! So, we celebrated with a trip to Caribou Coffee! It was his treat, too! I think I told him one or two (thousand) times not to have me regret my decision to allow him the privilege of caffeine!
Happy Summer!

I love this girl!

2009-05-11T08:55:00.000-05:00

So Happy Together!!

2009-05-11T08:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers day, Mom!

2009-05-11T08:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

I wonder....

2009-05-09T12:11:00.002-05:00

is she left-handed?

is she the silly one in the family?

is her hair fine and smooth?

does her eyes sparkle when she laughs?

is her giggle loud?

if her favorite color is pink?

does she have a sweet tooth?

does she love to look at the moon?

does she miss her?

does she think about her?

what she wonders about.

Today an Asian woman has captivated my thoughts. A woman I have not met but would give anything for a brief encounter with this side of Heaven. Does her heart ache when she thinks about her sacrifice? Or has the culture dulled her pain because it's become the norm. Has she ever tried to find out about her?

Tatumn has grown so much this past year. She has become an independent little sassy lady. She loves to be silly and dance around. Her giggle is truly infectious. There is a sparkle in her little almond eyes that I am almost sure she had to get from her birth mother. She loves to look at the moon and will ask if that is the same moon in China. Maybe that special woman looks at the same moon. I hope she does.

Today is Birth Mother Day. Not something that Hallmark is capitalizing on but a special day for us. I may not ever be able to thank her personally but my heart overflows in gratitude because of her. Because of her, I get to be Tatumn's mommy. In her words "My very best girl."

How you know that your son is turning into a teenager.....

2009-04-15T20:23:00.002-05:00

It could be the attitude change.

But it wasn't today.

It could be that he has outgrown all of his clothes.

Again, not the clue I got.

The voice changing/cracking.

Nope.

Did I mention the attitude?

Nada. He was actually very sweet today.

It was the quick scene that could have passed by without notice. But I did notice. I am very thankful that the Lord allowed me this quick glimpse. It made the horrible mood change from yesterday almost bearable. Although there are still pieces of my heart laid about my house that need picking up.

The scene played out like this...

We were making a quick trip to Hy-Vee for something to grill for dinner. The weather here has been totally spring-like. Glory. We were driving down the road and up in the distance there were three girls walking along the side of the road. I could tell they were middle-school age. From the back they looked like normal girls. Not a hoochie in the bunch.

Here is the deal, I only saw them from the back.

However, Tanner craned his neck as far as he could when we drove by to get a look at their faces. When he turned back around I could tell that he wasn't interested in any one of them.

I just took the sight in. I didn't make a comment at all. A little part of me had to let go at that moment. Let him be a teenager. I knew I needed to offer a little more grace for the attitude. Have I mentioned lately how horrible it can get?

As we left Hy-Vee ,though, he did jump on the quarter-for-a-ride-horse and rode like a cowboy....without his sister. All by himself. Oh, the sight makes me laugh out loud. He is truly stuck between little boy and wanna-be teenager.

May God find favor with my desire to keep putting one foot in front of the other......and not turning around and running the other way.

*Congrats Adrienne. E-mail me when you get a moment! I can't wait to hear about this precious little girl! crawfordhouse6@aol.com

I know, I know...... Hold your appluase until after the post

2009-04-14T08:32:00.002-05:00

I'm back.
Did you miss me? If not would you please act like you did; you know to save my feelings from being hurt on my first day back.
My 40 plus day sabbatical was for a fast that I felt like God put on my heart.
To focus on Him.
And you know what I found out?
This computer thing takes up a lot of personal time in my day. From checking e-mail, catching with my "friends" via blogs, I can literally waste half my day.
That left me a lot of time to focus on Him.
It was good.
Really good.

Just a few things to catch you up on....

*Teenage boys are TOUGH to parent. You can't let your guard done EVER.
*Toddler girls gets sassy.
*Third born boys are the sweetest.
*If you are the only Caucasian in a nail salon, a complete stranger will think your daughter belongs to the nail tech.
*16th anniversary gifts are a delight!
*My wedding finger is sporting some serious bling!
*My kitchen is a brighter shade of yellow.
*Beth Moore's Esther study has blessed my heart. Every day.
*My computer is on the fritz....again.
*My sister still has not planned her wedding.
*Though she wants to get married in JUNE.
*Summer is coming..... although we still need our heater on!
*If I really had a choice I would drink coffee with cream over green tea.
* My new favorite store is Sephora.

I will catch you on in more detail later.

We are all good.....

2009-02-23T08:55:00.002-06:00

thanks for checking.

I know it's been a looooong time since I posted.

You know I have found out that life sometimes goes by in fast forward.

We've had one of those times. Again.

Everyone is doing good here at Crawford Casa.

Praise the Lord.

The firstborn is doing good. The middle one is ...I have a funny story on him. Later. The little man is good, as always. And the princess is the princess. A twirling delight!

We celebrated Valentines Day with a Fondue Dinner. Get it Fond of You. We had a blast! The big boys still love it and I asked when they had girlfriends if they would bring their girlfriends here for Valentines Day. And they said "yes". I then pulled out a contract, pricked their fingers for a tiny bit of blood, and they signed a covenant! Quick and Painless.

On Saturday, we hosted a dinner party here for my Bible Study girls. I love these girls with my whole heart and I am so thankful for their willingness to serve the body with their gifts and talents. Our Wednesday morning Bible Study is not your average meet-in-the-living room-kind-of- group. We have a worship team, lights and video, and a support team. So, on Saturday we invited the girls and their husbands to come and break bread with us. We had such a good time!

I have had such a full schedule lately that it has been hard to juggle. I am trying to discern if I am doing a lot of little things okay or if I am doing a couple good things for God. Trying to discern if what I feel at night is typical mommy guilt or is the enemy trying to manipulate my thoughts. More often than not, I have a running dialogue with the Lord that asks Him to reveal to me His truth but also in forgiveness for being afraid to walk by faith. There is a heaviness there that I cannot shake. An anticipation that is palpable. A burden heavy. A joy immeasurable. A nagging guilt. Humbled by His invitation.

A Belief that grows daily through all of this.

and

Happy Birthday Tucker Chase

2009-01-29T08:31:00.004-06:00

Today is my baby boy's 9th birthday. Nine. One full hand and four fingers on the next. 9.
He was born in a snow storm.
I will never forget the ride to the hospital.
Kip decided to take a new route because of the snow......
Interesting.
I also had the flu.
I will never forget that either.
Tucker had RSV and pneumonia twice before his first birthday. We have had some scary moments with his health but God has been so sweet to us in those moments.
We have had some special bonding times late in the night when everyone else was sleeping and he needed a breathing treatment. I will never forget the stillness of that machine running and holding him in my lap.
When the big boys went to school, he was my constant buddy.
And the day he went to kindergarten, my heart hurt more than I thought it would.
The second day of first grade we walked him into his classroom and kissed him goodbye because we were boarding a flight to China at 12:00.. I asked the Lord to let that kiss and hug be enough for the 2 week journey. For both him and me.

I remember seeing him at the airport and thinking he had grown a ton during that 2 week separation. We left him as the baby of our family and came home to him being the big brother.
He's a great big brother to Tatumn. He plays the best with her. he lets her boss him around and will play anything pretend. He is also a fantastic little brother, too. The big boys let him tag along in the woods and challenge his skills on the Wii. He takes their teasing and knows how to dish out his own.

He is a charmer and a pleaser. Every teacher has loved him greatly. His teacher this year started out our parent-teacher conference like this
Teacher "I love your son."
Me " Me, too."
Teacher "That is all I have to say. Really. Nothing else to report."
Me- thinking.....silently to God "Thank you."

Happy Birthday Tucker.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-28T20:51:00.001-06:00

Gung Hay Fat Choy

2009-01-28T19:32:00.002-06:00

Happy Chinese New Year

This is the only family picture that we have taken for a long time.
Did we get one for thanksgiving? No.
Christmas? umm...no

Tatumn and Myer wore matching pink tutu Chinese dresses! Love it!

35 things about me.....

2009-01-27T14:29:00.003-06:00

In honor of my 35th birthday I thought I would list out 35 things about me that you may or may not know.

Yes, I am really 35.

I know...it's half way to 70.

I am choosing to see the glass as half-full rather than it's been all fun and games and now I on the down hill decent from here.

1.I Love Jesus. I really do.

2. I adore my husband.

3. Married my high-school sweetheart.

4. #2 and #3 are one and the same. In case you had any doubts.

5. Enjoy being a mom to 4 amazing kids.

6. My boys love me as much as I love them. (they really do!)

7. My daughter is simply a "delight".

8. We adopted our daughter in August 2006 from Hunan, China.

9. Adoption changed us. More than I ever thought or imagined. It has become our heartbeat. (I mis-spelled heartbeat with heartbest but I think both are true. I like that. Heartbest.

10. I am a random-not organized-kinda creative-girl.

11. I love a clean kitchen.

12. I am a true book worm. Give me anything to read and I will. From the prescription papers on medication, Mitford, the First Born series, to the Word, I'm there.

13. I don't like to sweat. I wish I was a pretty sweat-er, I'm just not. Picture blotchy.

14. I do love to shop. And I am good at it. It's a gift. My dad once called me a black-belt shopper. One of my most favorite compliments, ever.

15. I am embarrassed to admit this but I have been known to curse like a sailor. My BIG TIME conviction came this year to give that up. And you know what, I have. Only to the Glory of God it is not even a temptation.

16. I struggle with personal insecurities every day.

17. I love to cook.

18. My most favorite color is Pink.

19. My favorite shoe is the flip-flop. From fancy & bedazzled to simple and plain. I heart the flip-flop.

20. I am a closet worship band singer. I can not carry a tune in a bucket but oh how I love to worship with everything I have. Arms in the air. A little bit of a dance going on. Eyes closed. (of course) Joyful noise.

21. I truly feel like we are supposed to adopt again.

22. I love fun and colorful serving dishes. Any and all kinds.

23. I love sweet tea. Although, I am currently on an unending fast of the drink. I miss you sweet tea. You are just not good for me.

24. I am a Fox News junkie.

25. I suffer from insomnia. It maybe directly related to #24.

26. I am a happy girl when I am surrounded by palm trees and sand. Just ask my husband.

27. I am not a numbers girl but I am in charge of our budget. Believe it or not, it works.

28. Sometimes I look around my life and am completely amazed that I am the wife and mom to this group. That God chose me.... amazes me.... humbles me..... and causes me to be a better me than the me I am.

29. I feel like God is calling my family to serve in Missions. I am not sure when, where, or how...but I feel it. Deep.

30. I am a horrible typer. Now, I wish I finished that keyboarding course in High School. True story, I told my guidance counselor that I would NEVER need that skill.

31. I can fall asleep in any movie. It must be something about finally sitting still in the dark for any amount of time. Obviously # 25 doesn't apply here. Ask my kids about the time we went to see Curious George. Embarrassing.

32. I am a finale kind of girl. Whether it be the final rose, world series, the election, anything I love seeing who wins! I got hooked on the NBA Finals when Tanner was a new born baby.

33. I truly have a liking for accessories. (I am tired of using the word love...but trust me the feeling is that strong) Necklaces and bracelets are my faves!

34. When I text, I don't use text talk. Like U for you, 2 for to, two, or too. I just can't. I also have been known to use the correct sentence ending.

35. Because I am now 35 , I have to go for my Base Line mammogram this year. That may be a little too much information for you but its the Truth.

happy Birthday to me!

The battery in my van is dead.....

2009-01-20T17:27:00.002-06:00

Got in the car today to go celebrate my mom's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mom. (I will try and post a b-day message later tonight.)

Tried to open the automatic door.

Nothing.

Opened my door.

Nothing.

No lights.

No ding.

Nothing.

We were already running late.

Imagine that.

And I said "The van is dead."

Tatumn responded "it is dead? who shoot it mommy?"

Oh, to be the sister to 3 big brothers.

Smelling like a sugar cookie......

2009-01-10T15:42:00.003-06:00

I thought you all (all 7.5 of you!) may enjoy this little funny.

I had my female doctor apt the Friday before Thanksgiving. You know the apt that you just endure. The one that mocks you from the calendar page. The apt that is met with dread. Yeah, that one.

Okay, I was having a good hair day and I wore a cute outfit. One special thing that did thrill me was that I had just purchased my holiday scent. I am a Bath and Body Works girl. I heart that place. It makes me happy. I am also very seasonal with my scents as well. Like Ecclesiastes says "there is a time and season for all things under Heaven." I am sure King Solomon was referencing the seasonal bath and body scents, too. You know he was the wisest of men.

I digress.

Okay, back to my apt. I stepped on the dreaded scale. And was mildly disappointed. Let's just say this. The holidays were approaching and I had already used my reserve pounds. You know how you play around with those 5 pounds. Sometimes its 5 more and sometimes it is 5 less. Yeah well, I had used those and a couple more reserves that were stored away for the next year or two..... or five. As I sat and waited and beat myself up over the stinking number on the scale. I would tell myself my self-worth was not in the number and that my image was in how Christ saw me. Then I would wonder how does He see me?

On and On.

Then I decided I would talk with the Dr and get her advice and opinion.

She walked in (finally) and said "Oh my! You smell so good. You smell just like a sugar cookie!"

Ugh, yeah. Maybe not the best time to bring up my struggle with my weight.

But I did.

I told her that I am just having trouble losing. I work out and eat right. (chuckle!)

So, she told me that really I still fall in the guidelines (for a 7 foot tall man) and that possibly my metabolism had slowed down. She told me the best thing to do would be to talk with a nutritionist. She assured me that she would be able to put together a combination of food choices that would help speed up my metabolism. I know she was pleased with herself for giving me such sound advice.

All the while I am sitting there smelling like a sugar cookie.

I still have not gone to visit a nutritionist. I just haven't had the time.

I haven't worked out either.

I (may) have mono.

But I am concerned. I have made resolutions.

I am going to be proactive.

I am not going to beat myself up over a number (no matter how it is) on a scale.

I am going to remember my identity and self worth is found in Christ alone.

And I switched my Bath and Body flavors.

I did. And I feel like I am on the right path.

I am now using Winter Candy Apple.

Good choice. Fruit. Not sugar cookie.

I wonder about the candy part.

New Year!

2009-01-08T13:09:00.002-06:00

Sheesh. That's all I can think of to start off my first post of 2009. SO much drama has swirled around and through this house that I am (almost) speechless.

First of all you know it has been too long of an absence on your blog when you hear this...
"listen, your kids are cute and all but I am so tired of clicking on your blog and seeing "Give Thanks" again and again.

Okay, I know. I am a blogging loser. It's okay; you do not need to make a comment to make me feel better. But leaving a comment would let me know people are still coming here. ;)

Let me explain. I have been sick. The kind of sick that ravages your sinuses, makes your throat feel like there is a fire inside, and fills you with congestion but then after a couple of days of taking the legal limit of Nyquil you fill better sick. Only to our run down your immune system once again.

And then you know rinse and repeat.

Since November.

I know.

I did go to the Dr. on Monday. Wanna know something about that trip.? Sure you do. I haven't been to the Dr. since I had my physical for our dossier for our China adoption paperwork.

2005.

Something funnier....(more funny?) I had a $10.00 credit in my account because I overpaid for that physical in 2005! So, that was a nice little blessing at the check out.

My diagnosis....is still quite unsure but we are leaning toward mono. We would know for sure if I went back on Tuesday for my labs. But seriously, two visits in one week when my record is clearly once every 3 years would have pushed it. Plus the excessively large glands protruding from neck and my extreme fatigue may have been a tell-tell sign. Additionally, my Dr. said there was nothing he could for it because mono is a virus ..."That will be a $30 copay. Thank you." I hate that with my whole being. Yeah duh it's a virus.

So, needless to say December happened and I did my best to get everything in. Although the whole time I never felt like myself and needed to nap like a baby. Honestly, the boys asked Sunday if something was wrong as I lay comatose on the couch ALL day. When I told them I had really felt like this since um..... before Thanksgiving they were appalled!

I guess I am a good faker.

Or my children are self consumed and too selfish to notice that I nearly crashed and burned to deliver a fantastic Christmas.

Because it is the New Year and I have made some resolutions, I will go with the door #1, Bob.

Truthfully, I don't know why I am so sarcastic today. I must be feeling better.

Give Thanks!

2008-12-08T09:48:00.000-06:00

Thank you for the gift of parenting these children!

I am thankful that Taylor has really matured this year! Thankful we made it out of 8th grade. Thankful for his tender heart and helpful hands!

I am thankful for Tanner's quirky personality. Thankful that he feels conviction. So very thankful that he makes us laugh. Laughter is good.

I am so thankful for Tucker Chase. Thankful for how he loves me. Thankful for the little brother he is and also the big brother he is to Tatumn. Thankful that his hands still look like a little boys.

I am thankful for Tatumn Hope. Thankful that God to chose to grow our family through adoption. Thankful that it's picture of Him adoptiong us. Thankful for twirly skirts. Lipgloss kisses. Pink nightgowns. Princess dreams.

Remember me?

2008-12-08T08:44:00.003-06:00

Okay, it's been a while since my last post. A lot has happened since then. It's not like our house is nice and orderly and quiet. Not in the least. It's just that so much activity has swirled around that it has left me breathless, weary, busy, and too overwhelmed to blog!

Plus..Kip left his computer home this morning! Yeah me!

*Little Isaiah went to his eternal home right after I posted my last blog. Please pray for Mary and Matt. They are some of the neatest parents I know! Wise beyond their years. Stronger than anyone else I know.

*Tatumn got her ears pierced! Actually that happened in October but I haven't blogged about it yet!

*Tatumn will be a twirling snowflake in the Christmas recital next week. I'm not sure if she will really twirl or not during the recital because she gets so shy in front of a crowd. But at home we have seen her twirl and shake her hiney like a champ!

*Our Wednesday morning Bible Study group is in the middle of the Believing God study by Beth Moore. God has taken us up on our sincere cry to Believe Him more. We have witnessed an outpouring of the Spirit, a renewed present active participle Faith,and fresh revelation.

*I am trying to put together a Christmas Card for the first time since we adopted Tatumn Hope. We laughed so hard yesterday trying to get a picture. Let's just say I found a new level of bribery. Oh! The kind of parents the boys may grow up to be......

*At our (outdoor) mall, there are pictures with a Snow Princess instead of pics with the man in red. We loaded up the children with the great anticipation of Tatumn visiting with a princess. Only to find out the Princesses went home the day before to make room for the man in red. How do you explain that to a 3 year old? And do you think we got her to sit by the jolly red elf? Not so much.

*So, Tatumn now knows how to say ORLANDO. Because that is where I told her the REAL Princesses live.

*I am hoping we get to go to ORLANDO soon.

*Taylor, firstborn, won 3 out of 5 matches in his first JV wrestling tournament Saturday! We are so proud of him!

*Kip and I got to sneak away for the night on Friday! We stayed at a great hotel downtown and got to enjoy some quality time. I love my man!

*I love him even more for loving me after I momentarily lost my mind (and almost my witness!) on Thursday night.

*I took my big boys to a play called Tribulation Christmas last night. I was thrilled to just hang out with them and to talk about their salvation and walk with the Lord. I love those 2 big boys so much. Being a mom to teenagers is a challenge but so exciting too. I got to hug on both of them all night long. They held my arm and walked me to the church like gentlemen.Most of the time they are on the fringes because of the little two. But last night was all about them. It was good.

*I will post soon with pictures and bloopers that will not make the Christmas card!

Real Life ( real long)

2008-11-17T19:47:00.003-06:00

We started our new fall Bible Study in September. I have been a part of Wednesday morning Bible Study since Tanner was a new baby. I was a young mom. A young wife. A new Christian. The invitation was readily accepted for two reasons. To study the Bible. And friends. The companionship that was offered in those days blessed my heart as much as the Word tendered it. I will never forget walking into that house feeling like I was wearing a Scarlet A on my shirt. Not because I was an adulteress but because it wouldn't take long to realize my age and the age of my children to realize how young I was when Taylor was born. (Just FYI, I was 19) I was accepted and loved truly like never before. And those sweet girls are still some of dearest friends.
So fast forward 12 years. A lot has changed. Our group has divided to serve in other areas. New girls have joined. Others left. The location has changed as much as my hair style! And one thing that continues to thrill my heart, we have added numerous children to the Wednesday morning bunch. I added two more, myself!
I have had the honor and privilege of leading for quite some time. Even though we moved quite a distance, God has continued to ask me to serve in this format. And I absolutely love being a part of it.
I knew God was doing something unique when things started getting stirred up this Summer. We added a worship team and live praise music. The location changed from a home to our Student Life Center. A new group of women began coming that blessed me more than I could have dreamed of.
But let me be honest. I was also scared to death. I have never taught in this big of a group before. The format was so different that I was afraid that it wouldn't hold their attention. And there have been a couple of times that I have said aloud "would the real teacher please come forward" only to feel the gentle nudge from the Lord pushing me to the front of the room.
That first day we all looked so pretty and put together. We still had a summer glow about us and a new excitement flowed around the room. It was not unlike the first day of school after summer break. The giddiness. The excitement.
Then the routine sets in.
And real life takes over. The smiles become a little more strained. The sun tan has faded. The giddiness is swallowed back with tears. Before you know it hurt is everywhere.
Marriages.
Children.
Jobs.
Health.
Finances.
So, it came as no surprise really that God had laid it on my heart for us to do "Believing God" by Beth Moore. Some of us had already done this study. But that didn't matter. What I felt God speak into my spirit was "give me one year to teach you, so that that you can live the rest of your life BELIEVING me." I knew from the beginning that this was going to be more than another bible study. This was intended to be a LIFESTYLE.
This Wednesday we will wrap up our third week. The title of this week is "God can do what He says He can do." Believing that God has not ceased in performing miracles.
I know God is still in the miracle business. I have witnessed one with my very eyes. Touched it with my own hands. Myer Massey is a true miracle. Touched by the hand of the Healer. A sentence of death from a well respected physician was trumped with the proclamation of life by the One who sits on the Throne.
And then there is Mary. A sweet, young mom with a 20 month old dying from Tay Sachs disease. I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with her and Isaiah today. This precious family has been prayed for and loved on from the Body of Christ that resembled the same outpouring that the Massey family received. There have been fasting and anointing. Lamenting and Praising. But as it looks today, God's miracle will be taking Isaiah to his eternal Home. Not the miracle we asked for. But a miracle just the same.
Last week I felt so compelled to teach Psalm 103:1-5. In fact I scrapped the lesson that was planned at 9:00 the night before. I cannot explain the feeling I had except uneasiness to do anything else.
Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Let me tell you, I have never taught on anything so hard before. As I looked out in those sea of faces and proclaimed "heals all your diseases" when in that very room there is a little boy that has not been physically healed.....yet. Learning to believe Him truly, you have to believe that little Isaiah will be healed. Either here on earth or in in Heaven. That it is God's sovereign decision on just what that will look like. As I struggled with putting the lesson together I felt the Lord whisper to my spirit "don't try and explain me. You do not understand my ways. Don't try. You will only be deceived if you do."
The day ended with a sweet fundraiser to honor Mary and her family. We got to laugh and pray and eat.
But because my heart beats "mom" there is an undeniable ache for this young mom who holds her baby boy tonight. Trying her best to savor and remember every moment. To store in a special place in her heart things that only a mother could treasure.
If you have read this far I will ask for prayers for the Cairns family. Matt, Mary, Ethan, and little Isaiah. Prayers for strength, wisdom, endurance, and peace.

Peter Pan and TinkerBell

2008-11-16T10:55:00.001-06:00

Life here at Casa de Crawford has been so crazy busy.
If I had a dollar for everytime I said that.... I guess I changed it up a bit by adding Casa de Crawford.... probably to not make it sound so repetitive.
Here are a few snapshots of our Halloween festivities. I did not get to capture any pictures of them trick-or-treating because the big boys went hunting with dad that weekend and took the camera.
I could show you a picture of Tanner's first deer. He is so proud.
But I think I will keep it Disney friendly.
Tatumn really got into the door-to-door candy fest this year. It was a gorgeous night so we visited every house on our street! By the time we made it back to our home, Tucker's arm was tired from carrying his candy bucket! What a hard life, huh?
I got a little Martha Stewart with their costumes this year and decided that making them was far more economical........not really.
Tucker also tried to talk me into this being his last year for a theme. I am still undecided. I would love for all of them to do one more theme...... I am thinking a hot dog, fries, ketchup and mustard. Or something like that!
Wouldn't that be hilarious?
Wouldn't my teenagers hate me forever?
Although they love their little sister enough to do it....
We will just have to wait and see!

Tuckers Class Party

2008-11-05T20:48:00.000-06:00

Because he is "that kind of brother", Tucker let Tatumn steal the spotlight at his Halloween party. The kids thoguth she was the funniest thing and because of her ice-cream sundae dessert at 1:00, she was in rare form!
The class was so excited that they sang "Happy Birthday to you" and something about hearing 25 little voices sing to her melted me. I was truly so overcome with emotion that I couldn't even take a picture!

The Princess treatment!

2008-11-05T20:37:00.000-06:00

We started out Tatumn birthday with a manicure and pedicure! This time she sat by herself in the chair and looked every bit of three. I had to suck in a sob that was welling up in my throat. The ladies just loved on her; which did my heart so good. Tatumn ate up every ounce of attention and even showed some personality! In fact, later that weekend I ran into someone who was at the salon that morning and recognized us. She told us that watching Tatumn that morning was a blessing to her because she just found out that she is having a girl! And cannot wait to do that with her daughter! How sweet is that. I stopped myself from telling her my story, from the wait to almost losing the reality of holding her, to being a girly girl with three (amazing) boys at the house, and on and on! Instead, I just smiled and said "Thank you!"
Tatumn really is a blast. I know that may sound crazy but boiled down that just describes the time I am having being HER mom. She loves to me to pieces and I cannot put into words what that does to my heart.
The Father has really been so tender to me the last couple of weeks concerning her actual birth and the spaces in her life story that are blank. In ways that only He can do, He has tenderly cared for my heart and the ache that lies there. He has shown me that He's always been there. And in His graciousness (is that a word) He deliver some very meaningful mementos to us in China. Things that I would have not dared to ask for. Things that I thought were just too much, like a birthnote from her biological parents. Her clothes that she was found in. A newborn picture.
And just yesterday as I was getting Taylor's birth certificate out of our safe, I came across something that I had not noticed before. It was a medical chart and summary of Tatumn's (Jun De) first day of life. She was brought to the orphanage on her very first day of life and they did the examine that day. SO, as I was looking over it I realized I know how much she weighed, how long she was, what her skin looked like, and how she acted! I could not believe I had missed it before. Of course, some of it is in Chinese but I think I was so excited to know what she like at that moment, I skimmed throughout he first part. Actually, I believe God allowed me the privilege to see that page in a new way. And in doing that a piece of my heart was mended. And for that I will be forever grateful.

Birthday Lunch

2008-11-05T18:09:00.000-06:00

The day just kept getting better!
We met daddy for lunch at Applebees! Tatumn had just got your nails done and she was so excited to show everyone! The waiters came out and sang to her, which she was not too sure about until they offered ice cream! My sister called to wish Tatumn a Birthday blessing and to hear her talk one the phone....she sounded more like 13 than 3! She told my sister "thanks for calling" before she handed me the phone and said "it's your sister"
Then when we got home there was a HUGE balloon bouquet waiting on the front porch! It was from our sweet friends Terri, Clara and baby Maddie! We even got in a quick wave before Clara went down for her nap! Our other neighbors brought over a Cinderella bubble blower and yet another (I know! we are so loved on by our neighbors!) brought over a darling GYMBOREE outfit!
And you know what the day was not over yet!
Because you only turn 3 once!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2008-11-05T17:00:00.000-06:00

I know I am way over due in posting. Life here at the Crawford house has been whizzing by in a flash.
And the fact that I do not a computer during the day, that raises it's own issues. It's not that I can't have one because I can. It's that I am choosing not to have one. Does that make sense?
Ever since my first journey into the adoption support groups online, I was hooked on this new found "friendship". The world of adoption blogs allowed me a sneak peak into a journey that was so exciting and new and I could glean from their adventure. It started honestly. It really did.
But then...because I am just wired this way. I became involved. I would wake up and check. Before I went to bed, I would check. It began to take up a chuck of valuable time and felt the Lord convicting me.
I know that is not pretty. But it's the truth.
So, I began to ask for healthy boundaries and limits.
And God answered.
He did.
My computer crashed this spring.
And although Kip has volunteered to fix the problem. I have declined. I have his computer when he gets home. And for now, that is enough.
So a long winded excuse as to why these posts are looooong overdue!

We had such a great day at the pumpkin patch! It was great weather and we all liked each other. Remember, today all you get is honesty!
This was Tatumn's first "official" trip to a Pumpkin Patch! We went to a little farm/pumpkin patch. There were all kinds of animals and Tatumn was in love. She is such a nurturer and was totally in her element. Which the boys loved! And because she is totally my daughter, she didn't like the smell at all. The animals. Good. The smell. Yucky. Love that girl.

If you remember from the posts about Tatumn's favorite Summer movie, you will recall that it was Charlotte's Web. (I wrote it that way to act like I have a multitude of readers! So much with being real. And thank you for allowing me a bit of fantasy!)There was this little pig that we visited last. Thank goodness it worked out that way because if we had visited that pig first, we would not have seen anything else! She loved that little pig! When she saw him, she turned and asked me "is that Charlotte's wub?" She says wub instead of web. I would post a video but I can barely post pictures so that's not gonna happen. Maybe one day! She kept talking to that pig and was getting a little upset because "that pig not will not talk to me!"

We got a pumpkin big enough that Tatumn could sit on it! Which she loved that. And because blogger and Picasa are being obnoxious tonight I cannot post anymore pictures than these! Fun times!

My darling girl.....

2008-10-22T21:17:00.005-05:00

I cannot believe how fast the days have flown off of the calendar. Wasn't it just October 2006 and you were turning 1? I can recall the petitions laid at the Fathers feet asking Him to allow us the privilege to celebrate your first birthday with you. With the boys. As a Forever family.
I so desperately wanted the privilege of celebrating your very first birthday with you in our arms. And God, allowed me the honor. The theme of that birthday was redemption. We called it "Princess Tatumn's Redeeming 1st Birthday Party." The invitations were darling, if I say so myself.
So much of that very first year I missed. As I type those words the reality of it is still so fresh and what I missed hurts. The wound has not healed. It may not ever. If I had it my way, I would not have missed any of it. And compared to spending the rest of our lives together, it really was a just a small piece of forever.

You have grown and changed so much in those 2 years. You are an official girly-girl. Twirling Dresses are the most fun thing to wear! You done with diapers and modeling some darling princess panties! Dance class is your newest adventure. Your giggle still makes my heart beat a little faster. The way you "mommy" your babies is a picture I never want to forget. You love your daddy with your whole heart. In fact when he drove you to your first dance class you said " Oh, thank you daddy for my dance class." with such love and grace that I had to hold him up because he went weak in the knees. You could have asked for anything in that moment and he would have handed it to you. Instead, you hugged his neck and ran off to class. I sat there and patted his arm and watched him radiate with love for you. Oh, darling girl, you are so loved.

This week, God met me right in the middle of your birthday week with a specific word. It came out of Psalm 139. (We are doing Believing God by Beth Moore but we are doing it in a different format not the 10 week format it was written in. And just this week He met right where I was with His unfailing Word. I love how He does that. If we had been doing it week-by-week, it may not have spoken to me like it did this week.)It says in verse 14;"I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; and my soul knows that full well." And this is what she wrote in our homework "Perhaps you are adopted and although you know the name of the mother who raised you, you do not know your biological mother. God certainly did and still does. God knew her intimately enough to choose her womb for the place where He would fearfully and wonderfully fashion you. God hid you in a blanket of soft tissue and bid your heart to beat.For many days He alone knew you existed. You were His secret.God's own skillful; hands knit you together, His watchful eyes gazed upon you, and His wise counsel ordained all of your days before you squinted from the light of your first." Oh, how I needed that fresh word from Him. He knew that as I approached this monumental week how my heart would be feeling. That although I had accepted those things that I can not change, the hurt is still there. It's just a mommy's heart. But here is what I heard him say to my heart "you were not there but I WAS! There was never a moment she was out of my sight or my plan. The world's system may have labeled her abandoned but I have not. She has NEVER be abandoned, dear one." Sweet relief floods my soul by recounting those precious words. It has brought peace to my heart.
Oh darling girl, your life has blessed mine more than I could have ever dared to dream. But more than that, you are your Heavenly Father's delight. May you always rejoice in that!

Welcome to 30!

2008-10-14T07:27:00.003-05:00

Well, its about time little sister!Finally, you are 30! :)
I have thought about what I would post...because really...you have given me much soooo much to write about. Somethings still make my stomach hurt, so I will not go there. Let's just leave it as, you have a wild streak. Which would be an understatement. But that doesn't get my nerves all edgy this early in the morning!

This last year has been a turning point for you, in many ways. I want you to know how very proud of you I am (did that sound a little like mom?) I have watched you step out in faith in a job situation that God turned around and blessed. No, it wasn't easy and there were a couple meltdowns but get this.....you made it! And in your personal life...can I go there? Oh, yeah thats right...it's my blog! I have been witness to a lot of heartache on your behalf that has broken my heart for you. I truly believe all of those "events" were in preparation for what...or whom...God was bringing into your life. I remember feeling a peace at your first mention of this guy. I liked him immediately. And that first phone call we (he and I) shared allowed me to see his heart. And you know what, I've liked him ever since.

Who knew this weekend would hold SO MUCH excitement? Who knew that Saturday would start with a jump from 10,000 feet above the safe foundation of the earths surface, from a perfectly safe airplane? Again, only you would find it exciting. How can you not love that boy who would jump with you? He didn't jump because he wanted too, he jumped because he couldn't bare the thought of having you go it alone! I Love that boy all the more for his act of bravery!
And to think that he landed beside you on his feet but then walked over to you and got down on his knee and asked for your hand in marriage! The tears are back as I recall that sweet moment.

I want to thank you for the way you love my children. You know, you are the cool aunt. The one who will play football with them in the backyard and talk "shop" with them. The one who will do crazy things with them and because of them. (the car ride to the game last week may have pushed the limit... a tiny bit)I love laughing with you and sharing our jokes. I love how you push me out of my conservative zone ( a little)and that you think I am the BEST sister ever made. Which, you are wrong. You are the best kind of sister. And I win. Again, remember it's my blog! :)

Please know we couldn't be happier for you. This new chapter is bound to be exciting and challenging (well because its you!) but it is also sure to be full of great joy and expectancy. Expectancy is an action verb, just like you.
Kip and I have asked the Father to bind your hearts together with His. To release His greatest blessing over your lives. For His hand to be mighty and the shelter of His wing to cover.
Loving you today in a special kind of way.

2008-10-13T04:04:00.000-05:00

2008-10-12T19:38:00.000-05:00

Oh Firstborn......

2008-10-12T19:37:00.001-05:00

I want to tell you that the feeling of watching you get dressed up and step into a new chapter of your life has left me emotional, so please bear with me. I still cannot believe that that group of people all dressed up taking pictures were your friends.

When did everybody get so big? And so pretty? Or referring to your guy friends, so handsome?

I know that you and Hannah are only friends but I want you to know that I am so proud of your choice for very first date. She is darling, Taylor. I am thankful that she her dress was super cute but conservative. It's a mommas heart.

I will tell you that as I saw her pin your flower on, I had to suck in a sob that threatened to over take my stoic composure. To think that, for a moment, she had all of your attention and concern was almost to much to soak in. I felt like my heart was walking away as you escorted her to the car. I wanted to high-five the Creator that you were not going in the limo. I think He knew I could only handle so much!

Oh, Firstborn I want you to know how very proud of you I am. It seems like I just blinked and you changed. Grew up. Not too much but enough that I have noticed that something is different. You will always have a special place in my heart, as my firstborn. Your life saved mine. I am so blessed to be your mom.

I'm thankful that I have over 3 months to prepare for Court-Warming.

Such a sweet guy!

2008-10-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

As we walked up to the crowd of children...teenagers the shouts for Taylor to get in pictures was too numerous to count! It was very sweet to watch. These are his sweetest girl-friends.

A mom who was watching this picture being taken, turned around and said to anyone listening,

"That is one lucky boy!"

It took all the strength I had (which really wasn't much at that point) not to snatch him up and carry him off!

I love this girl!

2008-10-06T22:54:00.002-05:00

I fall more in love with this girl all the time. And it is safe to say, so does her daddy and her boys. She affectionately calls her brothers "her boys". We do a count down in the mornings as each boy leaves the house. "I only have one boy left" is what she says as her and Tucker enjoy breakfast together. And as he boards the bus or gets dropped off in the car pool lane as we head to the gym she will say " That's it!I have no more boys. It's just me and you mommy. And we are best girls!"
Seriously, what can't you love about that?

Well, our house is all a buzz with the upcoming 3rd Birthday Party! I cannot believe that my little girl is turning 3. I feel like she has been here forever. I cannot remember a time when we didn't have babies, pink nite-nites, dishes, and Mary Jane shoes littered about the house. A time when her tiny (but loud!) voice filled not only our home but our hearts. And yet, two years have flown by. She was once a tiny, timid baby girl who was painfully shy and she has now become a talkative, bubbly toddler who is happy to say "Hi" to anyone. Tonight at Target she told our cashier "Hi, my name is Tatumn. I have a puppy at my home. She is HYPER!" She talks pretty clearly, although she has an accent that sounds a little Chinese. I wonder where that came from!

Tatumn loves to dress up! I made this little outfit as a trial run for her Halloween costume! I love how it turned out! She loves to wear it any moment she can! The other morning she wore the skirt with her nightgown and pink flip-flops! And to top it off, she exclaimed as she came out of her room "I'm ready to go shopping!"

All I can think about when I see this picture is " He loves me." Oh baby girl, HE does love you. HE is your Prince Charming. He sings over you with shouts of great joy and comforts you with HIS love. May you always feel loved by the ONE who breathed life into your precious soul and chose our family to love you here on earth. This house that was filled with all things boy needed you to complete it. I have journals full of petitions to the Father asking Him to allow your daddy to feel the love of a little girl. HE answered our prayers with you. Our journey to you is marked with triumphs and victories that have made us stronger, as is yours to us. But isn't that just like God? The One who redeems our lives and crowns us beauty designed our lives to be lived out together. I couldn't be more grateful.

So, as you pulled off ALL the petals of the Gerber Daisy I felt the Holy Spirit keep whispering over your life " I love Her. I love Her forever. I love Her. I love Her Forever." And I want to know I whispered back "so do I."

Sweet Sounds....

2008-09-27T19:09:00.003-05:00

just came from my pantry.

Middle boy, Tanner Owen, is busy helping clean up from dinner and getting a Rubbermaid container to put the left over pasta in. He always gets two out. One for Kip to take to work and and one for him to snack on when he gets home.

I love this kid.

Although he is quite difficult at times.

And just a side story, real quick. When Tanner was getting ready to start kindergarten and people would ask him if he was ready he would always say "My mommy is going to home school me."

Which I wasn't. And to be honest, it wasn't even a consideration. But don't tell him that.

I waved to him as he boarded the bus and told him see you at 4:00. And I turned away missing him with my whole heart but also breathing a sigh of relief.

Don't tell him that part either.

Back to the pantry.

Sweet middle son, while searching for matching lids is singing...

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship. And it's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the things I'm made of. It's all about you, Jesus."

Oh, that makes me smile all the way down to my toes. "I'm sorry Lord for the things I'm made of." For this quirky middle son, it's so fitting.

I love it that a worship song is something that just spills out of his heart. And honestly, something that sounds like the wrong words is truly quite compelling.

So, as I type out this funny little scene, I sense the Spirit of God urging me to explore the ugly things that I have in my make-up. Pride. Vanity. Anger.

Oh Lord, I too am coming back to the heart of worship. And I am sorry for the things I'm made of.

Thank you Lord for teaching me through my precocious son. And Your Precious Son.

How you know you are stuck between a teenager and a toddler

2008-09-22T18:20:00.002-05:00

This is for anyone parenting a teenager and a toddler.
Or if one day you might be a parent of a teenager and a toddler.

Right now Tatumn's (toddler) favorite movie is Finding Nemo. She loves it and laughs out loud at the funny parts. She can even do some of the lines form the movie. Although we try not to watch the beginning when Nemo's mommy becomes lunch. That part is a little traumatizing. It has to be for Tatumn , too.

Taylor (firstborn and teenager) just celebrated his 15th birthday. Deep sigh. He is now loaded up with gift cards that are burning terrible holes in his pockets. They must be spent. Firstborn teenager's favorite store is Hollister. (Please don't make ugly comments about this. We are working on it.) Because Taylor is learning (because his mean parents are making him) to be good stewards of his gift cards, we headed to the back of the store on a recent excursion to Hollister. The back of the store is where they have CLEARANCE items.

We found a couple of things marked down and I smiled to myself at my firstborns attempts to stretch his (gift card) dollar.

GET THIS, the shirt was marked down from $17.50 to $16.90. Now, I am not a mathematician and it took me a couple of seconds to check the numbers. Again. And I did a quick little figure in my head and realized it was marked down .60 cents.

Are.you.kidding.me?

Okay, so Taylor decides on a couple of things and we approach the checkout counter and thankfully the MANAGER is also the checkout dude. And because I can, I say "The markdowns in the back are rather insulting. 60 cents is considered a SALE?" He mumbled something that I couldn't make out because the music is seriously deafening.

And then I crossed the line between teenager straight to toddler.

And I said this " I know markdowns (buddy) I work at the Gap. And those are no markdowns."
And in my head I heard Marlin (Nemo's daddy) say "I know funny mister, I am a clown fish."

So, we paid and left. I felt smug and proud and I am sure my teenager felt embarrassed. But maybe not too much because you know what....

I let him buy a shirt for FULL PRICE.

Because I am that kind of mom.

I think it finally hit me

2008-09-17T22:35:00.002-05:00

Today, Taylor had an away football game after school. So, the kids and I picked up Kip from work and drove to the game.
Kip asked me if I knew where the fields were.
And I thought to myself "I don't know where the middle school field's are."
Funny.
Taylor is in HIGH-SCHOOL.

It was all a foreshadowing..........

2008-09-16T08:20:00.002-05:00

Tatumn has a stomach virus.

Not Fun.

For her....or me.

Stuck between a Rock and A Hard Place

2008-09-11T17:29:00.002-05:00

That is right where I found myself this morning. I was awaken to a little hot head laying on me. Literally. Little Tatumn had spiked a fever during the night. When I told her to lay back down and go sleep, she answered back "love on me, mama. Love on me." So, she slept on me. Tummy to tummy we slumbered into the morning.
Then the fun stuff started. The ooey-gooey number 2 diapers.
That would dilemma numero uno.
The second dilemma for the day would be that the kitchen was EMPTY. The fridge BARE. The pantry SPARSE. I couldn't say empty because we have a walk-in pantry that holds a mini mart worth's of supplies. So, yes there was food in it but nothing that would make a complete meal. So, I had planned to do my Target, Sams, and Hy-Vee run today.
Because, remember me and Wal-Mart do not have a good relationship.
And this is where the rock and hard place comes in.
What is a mom to do when the other 3 children need juice and milk but the littlest one is having trouble with her diapers maximum absorption levels?
And because I have not shared this with the blog world because I am still trying to get over it. Tatumn had a blow-out of EPIC PROPORTIONS at Hobby Lobby last week.
And I was so afraid of it happening again. 3 big shopping stops would be a lot to handle on a normal day and I knew today my window of opportunity was small. Dangerously small.
So, I caved.
I drove to Wal-Mart.
I was full in spirit because we had a Great Day, yesterday at Bible Study. We are doing Believing God. So, yes I could Believe God for a stress-free and QUICK trip to WM.
Again, the shopping was fine. I even thought to myself "This must be a slow day for shopping at WM. Note to self. Thursdays are not too bad."
Halfway done with the personal hygiene list I caught a whiff of something VERY FOUL. Yes, it was. And I had forgotten Tatumn's diaper bag in the car because it was raining. Although, I had packed good and full just 20 minutes before. It lay in the front seat of my van, untouched.
So, after a quick trip through the baby necessities isle we rushed to the family bathroom. Armed and ready to tackle what lay ahead.
Except we were a little too late. And yes, it soaked through her pants.
More necessities needed. Jeans at Wal-Mart are only $5.00. Who knew?!
So, I mad dashed through my grocery shopping like a champ.
By the time I was ready ( please notice it was I who was ready!) my cart was overflowing. I am not kidding.
And then again. I stood in a long line. All the while the empty registers stood there vacant. Mocking Me. And the other thing, is that there were WM employees milling about. Doing nothing.
So, I found a man who looked like he was in charge. He had a clip board and a walkie-talkie. He may have been the boss. So, staying in line I caught his attention and asked to please open a new lane.
He came over to me and asked if I needed cigarettes.
I am not kidding.
I told him if this checkout process didn't move more quickly, I may take up smoking.
I really did.
He walked away.
And I said (out loud) this checkout process is STUPID. And Tatumn looked up at me with fever showing in her cheeks and asked what was stupid. I told her it was a bad word and I shouldn't have said it. And she said "it's okay, mommy's say bad words." No, it's not okay and I still need to hash it out with the Lord. So, I stood there convicted. And I waited.
Then another man came up to me and told me he would check me out.
Glory.
Although at that moment it wasn't victorious because I had lost my cool. In front of my daughter. Dang It.
Thankfully we made it home before the blow out hit.
Oh, yes it did.

Maybe she reads my blog?

2008-09-06T19:24:00.004-05:00

I just received a phone call inviting me to a celebration rally for Senator McCain and Governor Palin on Monday. I am not kidding.

This morning I woke up way before my family did. Glory. And honestly my heart was so burdened that it would have been impossible to stay in bed another second. I needed to start dialoging with the Lord about some really big issues swirling around me. I have the honor of leading a Women's Bible Study on Wednesday mornings. I have been a part of this group my entire Christian walk. Some of the girls that were there to hold my hand and take baby steps with me are still present in this study. Some have gone out and proclaimed Christ in other areas but they are still my "girls". Now, again to the glory, there is a new group of girls coming on Wednesday's. Some brand new mommies, whom I so dearly love. There are new faces and with that new lives to know. There are struggles that I am familiar with, victories won, battles still being fought. Some are in the fights of their lives and their children's lives. Real life. Hard. As I sat pouring them out this morning to God, I told him how different these were from my first years sitting around a kitchen table. Those days our prayer requests were for potty training and first days of Kindergarten. I am not minimizing those petitions but after the phone calls and e-mails that I have received this week, I would gladly go back to those again in a heart beat.

Okay, back to Governor Palin. Which is the reason for the post. Thanks for hanging in there with me. So, I was online looking up some things for Bible Study and somehow I got to a Lifeway post introducing Beth Moore's new Bible Study. Its about Esther. And the title says something about it hard being a Woman. Then get this.....there was a promo for the video and the setting was...... you will not believe this......the setting was a replica of the Oval Office. (or something presidential!) I am not kidding, girls!

For such a time as this. That's when I heard the Lord's voice whisper "you are the chosen leader for such a time as this." The responsibility I feel for this group humbles me. Quickens my heart. Encourages to approach the Throne Boldly. And I am only a stay-at-home-mom.

Can you imagine the burden Mrs. Palin must carry? Not just the spotlight she has found herself in as of lately but the lasting implication that this nomination holds?

Beth Moore said something in our study on Wednesday that made me stop and intently listen. She was talking about God's covenant promise of love that will last for a 1000 generations. And she said "I think we are still in that 1000 generation." But then I thought, what about our children? Or the next generation after that? Is it soon that the covenant promise will have been fulfilled and the covenant lifted? What then, Lord?

Okay, about the phone call. It was a recorded message. I am pretty sure the entire tri-county area was invited. So, maybe she doesn't read my blog. That's okay. I still like her.

Okay, Mrs. Palin you now have my attention...

2008-09-04T07:19:00.004-05:00

I have become a political junkie. I guess because I now consider myself a grown up, 4 kids will do that to you. I never used to care. I didn't see the need to educate myself on issues like taxes and the environment. In fact, and I am embarrassed to admit, in my first Presidential election I voted for Ross Perot. Somewhere between 1992 and 2008 a realization came to me that I needed to be aware what was going on in the political arena. And a conviction of my apathy was overwhelming. So, now I watch and listen. I am learning the lingo, which started out very basic. Like Republican and Democrat. Honestly, didn't know what or why there was a difference. Conservative and Liberal became more of my mantra. And as I have matured, I find myself leaning more to the right.

On Friday as we were driving to the lake we discussed this new candidate thrown into the Presidential Race. At first, I was shocked. I had heard her name tossed around but didn't really think a woman would be the choice. I am not a Woman Lib's kind of girl. I cherish being under my husband's umbrella of provision and protection. And I don't know how to change a tire, either. Both of those small facts about me would discount me from joining that group.

I have listened intently to any snippet of information about the Alaskan Governor. Trying to glean anything about our nominee for VP.

But it wasn't until I heard her speech last night that I feel like I heard her. And not about her. I like her. (I feel like Sally Field). She knows her stuff. She is strong but eloquent. A pit bull with lipstick. I liked that that, too. I loved the way she spoke of her family. The adoration she has for her husband was obvious and real. And her children are precious. Can you imagine starting on this road and in less than a week your oldest son deploys to Iraq? The littlest daughter is spunky and darling. Did you see her spit shine her baby brother's hair? I know they are not perfect, would we want them to be? I know I have learned some of greatest lessons from people who were real and honest with me about their mistakes and hard knocks.

I know, I would not have embraced my walk with Christ if I only saw perfection. If there was not an overflowing of grace and pardon waiting just for me, I am not sure where I would be today.

So, I sit here this morning praying for our country and it's leaders. November holds BIG change.

(I promise I will not turn this blog into political craziness. I just needed to vent a little)

A little Trim here and a little Trim there

2008-09-03T17:35:00.006-05:00

Today was the day. It was a "first" for us. Now, it was not drastic because there is not much to be drastic with.

Truth is Tatumn's hair was begining to look like a mollet. We like to pronounce it MOLE-LEIGH. It sounds more feminine that way.

After some issues with breakage from rubber bands, I am for real this time boycotting pigtails. I cannot tell you how that hurts my heart. I am the mom who brought a bag full of hair pretties for my daughter to China. Now, that may not sound really amazing but you see in her pictures she was bald. No hair. And because I believed God would grow her hair into a fabulous bob before I traveled to China (in 6 weeks) I packed a bag of hair paraphernalia. I did. Now, I realize that portion of luggage would have been more fitted for something else, like souvenirs, but oh no.....it stayed occupied with unused hair pretties. Don't mock me.

So, after scrutinizing her hair I decided to cut off the length in the back to match the sides. Hoping that it will (someday) grow into that luscious bob.

Maybe by kindergarten.

A Fub Lovin' without the Labor Weekend

2008-09-03T16:46:00.003-05:00

Our friends the Dwyer's invited us to spend the weekend with them at the lake. We could not pack the van and get there fast enough. We loaded up with enough food and supplies to outfit a small army, when in reality all we needed were our swimsuits, sunscreen, and yes a little bit of food. Because, you see, playing in the sun makes you hungry!
Our friends are younger and more daring than Kip and I are. So, they are like totally cool friends for our kids to hang out with. Jim made at least 10 sparkler bombs. Terri jumped off the "HIGH" dive and Terri's dad let each one of the boys drive the boat. From Friday afternoon until Monday night, there was no arguing, no fighting, no naughty spots, or spankings. There was also no cell phones, internet, texting, or t.v.. It was truly a good vacation.
Thanks Dwyer family!

The boys loved this paddle boat. Even the little girls got to go for a ride or two. The boys were great chauffers, too. They took Kip and I for a ride around the cove!
Love this picture! except Taylor wasn't in it. He slept in and missed our morning boat ride. Tatumn loved going "faster" on the boat. She never tried to take off her life jacket. Glory. I am not a big fan of water, although I love to swim and hang out at the Lake. It just scares me. I prayed from the time we planned this trip and all the way up to the lake for protection. I also realized I need to relax more. You may not know this but I am wound pretty tight.

Here are all the Crawford kids. We had spent the afternoon at a friend of the Dwyer'slake house. He travels to the lake by helicopter, which he lands on the roof of his dock. He has a GINORMUS boat that is LOUD. and FAST. And this cool slide (that he got off of EBAY) that shoots down 3 stories into the lake. Believe it or not, Tatumn and I took a ride on it! One trip down was all we needed but the boys kept slidding and slidding! And they also jumped off his 2 story dock! They have NO FEAR!!
Here are East and West taking a ride on the paddle boat! The girls had a great time all weekend. Tatumn was a little bummed when she woke up Tuesday and Clara was not downstairs waiting for her to have breakfast! Truth be told, the reat of the family was sad that Ms. Mora was not downstairs fixing another yummy breakfast for them! They got really spoiled by Terr's mom gormet cooking all weekend!

Now we are back in real life. Work. School. Bible Study. Birthday's. Homework. Cooking and Cleaning. Republican Convention. Blah. Blah. Blah.

BOOORRRIIINNNGGG

2008-08-26T19:14:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe the transformation my TV has endured this week.

We have gone from this
I heart you Beijing 2008. Thanks for the memories. I miss the constant coverage.....

To this???!!!
A trip to the dentist would bring me more joy. Watching water boil delights me way more. I trust my water because it is purified....I can't say that about.........

Mastercard has NOTHING on us....

2008-08-24T10:44:00.003-05:00

Paper chasing with your Best Friend-$$

Getting Parking Ticket while authenticating Paperwork with Best Friend-$27.00

(each. yes, we both got tickets!)

Trip to China (again with Best Friend)-$$

Celebrating Life on Gotcha Day-*Priceless*

From the very first adoption paper signed on February 2005, we have walked side-by-side with the Massey family. God purposed our journey's to be a triple braided cord. Only He knew what the road ahead would hold. And he knew we would need each other to make it through.

Ally and I have joked that our lives run in a parallel. What happens in one household, will soon be a recurrence in the other. Some things have been anticipated with great joys and well.... the others have been harder to swallow. Like middle-school. Baby boys. Teen-age first born's. Faith walks. Adoptions. Children who struggle with reading.

As the years have gone by the bonds that tie our hearts together have grown stronger. What was once a friendship is now family. Ally sent me a card this summer ( because we missed the family va-ca) that said "Once we were were strangers and now we are just strange friends!" Love it. We just get each other. And love each other even more.

This Gotcha Day was welcomed with a sense of relief. Our very first Gotcha Day was hard fought. The day would always be on the calendar, we just weren't sure how it would look in the flesh. Myer's little life is nothing short of a MIRACLE. A work from the very hand of a Faithful God and Father that He allowed us to witness and be a part of. Something that has changed us from the very core of who we are. The days we spent talking about the girls growing up together and dreaming of what the future would hold, took an abrupt stop.

For a moment.

Then God allowed us to re-dream and re-think. Thank You, Father.

So, on Friday we once again gathered our families together to celebrate. Ally has been feeling yucky (gallbladder) and so it was low-key. Kip and I showed up in dress down clothes. I wore work-out clothes (clean!) and I wanted Kip to wear his running shorts but we compromised when he wore a T-Shirt and Un-Ironed Khaki shorts. Which if you knew my husband, you would know what a sacrifice that was!

Tatumn and Myer are truly the bestest of friends! They laugh, giggle, and boss each one around! It is so funny to watch. Tatumn was fascinated with Myer's LONG pigtails. She kept taking Myer's piggy and brushing it across her face! Long hair is quite amazing for my hair challenged girl. Myer is getting so strong and Tatumn was her encourager the whole time. I think Tatumn may be a nurse or a therapist when she grows up. Which will probably be a source of contention for Ms. Myer!

Ally got the great idea to put Tatumn's hair in rollers. Which I told her boldly that they NOT work in the very little hair that she has. But because Ally is Ally, she double-dogged-dared me and got out the rollers! And they......stayed! Well, the story ends with the mommies and the Asians having rollers in their hair. Laughing until Ally had a stomach ache. Sorry about that. Seriously, my jaws hurt that next morning from laughing so hard!

So, there it is. Life. Priceless. Joy. Abundant. Has it been easy. No. That Tatumn is here, ours, is through God's faithfulness. Because He is our Faithful Provider. Jehovah-Jireh. Myer's life is miraculous. Because He showed us the One who heals. Jehovah-Rophi.

So, for the rest of our days we will sing for joy over God's Victory. And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. Psalm 20:5

Asian Delight

2008-08-23T11:33:00.003-05:00

These pictures are from this summer. The girls delight in jewelery and lip gloss. And because Baylor is the Bestest Big sister to Myer she let us gently use.....hah, right....destroy her "make-up".

The last picture is what is to come when the girls get cell phones! They were using the walkie-talkis and chatting up a storm with each other. Hewhoa. Hewhoa.

Girl Day

2008-08-21T18:15:00.003-05:00

Had a blast today with my daughter. We did all things girl, today. Except for lunch, I wanted to go to Bo Lings but we ran out of time. So, Tatumn snacked on goldfish and I indulged in a Frappuccino while we soared through Target. (Don't ask)

I enjoyed our trip to the nail salon so much! The girls there treated Tatumn as a princess! They oohed and ahhed over her and relished in her story.

Tatumn was so proud of her flower nails and polka-dot toes! She showed them off to everyone!

Tonight we are indulging in ice cream from Cold Stone and watching her Gotcha Movie. The goodness of God is twirling around our living room tonight.

2 Years Ago

2008-08-20T22:04:00.003-05:00

2 years ago I met Tatumn Hope.
I had waited to meet this baby girl for a long time. My arms ached to hold her. My heart already loved her. Our family had made a place in their hearts for her.

The anticipation was suffocating.

The journey to her was marked with great joy and hard fought faith.
There was a moment when I didn't know if the dream of holding my daughter would come to reality. It was a dark moment in our journey to Tatumn. But one that God carried us through. The truth that I had claimed, I now had to walk out. It was a difficult season, no doubt. But it was also so very sweet, too. It was a season of Manna.

We boarded the plane to China with timid steps. The months preceding had left us wounded but also with a stronger resolve to not let enemy hold us captive to fear. The flight was so long and quiet. I spent a lot of the flight in a running prayer with the Lord. Asking for strength, begging for peace, believing His promise, and asking Him to prepare Tatumn's heart for us.

And then it what seemed like a blur, we were in a steamy government building in Changsha. With a pink butterfly backpack filled with baby necessities.

And then in a flash...she was here. In our arms. She already had a place in our hearts now my arms got to physically feel what my heart already knew.

She was crying. She was terrified. She was tiny. And bald. Perfect.

I remember telling her over and over "I love you." And I will never forget the look on Kip's face. Watching their love story grow is truly one of the Lord's sweetest blessings.

And now 2 years later our days are filled with little girl giggles. Princess cups. Lip Gloss. Pink Shoes. Baby dolls. Pigtails. Hairbows. Tea Parties. Princess Pull-Ups. Peanut Butter Crackers. Almond Milk. Twirling.

I sit here tonight with a gratitude that I cannot put into words. What my heart wants to say, words just seem to fall short.

Not letting the School calendar boss us around...

2008-08-13T19:52:00.002-05:00

Call me a rebel....
Or maybe a little careless...
But today when my boys got home we put on our swimsuits and spent a good part of our afternoon/evening at the pool.
I'm just not ready to give in to the school calendar.
I really struggled last night with wanting to stomp my foot and tell the powers that be they couldn't have my boys yet. I wasn't done hanging out with them.
But then again it was quiet and peaceful and not one person argued today. And I only ran the dishwasher once.
Hmmm....

We did it!

2008-08-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

We finished our Summer strong. Although I feel like we did not get everything accomplished like I had anticipated; it was a good summer. A truly great Summer.
June was filled with Summer School, football practices, trips to the gym, and baseball. We "adopted "Taylor's friend who spent almost all of June with us. Another teenage boy in the house didn't change much, except for the groceries. If you read this blog and have little guys around (Sara) please be aware that as they grow their ability to put food away is astounding.
July went by in a complete blur. Baseball still lingered....and lingered. The boys all took turns at each grandparents house. We became regulars at the pool. We missed out on our vacation. (I am not bitter) We are still learning to do this new life. It has been over 2 years since our lives were turned upside down and honestly we are still trying to figure things out. God gave me a great lesson the other day with manna. I will share it here sometime soon.
August sneaked (snuck?) in on us and we were not ready. This Summer has been like living in a safe cocoon with the boys. Like we were able to steal away from the world and huddle together. The demands and "pull" was kept at bay from my first born. We were perfectly content to just hang out together. One night, I just had Taylor and Tucker in the car and Taylor said "mom, I haven't got in trouble all Summer." I asked him how that felt and he said "good. real good."
It really has been good. Really good.
So, tomorrow (yes tomorrow) my boys all head back to school. We have met the teachers, figured out schedules, organized lockers, joined the PTA, bought spirit wear and lunch tickets,(public school is not free) and purchased school clothes and shoes. So, we are ready.
Tomorrow morning our day will begin at 5:50 AM. Our biggest boys will get on the bus at 6:39 and 6:43. Tucker will board the bus and head to school (alone for the first time) at 8:26.
And a moment of silence will fall over our house.
And I will miss my boys.
Praying hard for them to walk with Jesus not only tomorrow but all of their days.

Watching the Olympics with a princess

2008-08-12T07:05:00.002-05:00

We (more like me) are watching every little thing concerning the Olympics.
I am an Olympic freak. I remember watching Mary Lou Retton win a Gold medal in 1984. The next day I tried to mimic her winning vault routine...........in the pool. I remember trying it 1000 times and thinking I was pretty good. Ahhh the innocence of youth.
These games hold a very significant place in my heart. For the first time ever, I have actually walked the streets that hold the Olympic venues.The sights and sounds of this country, I have experienced. A part of our heart is still there.
It's Tatumn's first home. Her birth country. Her very first breath was there. Hunan is quite far from Beijing but I still wonder if maybe somebody connected to her is there.
We have loved watching the athletes compete and WIN Gold medals. I screamed and cheered for the 400 Medley Relay swim team beat the French! Or win bronze, like the USA Men's gymnastic team did last night! Aren't they the cutest boys?
We were watching the swimmers the other night and Tatumn said "Look at the Mermaids in the splash splash. "
I guess this is what you get when you mix together Olympic swimmers in high-tech Speedo suits and an Asian Princess's Favorite Disney movie.

How you may have found out about me

2008-08-11T08:29:00.002-05:00

I use a little thing called "sitemeter" on my blog. It is kind of like a counter-type thingy. I still don't know how to use all of it's great functions but I am figuring it out a few of them.

Here is what I have learned.

Someone searching for school supplies found my blog. (I hope my rant of WM didn't scare them away)

Someone googled "tiny hiney" and found my blog.

Another googled school lunch boxes.

Someone else googled for " we prayed for this child." (Love that)

So, I welcome you here.

Thanks for visiting!

Coming Soon. My 100 list!

Salutations

2008-08-06T21:20:00.002-05:00

The running movie this summer in the van has been Charlotte's Web. Tatumn laughs every time the pig and horse fall over. The boys can now quote lines from the movie.
Today when we got home Tatumn said "Salutations" to Mia (the puppy)
Sweet.

Shake on It

2008-08-03T20:43:00.002-05:00

Tatumn has fallen off the potty train.
It has not been fun.
Whoever said potty training girls were easier than boys.
Only had girls.
My boys were not this hard.......headed.
So today it came to blows.
Because someone gave me the great advice to go free of diapers.
She peed like a race horse on the chair.
The puppy decided to join in
and peed on the rug.
So, tonight we (Taumn and I) had a heart to heart
and we both came to an agreement.
No more pottying in her pants.
I stuck out my hand
and said "shake on it"
Tatumn did a jig and shook her hiney.
Gotta love that girl.

Blessed at the Wal-Mart

2008-08-02T12:10:00.003-05:00

For those of you who know me, you are familiar with my distaste of Wal-Mart. I even taught a bible study lesson one time centered around an experience at the Wal-Mart check out line. I like the prices there, don't get me wrong. I like it that I can do my grocery and get cleaning supplies in one stop. Honestly, most of our big food needs I get at Sams. So, I pour a lot of our monthly income into the Sams/Wal-Mart mega fortune every month. Is it so wrong then to ask that they please do SOMETHING about the check-out fiasco. Sometimes it seriously takes longer for me to check out than it did to do my grocery shopping. Isn't that wrong? Especially when there are numerous check out lanes not open? And Wal-Mart employees walking about aimlessly?

Oh, I am getting myself worked up. I need to get to the meaning of this blog post before I work myself up in a migraine. AGAIN.

So, I have been eagerly anticipating the GRAND OPENING of a new Target in my area. There is not a Target close to us. This new one is right across the street from the Wal-Mart. I counted down the days until this supposed "super" Target would open it's doors and I could be free from the trappings of W-M. I can't even type the whole name without my head starting to throb.

The day was Tuesday. The GRAND OPENING happened on Sunday. I had waited long enough. We were going. The RED BullsEye had beckoned us and we were going.

We even gave a moment of Thanksgiving before the automatic doors welcomed us in and the allure of Starbucks freshly brewed coffee tempted me to purchase a Grande Carmel Frappucino.

I think I may have skipped down the first couple departments while adding a super cute pair of black shoes to the cart. Along with an array of Princess cups, stationary, wash clothes, and a mini fridge. (for the boys' room)

I marked things off my list and skipped to the grocery department of this new Super target.

ONLY TO BE FOOLED. DUPED. SNICKERED. DECEIVED. LET DOWN. GRAVELY DISAPPOINTED.

Their interpretation of a "SUPER" Target was nothing less than a glorified mini grocery mart. Kind of like a fancy offering by a Quik-Trip. Oh, I was so disgusted.

I left.

Without purchasing a Frappucino.

Or milk, bread, turkey, cheese, and other important grocery items.

I had made a vow not to return to the halls of Hades. And now I was trapped.

Fast forward to today. It is a tax free weekend here and the children needed school supplies and some last minute school accessories.(the boys start school on the 13th) So, I made the announcement that last night we were getting up early and would be out the door before 8 AM so we could get our errands done before the mass population who wanted to save $8.00 on taxes began their day.

We did it. Yeah for us!

I won't go into it again but Target let us down. First time shame on you, second time shame on me. That is all I can say.

So, our only option was to go back to Hades....um I mean Wal-Mart. I actually had to tell the children what Hades meant and that it was spelled Hades not Haiti like they thought. The whole they were mistaking my rantings with a small country and not the gates of He**.

Anyhoo..... here is the sweet part.

I left the boys in an isle ........ doesn't that sound funny? Like if you were to stop there, you would be like....what!? huh?! she snapped!

Keep reading.

I needed to go get something and didn't need an entourage following me. So, when I got back to the isle were my precious boys were still standing, being obedient and not killing each other, they were all smiling. And I noticed that Kip, oh yes he was there too, had tears in his eyes.

I'm not lying.

He told me that just the second before I returned a little, old lady had approached him and asked him how many children he was buying school supplies for. He told her 3. and then she handed him some money.

I'm not kidding.

Somehow I knew who the lady was, I had passed her on my way back to the boys. I turned around to try and find her. I shot up a prayer asking the Lord to find favor with me and allow me to thank her, and I also asked for forgiveness for my ugly heart and attitude.

I found the sweet, little, old lady and hugged her. I tried to tell her how truly thankful I was and that her generous spirit blessed us more than she would ever know but my tears choked me up. She knew, she said, what a big deal it was getting children ready for school and she wanted to pour out a blessing.

Isn't God so good? His love for us has left me once again speechless and amazed. The Lord spoke truth into my weary heart this week assuring me He was still there.
He was still in control.
Still on the throne.
Still our Faithful Provider.
He gave you manna to eat in the dessert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. Deut 8:16

We all left Wal-Mart changed and blessed.

Only God could do that.

Only God.

All together again

2008-07-28T08:24:00.003-05:00

Last night I got the call.....2 calls actually. One from my biggest boy, FirstBorn, who told me he was coming home from a weekend with my parents. He left on Friday in a little bit of a huff on both sides, so I was looking forward to hugging his neck and telling him I was sorry for being a hormone-imbalanced mother. I probably wouldn't have told him about the hormone part. He's only 14, and that comment alone would cause years of therapy. On top of the ones we've probably already created because he is after all the first-born.
The second call came right after the first. From my middle son. Now, this particular boy has been away at the other grandparents for 11 days. We saw him on day 2 of Nature Boy Vacation Dreams are made of Sabbatical but have only had very short phone calls since then. I was a little leery when I heard his gruff (love that voice) voice tell me he was coming home the next morning because it didn't fulfill his 2 week quota. I asked with much trepidation if he was ready to come home and he...said...yes. Shew.
So, this morning, BRIGHT AND EARLY, our family unit of 6 was back together. It just felt so right. So peaceful. So very good.
They both had stories to tell, pictures for proof, goodies to share and memories made. It was good for both of them to be the "only" if even for a short weekend.
But now my van will be super packed as we head to the gym, the grocery, the pool, and most especially at the dinner table. All 6 spots will be filled. Ahhh.
Now, tomorrow if there is a hormone-induced post about needing a vacation, redecorating the house, and buying something in a impulse moment that bottomed out our savings, please do not judge.

Backyard Fun

2008-07-22T22:25:00.000-05:00

Kip is in the middle of a backyard patio project. So, I got a little pool the other day so Tatumn could play in while the boys helped their daddy. And I supervised. Well, as you can see Tucker is still a little guy and his pride is not affected by a kiddie-blow-up-pool.
They splashed the whole afternoon!
Gotta Love summer days!

#9

2008-07-22T22:21:00.000-05:00

The Cubs Cheerleaders

2008-07-22T22:20:00.000-05:00

Maddy, Delaney, Ainsley, Hannah, and Tatumn Hope! (Missing from the picture is Virginia!) They cheered for their brothers with all of their hearts!I just love these girls!

Hannah and Tate

2008-07-22T22:18:00.000-05:00

This is Hannah. She is the coach's daughter. She is the youngest daughter with 5 older brothers. She is probably the neatest kid I have ever met! She took to Tatumn like a devoted Big Sister this ball season. She would love on, play with, share snacks, and cuddle Tatumn every game. Tatumn loves this friend soo much.
Hannah said during the last game. If we would have won, we would have played again. Same team. (For the LOVE.....) But we lost (read next post, it was okay) but Hannah told me "I don't want the season to be over because Tatumn will grow up to much by next season. I don't want her to change."
So, I promised this sweet little girl a play date before summer is over and promised to take Tatumn to some fall practices, so they can still be bffs.

Finishing Strong

2008-07-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

Tanner's baseball season is now finished. Finally. Did I just say that OUTLOUD? Now, don't get me wrong. I love watching, supporting, cheering my kids on in sports. But with all the rain out games, this season lasted f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
It couldn't have ended on a better game. Tanner knocked in the tying run! Yippee. He actually had a hitting lesson that afternoon because he was struggling with his bat. So, when he got up with one run down, a man in scoring position, and 2 outs, my heart was beating so fast and my nerves were fried! But he hit him in! The team lost in extra innings but they played their hearts out and played with integrity! Seriously, what more could you ask for?
Our family motto is "Finish Strong". God spoke it into my heart one crazy afternoon when I was battling the enemy over my children (2 big boys) and I felt the still, small voice of the Lord ask me "can you finish strong?" Immediately, I said "yes, Father." Came home and told the boys "to stop packing for military school, I overreacted!" Oh, I kid! (kinda) But we had a family meeting and surrendered to God's leading. We have been a better family unit since. All to the Glory of God. Tonight in kick-boxing, Libby( our fearless, high-kicking, strong-as-an-ox teacher) encouraged us to "finish strong" so I kicked harder and punched faster because my kids have had to do it in tough times so I better, too.

Meet the Newest Member of our Family!

2008-07-22T17:53:00.001-05:00

No name yet

2008-07-22T16:09:00.000-05:00

Our middle son is spending some time with the grandparents. Each boy takes a turn, and this is his turn. We will not name the puppy until all family members get a vote. It's only fair. We do feel a little guilty...........but puppy breath and kisses have helped! :)

2008-07-22T15:58:00.000-05:00

Sorry

2008-07-22T15:02:00.000-05:00

I hope no one was offended by my "tease". I was only trying to be silly. We are excited about this poofy-furball of a puppy. Although I do think we will be adopting again from China, this is all this family can handle right now. Thank you for your sweet comments, girls! I hope we can still be friends!

I have an announcement to make.......

2008-07-21T21:07:00.002-05:00

We are adopting again......

Check back tomorrow.........

Uno

2008-07-11T20:31:00.002-05:00

Tucker and I were playing a freindly game of Uno the other night and Tatumn was playing her version right beside us. It was turning into a heated game when I forgot to say "Uno" when I laid down my second-to-the-last-card. Tucker caught me, he's VERY GOOD,so I had to draw 2 cards. Well the game continued on....and on.....and on....
And then Tatumn laid down a card and proudly proclaimed "Nemo!"
She won.

East and West

2008-07-09T18:34:00.003-05:00

Clara came to meet Tatumn at the airport. Such a devoted friend. The girls have been great friends ever since. They couldn't look more different, though. SO, I have dubbed them East and West. Tatumn gets really brown in Summer and Clara stays fair skinned. Tate's cocoa brown hair is short and barely there and Clara blond curly locks are everywhere! They both love to play babies and in the kitchen! They have squeals that sound like fireworks!
Clara and her mommy and daddy ( and baby Madeline) are our neighbors. We met them one day while they were on a walk and were so excited to tell us they were expecting their first baby. We were in the process of adopting Tatumn and made plans for the girls to be friends. We had no idea how close in age the girls would be. Because China slowed down with referrals Tatumn and Clara are only 4 months apart.
One day, Terri (the momma) and I went on own of our many walks and I was pouring my heart out to her about a deep wounding that had come that week. I was explaining to her the importance of this particular woman in my life who was walking me through it. This lady is like my spiritual mama. She loves me deeply, speaks the truth in love to me, encourages and challenges me to grow in Christ. Her husband is the same to Kip. They also go hunting. Deep. As I was telling her about what Bob and Libby represent in our lives she stopped me and said "that is how we feel about you and Kip." I remember at that moment realizing we were the official "older" couple. And that this relationship was very important to the Lord.
The other day I got to go to a very rare girls lunch date. My sweet friends Wendy and Melissa invited me to a very chic' Tea Room and Terri babysat Tatumn for me. The boys decided to go too. Because they have the NEW Guitar Hero! Remember they are a younger, hipper, cooler couple. With a HUGE FLAT SCREEN TV. (Our boys are neglected. Pray for them)
So here are East and West playing their hearts out! I love the pic of them by the window. (waiting for me.......I was late. Who could blame me?! Lunch was fabulous. The fellowship truly blessed this weary mom's spirit! And bless Wendy's heart she paid for ALL of it! Kisses!)

East and West

2008-07-08T19:02:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how much the girls have changed! Love that baby picture! If you would like to know more of Tatumn's story please go to http://www.journeytome.com/ then click on Adoption Stories, and click on Journey to Tatumn Hope. Please let me know if you visited that site.

Freedom!

2008-07-06T10:16:00.003-05:00

Our 4th of July was filled with the people we love most, swimming, lots of food, and fireworks.

The Massey family came over for our 2nd annual 4th of July brunch. Love those people with my whole heart. We have walked through so many seasons of life together, the good and the bad, the pretty ones and the ones not-so-pretty ones. We endured a 30 hour plane ride to China, climbed the Great Wall and survived. We have celebrated and lamented together. Laughed and cried. Prayed and interceded. This group of 6 is more family than friend. We absolutely love them.

We then headed down South to Kips parents house. The kids swam and played until their strength was zapped. Only to find renewal when it was time to set things on fire. My bigger boys could be pyro's And the littlest boy one sticks around until he gets burned and then the fun is ruined. Bless his heart.

Tatumn and Lexi (niece) had a blast playing in the girl pool. They poured and splashed their hearts out. I would love to share pictures but I forgot my camera. Even though it was sitting out with a sticky note saying "Do Not Forget!" As soon as I get pictures from my s-i-l I will post them!

Our family of 6 had a great weekend! We hope you did too!

The picture is of Tatumn and her very best friend Myer. To know more about Myer's story, check out www.carepages.com and then click on Myer.

ONE

2008-06-29T11:50:00.004-05:00

One Word Post.
The rules state very clearly here http://lifeintheparsonage.blogspot.com that ALL answers have to be ONE WORD. So, here goes.
1. Where is your cell phone? IDK *that is text type so I can keep it to one word. In fact if you were to call my cell phone my voice mail would say something like this "you have reached Stephanie's cell phone. It could be in the bottom of her purse or in the car somewhere, please leave a message.....)
Okay, way more than one word. I think I am a loser, already.
2. Your significant other? dependable
3. Your hair? highlighted
4. Your mother? Generous
5. Your father? Golfing
6. Your favorite thing? Crawford6
7. Your dream last night? Peaceful
8. Your favorite drink? SweetTea
9. Your dream/goal? Financial Freedom
10. The room you’re in? HearthRoom
11. Your church? Home
12. Your fear? my children falling away from the Lord
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?
14. Where were you last night? Church
15. What you’re not? a size 2
16. Muffins? Doughnut (could be why!)
17. One of your wish list items? size 2.....Just Kidding. Pink Coach Purse
18. Where you grew up? Blue Springs
19. The last thing you did? Clean
20. What are you wearing? pink
21. Your TV? FoodNetwork (again.....)
22. Your pets? NOPE
23. Your computer? Laptop
24. Your life? BUSY
25. Your mood? Peaceful
26. Missing someone? Missy
27. Your car? FULL
28. Something you’re not wearing? make-up
29. Favorite store? Ny&Co
30. Your summer? Adventure (read old posts!)
31. Like(love) someone? Wednesday Morning Bible Study gals
32. Your favorite color? pink
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? last night
35. Who will re-post this? IDK

Okay, so I cheated a little. You can take the girl out of the word but you cannot take the words out of the girl. Huh?
Oh well!
Happy Sunday!

Left Speechless and in Amazement

2008-06-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

I will make you Fishers of men

2008-06-28T12:12:00.000-05:00

You are never too old to swing...

2008-06-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

I love this picture of our first born and baby girl swinging!
Good times!

Tucker at the Skate Park

2008-06-28T11:58:00.000-05:00

This was before the ambulance ride visit to the skate park. I am glad I took these because he swears (even though I say it is not nice to swear! :P ) he is NOT going back.
And I am okay with that. I cannot handle another visit with the police/ambulance/MAST ambulance.

Fun at the Park

2008-06-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

This picture was from our trip to the park before our infamous trip to the park. Do you follow? Tatumn was delighted to swing so very high! We do not have a swing set at our house so this was truly a treat! The smile was genuine, too. I didn't have to say "Smile Tatumn so mommy can take another picture!"

Cookin with Tate!

2008-06-28T11:50:00.000-05:00

Barbie Bicycle

2008-06-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

Tatumn's Barbie Bicycle

2008-06-28T11:42:00.003-05:00

The other day while doing my weekly torture trip into Hades, otherwise known as Wal-Mart, I found this adorable Barbie Princess Bicycle for Tatumn.
I knew it was meant for us to buy it because.........
there was only 1 left on the shelf.
Even Tucker knew it was providential because he said "God, left us one Mom!"
I am raising some very savvy shoppers!

Note to readers:we are waiting with baited breath (what does that really mean, anyway!) for our SUPER TARGET to open. Any day now!
I will share my Wal-Mart story another day. It is not pretty, girls. Not pretty.

You'll never believe what the baby girl just said...

2008-06-27T18:17:00.003-05:00

We had to wake her up from a late nap........never a good idea. We have ran like crazy people and swam like fishes today. So, Tatumn fell into a coma when we made it home....finally.
So, we woke her up so she would sleep tonight. Honestly, the last part is more for me than for her. I need to sleep tonight.
So, the cranky girl was laying on the couch trying to wake up and Tanner came up to her wanting to give her a kiss.
And she said this....
"Get out of my personal space."
It was more like this " Geeet oouutt of mmmyyyy personaaaaallll spaaaace."
Tanner, looked at me in sheer shock but smiled.
Because that was funny.
And Sassy.

I'm a Survivor

2008-06-27T18:10:00.002-05:00

I survived my first Kick Boxing Class last night.
I am more of a elliptical machine-weights routine-by-myself-kind of girl.
My (sweet, young) neighbor has asked me to go to this class for a couple of weeks and I finally got my (butt) schedule to work out.
The anticipation was far worse than than the participation.
Don't get me wrong....the class was a killer. Libby (the kick boxing guru) is a beast! So strong and flexible. But also encouraging. She didn't laugh at me or ask me to leave.

And I woke up this morning able to walk! So, that was a HUGE plus.

And I'm going back next week. Oh, yes I am!

Referral Anniversary

2008-06-24T20:41:00.006-05:00

Some of you unfamiliar with the adoption process are probably going "huh" right about now.

Let me explain.

Referral is the equivalent to the ultrasound in the adoption world. That first glimpse of the precious baby that you have fallen in love with. You know the one that makes you hold you hold your breath as your eyes fall fresh upon that little person that has captivated your heart.

We received our referral on June 26, 2006. We had waited over one year for this news. So, in pregnancy time......it would have been the gestation of an elephant. Shew.

Leading up to this day was a journey. I will tell you the young, naive, excited girl who walked her adoption agreement in to the Adoption agency in February 2005 was not the same girl who answered the phone in June 2006. She had been changed by the FAITHFUL hand of God. Our family was rocked to it's foundation in March of that year and there was a moment that we were not sure if we would be able to continue Tatumn's adoption.

I cannot tell you how my heart broke over the thought of not being able to hold my daughter. I loved her so very much already. Out family had already made room for her in our hearts and loved poured forth out of those places. The boys would constantly ask questions like " when the baby gets here she can she sit by me?" And "can I sit by the baby when we go to church?" "Will she know I am her brother?" "Will she love me?"

Sweet, innocent love from three little boys who trusted their parents from the very beginning that God had called us to go to China and adopt a baby girl. And in doing so, she would complete our family. They trusted that God spoke in into our lives. They allowed God to tender their hearts, calm their fears, and grow a love for a little girl that did not come form our own flesh and blood.

And what grew out of that year long wait was a fierce love.

So, when March happened it rocked us. I remember crying over the boys' broken hearts. We didn't tell them how dire the situation had actually become but they knew something was going on.

I will tell more of that story another day.

Because obviously, we were able to adopt Ms. Tatumn Hope. The princess did get to her meet her Prince Charming. Her Daddy.

So, Thursday will mark our 2 year Referral Anniversary. The call came from on my cell phone. And in a conversation that lasted less than 5 minutes we were introduced to

Chen Jun De. A Hunan baby born on October 24, 2005. We were told by the nannies that she was given her name as a blessing. It means a beautiful girl who will grow into a virtuous woman.

We found out that she was tiny, with very little hair.

That was it........ our introduction to our daughter.

We didn't get good pictures until the next day. Via, the UPS man. I scared him to death when I jumped out of my front door with my camera. When I explained why, he totally got all nervous that he was responsible for such important documents! He was in disbelief that he was carrying around my daughter all day!

As, I type this I really am supposed to be preparing for Bible Study in the morning. I am teaching a lesson that I have in my head but not organized. Somehow, I needed to do this first.As I was getting out a notebook to take down my notes, I came across my rough draft of our personal statement for our HomeStudy. This was one of the documents that went into our dossier. (Adoption lingo for paperwork that is sent to China)

As I read what that young girl (me) wrote 3 years ago, I smiled at her zest for life. Her complete abandonment to her family. Her family dynamics. She did not know that her own personal story would change and that the "idyllic" life would be only for a season.

I am so very thankful that her dream came true one hot day in China. That the baby that she wrote about loving already and promising to take care of in the same fashion as her biological children is now 2 1/2 years old. And not really a baby anymore. So, thankful that that girl fully trusted in God's Faithfulness and Provision and allowed Him to change paths. That He brought them a place of Victory.

That the young family came through the fire, stronger.

And now older. I was completely amazed that when I wrote that statement for our HomeStudy, Taylor was 11, Tanner 8, and Tucker was 5.

Tatumn Hope was not even born yet. Her little life was just beginning. But we loved her so much already. How can that be? Even now, I cannot put words to that particular feeling. Tears sting my eyes as I let myself go back to through those moments where God beckoned us to follow Him.

And we did.

Honestly, it is God's way of showing us through Tatumn's adoption what He has done through Jesus Christ. We are adopted through Christ, to be a child of God's. That the love that overflowed out of this family for a little baby girl, on the other side of the World, is minute compared to God's love for us.

Completely Amazing.

Stop and think about that for a while.

(I have a Bible Study lesson to write)

Not your typical Walk in the Park

2008-06-20T19:03:00.004-05:00

This morning, I just had my 2 little ones home and I let them sleep in.....a little. Our mornings are so very rushed. Even though we are not bound to a tight school schedule, we still have obligations that require us to get out the door at lightning speed.
Except for today.
So, we did not go the gym. Instead I cleaned up around the house and the children got to eat a home-made breakfast. (hold your applause, please) I told the kids that for my morning exercise we would walk to the park. Not drive, which would turn out to be a gigantic flaw in the plan.
So, we loaded Tatumn up in her stroller and Tucker donned his helmet and scooter for our trip to the park.
Our journey there took about 10 or so minutes.
Once there, Tatumn got on a swing and Tucker tackled the skate park.
Tucker wanted to show me some "cool moves" so we walked over to the skate park and cheered him on.
I announced we had only 11 minutes left to play because I needed to shower before we picked up Tanner from Summer School.
As I was walking Tatumn back to the swings Tucker let out a HUGE SCREAM and when I turned to see what was wrong he was prostrate screaming in PAIN!
I guided him back to a bench to assess the damage. His knee was bruised and he told me he thought it was broken. I had enough sense in me to remember that he is only 8 and not a DOCTOR.
Okay, here is where it gets comical.
A police man drove down the parking lot and noticed we were in a little bit of distress and decided to come and check it out for himself.
He asked Tucker some questions about what happened, asked who I was, and if Tuck needed an ice bag. I assured him I was "his mom...mommy...mother." And that an ice bag would be good.
I didn't know he meant call an ambulance for an ice bag. I thought he had one in his patrol car.
Because the park is close to City Hall, the FIRST ambulance got there in a jiffy. The paramedics were checking out his knee when I heard the distinct sound of SIRENS.
Oh, I am NOT KIDDING!
I asked the police man in a "please tell me they are rushing to a real accident" tone where that sound was heading.
He told me they were coming to TRANSPORT him to the hospital.
Excuse me? Did I miss something? HOSPITAL?!?!?!
When the MAST paramedics showed up , the city guys left. Except for the police man.
They were all business. I told them I didn't think he needed a transport and they told me I could sign a waiver "declining transport". And that I could take him on my own.
Now, here is the truth. I didn't think he was hurt all that bad. I was about to tell him to "shake it off" before the police man entered the scene. I probably would have made him walk home. I know, BAD MOM.
Well, they let me decline transport but made me sign papers declaring me a terrible, horrible, no-good mother.
And we were almost free to go.
But we WALKED to the park. For exercise. HUFF!!!
So, I asked the police man if he would help get us home. He had already put our stroller in his trunk. Good. But the paramedics told us they would need to take Tatumn in their AMBULANCE because they had a car seat.
SAFETY FIRST.
So, Tucker was buckled in the police car and Tatumn needed to go in the ambulance. The paramedic them asked me who I wanted to ride with.
Make me pick? Are you kidding me?!?!?
Then the paramedic told me we could all in the ambulance.
Good.
But the police man said he would meet us at the house with our stuff.
Stay with me here...........
So, the police man went down one street and the ambulance went down the other and we met at our house.
JUST AS MY HUSBAND WAS PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY!!!!!
The look on his face made my heart drop to my knees. Bless his heart. I can only imagine what he must have thought.
But the police man was already there describing the story.
But as soon as we got in the house I reassured him it wasn't that bad.
Promise.
All is well now. He got a HUGE dose of Motrin and got his spunk back this afternoon.
And Tucker is doing better too. Thanks for asking.
Next time I skip a workout, I am going to indulge in a donut. Or two. Or three.

A day in my flip flops

2008-06-19T19:11:00.002-05:00

Life here is crazy-busy-fast and I am too tired to post something more profound than this.
I thought you might want to follow along on a day in my flip flops.
2:00 am* Wake up from a half-way descent sleep. Do a kid check, turn off tv's, cover up sleeping boys. Get a drink.
2:22 am* still awake. Turn on CNN news
3:00 am* go to the bathroom. still awake.
fall back asleep
5:00am* Hear Tatumn crying in her room. Trudge down hall to get her and lay her on pallet. Turn off my tv.
5:55 am* wake up and remember Tucker is coming home early.
6:11am* Wake up to knocking on our front door. Tucker is home. Remember my dad's Father Day treat in our fridge. Trudge through dining room to kitchen to retrieve dad's treat in fridge. Kiss my daddy good-bye and wish him a good day.
6:14 am* Get Tucker a blanket and pillow and make him a pallet on Kip's side of bed. Turn tv back on for Tucker and try and fall asleep.
7:21 am* Wake up to Tanner giving me a kiss and whispering Good Morning because his siblings were still sleeping.
7:40 am* Kiss Tanner and Kip goodbye for the day. Tell Tanner I will not be late picking him from summer school. Make a half-hearted promise to Kip for some quality time tonight.
7:41 am*Get ready for the gym.
7:55 am* Get Tatumn ready for the gym. Outfit, pigtails, blankie, and bottle.
8:04 am* Drop off Taylor and his friend Dalton at Football camp. Whisper a quick prayer that they got to join the team as they were running out so they were not counted late because of me. Because on Tuesday, they were. And they had to run. Sorry guys. Dalton likes to spend the night with us. So, he has become my 5th child this summer. He thinks he is my favorite. Some days, he is.
8:14 am* Arrive at the gym and sit in my van putting my shoes on and worship the Lord with Nicole C. Mullins ' Redeemer.
8:20 am* sign Tatumn in to Child Watch. Remind teachers that she will need to go potty....very soon.
8:22 am* Chat with a friend until fitness equipment becomes available. Get on the killer equipment and try to have an intelligent conversation with friend.
Funny, she doesn't have any trouble chatting and/or breathing.
9:01 am* Do weight workout. Try to do new ab workout but everybody in the tri-county area was attempting the same workout.
9:17 am* skip ab routine.
9:20 am* sigh Tatumn out of Child watch. Attempt to leave gym at my speed. End up walking out at a snails pace.
9:27 am* Taylor calls wondering where I am
9:33 am* Pick up selfish teenager from football practice.
9:44 am* Enjoy watermelon breakfast with my two little people. Selfish teenager eats by himself.
10:00-11:20 am* CLEAN HOUSE. Selfish teenager is put to work and redeems himself. The 2 little people play. The mam sweeps, wipes down, bleaches, makes beds, picks up pallets, puts away laundry, puts up clean dishes, loads dishwasher with dirty dishes.
Needs to take a shower but runs out of time because I remember I need to get Tanner with out being late.
11:21 am* Try and get Tatumn to go potty. #2. She refuses.
11:35 am* Remember bridge work and road closures and take VERY LONG DETOUR to get Tanner.
11:46 am* Tanner calls asking where I am .
11:50* Pick up Tanner late.
11:56* Tanner closes Tucker's arm in door. Drama ensues.
12:00- 12:15* Tanner wolfs down lunch. Chat with friend who is taking my two big boys to work on a rehab home. Pack water and gloves and kiss good-bye.
12:16* Tatumn looses her mind. And self-control. Pool plans get rearranged to nap plans.
12:17* Check Tucker's arm.....again. And reassure him we do not need to go to the er. Readjust ice and try and kiss away the pain......and the drama.
12:30* Put Tatumn down for a nap.
12:31*Lay down with injured little man and watch a movie.
1:55* Wake up to ringing phone. It's hubby.
2:06* Wake up again to ringing phone. It's the boys wondering why I didn't answer the door. Busted.
2:10* Finally jump in shower!
2:12* Sign Tanner up for a baby sitting job. He needs to be there in 5 minutes.
2:30* Wake up sleeping Tatumn so we can take Taylor to friends house. He is going to the lake until Sunday. He tells me on the way there he "thinks he might miss me a little." I know he meant it as an endearment.
2:32* Stop at Sonic for Happy Hour Half Price Drinks. So, does half of the tri-county residents.
2:59* Arrive at friends house and kiss Taylor good-bye.
2:59* Tanner calls wondering where I am. Hangs up on me because he has to sit and wait for me to get home.
3:00* Call Tanner back and tell him to NEVER hang up on me again. Want to hang up on selfish little middle man but choose to listen to the Father and tell him "i love him" instead.
3:30* Arrive home. Tatumn is still way grouchy. Need to vacuum and get dinner started. Then head to the pool.
4:00* Realize we are under a T-Storm warning and tell children pool plans are canceled.
4:14* Threaten violence if children do not stop whining about the change in plans.
4:15* ask for forgiveness
4:16* Start dinner. Remember that I need to make dinner for neighbors. Double up ingredients.
5:07* Hubby gets home.
5:10* Children ask their daddy to take them to the library. Hubby wonders aloud what they did the 9 hours he was gone and why they didn't go to the library during the day.
5:11* Give husband the "look"
5:11:30* Husband takes children to the library.
5:55* Get dinner to neighbors
6:00* Sit down to dinner with family.
6:30* get tired on waiting for Tatumn to finish eating. clean kitchen.
6:40* Give Tatumn a bath.
6:41* Tanner and Tucker duke it out with a rock/paper/scissors contest to see who gets to take their bath with tatumn.
6:42* Tucker gets in tub.
6:45* Get Tatumn out. Tucker adds more water and settles in with his new library book.
7:30* I get on the computer and try to veg for a moment.
7:33* Pray for bedtime to come quickly.

Hugs, Steph

Can you see me now?

2008-06-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

2008-06-12T20:13:00.000-05:00

Pool Days are here!

2008-06-12T20:12:00.000-05:00

Tatumn Hope

2008-06-12T20:11:00.000-05:00

2008-06-12T20:10:00.000-05:00

Frosty

2008-06-12T20:02:00.002-05:00

Go to Wendy's this weekend and get a FROSTY. Your purchase will help support ADOPTION! And you know that is close to my heart.
Please remember to pray for the Chapmans this weekend, especially the daddy Steven.

http://www.rockinfrosty.org/

Summer Lovin, had me a Blast!

2008-06-12T18:00:00.004-05:00

The title is way more catchy if you sing it with the correct Grease music playing in your head!

Summer is here, full blown. We have spent nearly every day that it has not rained at the pool. We love our Riverside pool. It's not a private- in your own back yard- kind of pool. We do have to share it with others but we we have 3 to 4 lifeguards at a time watching the children. So, the other people don't bother me.............much.

Tanner, is wrapping up his baseball season. Shew! He started Middle School, with much complaining and protesting. He thinks we hate him and that I would rather not spend time with him. Then after the first day, he had an epiphany. He realized that what I told was true. That if he were to walk into that big, foreboding building on the first official day of school, he would in fact be a mess. This boy does not do change. It has been a week now and the poor kid cannot figure out his locker..........still. No need to say, the momma is ALWAYS right.

I need to gush about him one more time. He had a very busy first full week of summer. He had invites from one friend after another. He was so overwhelmed during one of his trip to a friends house. I asked him what was wrong and he explained it like this. " Mom, the whole summer is going to go by so fast. Like right now, I haven't got to spend one day with you!" I love that boy!

Taylor is busy with High School football. At the HIGH SCHOOL. The other morning I had to drop him off early for weights and as I drove up there were some really BIG boys standing by the gym door. My heart did a little dance with my nervous stomach and I asked him, in all sincerity, if I should walk him to the gym because those boys looked really intimidating. He said "NO, MOM" before I finished my sentence and jumped out of the car. I rolled down my window and he shot me a look that meant business. I slowly drove away all the while watching from my rear view window. I am not ready for High-School. Lovin that Big Boy.

My little Tucker man is simply my buddy. Because the two big boys are busy in the morning, he and I jump get to work out together at the Y. Tatumn goes to the child watch, where she was greeted with shouts of great joy from her friends today! But because God is so good there is treadmill right next to my machine. The I600. Killer. But we manage to chat and give each other a thumbs up when The Suite Life with Zac and Cody come on! We are still struggling with his asthma. That makes me a little more worried than normal. I love that little man.

Tatumn is almost, completely, I don't want her to know that I know, potty-trained! Yeah! I have almost conquered my fears of public restrooms with her, too. Big week here at the Crawford's. This is the second week in a row that we have not had to empty the dreaded Diaper Champ. We can actually walk into her room with being welcomed by the camouflaged stench of dirty diapers. She is loving the pool more this year. She has gotten a tad bit more brave than last year. Although she did trip the other day and could not regain her balance (heart be still!) and went completely under the water. I was right there and scooped her up quickly, Glory, but she was done and told me "I want to go home right now. That was scary." The way she says scary is so cute. She is the darling of our house. The true delight of our lives.

And you gals thought I was just being lazy with my posts.

Never a dull moment. Ever.

I had made up my mind that this Summer we were going to take it down a notch with our meals. I am not bragging or patting myself on the back when I say this, please know that. But for any typical meal, I will use serving bowls, napkins, glasses, etc when we eat as a family. I love dishes, not washing them, but love a pretty table that is set. Quirky, I know. But I was pretty pleased with myself when I decided that we were going low-key. Paper plates and more disposable things. Easy clean up. Less dishes to put away. Less dishwasher duty. Etc. When I told my husband he gave me that "you're kidding, right?!" look. I wasn't but I went ahead and sat the table like usual. Anyway, when he prayed over us that morning it sounded something like this " Thank you Lord for supplying us with pretty dishes and letting us eat off of real plates and not paper ones." Oh Lord, help me love this man. Kidding aside, I really do love this man. A bunch. And the dishes thing is no big deal. Really.

For those of you who didn't jump over from Sarah's, I want to give a shout out to her. She is my bloggy friend forever. BFF. I cannot even remember how we met. She has three little guys, so it goes without saying that we will mansions close by in Heaven. Because, as you may or may not know, there is a special place in heaven to the mother of boys'. With a princess, as in our case. And maybe one day, hers too! But please go over and visit her blog. www.lifeintheparsonage.blogspot.com And pray for her tiny town, it has been hit hard lately. Praying for you, Sarah.