~Xmas 2012~

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

~Xmas2012~ Did you know that the "X" means Christ in Greek? All these years, I've been annoyed by this X. ~Not anymore.~ I love the fact that there's really no way to take Christ out of the equation.  Is it strange that Christmas afternoon may just be my favorite? Maybe it's because the work is done, the kitchen is clean, there's enough food in the fridge for days, gifts are opened, kids are occupied by their new things, or I'm just relieved nothing traumatic happened. Or maybe it's the first time I catch my breath after the marathon that is the two weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday in general. Whatever the reason, here I sit, December 26, quite content. It's cloudy, windy, and very cold out. Kids are playing, Christmas music is on, and will be as long as channel 801 plays it.   The only thing lacking is Brad. He's been on call all week and says he'll be gone til 10 or so tonight operating.  ~Christmas Eve~    ~Making Cheese Apples.....which is the best thing you will ever put in your mouth.~ This little "ballerina", as Emma calls it, has been the thing she has worn since she got it yesterday morning. Forced her to take it off to go to bed, only to have her find it, and insist on putting it back on first thing when she woke up.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Already hit the treadmill this morning. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions because I figure there's no time like the present. I'm stepping up my work out routine.  Only about 10 weeks til Daylight Savings Time!   ...excited about THAT!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours. .....one of these years, I'm planning a killer New Year's Eve party. Don't have the energy for it at the moment, but I can see it. It will be a happening  with lights, great food, live music maybe, and pretty dresses.  For now, I'll happily settle for the entertainment that comes from watching my kids TRY their darndest to stay awake til midnight to see the ball drop. Cozy is just as good as fancy. Better, even.  If you haven't watched, "Holiday Inn" yet, you really should.  Hope your night is a good one!

~Redeemed~

Thursday, December 20, 2012

~Redeemed~ Survived. It was a crazy two weeks. A marathon of teaching school, going to parties, practices, performances, and lessons. Pictures, errands, wrapping, shopping, cleaning, and prepping for and enduring a home inspection.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This morning was the kids Christmas musical at school. As the sweet, innocent first graders filed in and I caught my Avery's eye, she smiled her toothless smile, waved, and I couldn't hold back the tears.  My heart is still heavy for the Mamas and Daddies in Connecticut. I am well aware that I have not been given the grace to carry their suffering, so I guard my thoughts, and do my best to choose not to dwell on that day. Instead, I pray for unexplainable grace to rest on their homes. I pray for peace that passes all understanding. I pray for smiles to return sooner rather than later. I pray for mercy and comfort.  I pray for rest and signs of God's presence in their lives even in this impossible circumstance.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ School is officially out for nearly three weeks. That is long enough to actually catch my breath. It's long enough to have some do nothing days and some fun days.  I have my plans but more than ever, I'm acutely aware that I've only been given today.  I'll always make plans, but I won't waste today hoping for or fretting over tomorrow. In the wise words of my favorite pastor ever, Tom Hall, "Blessings and Joy! You live in a redeemed world." ~stacey

~First of Christmas~

Thursday, November 29, 2012

~First of Christmas~    We are as decorated as we are going to be this year. I love having a candle in each window the best. I love having timers on them even more, though, so I don't have to unplug a zillion things at 11:00 at night.    Amy Grant's "I Need a Silent Night" has been my motto this year. I've said "no" to multiple things because I refuse to run crazy this Christmas......or any Christmas if I can help it. I suppose it's just the nature of having a family of six. If I do the math, I simply can't physically be and do everything I would need to be and do if I said yes to it all.  Mom guilt kicked in the other day just for a second, then I came back to my senses.  It's good for kids to learn that the world doesn't revolve around them and that there are other people to consider.  Even still, we have three wonderful parties to go to, one ballerina to watch, a school musical to attend, a Christmas parade, one gymnastics meet, team pictures, and two more weeks of regular school and activities.  Yes. That's definitely enough.   Got to take a few pictures of Abby this weekend.      I sincerely hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season. I love the fact that what I celebrate is not limited to one square on the calendar.  It takes off the pressure, you know? Every day is a blessing; a gift. I am redeemed because of the gift of Jesus Christ. ~stacey

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~In Memory of Ma~

Monday, November 19, 2012

~In Memory of Ma~ What is a legacy?   I mean a real legacy.  Does it have to be something big?  Can only famous people leave legacies?  Is that something reserved for philanthropists who leave millions of dollars to support a cause?  legacy noun Definition: 1. money or property left through a will; 2. something handed down from one person or generation to another Synonyms: grant, bequest, gift, bestowal, heritage, inheritance I can't speak for anyone other than myself but for me, my grandmother left a legacy last night when she passed away.  She isn't leaving me a monetary gift, I'm not getting a piece of property, or expensive jewelry.  The legacy she is leaving me is worth far more than anything I can hold in my hand. She passed down to me a testimony of good character. She showed me what it looks like to stand during times of adversity.  She walked through The Great Depression, the loss of a family farm, and the death of her young daughter. From her, I learned how to be okay with the things you can't control.  Dear Ma, I miss you already. I've been missing you about a year though, really. I am blessed to have lived down the lane from you from 1974 to 1997.  Going to Harvey's to get chicken that was on sale will always be one of my very favorite memories. That day, we laughed so much we cried. Thank you for all those nights I got to spend with you listening to stories from your childhood. When you dozed off and started to snore, I  I remember nudging you, "Ma! Wake up. You didn't finish the story!"  Thanks for showing me how to make biscuits and for keeping me when I didn't want to go to a conference with Mama and Daddy.  Thanks for almost always making lunch......I think I'll make some  salmon croquettes soon.....just because.  Thank you for your sweet spirit, your fiery side, and for valuing your family. I love you and can't wait to see you again.  ~In Loving Memory~ Mary Bass Fitzgerald Taylor November 8, 1909~November 18, 2012 ~stacey

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~The Night Before November 1~

Thursday, November 01, 2012

~The Night Before November 1~ It was such a cozy night.  We ate. We walked. The kids got some candy. We gave away A LOT of candy. (I asked the kids to go through their stash and recycle what they didn't like  ) Abby and Cameron came over and ate some chili after we turned off the front porch light. (Would love to see how late kids would actually ring the doorbell if the light was left on) And since when is it okay for 18 year olds to trick-or-treat? I can see 14.....15....maybe.  But 18?! That's almost college. Time to grow up, I think. Not to mention they are HUGE and scare me a little!  That being said, there is NO shame in a parent "helping" their child pick out the "best" candy, only to eat it later. "But Daddy, I don't like peanuts and dark chocolate." "Oh yeah, honey, it's GOOD! Say thank you to the nice lady and let's go!"     ~McKenna, the American Girl gymnast~    This girl was F.U.N. this year. She put her "buttably" costume on and held on to that wand like it was her most prized possession. She was an unhappy little thing when she learned she could not sleep in the whole get-up.     Rapunzel. She loved wearing my jewelry and make up.    And Ninja dude. He LOVED it.       Like I said....cozy night. Think I'll remember this one. In a matter of minutes, it will be November 1. Where October went, I have no idea. I should really get my summer clothes put away, though. ~It's COLD~ I'm trying to resist Christmas decorating. Growing up, it was completely unheard of to even think about Christmas trees or music until the day afterThanksgiving. I never complained about that....it was just the way we did it.  I loved Thanksgiving, and still do. I just think four weeks is not enough time for candles in the windows, Nat King Cole serenading me, or getting through all my favorite Christmas movies.  So we'll see how long I can hold out. Not ready just yet, but getting close.  This is the kind of day I plan to have tomorrow....    ~stacey

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~Grateful~

Monday, October 29, 2012

~Grateful~ Even in the midst of a mundane Monday, full of laundry, dishes, and school work, I  am very aware of God's goodness that surrounds me.  Gratefulness is a choice. This I know.  We had a wonderful weekend in the mountains, celebrating my Dad's retirement.  He is a blessing in more ways than I can count and he is reason enough to celebrate.   This quaint little inn is where we had dinner....... It's windy enough to make me feel like I'm back in Kansas. I suppose that's due in part to the hurricane that's fast approaching the east coast. Makes me want to go grocery shopping and stock up!.....even if the storm is nowhere near me. weird, I know.  It's colder than it should be in October in the south but I'm not complaining. I love the first chance to break out the Uggs and sweaters. Brad popped home for lunch which is a rare occurrence. It was fun.....told him he should do it more often.  I'm hoping to make a trip to the grocery store tonight ALL ALONE. Don't care how late but I'm out of everything and want to go all. alone. Might get a Starbucks and put my earphones in while I'm at it.  Emma is still not asleep for her nap, so I checked on her, hugged her, and told her she needed to go night night.  Her response, "But why?" So it begins. "But why".....there's a question that never ends. ~stacey

~Death Beans~

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

~Death Beans~ My kids are outside picking "death beans". .....whatever the heck that is. Sounds awful but they sure love picking them off my magnolia tree and it has occupied them on and off for a week now.  Note to self: Investigate these "death beans" to make sure they aren't actually dangerous. I LOVE watching my little gymnast get stronger and learn new skills at practice. She's just beautiful out there, is crazy flexible, and full of energy. Note to self: Let this be her dream. Support but don't push. Today, when I told Avery to journal about her Dad, she wrote, "My Dad is a 'docder'. He gets home late. I love my Dad.". Note to self: DON'T get paranoid about this! He plays with them more than any Dad I know. And don't forget that a couple weeks ago, Avery wrote about me that I take naps and watch tv. Sometimes their perception is not an accurate picture of reality.  My sweet husband is giving me his call money from a recent weekend......think SOMEBODY'S gettin' an iPad!!! Note to self: Be SURE to tell Robby Stewart so he'll get off Brad's back about his not getting me an iPad.  Speaking of Brad.....the man is on call every night but one this week. Note to self: Be extra sweet, make sure he has food to eat when he gets home, and expect late nights. He works hard. Emma is out of diapers. Note to self: ~BUY DIAPERS AFTER CHURCH~ pullups can't handle all night. It is possibly the most beautiful day ever. Note to self: Get Emma out of bed and go enjoy it with J, R, and A.       ~stacey

~My October Baby~

Saturday, September 29, 2012

~My October Baby~ October. It could have been June or July at the latest. I would get out my notebook or paper from my Trapper Keeper and my favorite rainbow pencil, with I'm sure, some cutesy eraser on top and the planning would begin. Who I wanted to invite. What games we would play. What kind of cake. Who would sit where at the table. And of course, the things I would ask for. I remember asking for a chimpanzee once and a drum set. I literally planned my birthday party crazy far ahead and could hardly wait to flip that calendar to my favorite month. ~October~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fast forward nearly 30 years. Here I sit, the day before the first of October. What is in the back of my car? Two Hobby Lobby bags full of plates, napkins, balloon sticks, and a host of other birthday things. My "to do list" today? Get that sample craft made so I can make sure it's actually going to turn out. Cake ordered. CANNOT WAIT to go buy that thing and that other thing!! They are the perfect gifts. She will be so excited! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Seven years ago, I was just a few days away from giving birth to a healthy baby girl. When my doctor said, "Well. I am on call then, so that's the day we'll induce you", I thought, that's my birthday! Yay! How cool is that?! I'm sure that mentally, I briefly went through, oh wait. I'm going to be in labor on my birthday and I'm SO going to loose MY day! But those thoughts, that are reasonable to all of us selfish human beings, left as quickly as they came. See, there's some miracle that happens in childbirth. That nearly 9 pound bundle of helpless baby absolutely melts your heart. You would throw yourself in front of a bus for them without any consideration for how that would turn out for you.  That's just it. It's no longer about you. You have become this other person. Not a super hero. Not perfect. Not completely selfless. But you genuinely, from the deepest part of your being, care more for their well being than your own. And it doesn't take effort to love them more. You just do.  ~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~ Avery Elizabeth Your first name is because I love it and had to have it. Your middle name is for a wonderful, Godly lady who made Daddy's existence in residency bearable. Your blond is from your Daddy~ your curls are from me. Your dramatic, insanely fast entrance into this world is classic and a story I'll never forget. Your questions crack me up. Your handwriting is so good. Your biggest worry right now is that your teacher said you have to learn to tie shoes by December. You say the funniest things. You really do. You love when Jake has Byers over. You have finicky taste buds. You are an absolute blessing to this family! ~Happy Almost Birthday, Darlin'~ I never commit to the same traditions every year because I'm sure to miss it at some point. This year, however, I told the kids I was doing little photo shoots for each of their birthdays. I let her help pick out clothes, we used lots of her ideas....she thought she was queen for the day. Even Jake has been asking me when it would be his turn.   Anyway, here are a few from Avery's day:                  Now, on a selfish note, (after I've talked about how selfless motherhood makes you) I really need Brad to get me another honkin' big Starbucks gift card. Last year's is just now running out, so, Brad. If you are reading this, I need some more green tea money. Pretty please.