Musings from a Mudpie Mom

Ela not Ella

2010-10-28T13:16:00.002-05:00

My daughter's legal name is Ana Gabriela. That is the exact name/spelling of the woman who birthed her and I am happy to have passed along the gift of this beautiful name.

We have spelled her nickname "Ella" but we are changing the spelling to "Ela" at the urging of my husband. Here's why...

1. Her name is Gabriela with one L
2. Ella (pronounced A-Ya) in spanish means "she" so when Ela goes to a spanish speaking country they think we are nutty at best and downright cruel at worst for naming our daughter "she".

We explained this change to Ela and since she doesn't really write her name yet anyway we thought we were set. However, last night she comes to me with that ICY, half-lidded look she reserves for the worst of slights (I've never seen a colder one) and said...WHY DID YOU CHANGE MY NAME TO L?

Are we Christians...or not?

2010-08-26T13:30:00.002-05:00

If our lives consist of what to wear to church...where to eat when church is over...how great OUR blessings are while we are there...perhaps we should reread the Bible...ask for forgiveness and then take a look at these blogs.

http://servinghischildreninuganda.blogspot.com/
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Ain't no mountain high enough...

2010-08-01T08:09:00.003-05:00

They don't call 'em the Smokies for nuttin'

AAAAAHHHHHH....

Misty coolness

Almost there...

Sweet victory!

Leave me ALONE Alone alone.

Priceless

2010-07-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

How can I not love a man who spends the equivalent of a month's worth of food for a family somewhere to make us this happy?

Did I ever tell you ...

2010-07-30T12:22:00.001-05:00

how those skinny little Grandma Bastin feet almost do me in?

and that a rainbow off our deck in the first 5 minutes we are here seems like a great vacation omen.

that this baby monkey is so cute i want to induce lactation and breastfeed him?

...how I can't get enough of her?

or that I'm pretty sure my kid could be a model?

or how I get panicky when I think about how easily my daughter could have been someone else's (and I know they wouldn't have loved her like I do).


that crabcakes made by Carson are pure delicousness and I miss him and i might not survive when he leaves and i'm mad at him for ditching the family vacation?

Just wanted you to know.

Coconut Leggings

2010-07-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

So Ella is looking through the Hanna Andersson catalog with Grace - she says, "I like those coconut leggings". Huh? What she likes is the polka-dot leggings! She cracks me up!

My baby is four!

2010-07-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

Ella yelling her version of the Golden Rule at Regan today "PEOPLE WANNA BE TREATED LIKE THEY WANNA BE TREATED!".

2010-06-25T08:08:00.002-05:00

On a lighter note

2010-06-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

"God is a girl, right mom"?

Ana Gabriela Fleetwood nearly 4

The Dark Side

2010-06-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

Most of my posts are light and fluffy little things written about the joys of being a mom.

This one is not. It's raw and it's dark and it's heartwrenching.

One of my kids is hurting and I am drowning in my kid's sea of hurt.

Where is that most beautiful of all newborns?

The kid who nursed much longer than the rest and cried "I just want to be with you, mom" when we were separated?

That kid is locked in a prison of depression, anxiety and anger.

I give this kid's struggles to God then take them back knowing all the time that my keys don't fit the lock.

We are seeking help, doing what we can. We don't know if it is enough or right or anything else.

There it is. The dark side of motherhood. Loving until it nearly kills you.

Itchy reminder

2010-05-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

Sometimes my c-section scar still aches. Mostly it itches. Like it is still healing. Kinda crazy. Today is an itchy scar day. I think it is because it's Mother's Day. A reminder that I am always and forever - a mother.

P.S. The baby that exited me via the three inch low transverse incision graduated from college yesterday. Magna cum laude.

Regan

2010-05-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a fun day at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis yesterday on Regan's kindergarten field trip. Good times over too soon.

Habakkuk 3:17

2010-02-15T12:00:00.002-06:00

The children and I are safely home. Our trip was cut short but we are thankful for the time we enjoyed in beautiful Guatemala. We are grateful for the old friends we were able to catch up with and the new friends that we made.

We are in the midst of a snowstorm today and about 7 inches has fallen so far. I love the cozy feeling of being inside my warm home with vegetable soup on the stove and all of the kids home.

I have rediscovered the book of Habakkuk.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

Update

2010-02-11T00:24:00.002-06:00

I'm excited to report that I did see the crazy woman who wears everything on top of everything. She is not dead after all.

I also saw the teeny tiny woman who works at La Bodegona. She is the darlingest thing you've ever seen. A perfectly proportioned tiny woman. She was about the size of Grace when Grace was five. Now Grace towers over her.

Our sweet housegirl from 2.5 years ago has a daughter of her own who will be two years in March. I can't believe it.

The raisin bread at Dona Luisa's is still yummy.

The chocolatier moved to Brazil but someone is making some fabulous handmade truffles at Epicure.

Evelyn from McDonald's now works at a McDonald's in San Cristobal but her two co-workers actually remembered me from before and I remembered them. We had a joyous reunion at the catsup counter (or something like that).

I met 4 women and 1 man who are fostering in Antigua. Some have been here for years. God bless them.

It is possible to adopt from Guatemala again under a new system. So very tempting...

Sandra is our ninera this time. She is great with kids and a wonderful launderess. She just took initiative and did my laundry and it is done to perfection. Now how great is that?

Juan Jose cut down the tree that had the swing at Santa Rosa just yesterday. He is planting a lot of new trees all around the complex.

Ruth has lost a good deal of weight and looks better and younger than she did in 2007.

I fell in love with a dog at Mayan Families. She was found by the river starving and with no hair due to malnutrition. She is stunning now! She looks like a chocolate min pin and she has the most gorgeous light amber eyes. It is easy to get her to the USA if anyone is interested in adopting a dog. She will come with all shots up to date and spayed. I want her so badly but Ron said we don't need anything else to take care of. I'm still begging but it is not looking good.

My adventure sharers

2010-02-10T23:29:00.001-06:00

Adventures

2010-02-10T22:26:00.011-06:00

The Chimaltenango market. If you haven't been - go. You won't leave the same.

O.K. we look totally wrung out (the 2.5 hour extremely harrowing drive alone will make you look like we do and that's before you do the market and the lake) but a highlight of our trip to Panajachel was meeting Alan (student number 525) the bright young man we have sponsored for the past 3 school years. Alan has been first in his class ( a big deal) for 4 years out of his 5 years of attending school. We are so proud of him!

The steps of a church shared by Catholics and Maya. There was a Mayan shaman doing what he does at the same time Catholics were doing what they do. It was interesting to observe.

Alan and his beautiful mom, sister and baby brother.

The fountain in the Parque Central. A bit risque but they are big on the mother/fertility thing here. So beautiful in it's own way and very old.

My husband brought me a dozen of the most amazing roses! The thing about the roses here is that they still have their wonderful fragrance! IDK - maybe they lose their smell in the shipment or something but these just smell sweeter than ours at home. Thanks, my love!

Some cute little girls selling stuff in the park and, yes, they too have the face of my daughter.

The aforementioned daughter. Holy cow she is cute and I think she knows it!

A typical street in Antigua. The black shadow is something wrong with our camera.

Regan Fleetwood and Luis Fettes.
Luis is the son of my new friend Jenny. Jenny has been in Antigua waiting on Luis' adoption to be finalized for 4 months but they have been in-process a total of 3 years! She is here with her two other children, Christopher and Caroline. Oh how I love these brave women who leave their comfortable lives in the USA for the love a child they did not bear.

Ella's foster family came to see us. We enjoyed their company and the Dominoes pizza we shared. They are a sweet family and I am forever grateful for the love and care they showed my daughter for the two months before she came to me.

My time in Antigua has been magical. It is everything I remember and then some. I am needed at home and my time here has been cut short. I would gladly sell out in the USA and move here. Maybe someday I will...

Adventures in Antigua

2010-02-03T09:12:00.002-06:00

Adventures

2010-02-01T19:42:00.004-06:00

I remember this woman and her beautiful daughters from being here before. The girl's have grown so much but they are still pretty!

An Antigua street with the volcano in the background.

Indian food!

A pouty Mayan that calls me mom.

We enjoyed a Spanish/English church service at Iglesia del Camino (Church of the Way) on Sunday morning. Truly a week without church makes one "weak". I was refreshed.

Afterwards we went to a wonderful Indian restaurant. Yes, Indian food in Guatemala. It was delicious and the setting was beautiful.

Our kids hate walking around town so we didn't get to enjoy the park as much as we would have liked. They are always anxious to get back to playing with their friends here at Santa Rosa.

Evenings are wonderful here. It gets dark early and the air is fresh and cool after the heat of the day. Weather just doesn't get better than here! Warm, sunny days and cool crisp evenings.

Nothing to say

2010-01-31T18:27:00.003-06:00

I'm weighed down by the immensity of the suffering here. I'm convicted that I am only willing to help when it doesn't impact my lifestyle.

God help me to help until it hurts.

Adventures

2010-01-30T18:45:00.005-06:00

Adventures

2010-01-29T16:51:00.005-06:00

These ruins are literally in my backyard. There is a fence (thankfully) or my kids would be trying to climb it. A convent built in the 1500's and destroyed mostly by earthquakes. It is amazingly beautiful!

Ron and I went to check out a preschool for Ella today. We checked one out earlier in the week and let's just say it wasn't up to my standards of cleanliness. My standards are pretty low, don't take me wrong, but there are certain places I just can't go.

The Colegio de Scooby Doo seems like a good fit and we enrolled Ella. She starts Monday. The main drawback is that it is about nine blocks from us and, of course, we have to walk. Between the Montezuma diet and all the walking I'm bound to come home slimmer.

Antigua adventures

2010-01-28T19:56:00.013-06:00

No ninera today so we walked into town with the kids. Ate lunch at El Gringo Chapin (my Antigua friends will remember it well). Enjoyed a horse and carriage ride - bought a few things from the ladies in the Parque Central and - well - I had a bit of a meltdown in the park.

My emotions overtook me and every precious child trying to sell me a necklace, scarf or table runner that I don't really want became the face of my daughter.

My stunningly beautiful daughter looks like them. every. one. of. them. Why will she grow up clean, well-fed and educated with access to medical care while they grow up eeking out the meagerist of livings selling stuff to tourists?

On the other hand - why is my way better (except for the well-fed part)? Would she be happier in a huipil and corte selling stuff in the park with her family? But that thought is unimaginable because then she wouldn't be with me and I can't get my head around a life that doesn't include her.

Will she hate us for taking her out of Guatemala? Someone was going to adopt her. She was already relinquished right? Don't want to be an ego-centric American. Other people's ways are good too.

Musings, these. Heavy stuff.

Update for my adoption friends: Ruth is still selling in the park.

The blind guy is still down near McDonald's although he switches it up a bit and I see him different places occasionally.

The skinny guy with one leg who always asks God to bless you when you give him a bit of money is still here too.

I haven't seen the crazy lady who wore everything she owned on top of everything else and slept over on the right side of the park if you are facing the huge cathedral. I heard she was a pro*sti*tu*e but, holy cow, I can't imagine the level of desperation a man must be facing to procure her services.

The young guy who "huffed" until he burned nearly all of his brain cells and had seizures while people just walked around him isn't here.

I wonder if they are still alive?

There are still fireworks every single night. For any reason or no reason.

p.s. Blogger.com refuses to upload photos today and I am tired. Also, my aforementioned treat was your very own tuk-tuk ride via video and it won't upload either. Later.

Adventures

2010-01-27T08:45:00.011-06:00

There is trouble in paradise. I lost the camera. Ron is not happy. I am not happy either and besides I had a special treat for you. If you are the praying sort - well - we need harmony restored.

No pictures today. Sorry.

We left the kids with Sandra and walked into town. We enjoyed a wonderfully tasty lunch. Mine was a pan-seared tuna pita. Not the stuff from a can but real pieces of yummy medium rare tuna. A horseradish sauce, lettuce and tomato completed the treat. Oh...served with homemade chips and fried plaintains. Deliciosa!!!

Then I had a hankering for a taste of real Guatemala so we went to the mercado and I don't mean the tourist-y part either. We dove headlong into the depths of a mercado so local it will make your head spin. Free entertainment.

Ron wore out long before I did so I'll have to explore more on another day.

On a sad note - I asked three little girls who sold me some green beans why they weren't in school. They said (sheepishly) " we have to make money". I asked if they had ever been to school and neither of the two older ones have. The younger one (maybe 7) has been a little.

I guess if one is going to sell vegetables all their life why be educated but it breaks my heart just the same. It is clear that in about 5 years they will be the teenagers nursing the babies with another toddling beside. Such a hard life.

I shall count my blessings.

P.S. Maybe the watermelon, lettuce, tomato, carrot juice and pineapple weren't such a good idea...

P.S.S. Ella found the camera. I shall count my blessings.

The Hotel Santo Domingo 5 stars - one of the most gorgeous places on earth

My tuna pita

The outdoor part of the mercado. Believe me - this is like Wal-mart supercenter compared to the interior.

Adventures

2010-01-26T08:14:00.002-06:00

Our back gate

Ron

Grace

Our new friends

Regan playing soccer

Amazing what a night's sleep can do! After flying overnight to get here we were still wiped out!

The nanny showed up as planned at 12:00 p.m. and Ron and I headed out to explore.

Oh the pure joy of having my husband all to myself for a few hours AND in Antigua (which I find incredibly romantic). We enjoyed lunch at Cafe Sky and hit the Bodegona (pretty hard spending 101.00). Most folks shop daily for what they need.

A little girl stared at my cart for the longest time and finally said (in Spanish, of course) "you are buying alot"!

We grabbed an innard jarring tuk-tuk back to our apartment.

The rest of the evening was spent playing soccer, walking around the complex and talking to people. I love the sense of community here. I'm happy that we chose the Santa Rosa although it is a "fur piece" from the Parque Central.

I was in bed (I'm not kidding) by 7:30. I listened to an audio book for awhile and then I was a goner.

Ella is still not feeling well with a horrendous cough. Although they have doctors here I'm always a bit nervous having a sick child away from our pediatrician at home. Will NEVER forget handing a limp eleven pound baby sick with rotovirus to a doctor here. So, so scary.

Heading out today at 11:00.

Adventures in Antigua

2010-01-25T08:31:00.009-06:00

I shall try to faithfully update my blog.

It is really a record for our family but you are welcome to check in.

Let the adventure begin...

We arrived at the Guatemala City airport about 6:30 on Sunday 1/24/10.

Wow! The changes to the airport are amazing! So different than the first time I landed in Guatemala (2006).

Our driver (Jaime) picked us up and we headed for Antigua.

Dirty, noisy, beautiful, sunny, warm, happy, sad. All words that describe the Guatemala we have come to love.

After a quick stop at Dispensa for the necessities we need to set up housekeeping (and feed 3 hungry, tired and overexcited kids) we are dropped off at our apartment.

Settled in, we take a walk into town and head for our first stop Pollo Compero! We have not forgotten the yummy (greasy) chicken we loved before. Plus, we know it is safe to eat and with Ron's and my recent stomach issues we are not ready to ask for more trouble. It won't be long, though, before the memory of those amazingly yummy pineapple will be too much and we'll risk it :-).

Ella has developed a nasty cough, runny nose and fever so I head off to find a farmacia that is open for medicine. Sunday's are sacred here and most businesses are closed.

Don't tell Ron - but I got a bit turned around on the way home and I had to ask (yes, in Spanish) where the Apartamentos de Santa Rosa were. When I got back Ron thought I made good time - haha. The farmacia was 7.5 blocks away.

We met with the woman who is going to be helping us with our kids AND we met Paul, a retired missionary who has been so helpful to me in getting this trip arranged. He and his wife seem like genuinely kind people. I'm thankful to have them just 1.5 blocks away.

Now that you've been so patient....here comes the good part!

Our yard as viewed from our balcony window.

Our kitchen.

Regan playing the new Wii game a gift for his 6th birthday which was Jan. 21st.

Another yard photo. Note the beautiful ruins in the background. Probably from the 1700's.

The kid's bedroom.

Mi bonita chapina!

My beautiful blondie!

Our living room.

My Grandpa left this life yesterday...

2009-12-20T19:27:00.006-06:00

Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

...to begin his real one!

Rev. 21:1-4 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-TG4sRRiQ&feature=related

Two weeks ago I thought this was a great song for the end of a Sunday-before-Christmas-service. Now I think it was a song chosen by God to minister to me at this time. God is good that way. Merry, Merry Christmas.

2009-12-15T00:40:00.004-06:00

My blog didn't remember me when I logged on.

I don't know why I am still awake...except that I drank a Coke too late.

Here is the nutshell version of December 14, 2009

Today I got the kids off to school,

went to the gym,

studied for a final,

talked to the Bosch people about my dishwasher,

picked up Regan,

took 3 kids into town for errands,

cleaned out the van including shampooing the carpets,

took Ella to her spanish tutor,

picked up Zwanzigs - a pepperoni and a supreme with anchovies on half,

picked up a peanut butter pie and a mylar balloon for my husband,

wished my husband a happy birthday,

enjoyed a bubble bath,

laughed alot (Ella whispering "I peed" to Hayden while we waited in the Verizon store),

watched Intervention,

took my final online,

played with the puppies,

sent my kids to bed instead of putting them to bed (feel really guilty),

prayed with Regan that he won't have bad dreams.

made sure my husband has a clean towel and underwear for tomorrow.

g'night.

Ron, Tina, Ainsley, Carson, Hayden, Grace, Regan and Ella Fleetwood

2009-11-20T21:05:00.001-06:00

A love sandwich

2009-11-16T21:27:00.001-06:00

Choking back a chuckle

2009-11-15T18:08:00.003-06:00

One of my offspring is learning the books of the Bible and called Lamentations LIMITATIONS!

A sneak peak

2009-11-13T23:38:00.003-06:00

What makes the world bright

2009-11-13T10:32:00.003-06:00

My jammied three year old reading a book to the puppies saying..."once aponce a time"...

Small Miracles

2009-11-10T13:16:00.002-06:00

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be UFC fighters

2009-10-24T21:24:00.007-05:00

Carson and his best friend since third grade Tim were having a pretend UFC fight and Carson broke Tim's jaw. Tim ended up in the ER and had to have surgery.

Yes, you heard me right.

To say we feel horrible would be the understatement of the century.

Carson is making reparations.

He has hardly left Tim's side including spending two nights in a chair at the hospital and bringing him cream of pureed potato soup which poor Tim has to suck up in a syringe and squirt into the back of his throat to avoid the wires holding his jaw in place.

Maybe now Carson will listen when we tell him to stop practicing his moves on everyone in the house. No one is safe including me. He almost choked me out once trying to prove to me how easy it is to choke someone out.

The friendship seems to be weathering the strain o.k.

Pray for Tim.

Don't let your kids watch UFC fights.

Do you know what a "bumblewheel" is?

2009-10-04T13:20:00.007-05:00

Neither did I until I finally figured out what Ella was saying...

2009-09-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

New Teeth!

2009-09-26T11:03:00.004-05:00

O.K. I live in Small Town, USA. When the fire hydrants are tested in our neighborhood all the kids run from hydrant to hydrant enjoying the 20 foot high spray!

2009-09-26T10:57:00.003-05:00

Appleworks

2009-09-06T23:31:00.010-05:00

Being Jesus

There is a guy in his early 20's who comes to my church every now and then.

I don't know how to describe him, really, other than to say that one glimpse makes want to gather my children around me and hide them under my wings like a hen.

He is weird in the creepiest way possible. One time I saw him at the public library in
women's clothing with a floral wreath on his head. Weird. And creepy.

Consistently, when J shows up there is one faithful couple

who do their best to make him feel loved, and special.

I've watched them love him for about 4 years and I know they have him over sometimes too.

It's not just a Sunday kind of religion for these two.

Like my friends Jesus involved Himself in the messiest of lives. A prostitute,

murderer, thief, shacked up honey, corrupt tax collector.

J was there today. He sat right in front of me providing me with blogging material. I
was just as creeped out and my friends were just as kind.

In fact, J sat right between them.

During the fellowship time I shook J's hand and GULP gave him a hug. He seemed a bit taken aback but in that surprised, shy way.

My friends are showing me how to be Jesus too.

2009-09-02T07:59:00.035-05:00

If you are lucky enough to have a baby, well, you are lucky enough.

Ana Gabriela Fleetwood

(A yummy baby a lucky me once had)

I hope my children look back on today,

And see a mother who had time to play.
There will be years for cleaning and cooking,
for children grow up while we are not looking.

author unknown

23 years and counting...

2009-08-28T19:07:00.018-05:00

A wedding

a honeymoon,
an apartment,
our first house,
a new job,
a positive pregnancy test
(and that was just year 1)

Birthdays,
Christmases,
anniversaries (never, ever forgotten),
vacations with throwing up kids,
vacations with whiny kids,
homemade beef jerky,
a sad phone call,
the funeral of a dad lost too soon,

a couple of new houses,

a hard earned Master's degree,
a beloved dog who died,
more positive pregnancy tests,
two babies in heaven,
desperate prayers,

answered prayers,
steamy date nights,
5 slick newborns fresh from God,
a crazy amazing little girl from Guatemala,
first days of school,
high school graduations,
first dates,

prom finery,
tears when the first one went away to college.

23 years of mostly joy, some sorrow, a few struggles, lots of hard work, and love.

Gone Fishin'

2009-08-20T22:33:00.003-05:00

School Daze

2009-08-20T21:55:00.004-05:00

Grateful

2009-08-18T16:14:00.005-05:00

Someone found my wallet while taking a walk.

It was almost like greeting an old friend, "Hey, where've ya been"?

As far as I can tell everything but my debit card is there.

You may be a sceptic and I'll be the first to agree that God isn't a genie in a bottle who performs on command and I don't know why some biggies seem to go unanswered but I know what I know and every now and then He sends a sign that He still knows where I am. He hasn't forgotten me and I am adored.

That makes me grateful.

Matthew 6:19-20

2009-08-15T17:59:00.018-05:00

I liked my Coach purse. I looked long and hard, deliberated, went back to the store. Plunked down the dough that my husband worked so hard to earn. Really enjoyed carrying it. All of the little pockets were just in the right spot - the handle just the right length.

See title.

I went to the athletic club this morning proud of myself because it has been way too long. It was bright and sunny - a gorgeous Saturday. I parked about 2 spaces from the door. Barely 10 minutes into my workout the front desk girl comes and gets me. I go to my van and the passenger side window is smashed and, yes, my Coach purse is gone.

So is my drivers license, debit card, credit card, cellphone, a Burt's Bees chapstick used only once, my brand new glasses (the ones my husband said make me look like a hot librarian - words I treasure) and that little Eiffel tower charm that I got while enjoying the trip of a lifetime and I'm downright mad that someone is going through my stuff and not giving it its due respect.

A real bummer. The thief got next to nothing and we are out about 500 bucks.

I'm going to look through my old purses none of which are Coach. Maybe I'll choose that old black one. The one from the yard sale.

See title.

Matthew 6:19-20 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

The Olda Motha in the room

2009-08-12T21:47:00.004-05:00

When I sent my first precious little one off to kindergarten I was a perky little 29

year old and I looked like most of the other kindergarten mothers and I didn't

appreciate my youth like I should've but we never do, do we?

So, Monday night was Regan's kindergarten orientation and I was scoping

out the other mothers (I want to see what I'm up against) and, lo and

behold, I am the second oldest mother there.

Thank goodness for the first oldest mother who is the wife of one of

our city officials - a councilman - I think - upstanding Mormons who have 10 kids and

she had her last one at 47 and she looks utterly amazing (no joke).

The third oldest looking mom was half of a same sex couple and her partner

had a Harvey Milk t shirt on and kept her arm on the leg of the third oldest looking

mom. (We live in a small town and these kinds of things get noticed).

But I digress.

Being the Olda Motha brings its own magic.

I am experienced.

I know how to run the copy machine at school. Where to sit on the bus so that I

don't get nauseous during field trips.

I know firsthand how fast kids grow up. How precious and unique each little treasure is.

How I wish I could always have a 5 year old around the house. How the

superficial things that seemed important with my first kids just aren't.

How to get the teacher to like my kid.

I'm not above letting a night pass between baths (but only during winter) and

if my newest kindergartner wants to wear plaid and stripes, well, what's it really

matter? He'll be 15 and actually CARE what he looks like soon enough.

I'll cry on Friday and please don't try to console me by telling me I still have one

at home. It's no consolation and just reminds me that my supply of

future kindergarteners has dwindled to one.

I'm 45 and I have a kindergartner AND a college senior AND a high school freshman AND a college freshman AND a third grader AND a little one at home with me AND it would be nice to be 29 and I promise I would appreciate it if I had the chance

BUT I can't so I'm perfectly happy and even a little proud to be an Olda Motha.

In fact, I highly recommend older mothering. If you are reading this and you
are 39 or 40 or older and you are thinking of having or adopting a baby DO IT.

Olda Motha's are cool.

Worth a thousand words...

2009-08-08T17:29:00.002-05:00

2009-08-08T17:21:00.001-05:00

2009-08-05T09:54:00.002-05:00

Never a dull second!

2009-07-19T20:12:00.008-05:00

Family Fun in the Smokey Mountains

We had a ball! What did we do? Ummm....swam, played putt-putt, rode go carts, grilled, shopped, celebrated Ella's 3rd birthday, climbed a mountain, enjoyed the lovely solitude of our mountain cabin, relaxed in the hot tub, watched a few movies and made lots of family memories.

Ella's birthday dinner

My guys

Still smilin' even after climbing to the top of The Chimneys

Who me?

The crew minus a few

2009-07-19T20:06:00.005-05:00

Unhappy girl - cute even when crying

Momma and dad watching the kids swim

Bathing beauty

Pensive Hayden

Up, up and away...

2009-06-14T19:21:00.016-05:00

Halcyon Days

Sleeping in late
no alarm clock to dread
just tryin' to ignore
the (popcorn) salt in the bed.

We breakfast at 10
and lunch at 2
then it's "Mom, can we swim
or go to the zoo"?

Sand tracked in
beach towels
on the floor
Dad is yelling, "Close that door"!

Popsicles for dessert
after chicken on the grill
bathing sweaty heads
and the nighttime drill

Another day tomorrow
forget there's laundry to be done
for the halcyon days
of summer have come!

written by me in tribute to my favorite time of year

Funny of the day...

2009-06-11T20:32:00.008-05:00

Whimsy

When we stopped for lunch at "Wendy's" Ella called it "Whimsy's".

Chronicles of the grouchy graduate

2009-06-10T21:34:00.007-05:00

May 28, 2009. Ron and I insisted that Carson walk with his graduating class.

Of course it WAS hot in the gym AND boring as all get out but it was a rite of passage for Ron and me as well as for Carson.

We worked really hard to raise this kid to graduation and we wanted the ceremony!!!

Our photos are horrible and it is obvious that he was not happy but here are a couple to document the day.

P.S. In case you're wondering my smile is fake because I was ready to wring Carson's neck and I feel it absolutely necessary to let you know that my face isn't really that fat (you know - the camera adds 10 pounds).

Love to all.

Wish you were here...

2009-06-10T14:11:00.005-05:00

We would share our summer supper of grilled mahi-mahi tacos and fresh Indiana strawberries!

Summertime!

2009-06-10T13:53:00.006-05:00

We spent a fun day with family on Monday June 8, 2009. This is my maternal Grandpa, my sister and me (oh - and Ditto). My Grandpa gave his life to the Lord when he was in his 70's and if ever God changed a man it was this one!

I don't even know where to start to describe my grandma.

She remains one of my favorite people! She made my childhood magical and still amazes me with her energy, determination and resolve. Love her, love her, love her!

She turned 85 on June 6th.

My beautiful sister, Erica, with grandma.

2009-06-10T13:42:00.003-05:00

Wedding rehearsal May 22, 2009

What a joy to be the momma of this amazing kid!

Her shirt says, "I am a flower girl" and I just happened upon it at Gymboree. The tutu is from Guatemala.

Look at that smile! I almost can't stand how cute she is!

Love, love and more love

2009-05-28T21:06:00.011-05:00

A friend of our family was married on Saturday May 23, 2009. Ainsley was a bridesmaid and Ella was the flower girl. Photos of Ella are on a memory card that accidentally went with Andrew and Lydia to Mexico where they are honeymooning.

I hope to post photos of Ella soon.

I love this picture of Lydia shot by Ainsley at our small town courthouse.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew (Lydia) Johnson

Lydia is one of Ainsley's best, best friends since 6th grade and a sweet, darling young woman!

The bridesmaids. Ainsley is on the front row far right side.

MORE LOVE

Gracie girl on Mother's Day

Carson finishing the cheesecake that he made for my Mother's Day dinner.
Yummy!
Hayden doing one of his crazy amazing flips. He just stands on the ground and back flips over. I'm in awe.
We celebrated Hayden's 14th b-day on May 18th.
I love the Hayden I have now but I miss all of the versions of him that are gone forever.
He was the MOST beautiful baby ever, my big surprise because we thought he was a girl until he was born, my first home waterbirth, my baby for 6 whole years before Grace.
Ella-bella on Mother's Day eating something she found in the yard. She is always eating berries, grass, wild onions...she cracks us up. What a survivor! (Don't call CPS, please).

This time it is just a cheese slice from the fridge. AHHHH!!!! I love this kid! I wish each of you could experience her!

My baby is proud of her birthplace!

2009-05-09T17:30:00.005-05:00

Rural Guatemala

Eli to Regan in the back seat: "Ella's from China"

Ella from the middle seat: (insert attitude) "I not prum CHINA, I prum LA-LA"

Ella

2009-05-07T19:57:00.005-05:00

Eye candy

2009-05-05T08:38:00.006-05:00

Carson and Maggie Prom 2009

Carson and Tim - best friends since 3rd grade at Columbus Christian. Good guys.

Hmmm....not sure I like that look on his face. She does, indeed, look beautiful.

My fav photo

I admit it - I shed a couple of tears when he wasn't looking.

Just can't get my blog on...

2009-05-01T13:06:00.001-05:00

No motivation whatsoever.

Where does the time go?

2009-04-26T10:07:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, my blog is seriously in need of a new post. I'm tired of the "hateful heart" one too!

Loyal readers please forgive and check back for Easter photos, Ainsley's homecoming and b=day photos and a few other bits and pieces of life with the Fleetwood's. Love to all.

Regan and the lesson of the "hateful heart"

2009-04-08T18:15:00.003-05:00

Today, Regan had a friend over to play. As the friend reached for one of Ella's toys I heard him say,

"No, you can't play with that! It's Ella's and...she has a....hateful heart"!

I have NO idea where he came up with this. I've never said it. Ron hasn't either.

BUT...

I was reminded of something I've known for a long time.

Without the transforming power of JESUS I have a hateful heart.

Ephesians 3:16-18

16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.

Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should,

how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Thanks, Regan.

Mind if I vent?

2009-03-26T14:46:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday I went to a wonderfully inspiring women's retreat. The speaker was Nancy Campbell, founder of the Above Rubies ministry.

While I was there I purchased a book that a friend from church told me she has read and loves. The book is entitled "Created to be his Help Meet". The author is Debi Pearl.

Now, no wife has ever aspired to wifely greatness more than me but this book is just ridiculous, un-Biblical and downright dangerous!

The premise is that women have NO OTHER PURPOSE than to be the helpers (servants) to their husbands NO MATTER WHAT and furthermore that women have no access to GOD other than through their husbands.

Basically, the woman is held at fault for the affairs and addictions (SINS) of her husband because of her lack of attention (not enough s*x) and is expected to stay with him no matter what. She does say abused women can involve the police in special circumstances but are expected to faithfully visit their husbands in jail and to bring the children along so that the husband's heart may be turned toward God.

She actually makes a distinction between hits from a husband that leave discernible marks after two hours and those that don't! This is nothing short of nuts!

Her language is crude and gave me a big dose of the "icks". Her references to her and her husband's s*xual escapades were like walking in on your parents. I don't CARE how often, how seductive her poses or anything else about the s*x life of Debi and Michael Pearl. Yuck, people!!!

I believe firmly in being attentive to my husband, serving him and meeting his needs. I also believe in deferring to his wisdom as the ultimate decision maker for our family (doesn't mean I don't have my say). I strive to be joyful and content (which Debi Pearl advocates) and to greet my man with a sweet smile when he comes through the door.

Yet, I DO have access to God on my own, I WAS created in the image of God and NOT Adam, I AM entitled to pursue my own personal interests (and I'd like to think my husband has a healthy dose of respect for me because of this). AND men ARE to exercise self-control and discipline and be held accountable for personal choices that result in sin.

There are grains of truth in this book but it is fundamentally flawed because it is not grounded in correct theology. My heart is heavy for the women who have or will read it and buy into this craziness. Sweet and sexy most definitely have their place BUT you can't be enough of either to fix an abusive marriage! It takes GOD and the participants' desire for change!

This book has a bit of noteriety in Christian homeschooling, homebirthing, natural mothering circles. If any of you have read it I would love to hear your take on it.

Whew! It feels good to get that off my heart!

P.S. A couple of my favorite books regarding the role of a wife are "The proper care and feeding of husbands" by Dr. Laura and "Love must be tough" by Dr. Dobson.

Even more photos

2009-03-22T19:07:00.006-05:00

The Sphinx. At the Louvre Museum. We were blown away to see an artifact from the time of Moses!

Ron tried to talk me out of Harrod's. It was a big hassle and took up quite a bit of our limited time. However, I was NOT leaving London without browsing the famous Harrod's (and being the BEST husband in the world he did what it took to get me there). I picked up a little molded plastic purse shaped like a cupcake thinking, "this would be cute for one of my girls". I looked at the price and nearly had a coronary! It was 300 pounds. One pound = roughly 1.50. So....my cute purse was about 450 US dollars! Grace got a tiny china tea service instead and it wasn't from Harrod's.

Yes, that is me. Gazing at one of the most famous of all human achievements. The Mona Lisa. It is just a little thing but I surprised myself by getting a bit choked up over it. It was just that I felt small in the millions of people throughout 5 centuries who have looked at the same famous face. A grand privilege,indeed, to behold such a thing.

This may be my favorite photo of our whole trip. Our last glimpse of the Eiffel Tower just as we were leaving Paris to board the Eurostar that would take us back to London. A train that goes upwards of 186 miles per hour. It was like being in a first class seat in an airplane. Complete with beverages and a full dinner. AND, a bonus, we had a super fun group who were just as punch drunk tired as we were sitting right across the aisle from us. The two+ hours flew by and none of us could believe we were back in London so soon!

P.S. This is as close to seeing the Eiffel Tower by night as I got but I did have my Nutella Crepe Chantilly on this same day. And, believe me, it was as good a thing as has ever graced my lips. A shout out to my sister for the recommendation.

Just to prove I was really there! And we didn't take the elevator. We walked up I don't even know how many flights of stairs. At least enough to make our legs shaky and our lungs near to exploding!

A few more photos

2009-03-22T18:52:00.004-05:00

A view from our double decker bus. London.

Ainsley's home in Oxford. The Vines.

St. Paul's Cathedral. London. Site of the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana.

Photo of a young C.S. Lewis with his father. From The Kilns home of C.S. Lewis for nearly 30 years.

The sign for the lane that The Vines is on in Oxford.
It was balm to my heart to see my baby girl safe and well!

A few more photos

2009-03-22T18:42:00.005-05:00

Ron standing by the original sign for the Eagle and Child - pub where the Inklings (including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien) met for about 20 years to discuss their current writings.

Do we look alike?

Sign for C.S. Lewis' home. Basically, the home is in a neighborhood and people live in it. They give tours as the home is owned by the C.S. Lewis Foundation.

Our tour guide at Windsor. A really funny guy. The dry British humor just does me in!

The highest ferris wheel in the world. In London.

Having a wonderful time in Oxford

2009-03-16T18:25:00.007-05:00

A Humped Zebra is a speed bump in the road. It is painted black/white hence the "zebra".

Ainsley in front of Windsor Castle.

The tower at Windsor Castle.

A picturesque gate in Port Meadow.

Gorgeous architechture everywhere! A true feast for the eyes.

Scarves anyone? My mom tells me that Europeans think if your throat gets cold you will get sick. I think it must be true because the scarf is the essential accessory.

Enjoying England

2009-03-14T21:40:00.006-05:00

We flew into Heathrow airport arriving at 5:30 a.m. We were exhausted but happy to be off the plane! Here I am on a bench at Paddington Station looking as wiped out as I feel.

The bustling Paddington Station where everyone but us seemed to know where to go and what to do. We Americans have a lot to learn about public transportation!

A bit crazy

2009-03-10T09:22:00.002-05:00

We leave our house for England Thursday morning at 8:30. We arrive at Heathrow Friday morning at 5:30. I'm going a bit crazy trying to get everything/everyone ready for Nanny and Pops to take over for 9 days plus manage everything until then!

I will do my best to blog my trip and post lots of photos! Until then...

Ana Gabriela Fleetwood age 2.5

2009-03-05T08:46:00.000-06:00

"Hi, my name is Tina and I am an addict".

2009-03-03T18:23:00.001-06:00

http://facebook.com/

Health is Wealth

2009-03-02T16:36:00.007-06:00

I'm sick.....again.

Strep, we are not friends. I not-so-respectfully request that you stay away.

I try to dissuade you from your yearly visits with reasonable nutrition, adequate rest and exercise. I even try hard to remember my multi-vitamin and still you plague me.

You know what you do to me?

You make me THANKFUL.

Thankful for penicillin shots. And more thankful that most days of the year I feel just fine. I'm almost always able to provide meals, clean clothes and love to my family.

So farewell and good riddance. I'm off to take another dose of Death-To-You.

My sweetie and me on a healthier day. You don't want to see me today. Seriously.

Guess who?

2009-02-23T16:29:00.019-06:00

Today is my birthday. I was born on February 24, 1964.

Shout outs to...

Mom and Dad for unconditional love, countless sacrifices and for raising me to love God and others more than myself.

Grandma Williams and Uncle Steve for making my childhood really fun and for always, always making me feel special. They gave me lifelong inner confidence.

My husband for giving me letting me live my dreams and for working unbelievably hard to make my life easy.

My dear friends - the ones I see frequently and the ones I catch up with via the internet.

A few highlights

the day I found out I would be a mother
my homebirths
the week after each of my babies when my mom came to help
living in Guatemala for 6 months alone with 3 kids under 5
climbing a straight up, active volcano in pouring cold rain in Crocs (think the misery of labor without the babyprize)
our 22nd wedding anniversary
Carson, age 4 saying "mom, do I still have my baby smell"? and "don't you wish I could always be 4 and you could always be 30"? and him asking our neighbor whom we didn't know very well "Do you know the Lord"?

A few things on my "to do" list

alleviate all the hurt I can in anyway I can
raise Godly, well adjusted, productive people
achieve and maintain a normal body weight
see the Eiffel tower at night while eating a Nutella crepe (as suggested by my sister)
find meaningful (maybe even gainful) work after my kids are bigger

2009-02-20T09:35:00.002-06:00

Don't you wish you looked this gorgeous first thing in the morning? Me too.

2009-02-20T09:29:00.004-06:00

Matching pink toes

A Smokin' Hot Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T10:23:00.006-06:00

My husband is the best. He has never, ever forgotten a birthday, holiday or anniversary and I don't even remind him. He's just good that way.

Because he usually plans the dates, I try to plan something extra special for Valentine's Day. I've planned lobster dinners for two (served in the bedroom), nights away, you know, the usual.

Once, way, way back in the day I wrapped myself up like a present. We must have been broke that year.

This year I planned a trip to The Jazz Kitchen a place we've never been but we like jazz and the menu looked good.

I spent 5 hours getting ready. I had hair, nails, face all done by someone other than me (or my daughters). Oh, and I bought a new dress. My kids didn't recognize me! I guess I turned out o.k. because my husband said I was smokin' HOT!

He wasn't joking either. At 2:30 a.m. I woke up with a raging fever and a throat that felt like I had swallowed ground glass.

Dx: streptococcal pharyngitis

What a difference a day makes. I don't look one bit smokin' hot anymore but he's still the best. Pudding cups and antibiotics brought by loving hands are romantic too.

2009-02-09T14:11:00.004-06:00

If you have little girls - this is an adorable blog for hair do ideas! I contacted this blogger and asked if I might share her blog with my friends and add her to my blog list and she ever so graciously said yes (sweet lady).

My girls have never looked cuter and I'm having a ball trying out the new do's!

http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/search/label/Knots

Homage to an old body

2009-02-04T18:22:00.011-06:00

Today I was chatting up the morning with my friend and listening to her as she lamented her almost 40 year old body and how the ole gray mare - well - ain't what she used to be.

I pondered our chat while I pumped away on a Lifecycle at the gym. Sure, I'm saggy with stretch marks, wrinkles, achy knees and that dang plantar facitis but I'd like to pay my old body a bit of homage.

It has pretty much done all I've asked of it carting me anywhere and everywhere, moving and breathing and digesting and fighting off diseases, conceiving and birthing, nourishing, laughing, comforting, crying. It's gone incognito as the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and (ahem) it has made my marriage fun for 22 years.

So here's to you old body and thank you.

2009-02-03T08:04:00.003-06:00

I nabbed this photo right off of A's facebook. (Don't look at me like that - I asked - sort of). A is the third from the left. Need I say C.S. Lewis of Narnia fame? Oh - and Princess Susan from the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe movie attends Oxford. There have been sightings. Oh - and Hermione from Harry Potter lives in the area. Too cool.

Ella's dedication day - a few photos and comments...

2009-02-01T19:38:00.014-06:00

"What is a dedication", you ask?

As Christians we believe that children are a gift from God. Being given such an awesome gift along with an amazing responsibility we desire to dedicate our children back to God and we pledge that, as Christian parents, we will do all that we can to raise our children in the Biblical precepts.

That's all there is to it.

On Ella's dedication Sunday our family was asked to come to the front of the sanctuary. Pastor then asked Ron to say a few words about Ella and how she came to be our daughter. Ron, ever eloquent, told the congregation how I (reverently and with fear :-) brought the subject of adoption to him. He told about our time in Guatemala and his visits to meet Ella.

When I was handed the mic I said something like this, "I have been handed 5 biological children. When Ella was given to me in a very business-like environment by a very professional attorney it was every bit as miraculous, awe-inspiring and magical as the way my other babies came to me. I thank God for the privilege of being her mommy".

Pastor then asked us two questions:

1. Do you, Ron and Tina, acknowledge Ella a gift from God?
2. Do you pledge to raise Ella in the ways of the Lord?

Then he prayed over our family petitioning God for wisdom and blessing for us. Yes, Lord, please. Wisdom. And blessing. Amen.

Post script: For my friends who love children's clothing (you know who you are) a dedication occasion also provides an excuse to buy a beautiful keepsake dress. Ella wore Strasburg. White batiste with ecru pearl smocking. Shoes are ecru ballet slippers. The kind with the ribbons that tie up the leg.

2009-01-28T15:48:00.008-06:00

FOR TODAY January 28, 2009

Outside my window
I see my girls' playhouse with snow on the roof

I am thinking about
Ainsley and how I miss her
I am thankful
for my husband's job in this time of economic uncertainty
From the kitchen
it's messy - it's a snow day - what do you expect?
I am wearing
the shirt and sweat pants I played in the snow in
I am creating
warriors for Christ
I am going
Nowhere. It's cold out there!
I am reading
Nothing going right now. However, I want to read the Duggar family book.
My current audiobook is
I've lost my mp3 player.
I am hoping
for another snow day tomorrow.
I am hearing
The Barefoot Contessa on Food Network and the sound of Grace making something in the kitchen.
Around the house
things are a mess - it's a snow day - remember?
One of my favorite things
my husbands smell
A few plans for the rest of the week
catching up after the snow days.
Here is a picture I am sharing
Go ahead - laugh - it cracks me up everytime I see it. We were in Chimaltenango (Ella's birth city). They didn't take kindly to outsiders. We were half scared to death but we were determined to get photos for Ella.

The only thing I'd miss about an Indiana winter...SNOW DAYS!!!

2009-01-28T15:17:00.009-06:00

No school yesterday, no school today and with any luck no school tomorrow! Just movies under down comforters, snow angels, sledding and hot chocolate.

2009-01-27T09:10:00.005-06:00

Note to my amazing friends and family:

If you only read one blog let it be

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

2009-01-26T17:32:00.001-06:00

I Would Gather Children

Some would gather money along the path of life.
Some would gather roses, and rest from worldly strife;
But, I would gather children from among the thorns of sin, I would seek a golden curl, and a freckled, toothless grin.
For money cannot enter in that land of endless day, and roses that are gathered soon will wilt along the way.
But, oh, the laughing children, as I cross the sunset sea, and the gates swing wide to heaven I can take them in with me. Unknown

Guess who's FIVE?

2009-01-22T13:16:00.022-06:00

We celebrated Regan's 5th birthday with treat bags for preschool, a trip with his best friend in the whole world to lunch at Dairy Queen, then playtime with a few friends at our local children's museum! FUN, FUN, FUN!

Newly turned 5 year olds can only stand so much fun.

Just for me (and my birth junkie friends) I am writing a bit of Regan's birth story. If you aren't into this sort of thing, well, the time to stop reading is now.

January 21, 2004

Met my mom at the Bloomington mall so that she could pick up Grace for a sleepover.

Left the mall about 2pm. Contractions getting pretty regular on the hour ride home. Oh - I have to pick up kids at school at 3:30. Can I make it? Is this the real deal? I pick up the kids and talk to a few friends.

Talked to my friend Kristin about 5pm. "I think this is it" I say (a bit nervously because unlike babies 1 and 2 I KNOW what is coming and I know it hurts - terribly).

By the time Ron gets home around 6pm I am SURE this is it and we call the midwife but I tell her to take her time because, you know, babies take time.

We head to the hospital birth pool Ron lugging the birth pool and garden hose to fill it up and empty it. I insist I don't need a wheel chair and moan my way up to the 2nd floor. The nurses look at us like we are over the edge. By the time my midwife arrives I am a bit frantic saying "I can't do this" She assures me that unless I want to be perpetually 9mo+5 days pregnant I better get to the business at hand. By this time it is about 8pm.

At 10:20ish after a long time pushing (unusual for me) and some really tense moments including pea-soup meconium stained waters, a cord cut on the perineum because of a really, really tight cord around the neck and a shoulder dystocia while people screamed at me to push, push NOW Baby Regan James Fleetwood arrives limp and blue. He weighed in at 8lbs. 11oz.

In my hazy, dazy post-labor state I remember him being taken to the warmer instead of placed on chest while I chanted over and over "I want my baby, I want my baby, give me my baby".

My 3rd and 4th babies were delivered at home. I remain a huge supporter of home birth and direct entry midwives (I've lobbied at the State House - kids in tow) However, during my pregnancy with Regan I was unable to get peace to deliver at home and at 5 mo opted for a hospital birth with my midwife attending as my doula. After Regan's nailbiter delivery I know my decision was the right one.

This is my newborn Regan with my dad on the occasion of Regan's dedication.

Regan continues to bring our family daily joy!

2009-01-21T05:31:00.007-06:00

Guess what I get to cross off of my "things to do in my lifetime" list?

KISS MY HUSBAND IN PARIS - that's what!!!

Tickets are booked for March 12-20.

2009-01-19T21:50:00.009-06:00

FOR TODAY January 19, 2009

Outside my window
I see lights in my neighbors' windows and I wonder if they live happy lives in their homes

I am thinking
about what needs done tomorrow

I am thankful for
my children who look angelic in their rosy cheeked sleep

From the kitchen
the meals of the day are done

I am wearing
jammies

I am creating
a home full of love and warmth

I am going
to bed soon

I am reading
my daily Bible

My current audiobook is
Honeymoon by James Patterson

I am hoping
to go to England in March

I am hearing
Alton Brown on TV

Around the house
things are mostly in order and all is well

One of my favorite things
hot fudge cake with a scoop of good ice cream

A few plans for the rest of the week
getting together with my sweet friend Kristin and her little ones

Here is a picture thought I am sharing

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2009-01-10T18:27:00.006-06:00

I have a facebook account. Let's be friends!

"Cheers" (and tears)

2009-01-09T13:35:00.005-06:00

My firstborn took the wings of the morning and flew away. That's my overly sentimental way of saying she left Columbus, Indiana at 5:45 a.m. Thursday, boarded a few American Airlines jets and arrived in Oxford, England at 5:45 Friday p.m. I praise God for her safe arrival.

So...cheers, love. Have the time of your life and we hope to visit you in March.

It's my blog and I'll post what I want to post what I want to

2009-01-02T14:23:00.010-06:00

How I spent the first day of 2009

8:00 a.m. Up for some quiet time with my Lord and personal introspection regarding the old year and the new one (resolutions and all that).

8:05 a.m. The Littles are so painfully adorable snuggled up with Ron that I go wake up Ainsley and ask her to take a picture

9:00 a.m. More delicious essays from my c jane book (my Christmas present from Ainsley).

10:00 a.m. Ron is looking way warm and cozy in our bed with the new 4 inch memory foam topper and the new 80.00 pillows (don't freak - they were 60% off and I'm over pillows from Big Lots) so I crawl in beside him and curl myself around him and BAM just like that I open my eyes to a clock that says 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Everyone's hungry. Again? So showered and ready for a casual at home day (not a "I must look good" outing type of day) I go to the Jay C store which is a bit more expensive but I don't have it in me to do Walmart.

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ron finished his all day project of brisket (thanks, Ron!) and I made twice baked potatoes, green beans and broccoli salad (that really good one with the bacon and sunflower seeds).

The rest of the night we spent hanging out with four of Ainsley's best college buds

visiting us from Michigan and Ohio and Indiana (and my friend who is the mom of one of Ainsley's college friends). I'm really glad my friend came over. It eased the pain of being old in the company of the youth and beauty that filled my house. My friend is beautiful, don't take me wrong, it's just that youth has its own dewy beauty that anyone over 40 can't match despite what that lying "More" magazine may tell you.

At 1:30 a.m. I crawled back into bed with my warm husband and we each snuggled up with a Little feeling quite pleased with the way the first day of 2009 turned out.

My New Year's wish for you - snuggles with Littles, deep talks with Bigs, great food, old friends and health

Partyin' it up with the Littles

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The Bigs have plans tonight so our party started at 9:00 because we're partyin' it up with a 7, 4 and 2 year old and we're hoping they are NOT awake at midnight. We had confetti poppers - lots of them - champagne punch - yummy, that stuff, consisting of ginger ale, sparkling grapejuice and sliced frozen strawberries. We ate white chicken chili and cookies and a grander time was never had!

With any luck the Littles will go to sleep and we will have our own New Year's Celebration - just the two of us.

Magical Days

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Ron's company gives him a couple of extra weeks of vacation at Christmas. We are having the time of our lives with all of us at here at home. Late movie nights and lazy mornings are the name of the game.

We spent a wonderful Christmas with my parents and my sister the Saturday before Christmas. On Christmas Eve we went to church and then the kid's opened their stockings. Christmas Day was filled with more fun and food than any family should be allowed!

The Saturday after Christmas we traveled to Knoxville, TN to spend a couple of days with Ron's side of the family. The weather was 70 degrees and the kids had a blast playing outside (with cousins) most of the time.

We arrived home Sunday night for even more family home time with a bit of after Christmas shopping thrown in (gift cards, you know).

Below are a few photos from our magical days.

My sister Erica with the Princessa de Navidad

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Brothers

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Countin' mah money

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Christmas morning before the mayhem began

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Nan-Nan doing what she does best

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Beautiful Santa girl

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