Kid O's

Little Mama!!!

2012-01-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

This morning, I have chosen to just reflect on this past week. Last Wednesday, our family took in two extra special kids, temporarily. We were blind-sided, to say the least, but everyone rose to the challenge, without question.

I have heard so many people comment about how "proud" they are of us or how "amazed" that they are because we are now raising seven kids but I have to interject and mention how proud and how amazed I am at the way our children have responded.

Foster Care (well, in this case, Kinship Care), is not for the faint of heart. It takes every person in your home pulling together, working to establish a new norm. Our family (especially our kids) have done just that.

Because we weren't expecting our lives to change, in this way, we weren't exactly prepared. We had an extra bedroom (currently our toy room), for them, but we had no beds. Thankfully, we had a couple of crib mattresses to hold us over until we could get them some beds.

We realized, really quickly, that bedtime was going to be our biggest challenge. No matter how many nightlights and hall lights we left on, the oldest of the two got really worked up at bedtime. I found myself praying a lot for wisdom for me and comfort for her when it came to bedtime. My answer came in a small package. a 48 pound, 48 inch package to be exact...Erin!

On night three, during our family prayer and Bible time, Erin took the initiative to lay hands on Taylor and pray for her to not be scared, for her not to have bad dreams, and for her to sleep through the night. Then, she willingly gave up her bed to Taylor and opted to sleep on the crib mattress next to Tyler to keep him from getting scared. Taylor has slept through the night since. Praise God! ;o)

As for Erin and Tyler...they are attached at the hip....literally. Erin pretends as if he's her baby and carries him around on her hip....he's 5! And though he's a little peanut, too, he's too big to be carried around but in Erin's words, "I don't mind!" Tyler is enjoying every second of Erin's attention, especially during the four day break they had from school. Boy did he miss her when she was at school, yesterday.

Speaking of yesterday, when Erin got off the bus, Tyler saw her and yelled loud and proud, "MOMMY!!!!!!!!"

She may not be a mommy, yet, but mark my words...that girl will be quite the mommy, one day, and I believe she will fulfill her dream of adopting 5 kids!

Nice Things!

2012-01-05T18:01:00.001-08:00

It's Thursday!!!!

Know what that means????

I "get" to study with my three 'bigs' for SEVEN tests, on Friday!!!!

Harrison's reading test is over a story about a little girl who moves to a new town, into a new house, and has to go to a new school and make new friends. At the end of the story, it says something to the effect of some things change but the nicest things stay the same. I decided to start at the end of the story and ask Harrison what types of things would stay the same for him if we moved to a new town.

Our conversation...

Harrison; "God."

Me; "Yes, but what..."

Harrison interrupts; "God if He's in your heart, that is."

Me; "Yes, but what else besides God?"

Harrison; (quickly responds) "Jesus!"

Me; "Yes, Harrison, but outside of Jesus and God. What are some of the nice things that will stay the same?"

Harrison; (Again, without skipping a beat) "The Bible."

Okay, Harrison. You win. Not even worth correcting! Hope you fare well on your test! With answers like God, Jesus, and the Bible, I have no doubt that you will pass every test that comes your way. :o)

New Year's Resolutions!

2011-12-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

Last night, in Kidz City, the kids were supposed to write down a list of five things or events that they want to see happen in 2012. Emma Rose's was so sweet, so innocent and well...so Emma. I had to share...(copied verbatim)

1.) God I want you to hear me pray to you when I need to pray.

2.) Jesus heals people when they die or when they are very sick.

3.) God made a beautiful Garden and made a boy and girl and named them Adam and Eve.

4.) I would be nice to to every body on the whole planet earth.

5.) I want to obey and pray to God not other golden statues.

(Home)School

2011-11-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we (I) decided to have a makeshift homeschool day with my kids since they were out of school for election day. I know...no rest for the weary. Before you think that I am a horrible mom, they LOVED it! The kids got up at their normal 6:3o, had breakfast, did their chores, and off to (home)school we went. Emma did her science, social studies, math, and spelling, Erin did spelling and reading, Harrison did reading, math, and spelling, Anderson made a turkey feather and Karrington worked on the color blue. There was sooo much going on at one time but the kids loved it....and so did I! It was the best day that we've had in a long time!

My favorite part was the time we set aside to pray and read the Bible. We talked a lot about respect and obedience and then I offered the kids a challenge. I taped up four words; Respect, Obedience, Kindness, and Sharing. I told the kids that Daddy and I were going to start paying closer attention to who was making a choice to be obedient, respectful, kind and unselfish. When they go to bed, we are going to tape those tags onto the kid's bed that we saw choosing to take on any of those attributes. The child that has the most tags gets to be Mommy's special helper for the day and the one who has the most tags by the end of the week doesn't have to take a nap on Sunday. Let me just say, my house has never been so peaceful. Our kids were so well behaved that I couldn't wait to put their tags on their bed. Winner #1 was Miss Erin Owens, with two tags. She blew me away with how she rose to the challenge. Their faces, this morning, when they saw their tags on the beds was priceless!!!

Anyway, after devotions and bathtime, we did what every good homeschool family does and went on a field trip. :o) We voted and went to Frisch's for a free lunch.

What a great day!!! If every homeschool day is like yesterday, I'm going to kick myself for not doing it sooner!

For The Last Time...

2011-10-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Let the record show that potty training has begun for the last time in the Owens' home. Karrington has been asking to use the potty since she was 18 months old but in my desire to keep her young forever, I have forbid her. :o) That was until diapers went up $5 a BOX!!!!! Being the frugal woman that I am, that is all that it took for me to cave.

Day #1
Successes - 2 Accidents - 1

So far, Today (Day #2)
Successes - 1 Accidents - 1

50% = not too bad!

TALENT!

2011-10-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday - Erin gets glasses
Friday - Erin breaks glasses
Saturday - Daddy fixes Erin's glasses
Monday - Erin breaks glasses, again
Monday - Daddy & Mommy fix Erin's glasses
Tuesday - Erin breaks glasses
Wednesday - Erin gets brand new pair of glasses

TALENT!!!!

I Got a Boo Boo!

2011-10-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

As I was straightening my hair, this morning, Anderson came in crying and holding his elbow. He had fallen out of his chair and hit his "not so" funny bone. After kissing it, I asked him if he was okay. He said, "No. I think I need....." I was getting ready to finish his sentence by saying his normal answer, "bandaid" when he piped up and said, "I think I need some money!"

The Better To See You With!

2011-10-17T18:31:00.001-07:00

It's official...Erin and I both got glasses. UGH!!!!!!!!!

I had a pretty bad eye infection a few weeks ago that caused me to lose some vision in my right eye.

Erin, on the other hand, has had a vision problem for quite some time and everyone knew it but me. Her teacher tried to tell me but I was convinced because Erin read so well and vies for other's attention that she was fine. A group of high school students came in and did eye tests. They, too, felt like Erin would benefit from glasses. Me....still not convinced! However, since I had to go to the eye doctor myself, I figured she might as well tag along.

The tech looked at Erin's eyes, ran a few tests, dialated her eyes and told her to pick out her glasses. I couldn't figure out why she would say that since the eye doctor hadn't seen her, yet. Her response, "Mom, there is NO doubt that Erin needs glasses. I actually said, "she's lying. She can see those letters." Her response, "MOM, machines don't lie." After the doctor came in and did a thorough eye exam he confirmed that not only did Erin need glasses but she needed them badly.

Her eyes are evidently out of alignment and he said her sight will progressively get worse. But not to worry, "she won't go blind." Ummm....blind???? Was not expecting that to even be a question!

So, if you're wondering who earned the mother of the year award this week??? It was NOT me!!!!

Questions

2011-09-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

(bedtime conversation w/Harrison)

"Mom, who's your best kid?" You all are.

"Who's your favorite?" You all are.

"Who do you love the most?" I love you all.

"Who has the most faith? Who has the most knowledge? Who has the most freedom?"

He's a mess

10 Pounds of Potatoes!!!

2011-09-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

You can guarantee when I walk into the kitchen to prepare a meal that there is at least two other feet (Erin's) following me to watch my every move. I am sorry to admit that all to often I turn her down when she offers to help me. My response; "Erin, I appreciate you wanting to me but Mommy just wants to get it done." Just this weekend, I mentioned to Anthony that I want/need to b better about letting her help me for two reasons...1.) so that I can teach her how to cook. 2.)so I can spend more time with her.

Fast forward to today....

I had to peel ten pounds of potatoes for my small group. As soon as I pull out the knife, Miss Erin comes running in to help. Not far behind her was Emma Rose (who never volunteers to help in the kitchen) and 5 minutes after that Harrison is eager to help as well. Before I knew it I had a whole assmebly line of kids passing me potatoes in an ordlerly fashion (proud moment)!!!

I didn't realize how much I had been complaining as I was standing there peeling potato after potato until I had only five to go. I was saying things like "I am so tired of peeling potatoes! I'll be glad when I'm done. My back is hurting me so bad from sleeping on that hard bed last night."

In between my complaints, Harrison speaks up...after noticing I was wearing a UK (University of Kentucky for you PA readers!!!) shirt, saying..."You know, Mom, people who wear UK shirts are not allowed to get tired. Their backs are not allowed to hurt. If you're going to play for UK, you have to be tough."

All the University of Wildcat Fans said.................

And all the English teachers said....stay on point!!! The first part of the story had nothing to do with your point!!!!! A+ for Harrison's cuteness!!! F for not sticking with the thesis!!!

Sweet Dreams!!!

2011-08-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Our typical bedtime routine consists of a Bible story, (read by someone different every night) prayers all around and a song of choice by each child. Tonight, we had one minor problem; we couldn't find the Children's Bible.

Have no fear, Mommy of the Year is here!!!

I did what any good mom would do and decided to just tell the kids a Bible story, from memory.

Harrison wanted to hear the story of Saul who was later called Paul but before he was good Paul, he was bad Saul. Get the point? Good! ;o)

So, with the kids gathered all around to hear the good story, I began...

"Saul was a very bad guy who did very bad things. He killed people. He killed Christians. So basically, if he came into our house he would kill Mommy and Daddy and Erin and..." All at once, I noticed the stunned look on Anthony's face who muttered, "What are you saying?" The kids wre each just staring at me with their jaws dropped! When I realized what I was saying, Anthony and both erupted in laughter. Finally, Harrison, interrupted and said, "can we just skip to the part where Saul went blind?" You guessed it, more laughter!!! Can't stop laughing!!!

Sweet dreams Kid O's! Mommy of the Year loves you!!!!!

Back To School!

2011-08-12T03:55:00.000-07:00

August 9th marked the beginning of the 2011 school year for my big kids. Emma Rose is now a 4th grader, Erin a 3rd grader and Harrison is a 1st grader. Every year I say the same thing; "I wish I could make time stand still!" Only 4 days in but I'm getting lots of good reports from their teachers....

"Emma Rose is so positive all the time!!!"

"Erin has been doing such a good job. It's like she wants to earn the 120% award." (SGES awards kids in every class a 110% award at the end of the school year. Last year, both Emma and Harrison earned it which left Erin with the determination to get it this year. So far so good!)

"Harrison is doing fabulous. He is so happy go lucky all the time and although the work is so easy for him, he just goes with flow and does a great job. I love him!"

Does a Mama's heart GOOD!

Sayings from Anderson

2011-08-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

After blowing out his birthday candles...

Me: "What did you wish for when you blew out your candles?"
Anderson: (staring at the cake) "A PLATE!!!"

Prayer before digging into his breakfast...
"Dear Jesus, please let this food be good! Amen."

Kissing Sounds

2011-07-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

(for memories sake)

I never want to forget the sound that Karrington makes when she gives kisses.

D O For Her B O!!!

2011-07-25T17:10:00.001-07:00

I's official...I just bought my big girl her first stick of deoderant.

And facial cleanser for her her first 2 pimples.

SIGH~

God Will Help You!

2011-07-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

Me: "Kid's, I'm sorry that I lost my temper with you, today. Mommy's got so much going on but that's no excuse."

Emma Rose: "It's okay, Mommy. I forgive you. God will help you."

What's In a Name?

2011-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when I first got my girls, I was single and had to work so I put them in daycare for a couple of years. While there, I remember taking Emma Rose to her class every morning and seeing the most beautiful little girl in there. The little girl had long, thick, dark hair, her skin tone was gorgeous and her smile was priceless. Finally, one day I asked the teacher what the little doll's name was. It was "Carrington." I told the teacher that day that "if I ever have a biological daughter that I will name her Karrington (with a K) and pray that she will be as beautiful.

Occasionally, because Emma Rose and Carrington were only a few days apart, I would see Carrington's mom at the school. I told her that I thought her daughter was beautiful and how much I loved her name....and that I planned on using that name, one day, for my own daughter if I was blessed enough to have one.

Well, here we are eight years later and I'm standing in the hall, at church, with my Karrington on my hip. In walks a lady that looks so familiar to me but I couldn't remember, for the life of me, how I knew her. After saying "hello" she looks at my girl and says, "Is that your Karrington?" All I could do was smile as I introduced my Karrington to her still very beautiful, Carrington.

Don't Clip The Curls!

2011-06-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

I took my baby girl for her first haircut. With the boys, I took them as soon as they turned one but with Karrington, I waited until she turned two. Really didn't want to take her now but her hair's getting a tad bit unruly! ;o) I was so nervous about getting her hair cut because she has this one curl that I love soooo much! Okay, so she has lots of curls but this one particular curl is perfect. I forbid our hairdresser (and friend) to cut it. Less than ten minutes later, Karrington's hair is trimmed and my favorite curl is intact!!!

All is well in the world!

Ringbearers, Flower Girls and Groomsman

2011-06-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my brother-in-law (Anthony's baby brother) tied the knot. Anthony was a groomsman, Harrison was the ringbearer, Emma Rose was a flower girl and I sang. It was one very busy weekend, to say the least. Since so many of us were involved, we decided to just get a hotel and stay the night in Maysville so that hopefully the kids could get a little extra sleep. Nothing like an exhausted Flower Girl & Ringbearer. ;o)

The kids did soooo well! In my humble opinion, they should be invited to be in every wedding because they both did exceptional jobs and they were both gorgeous (again, in my HUMBLE opinion)!!!

There were those couple of things that made them stand out above the rest. Like when my OCD Emma Rose realized, while coming down the aisle,that she put two petals on one side. Mind you, this would have been completely fine to most flower girls but not my girl. She bent right down and picked up the extra petal and placed it perfectly on the other side.

Then there was the ringbearer. The very tired ringbearer. He was looking super sharp in his tuxedo by 11:30 AM (wedding wasn't until 3:00 PM). He LOVED the sound of those clicky shoes so when he wasn't hamming it up for pictures, he was sure to be found somewhere tap dancing. By the time 3:00 rolled around, he was so tired and his feet were in so much pain, I knew we might have a problem during the ceremony. I have to say, though, that he handled himself very maturely for a 5 year old. When Harrison got to the point, during the ceremony, that he couldn't stand any longer, he did what any kid with a pillow would do...layed right down on the floor with his ringbearer pillow until he felt rested enough to stand up again(approximately the time it took to repeat the vows, sing a song, kiss and pronounce the couple as husband and wife). With that he was off to the reception ready to get his tap dancing on!!!!

After a busy weekend, I declared Monday, "Pajama Day" in the Owens' household. Even wore my pj's to the mailbox to find....

You'll never guess.....

Two more flower girl dresses for my other brother-in-law's wedding.

More funny weddng stories to come....

December 17, 2011

And......

2011-06-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

Karrington; "GOSH!!!" (note that this is the first time she's said this word and it's not a word that we particularly like in our house)

Anderson; ""Awwww, Harrison! She said the A N D word!!!!" ('and' is the only word that Anderson can read and spell ;o)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Karrington!!!

2011-06-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is officially two years old. Hard to believe!!!! We had such a great day showering her with all things Elmo! I am not/have never been/will never be an Elmo fan and I said I would never let my kids have an ELmo party. Why??? Because his voice is sooooo annoying!!!!

Let me just say, Elli Karrington Owens is as big of an ELmo fan as I have EVER seen!!! I knew if I denied her an Elmo party than I would regret it for years to come!!! Now, the day after, I am soooo glad I caved. Her party was fabulous! We worked hard to make Elmo girly and I think we succeeded!

We ate Elmo's favorite foods; pizza and bananas, as well as sweish fish and goldfish crackers, in honor of Elmo's best friend, his goldfish, Dorothy. We made an Elmo craft, and Elmo even called Karrington to wish her a very happy birthday. Karrington was so happy when she heard Elmo's voice that she kissed me and then she kissed the phone. Super cute!!!

For memories sake, she received a tricycle a Bitty Baby and matching outfit from us. She also got several outfits, a baby stroller, a baby doll, an Elmo remote, a bubbly maker, money and many books. What a great day!!!

Meet The Parents

2011-06-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

This past winter, while going through some pictures, I came a across an envelope of pictures that I completely forgot I had. Inside were a stack of pictures of the girls last Christmas with their biological parents. Without hesitation, I handed them to the girls so that they could take a quick look. 20 minutes later, as I'm still going through pictures, I realize that Erin has still been sittng there staring at those pictures. When I said her name, she looked up at me with tear-filled eyes. When I asked her what was wrong, she began to cry saying how much she missed Mommy Rose and Daddy Larry.

From that point forward came many conversations about her adoption and a lot of questions...."Why, Mommy, why? I don't want to live with them but I just miss them." Shortly after, some things came out in school and so we had her meet with the school counselor. During this particular counseling session, she crawled up in the counselor's lap and just cried her little heart out, again claiming how much she missed them. At that point, we weren't sure what to do but we felt like the time was right for us to take the girls to Wisconsin to meet their parents, after all these years.

Both girls were sooooo excited to know that we were taking them to see their birth parents (or as Erin puts it...her "original" parents). Though we have allowed the girls to talk to their parents all these years on the telephone, we knew some healing was bound to come once they had the opportunity to see them face to face.

The months flew by and before we knew it, we were pulling out of our driveway for a weekend in Wisconsin. The trip from Kentucky to Wisconsin was 561 looooong miles but we enjoyed every second of it. It was so nice to be able to spend some quality with our girls while the other kids were home spending qality time with Grammy.

Not really sure where to go with this post, from here, so I think I'm going to share the trip from my perspective...the adoptive mother's point of view.

So many emotions were going through me all at the same time. "Will the girls still love me? Will they love their biological mother more? Will they want to stay in Wisconsin? Will their birth parents receive us with open arms? How will I respond if the girls test me in front of their biological parents?" It's never good when you have 10 hours in a car to play out every scenario before it ever happens.

The good news....the trip was great!!!! The girls were very receptive to Mommy Rose and Daddy Larry and Rose and Larry were very receptive to the girls and to us. We laughed, we(I) cried, we played, we ate, we swam, we prayed together and we vowed that this would not be our last time being together.

The bad news....well, there's not really any bad news. I will say that there were times when I was just so overwhelmed with emotion. I will go out on a limb and say that unless you've ever adopted a child and met the parents you may not really understand all the emotions that come along with it. I think Anthony said it best when we were only about thirty minutes into our visit..."I've never been so insecure as a dad." Anthony is such a great dad but when you watch your daughters have a such a strong attachment to a man that they don't know (other than from phone calls) so quickly is gut wrenching at times.

Seeing Emma Rose and Momma Rose lock eyes, for the first time, was one of the moments where I couldn't control the overflow of emotion. Was Emma Rose studying her face so that she would never forget it? Was Momma Rose noticing that this little blond girl had her beautiful blue eyes.? Did she notice that the nose on her little girl was identical to that of Daddy Larry's?

In that moment, I realized that these four peopl shared something that I will never share with my girls...blood!!! There is not one facial feature on my girls that they get from me. God took that man and that woman and made two beautiful little girls out of the love that they had for each other. I'm just the Mom that God entrusted their lives with. Though I don't take that responsibility lightly, that was a moment where my mind was flooded with insecurity.

The highlight of our trip, for me, was the next day when we took family pictures together. It was so neat to be able to take a picture of all of us together. I believe my girls will forever treasure the pictures of both their mommies and both their daddies. I'm pretty sure that Momma Rose treasured it because she made it her facebook profile pic. LOL!

After a busy Saturday, it was time to say good-bye. How would the girl's respond? Would they refuse to leave? Would Rose and Larry break down?

The only person to break down was me. Erin hugged tight and walked away quickly. At that moment, I, once again, was flooded with emotion. After making sure Erin was okay, she ran in for one last group hug. The picture is so touching because you can see Larry's tear-filled eyes looking down at Erin as she was looking up at him.

How do I take these girls from them....again??? I thought I would feel so much relief when it was time to go. I never thought I would feel guilty for leaving with them. Guilty for taking the girls from the parents. Guilty for taking the parents from the girls Again, another unexpected emotion that just comes and you have no idea where it came from.

At the end of the day, the girls were with us and our hearts were full. Full of love and compassion for our extended family...Momma Rose and Daddy Larry. Full of thankfulness to God and to some amazing social workers who entrusted us with the lives of these two beautiful girls.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Father's Day

2011-06-06T04:03:00.000-07:00

(Reading some conversation starter questions, at American Girl Place, with Anthony and the girls)

Question: "What is your favorite day?"
Erin: "My birthday!"
Emma Rose: "My birthday!"
Anthony: "Father's Day!"

Question: "What is your least favorite day?"
Erin: "Father's Day"
Emma Rose: "Father's Day"
Anthony: "Erin and Emma Rose's birthday!!!"

He's a mess!!!!! ;o)

So Proud!!!!

2011-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I am having one of those days where I am just so proud of my kids that I can't help but brag on them...for memories sake of course! ;o)

Emma Rose was awarded the 110% Award, Perfect Attendanceand she made All A's on her report card, for the first time ever!

Erin was awarded Perfect Attendance and she made honor roll for the first time. I cried so hard (in front of her teacher no doubt) because I know how hard that little girl has worked. School does NOT come easy fo Erin, so this is an amazing feat!!!

Harrison was awarded Perfect Attendance, the 100% Award, the Self-Discipline Award, The Oustanding Musician Award an Accelerated Reader Award for being the only kindergartner to do the AR program.

Today, at 2:35, I will officially be the mother of a 4th grader, 3rd grader, 1st grader and two other precious little homebodies! My heart is FULL!!!

Wal-Mart Mommy

2011-05-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Just got home from our weekly family fun night at Wal-Mart.

What do you mean that doesn't sound like fun?

You obviously have never had a cart race...boys versus girls!!!! Girls rule! Boys druel!!!

Yeah, so anyway...we went to Wal-Mart to get some things for our trip to Wisconsin. We specifically were there to buy things for the girls biological parents since tat isthe whole reason we are going to Wisconsin. I was explaining to the girls that we were going to make Mommy Rose and Daddy Larry a basket full of shampoos, soaps, toothpaste/brushes, deoderant, lotions, underwear, socks and a couple of outfits. In other words, stuff that they really, really, really needed. Next thing I know Erin's rattling off her list of stuff that they really, really, really needed....bracelet, earrings, necklaces, sunglasses, etc.....Her list was definitely more fun but when we get there I think she'll understand why the things we got would be appreciated more. Love that girl!!!

The neatest thing happened as we were talking about our trip walking from one side of the store to the other...we passed by the judge that signed off on our adoption. I have since taken the girls and introduced them to the judge and he recognized us right off. After a quick "Hello, how are you?" we were going on about our business. Love God's timing!!!

Finally, after seeing 432 ppl from our church, loading our cart with $200 worth of stuff and preparing to make a run for the checkout, we ran into a man that I hadn't seen in years! He hugged me and then turned to Erin and said, "I just saw your mom and dad at the front of the store." Erin's BIG eyes got even BIGGER and brighter as she took a deep breath. Realizing that he had made a mistake, I said (laughing)"Oh no you didn't. I'm her mommy and I'm right here." He quickly back-pedaled realizing that he had mistaken her for our children's pastor's daughter.

Erin has soooo been looking forward to June 3rd (in Wisconsin)when she can finally meet the mommy that gave birth to her. I can only imagine how nervous, excited and scared she was in that brief moment when she thought her mommy and daddy were right there in Wal-Mart at the same that we were. I can't wait until this time next week when that piece of her life's puzzle is put into it's proper place.

Sweet Girl

2011-05-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Every time I blog I feel guilty because my posts are rarely about Emma Rose.

Main reason...

She is super quiet and prefers to play by herself in the corner of the toy room for hours.

That being said...

I love you Emma Rose! Thank you for being the sweetest girl on the planet! If all my kids were like you, I would have 50!!! Who am I kidding, I'm pushing 50 now! ;o)

Super Star

2011-05-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

If the truth be told we are all probably guilty of peeing in a cup at some point in our loves. Whether it be at your 4 y/o checkup, drug tests, pregnancy tests, OB appointments, didn't want to leave the tv during a UK championship game (that was in OT) or on a trip with no restrooms in sight. If you say you haven't done it, I'll call you a liar! ;o)

It's official...

Harrison has peed in a cup!

A Wendy's cup to boot!

We were on a trip home from Somerset yesterday and the boy's eyes were swimming...and there was no restroom available...not even a place to pull off. That being said, we pulled out the trusty Wendy's cup.

Insert 5 y/o BOY "pee in cup pep talk" (to himself)

"Oh wow! It looks like lemonade!!!!" (don't know why the boy has lemonade on the brain lately). "Oh yeah! I peed in a Wendy's cup! I'm a Wendy's super star!!!"

Yep!!!

2011-05-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Erin: "Mommy, today GramZ told me that when I get older than I get to babysit Jeremiah, Matthew and Malachi! You know what I told her????? YEP!!!!"

Harrison: "Erin, do you think you will find the word YEP in the dictionary?"

Erin: "Yep!!!"

Wish I Never Asked!!!

2011-05-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

"Karrington, did you just wipe snot all over me?"

*****"no, poop!"*****

G.R.O.S.S.

(for the record, it was snot!)

Mother's Day Letters

2011-05-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Emma Rose and Erin wrote me the sweetest Mother's Day letters, today. Thought I would share...(typed exactly like they wrote them).

Happy Mother's Day by Erin in 2011

My mother is the best mom in the world. She is loving and she is kind and she is special. My mom is loving because she kiss me when I go to bed at night. My dad hugs me and kisses me too. My mom is an awesome lady. She is very kind. She lets me play outside. My mom is terrific! She is kind to me becuse she took me to her concert yesterday at night. She buys me a toy with my allowanse. I like the way you give me a good life. Thank you for leting me Live a Long time and you are always special to me. You help me with my homework and study with me for a test on Friday.

I love you! Erin.

Mother's Day 2011 by Emma Rose Owens

My Mom is very important because she takes care of me and my brothers and sisters at home. She puts on our clothes for school. My mom cooks dinner at home for us. Then we give her a hug and kiss at home. She stays at home with the kids. My mom is funny, kind, loving and fair. My mom is kind when she buys me special things. She is funny when she laughs. Mom is fair cause she is not selfish. She is loving cause mom hugs and kisses us. My mom is all of these things. I admire my mom. I want to be like my mom. I will have a lot of education. I really admireher. Mom is good at cooking. My favorite thing about her is she loves me and my brothers and sister and baby sister at home. I love you mom: Happy Mother's Day!!

I will treasure these letters forever!!!!

Karrington

2011-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Conversation with Karrington (22 months old)

Me; "Karrington, where are you?
Karrington; running in..."Huh? Wha you say?"

Can't Keep Her from Growing Up! :o(

2011-04-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have had a hard time with this whole growing up thing, as far as Karrington is concerned. Mainly because she's my baby!

She has been showing signs of potty training since she was 18 months old but I have honestly just not wanted to encourage it.

"Why?" you ask....I just told you...because she's my baby.

"But think of the $ it will save" you add. I don't care...she's my baby.

I would still be stuffing her in infant clothes if it wouldn't cause her to turn blue from lack of oxygen. Okay, so maybe I'm not that bad!

Anyhoo, last night Papa and G-Ma watched Karrington and Anderson for me. When I called to check on them, my dad was cracking up over Karrington. He said, "she took her diaper bag to him, opened it up, pulled out a diaper and wipes, handed both to him and then proceeded to poop in her diaper."

Thinking it might be time to give in!!!

Decisions, Decisions!

2011-04-25T04:27:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday marked day 40 of our 40 days of Focus. Anthony and I set apart this time to allow God to show us areas in our life that we needed to improve upon as well as get direction for our future. I could sit here and write (type) for hours about the things that the Lord showed me through this time about myself and about my future but one thing that God made pretty apparent is that we are supposed to start looking into adopting again. The strange part is I have always known that we would adopt again but was convinced that we would do a foreign adoption this time. However, my heart is once again being burdened for the kids here in the United States that have been sitting on a "Forever Family Waiting List." I just can't seem to shake it. So......here goes.....let the process begin!!!

I had an opportunity this morning to talk to our four oldest kids. Just wanted to get a feel for their thoughts.

Erin, in 5 minutes, told me that I needed to order new beds so they would have something to sleep on and has already offered to share her room. She even managed to give me a quick layout of what our home would look like if we adopted the certain number of kids we are praying about. She made it clear that she would be a good helper and that if there are kids in the world that needed a mommy and daddy than we needed to adopt them all!

Emma Rose couldn't stop smiling. She just kept saying, "I want more brothers and sisters" and "That's a GREAT idea."

Harrison said "I already knew it!" (why doesn't that surprise me????)

Anderson said "I just want a toy from Wal-Mart."

Their four reactions COMPLETELY describe their individual personalities, perfectly!!!!

Excited to see what the future holds for the Owens' family!!!

C.S. Lewis

2011-04-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

During today's Easter message, Andrew referred to the great author, C.S. Lewis. I turned to Harrison to tell him that C.S. Lewis is the author of the two books that he just finished reading ("The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" and "The Magician's Nephew") but before I could open my mouth he said, "Hey Mom...C.S. Lewis's actual name is Clive Staples Lewis." And just so you know, after coming home and googling C.S. Lewis, I found that he was right. That boy!!!

Another quick story about Harrison...yesterday we searched all over the city of Lexington for a yellow cardigan. After searching store after store after store, Harrison says "can we please just get Karrington the chartreuse sweater? My feet are soooo tired of walking!" Never even heard of that color! Again, had to google it to see if it was such a thing and to get the correct spelling before I posted this story.

Catch Up

2011-04-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

My inabilty to be consistent with this blog is somewhat embarrassing! I have times where I post 1-2 blogs per day and there are other times when I go a month or more without a single post. Though I am not quite to that point, it has been too long. Now for a game of catch up...

I think the most important thing that has kept me pretty busy for the past couple of weeks or so is Harrison's sudden interest (concern) in bus safety. Two Sundays ago as were pulling out of the church parking lot, Harrison asked me "why does only the bus driver get a seat belt on the bus?" Although I have often wondered the same thing, I didn't know the correct answer. In a joking way, meant more for Anthony to hear, I said, "seatbelts cost a lot of $ and the government doesn't want to spend money on them." I then said, "you're gonna have to ask the Governor that one." So....ask the Governor, he did! Harrison proceeded to write a 3 page letter to Governor Beshear asking him the same question that he asked me.

In his letter, he told the Governor that he was going to have lemonade stands all summer so that he could raise money for seatblets. When he has enough he is planning to give it to the Governor. Harrison did indeed mail his letter and he has already held is first lemonade stand (where he sold $350 worth of lemonade). As a result of his first stand, he made front page of our local newspaper. (click link below to read his letter and see the newspaper article)

http://www.news-graphic.com/feature/article_4f902860-6a0f-11e0-b0ab-001cc4c002e0.html

As a result of the newspaper article, we have already had 3 businesses contact us about setting up a lemonade stand. So many people have really gotten behind Harrison's efforts and he is absolutely thrilled.

Along with our supporters, there are still the "neighsayers". People questioning whether or not we have read up on the pros and cons of seatbelts on school buses. People disagreeing with the idea of having seat belts on school buses. People just being people. My response....Harrison may never see a seatbelt on a school bus in the state of Kentucky in his lifetime. But you know what...maybe he will! Maybe it will be as a result of him setting his mind to something.

Here's my take on parenting since you asked (or not)....

It is our responsibilty as parents to encourage and support our children. If Harrison (or any of our kids) sees a need and wants to set his mind towards finding a solution for that problem, who are we to stop him? What a learning experience this has been!!! At five years old, our son has written his own letter, learned how to address an envelope, mailed his letter, sold lemonade, used his progressing math skills to make change, went to various people (looked them in their eyes and told them what he wanted/needed) for help, paid back his Mom and Dad for the expenses, tithed 10% of his profit to his church, opened up a savings account, etc....The list goes on and ond and on...These are skills he is going to need and use for the rest of his life. Even more than that...he is learning that he can make a difference, even at 5 years old.

When Harrison is a teenager (and and adult), I believe that there will be times when he sees a need of a different sort. He's going to be able to look back on his life and remember how when he was 5 years old, he put his mind to something and he made a difference. He's going to remember how his parents supported him and he won't be scared to take risks.

I pray all the time that our kids will be world changers....that they will do something positive in their lifetime to make a difference in their family, in their community and in this world. Who would have thought that change could come about by selling a glass of leomade?!?!?!

Newspaper Article

2011-04-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Harrison made the front page of our local newspaper. To see a copy of his letter to the governor and his newspaper article, click link below.

http://www.news-graphic.com/feature/article_4f902860-6a0f-11e0-b0ab-001cc4c002e0.html

Spring Break Sleepover

2011-04-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, I surprised the kids with a Spring Break Sleepover. The girls have made really good friends with my high school choir director's (now friend), Amie's 7 year old twins, Matti and Kayla. What I love about their relationship, with the twins, is that each of my girls feel a stronger connection with a different twin. Amie also has a 9 year old son whom Harrison adores but he couldn't come last night so we invited his best friend, Olivia.

These kids had a blast!!! They jumped on the trampoline until they couldn't jump anymore. I LOVE the fact that they chose to play games like Freeze Tag and Duck-Duck-Goose. We watched the movie "Tangled", ate junk food, read the Bible, prayed, sang songs, brushed teeth, set up a tent in the basement and went to sleep. They were so tired that I never had to hush them once!!!

I always said that I wanted to own a nice sized house so that the kids would want to have their friends over instead of wanting to go other places. Then I can control/supervise their environment at all times. I love the fact that we don't own video games (other than a Wii but we only play that as a family) because it forces the kids (and their friends) to think outside the box for creativity and keeps them active. By the time their heads hit the pillow they're wore out from the day and all it's fun! And for all of you mom's that ask me how I get my kids to go to bed at 7 (or 8), there's my two cents, for what it's worth. ;o)

Random Conversation

2011-03-24T08:42:00.001-07:00

Harrison: "Momma, do you care if I give one of my coats away?"

Me: "Why do you want to give one of your coats away?"

Harrison: "Because the Bible says if I have two of something, to give one away and I have two coats."

Anybody need a size 5 boys coat? Harrison has one he'd like to bless you with.

I'm Ready!

2011-03-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked Day #2 of our church-wide 40 day fast. During this time I am really expecting God to do some amazing things in me and my family. One thing that I cotinue to pray for is Emma Rose. For whatever reason she is really turned off to the idea of asking Jesus to come love in her heart. Anytime I talk to her about this decision, her response is always the same; "Mommy, you said you wouldn't make me do it til I'm ready."

When I went to Bible College, I was around so many "PK's" (preacher's kids) and almost all of them said the same thing; "I only pretended to be a Christian because my parent's were in the ministry. I didn't really make my own personal decision to live for Christ until I was older."

Because I am an ordained minister, I do not want my kids to fall into this same trap. I want them to choose to live for Jesus when they're ready and have an understanding of what that decision means. But, I have to admit, that I've really been concerned about Emma Rose's constant rejection of the idea.

However, last night we had the most amazing conversation. Erin and Harrison began to ask me questions about heaven. Though I am not real sure what heaven is going to be like, I did my best to answer their questions and told them how happy I am that I get to spend eternity in heaven with them. Harrison replied, "I guess Rosie, Anderson and Karrington don't get to go to heaven then." He wasn't being mean, just matter of fact (that's just Harrison). I explained that the two littles didn't have an understanding of what it meant to ask Jesus in their heart yet so that if we went to heaven tonight, they would be with us. Then, without hesitation, I asked Emma Rose if she was ready to make the decision to ask Jesus to live in her heart. She quickly responded "I am ready and I want to baptized!" Then the sweetest thing happened...Erin and Harrison each placed a hand on her shoulder and repeated the sinner's prayer with her. There were tears and smiles and lots of hugs!!!

I am so proud of Emma Rose and I am so thankful that she made the decision when she was ready. I truly believe that she will honor the Lord with her life!!!

Battle Wound

2011-03-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Last night, Anderson officially received his first battle wound. We hadn't been at church very long before the boys started chasing each other. As I'm saying, "Harrison stop chasing Anderon. He's gonna faaaaaa" (pick up child and run)!!! He fell right into the stone wall and gashed his head open. There was blood EVERYWHERE! I got him into the kitchen where I was swarmed with people trying to help us but we (Anderson and I) were both looking for one person. He wanted his daddy and I wanted Marcia (my friend who's a darn good nurse and our pastor's wife). After about a 3 second look, Marcia said he would definitely need stitches, so off we went.

3 stitches, 5 stickers and a "white ice cream w/nuts on it" and all is well. He was such a trooper. I'm so thankful for Daddy who was able to help bring him some comfort and Uncle Shaun who helped hold down a leg. Although I stayed calm, I about lost my veggie chili when the doctor put that needle in his head.

My mother who knows my love for needles said it best when I called to tell her that he was doing okay. "I had no doubt that he would be fine, it was his parent's that I was worried about." ;o)

Itch...

2011-03-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Again....written for the sake of looking back!

Saturday, Erin says to me as I'm walking out to go to the grocery, "Mommy, will you please check my head? It's itching so bad that I couldn't even sleep!"

All I had to do was part her hair and there sat a little friend. And so went the rest of my day...Lice treatment...laundry...mayo treatment on the 4 bigs (supposed to be very successful at smothering lice)...laundry...nit picking...laundry...vaccuuming...laundry...bagging up stuffed animals and pillows..laundry...another lice treatment....laundry...more nit picking...laundry....BED!!! Thanks Daddy for ALL of your help!!!

With my thick hair, you can only imagine how many times I have had to deal with lice growing up. Not to mention, in college....I was the RA on my hall and a girl with the thickest, curliest, longest hair EVER got it BAD!!! I had to pull an all nighter checking, washing and picking through 40 girl's heads that night. Oh the memories!!!

That 5 Year Old...

2011-03-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

"Mom, how do you say Espanol in Spanish?"

40 Day Focus

2011-03-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

March 16, 2011, is the kick-off for our church wide 40 days of focus. After dinner last night, I asked the kids to be thinking about something that they would like to fast for 40 days. Without hesitation, Harrison says, "water and vegetables!!!"

Gotta love his quick wit! He reminds me so much of someone else I know! ;o)

I Speak Spanish!!!!

2011-03-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

Between High School and College, I took a total of four years of Spanish. It was deemed a requirement...not sure why but it was. Because I majored in missions, I didn't mind it so much. And the truth is, I have used it...on 1 mission's trip, to Honduras.

Today, while studying for Emma Rose's reading test, I got to read to her several words in Spanish. She just giggled and giggled when she heard me, saying, "Oh Mom! You can speak in Spanish!!! That's so great!!!"

With that being said, I now know why it was a requirement to take 4 years of a foreign language....to impress my children!!!!

Money Well Spent!!!

Shut Up Devil!!!

2011-03-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

On the way home from church, tonight, Harrison says out of the blue; "I keep having this thought that God is bad." Then, later, before bed, he crawled up in my lap and said again; "Momma, I know God is good but I can't get the thought that He is bad out of my head."

My heart was absolutely melting at his sincerity and his openness to share with me his thoughts. I simply told him that "I love Jesus with all my heart and that makes the devil so mad that he sometimes puts bad thoughts in my head, too." The look of relief that came over him was precious. Almost as if he was just soaking in the fact that he wasn't alone in his struggle. I prayed over him that God would take every thought captive and that he would have the mind of Christ. After our prayer, I thought it best to give him a way that (on his level) he could rebuke (for lack of a better word) his bad thoughts. I told him to say two things....1.) God is a good God and the devil is a bad devil. 2.) SHUT UP DEVIL!!!!!!!

"Shut up" is not a phrase that we allow anyone to say in our home so you can only imagine how excited he was to be the only child to get to say that. Of course, I had to set some rules. 1.) You can only think it in your head or say it in your room. 2.) You cannot tell your brother and sisters that I am allowing you to say shut up. 3.) You can only say "shut up" when referring to the devil. 4.) You can not call your siblings the devil.

He agreed to the rules and immediately ran off to tell his daddy that he is allowed to tell the devil to SHUT UP!!!!!

For Example....

2011-03-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the scene in the movie Lion King when Cymba is following his dad and he puts his little paw into Muphasa's giant footprint? That's my favorite part of that whole movie.

I couldn't help but think of that scene, Monday, when I was home with only Karrington, cleaning like a mad woman. Honestly, I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to what Karrington was doing. I was just trying to get my bathroom and kitchen cleaned. At one point, while heading to the bathroom with lysol and a rag, I looked back and saw Karrington following me with her eyes glued to my feet and her hands behind her back. She never looked up and never said a word. When the bathroom was clean, I headed to the kitchen and so did she...staring at my feet with her hands behind her back. I eventually gave her a wet rag and taught her how to wash the walls. She loved it!

My point....this little girl is watching every move I make. Not only does she look a lot like me but she's starting to act like me (poor Anthony/LOL!!!). What a great reminder to me that I need to be careful of everything that I say and do because she is learning by my example.

Hope I Don't Regret This!!!

2011-03-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

I must admit that what I am about to put in this blog post may come back to haunt me later but I "think" I am doing the right thing! LOL! As I have said, many times before, this blog is meant to be a collection of memories about my children that they can look back at one day to help them remember their childhood. I want them to enjoy reading them, not say "Oh my word, Mom! I canNOT believe you posted this!!!"

With that being said, I took a certain little/big girl shopping for her first training bra yesterday. I can't even believe it. I nearly cried!!! We had a great night...just the two of us!

First, I had to take her to the doctor who later referred her to a pediatric endocrinologist. Then we shared some appetizers at O'Charley's. I took this opportunity to really share with her some important details about becoming a lady. I taught her how to sit properly at the dinner table (no elbows allowed), the correct place to put her napkin (in her lap) and we talked about some changes that her body is starting to experience. (I know, TMI!!!) Then, I gave her the option of getting her first bra now or later. She said, "I'm not ready to grow up yet."

After dinner, we took a quick trip to Wal-Mart. I needed detergent and razor blades; both of which were on opposite sides of the store. SO, after I picked up the blades, I, strategically, maneuvered the cart through the middle of the store right in front of the training bra section. Her eyes lit up when she saw them, saying, "Oooh! Those are beautiful." The next thing I knew, she had picked out three that she liked and they were in the cart.

I have to say, the highlight of my evening was how she shared her excitement with her dad..."Daddy, I bought 3 beautiful bras!!!!" All Anthony could do was SIGH!!!!

Daddy's having a real hard time with his "Poser" growing up!!! (so am I!!!)

I Remember! Part V

2011-03-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Last but not least...my precious, Karrington!

* I will never forget the day that I layed in the bathtub begging God to bless us with another girl.

* I will never forget when Dr. Sloan did an early ultrasound to see if we could determine your sex (she knew how much I wanted a baby girl). She said, "I don't see any boy parts."

* I will never forget how I prayed that no boy parts would grow. :o)

* I will never forget hearing the words "It's A Girl" at my 20 week ultrasound.

* I will never forget June 9th...the day your big cousin, Leah, was born. I was so excited to go and meet her. All the way to the hospital, I was feeling funny. When I finally got to hold my precious niece, I think you got a little jealous b/c I started having a crazy amount of contractions (you weren't due for another month). I didn't want to say anything b/c that was Leah's day so I kept quiet. I took your Uncle Shaun down to the hospital cafeteria for dinner and finally had to tell him about my contractions b/c they were taking my breath away. We called the on-call doctor and she said, head to the 3rd floor. I was admitted so that they could try to stop my labor. Nothing was working! You were bound and determined that you were going to meet your new cousin. For fear of my uterus bursting, we decided it was best to go ahead and bring you into the world...SO....2 days later, on June 11, 2009, I met my sweet Elli Karrington Owens. What an incredible day that was!!!

* I will never forget kissing you for the first time.

* I will never forget stroking your head full of thick black hair for the first time.

* I will never forget sending Daddy (and Aunt Pam) to the hospital gift shop to buy you your first hair bow. It was pink.

* I will never forget the day we brought you home.

* I will never forget laying you in your crib for the first time.

* I will never forget changing your clothes constantly. I didn't change them because you messed them but because you were like a live baby doll.

* I will never forget how I kept hairbows and headbands in your hair at all times...even when you were wearing pajamas.

* I will never forget what a peaceful baby you were. I prayed over you every day while you were in my womb that you would bring peace to our home...that you would be a peacemaker. God answered my prayers. You were the most peaceful baby I have ever met!!! (I'm not even being biased ;o)

* I will never forget how at 6 months of age, you would sit in the chair at church and just clap and sing along with the band.

* I will never forget how you scrunch your nose up just to make me laugh.

* I will never forget the day the nurse came in to give you a shot and you looked right at her and said, "No No No"!!! The way you pursed your lips when saying no was priceless!

* I will never forget our daily walks....just you and me!

* I will never forget how excited you get when you see the Golden Arches...the funny part is, you don't even like McD's french fries. You just knew that the only place you would ever get juice was there.

* I will never forget your 1st birthday! We celebrated with pink and brown polka dots. Daddy will never forget the $60 outfit and the $80 cake. Neither will I!!!

* I will never forget singing random,made-up songs with you. Our fave was "Jesus, Nana, Baby, Diaper."

* I will never forget the day I took you Christmas shopping with me to Wal-Mart. We were shopping for Leah in the baby doll aisle. You started squealing "BABY!!!" Then you started screaming, "BBBBAAAABBBYYY!!!!" You had to have one! I didn't want to spoil you and make you think that every time we went shopping that you were going to get a baby. So....I bought you a baby! I buy you a baby almost everytime we go to Wal-Mart. AND, everytime I buy you one, I justify why you "needed" that particular baby. I get great joy seeing your eyes light up when you kiss your new baby for the first time. My eyes lit up when I kissed my babies for the first time, too. Just like you, I had to have more and more!!!

One day, when you're older, I look forward to sitting down with you and telling you of how God used YOU to bring healing to my life. I am overwhlemed with emotion at just the thought. God trusted me with you and I count it an honor to be your mommy. I promise to spoil you (and your siblings)!!! I promise to speak life into you. I promise to be a blessing and a support to you all the days of my life. I promise to speak the Word of God into you at an early age. I promise to teach you "Modesty, Morality and Manners!" I promise to hold you accountable for your actions. I promise to be a good example of how a Godly mommy, wife, daughter and sister should be. I promise to be your mommy and not your friend (that is until you're much older...then I will be both). I promise to love you with every single beat of my heart. NEVER forget how much I love you my sweet Karri Girl!!!

I Remember! Part IV

2011-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite red-haired boy, Anderson Wright...

* I will never forget the night before I went in for my c-section saying to Daddy, "The only thing that stinks about having planned c-sections is I'll never know what it feels like to go into labor on my own." 20 minutes before my alarm went off to go to the hospital, my water broke! (Always remember that God cares about about every detail of your life!!!)

* I will never forgot the first words I heard as you were being taken out during my c-section..."What color hair does your other son have?" At that point I knew I had a red head on my hands.

* I will never forget seeing you, Dadddy and Harrison pose for your first picture together. My boys!!!

* I will never forget how you camped at my breast. You were 18 pounds at 4 months old.

* I will never forget how you used to sneeze 3 times, every morning when I would turn on your light.

* I will never forget how sad I was when I had to go back to work for the first time after you were born.

* I will never forget when Pastor Gary read my mind and asked me on my first day back if I would be interested in working from home so that I could take care of you (and your siblings) myself. I said "YES!!!"

* I will never forget how sick you were as a baby. We found out later you had MANY allergies.

* I will never forget having to call 911 when you stopped breathing while eating your breakfast. I thought you were choking, at first. With you in my arms and the 911 operator, on the phone, trying to keep me calm, I cried out "Oh God, please help my baby!" You immediately began to talk. I believe that God heard and answered Mommy's cry that day. (you had an allergic reaction to milk which caused your throat to close off)

* I will never forget how you chewed up one entire side of your crib.

* I will never forget the first time you climbed out of your crib.

* I will never forget how you completely destroyed your room, during nap time, the first time you slept in your toddler bed. You took out every toy, tore up your toy box, stripped your bedding off of your bed, tore up your window blinds and took your clothes off your hangars while emptying your closet. You were so quiet that I never heard a thing. That day I took everything out of your room except your bed and your dresser.

* I will never forget the loud BOOM I heard the next day during naptime. You over-turned your dresser!!! I sold it!

* I will never forget the time (right after I had Karrington) when Daddy was changing the oil and you and your siblings were playing outside. When Daddy came in, I said "Where's Anderson?" Daddy said, "Erin told me you took him inside." I took off running (remember, I just had a c-section) and searching frantically for you. After running up the and down the nearby streets looking for you, we found you next door in our neighbor's garage playing with potting soul. Our neighbor was a cop.

* I will never forgot the day that you and I were both very sick. I put you on the basement couch and let you watch a movie while I tried to get ready for church. Ten minutes later, our doorbell rang. You came running in (wearing only your underwear) with a neighbor from the street behind us. He said you kept ringing his doorbell. That night I installed alarms on every door in our house. I also went to all the surrounding neighbors and said, "If you see a cute little red-head running around by himself outside, please do not assume that we know or that we allow that to happen." I even went to the cop. He didn't take me to jail for bad parenting. ;o) It never happened again!!!

* I will never forget the pink and brown blanket that was given to Karrington before she was even born. You opened it. You said it was "my blankie" and you've carried it ever since. People probably think I am crazy for letting my little boy carry around a pink blanket. I don't care!

* I will never forget your first day of pre-school. Our house has never been so quiet as it was that day. I cried! I also emailed the teacher later to make sure that you were still there. She said you hadn't even tried to escape! I was proud!

* I will never forget the first time you let me rock you to sleep. It was March 29, 2008. Almost two years later...you've never let me do it again.

* I will never forget how much of a Daddy's boy you are. Oh, how you LOVE your daddy!!!

* I will never forget how you refused to call me anything but "Momma"!!! I hope you always do!!!

* I will never forget the times that you have spontaneously told me that you loved me and that "I am both (meaning mine and daddy's) of your boys!!!"

* I will never forget the first time you matched pitch when we were singing. I am convinced that you are going to have quite the voice one day!!!

* I will never forget how I cooked and cooked one year for Thanksgiving dinner. I set out two pumpkin pies to cool. You disappeared. So did one of my pumpkin pies!!!

* I will never forget changing Karrington's diaper behind closed doors when I kept hearing an odd sound...(I wish I could type the sound that I heard but since I can't...) Buzz ow....Buzzzz ow....Buzzzz owwww! I opened the door only to find you sticking your fingers in the fan. Fan: "Buzzzz" You "OW!!!!" Fan: "BUZZ!!!" You: "OWWWWWW!!!!!" I'm belly laughing as I rememmber that moment!!!

* I will never forget our Thursday lunch dates...I hope you never get to too old to eat a Happy Meal with your Mommy!

* I will never forget the book called "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. Dobson that I received as a gift when I was pregnant with Harrison. I never cracked it...until you were 2. I realized then, I needed all the help I could get to keep up with you! ;o)

Anderson...when you were born, our family changed so much. You have brought us so much life. You have taught me not to be so uptight. You have taught me how to pick my battles. That is the only reason that I would EVER let you wear flip flops in the snow!!! Before you came along, I would never think of allowing my children to jump in rain puddles. Now I point them out to you! Before you were born, I would never have thought to point out dog poop and dead frogs during our daily walks. There have been moments that I have been frustrated to no end with you (like the day you unscrewed the chandelier out of the ceiling) but the truth is, I don't even want to remember life before you came along. Thank you for being such a bright spot in my day...my life. You have completely changed me as a Mom and I am so thankful!!! Momma loves you!!!

Fruits of the Spirit

2011-02-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

(studying for Erin's spelling test, tonight)

Me: "Erin, spell fruit."
Erin: "Like the fruits of the Spirit?"
Me: (laughing) "Sure! What are the fruits of the spirit?"
Erin: "Apples, bananas, grapes, cherries. Stuff like that!"

LOVE HER!!!

I Remember! Part III

2011-02-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

Harrison Philip Anthony Owens...the greatest 5 year old I know!!!

* I will never forget all the severe pains I had the night, more than 6 years ago, when I was rushed to the ER. The diagnosis..."Mrs. Owens, you are pregnant, however, we think you may be having a miscarriage." After doing an ultrasound, they couldn't find you anywhere which led them to believe I was having an ectopic preganancy (which means, you were stuck in one of my tubes). The doctor said I needed to come back in a couple of days to do some blood work. If my HCG levels went up, I would still be pregnant. However, if they went down, I would be having a miscarriage.

* I will never forget how Daddy and I prayed for a miracle.

* I will never forget where I was standing when the nurse called me to tell me that my HCG levels doubled. God answered our prayers!!!!

* I will never forget rocking back and forth in your turtle nursery dreaming about what it would be like to rock my son one day.

* I will never forget the day you were born. It was July 13, 2005 (which was your actual due date).

* I will never forget laying there having my c-section. I could barely breathe (I was scared) until they took your little feet out of my ribs. I use to refer to you as my little monkey because of the way you hung upside down from my ribs.

* I will never forget holding you for the first time. You were looking around the room until I said "Hey Buddy!" At that point, we locked eyes and just stared at each other for the longest time.

* I will never forget how much you hated to nurse and how you refused to take naps. It was okay though because you slept through the night at only 2 weeks old.

* I willnever forget how you had to pull out one of my hairs to twist in your finger while you were sucking your thumb. I finally stopped letting you pull my hair. So, you started pulling your own hair out. You developed the biggest bald spot when you were 2!!!

* I will never forget how looooooong you were. My motto was always "Tri-fold to Hold!!!" You looked like a string bean.

* I will never forget how your hair stood straight up on your head. People would say you had hair like a duck.

* I will never forget watching you take your first step. It was to Daddy. I was bummed! ;o)

* I will never forget planning every detail for your 1st birthday party! It was a Baby Einstein party. Oh how you loved Buddy the Caterpillar, as you affectionately named him.

* I will never forget the day you climbed up on the counter and helped yourself to the last porkchop. You were barely 1.

* I will never forget you asking me to read you a book one day when I was up to my ears in laundry. I made up my mind that day that I had the rest of my life to fold clothes. Today I am gonna read to my boy. 5 years later, I still have lots of laundry to be done, but you're happy. So am I!!!

* I will never forget having to tell Tootie (your babysitter, at the time) every day..."Stop waking him up at naptime to rock him! You're gonna spoil him." She didn't listen. I'm glad.

* I will never forget teaching you to count in English and Spanish (Diego taught you that), say your ABC's and spell your name. You were 1.

* I will never forget teaching you how to read. You were only 3 when you read your first book.

* I will never forget the first time you broke down when you heard the song "Christmas Shoes." You said, "I don't want you to die, Momma!!!"

* I will never forget rocking you and singing your favorite song EVERY night... "You Are My Sunshine." I still do it! Of course now you occacionally add a couple of other favorites, "Jesus Paid It All" and "Christmas Shoes."

* I will never forget letting you beat me in thumb wrestling at the bus stop, every day. Now I don't let you win. But, you still do!

* I'll never forget spending two nights in the hospital with you when you had mono. Nothing else in the world mattered, then.

* I'll never forget how you cried when I was making cookies for the girl's classes on Adoption Day. You said, "I want to be adopted too." I made cookies for your class, too. You said I was the best mommy in the whole world.

* I'll never forget praying with you the night you asked Jesus to come into your heart.

* I'll never forget the day you came off the soccer field crying because your cousin, Cooper, said "You're not my best friend, Harrison. You're my cousin."

* I'll never forget putting you on the bus for your first day of Kindergarten. You were crying. So was I.

* I will never forget the day you called 911...13 times!!! You were so scared when the policeman came to the house. I have a feeling that you learned your lesson.

* I'll never forget our favorite saying, "You're the best, Budapest!"

* I'll never forget wondering how all the love I have for one little boy can be contained inside one person.

* I'll never foget all the times you have said (to your Daddy) "I am Mommy's boy!!!" His response...silence. He knows it's true!

* I'll never forget to thank God for you, everyday!

Never forget how much I love you, Boo!!!

I Remember! Part II

2011-02-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Today's memory post is dedicated to my sweet Emma Rose.

* I will never forget the first day I laid eyes on you. Just like your sister, you were on the social worker's other hip. You were wearing a blue Minnie Mouse onesie. You refused to smile at me but that's okay. Life as you knew it would never be the same.

* I will never forget how you stared a hole right through me. It was as if you had so much to say but the words just wouldn't/couldn't come out.

* I'll never forget how excited I was when the social worker told me when your birthday was. It is August 29th. So is mine!

* I will never forget how I snuck up behind you and clapped really loud to see if you would respond. I found out that day that you couldn't hear...or talk!

* I will never forget holding you in my arms and just crying with you. You were so frustrated because you couldn't tell me what you wanted/needed and I was so frustrated because I didn't know if we would ever figure it out.

* I will never forget when you began therapy with First Steps. They taught us sign language so that we could communicate with each other. It was one of the best things that we ever experienced together, thus far.

* I will never forget how your once sad, dark, droopy eyes began to brighten up every time you saw me. You still couldn't talk but boy could you laugh!!! Your giggle was one of the greatest sounds I have ever heard. It still is!

* I will never forget when you could hear for the first time. You walked into the church (the band was playing) after ear surgery. The minute I opened the door and you heard the band, you covered your ears, immediately turned around and walked out the door. You were only two.

* I will never forget when you said your first word. It was "toys".

* I will never forget your silent cry. The tears would come but the noise couldn't. Eventually you started to make noise. You sounded just like a donkey. "Hee Haw"!!! ;o)

* I will never forget when you walked down the aisle at my wedding. You and Erin were the most beautiful flower girls I had/have ever seen. You looked like a princess.

* I'll never forget my thoughts towards you when the judge signed our adoption papers and said I was your mommy. I cried.

* I'll never forget you running into my hospital room to see me and your new little brother, Harrison, for the first time. You sat right by my side...the whole time.

* I'll never forget the countless meetings that I have been to in order to ensure that you were getting all the help you could possibly get in school. Every teacher has always said the same thing, "Emma Rose is just the sweetest little girl." It's true!

* I'll never forget the story of how you walked up to a nearly 7 foot tall man, (on your first day in 1st grade) after wandering around for some time, and asked him if he would help you find your classroom.

* I'll never forget the first time you made the honor roll! You were so proud. I was, too! You have gotten honor roll every time since.

* I'll never forget how I snuck you out of bed and had a secret donut party to celebrate your report card. Your brothers and sisters still don't know about it. (They will when they read this blog ;o)

* I will never forget how much you hate chocolate. I tried to trick you with white chocolate once, hoping you would think it was vanilla. You weren't fooled.

* I'll never forget all the random hugs and kisses I get from you everyday.

* I'll never forget how encouraging you are. You never fail to say something encouraging to me every single day. I want to be like you!

* I will never forget that although you would rather be in a room playing quietly by yourself ALL the time, you never complain when I ask you to join us for some family fun time.

* I will never forget all the times that I have thanked God for sending you to my life. You have filled it with so much joy!!!

* Never forget how much I love you "Poser"!!!

I Remember! Part 1

2011-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last night, while taking a quick trip to Wal-Mart, Erin and I started recalling old memories that we never want to forget. The reason I write this blog is so that I can have them as a reminder for when my kids are older. Soooo, I thought I would take the next few days and just jot down some things about each kid that I never want to forget. Since this whole idea began with Erin, it's only fitting that I start with her.

* I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on you through a glass door. I was sitting in my office and the social worker was carrying you on her hip. You were wearing a pink and white sleeper and your little patch of red hair was standing straight up.

* I'll never forget how you cried for 2 hours and 45 minutes, straight, the first time I put you to bed. You were scared and I didn't mind.

* I'll never forget how you cried every time (the entire time) you were in a car...whether it was 5 minutes or 5 hours (this lasted for nearly a year). You had never been in a car so it was scary for you. Most of the time, I didn't mind. ;o)

* I'll never forget how I bribed you with a trip to Disney World if you would start using the potty. It didn't work.

* I'll never forget how you thought your name changed from Erin McCollum to ErinOwens.com after our adoption was final.

* I'll never forget how your Kindergarten class threw you a party when you had your first full week of no numbers (which meant you didn't get in trouble at all that week). It was April!!!

* I'll never forget how you wouldn't let Daddy hold you unless he put a shirt on.

* I'll NEVER forget the time when Daddy was holding you and a package of oreos. When he opened it, there was only three left. You and Daddy both took one and then before anybody had time to call the last one, you grabbed it and shoved it in your armpit. No one wanted it after that. We were too busy laughing at you. You were 3.

* I'll never forget how you and Rose would climb up our footboard and jump on our bed for an hour every Saturday morning.

* I'll never forgot those big eyes and that smile that showed every tooth in your head!

* I'll never forget the night I prayed with you to ask Jesus in your heart and the night you got baptized!

* I'll never forget watching you score your first basket in an Upward's basketball game. I cried! You were 7 at the time.

* I'll never forget you shouting "Look!!! There's GOOFY!" when we pulled into Disney World the first time.

* I'll never forget how excited you got when you received a play kitchen when you were 8. I have a video of you jumping and squealing with excitement!!!

* I'll never forget when I rushed home from Pennsylvania (doing 90 on the PA Turnpike) when you had 3 seizures in a row and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

* I'll never forget holding you in my arms when I finally made it to you (9 hours later)!

* I'll never forget you trying to climb up a wall, seeing Scooby Doo and ladybugs and talking to an imaginary girl when your fever spiked and you were hallucinating.

* I'll never forget how when your fever finally broke, you asked the ER doctor and every nurse for a hotdog. It was 3 in the morning. We knew you would be fine. The doctors and the nurses all wanted a hotdog by the time you left.

* I'll never forget how you "wanted" to organize all my empty hangers according to size, shape and color. You did it. I took a picture of your pride!!!

* I'll never forget how Daddy always said you were my favorite. He was right. You are definitely one of my six favorites!!!

* I'll never forget your famous phrase..."Mom, can I tell/ask you something?" I hope you never forget my response..."Erin, you can tell/ask me anything!!!!"

* I'll never forget your love for life, people, God. NEVER CHANGE!!!

* I'll never forget how you got mad at me when I told you that you were not allowed to adopt Karrington when you got bigger. Your response "but who's gonna take care of her then?" My response will always be, "ME!!!"

* I'll never forget how passionate you are about adoption. I believe your dream/desire to adopt 5 kids will come true one day!!! I'll do everything I can to support you!!!

* I'll never forget how excited you got when you thought we were going home one day and we drove right past our subdivision and I took you to lunch. I don't think I'll forget it because you have reminded me of it every time we have ever been alone since that day!

* I'll never forget how much God changed my life when He crossed our paths.

* Never forget how much I love you ErinOwens.com!!!!

Put Your Lips Together and Blow!!!

2011-02-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to teach the boys how to whistle this week. At the dinner table, I was Whistlin' Dixie (just a little thing I do) trying, again, to teach these eager Kid O's how to do it themselves. Then all of the sudden it happened. One of them began whistling. That same little O proved again today that it wasn't a fluke.

Are you on the edge of your seat wondering which one it was???

I'll give you a hint...it was a girl.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!

It was.......k............a.........r.........r...........i..........n.........g.........t.........o.......n.....

You read it right....my 1 year old can whistle and she's ever so proud of herself. Next time you see her, ask her to prove it to you!!! She will!!!

Holy Moly!!!

2011-02-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

My sweet, sweet Emma Rose is ever so quiet most of the time. I feel bad when I go back and read my blog because I have very few stories about her. Not because I love her less (I definitely do NOT) but because she is extremely quiet and likes to keep to herself.

Yesterday, since the weather was gorgeous, I took the kids on a loooooong walk as soon as they got off the bus. Harrison has been begging me to have a playdate with a neighborhood kid who lives about 5 minutes away so I thought I would allow him to go and introduce himself to the little boy's mom (I had done the same thing a couple of weeks ago) while we were walking. Before leaving, we told her that we would love to have her son over for a playdate if he's interested. She woke him up from his nap, took him to the potty and he was out the door, ready to play. The next thing I knew, his older brother comes running out who is a classmate of Erin's so he came over, too. As I was leaving with 7 kids (9 & under) in tow, I said to the mom..."I'm gonna treat your boys like they're mine if that's okay?!?!?!" She said "absolutely" so off we went.

Four steps into it, one of the boys yells "HOLY MOLY!!!" Then, of course, Harrison has to yell "HOLY MOLY!!!" I'm not a fan of that phrase so I simply said, "Boys, let's not say that. It doesn't sound very nice." Immediately, my meek little Rosie says, "HoliNESS HoliNESS HoliNESS! Say that...it sounds so much nicer!"

I couldn't agree more!!!!

Fortune Cookie

2011-02-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Chinese....it's what's for dinner! At the Owens' home anyway.

After dinner, we each read our fortune cookies aloud. Mine read, "You will build a thriving business someday." Harrison's read that he was "kind and hospitable." After reading how "kind" he was, he stole my fortune because he "liked it better!!!"

Me; "Harrison, what kind of business are you going to build?"

Harrison: "I'm in the business of minding my own business."

My Daddy is Better Than Your Daddy!!!

2011-02-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

I love to blog...about my kids. I do, however, have one complaint when it comes to blogging. There is no way for me to show my kid's facial expressions/tones through writing (typing). With that being said, this may be the dumbest blog ever to my readers but my hope is that when I look back on it, I will be able to quickly recall Anderson's expressions and the tone in his voice....

Today we (Anderson, Karrington and I) had to take a quick trip into town. Anderson begged me to let him sit in a regular seat as opposed to his carseat. Although there are some things with him that I choose to pick my battles, this is NOT one of those things. When in car you will ride in your Britax until your 100 pounds (okay, slight exaggeration)!!!

On to the conversation.....

ANDERSON: "Mama, can I PLEASE ride in the big boy seat."

ME: "No, Anderson. You are going to ride in your carseat like a big boy."

ANDERSON: "PLEASE Mama. I be good."

ME: "Anderson, you have to ride in your carseat buckled up so that you are safe and so that I don't get in trouble with the policeman."

ANDERSON: "You won't get in trouble, Mama. I will fight him!!!"

ME: "You have to be respectful to the policeman. He is a nice guy and he wants to help us be safe. You can't fight him."

ANDERSON: "Well, my daddy can! (with more intensity than I have ever seen in his little face) My daddy is STRONGER!!!"

(please note that as we are having this conversation, he was being buckled into HIS carseat!!!)

Movin' On Up!

2011-02-10T18:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I received Harrison's latest AIMSweb results (tests done a few times during the year to determine reading levels) as well as a letter from his teacher explaining the results. In a nutshell, it read that he is "well above average" therefore, beginning next week, he will be moving up to the 1st grade classroom for reading.

I started him on Hooked on Phonics when he was 3 and it truly worked for him! ;o) I am a firm believer in this curriculum and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking to teach their children how to read or as a tutoring resource.

Dear Snow White,

2011-02-10T08:17:00.001-08:00

Emma Rose is currently learning how to write a letter in school. She was told to write a letter to Snow White. It was too cute to keep for myself so I thought I would post it (using her spelling and grammar)...

Dear Snow White,

I think you should not eat a poison apple from the Qeen. Go to the Dwarves Cottage to eat with them. Run to the forest away from the Qeen. If she gives you a poison apple you will die for your sins. The prince will come two kiss you and break the Qeen's spell on you Snow White. You and the prince will live happly ever after. I love your dress.

Love,

Emma Rose

100th Day Presentation!

2011-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

The kids finally hit their 100th day of school. With 13 snow days, I wondered if it would ever get here!!!!

For the 100th day celebration, Erin had to bring in 100 marshmallows and toothpicks which she would later use to make her own creation of some sort.

Rewind...

Several days ago, during our nightly devotions, we read, in Genesis, about the Tower of Babel.

Back to the present....

For Erin's 100th Day Creation, she made the "Flower of Babel"!!!

I give her an A++ for quick wit!!!

The Moon!

2011-02-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

Anderson (aka, lover of no sleep) slept in until 7:50 this morning. This was great for him (and me) because he is usually up at between 6:30 - 6:45. Ugh!!! I always try to put him back in bed saying, "Anderson stay in bed until the sun wakes up." Usually to no avail!

Today the kids had a snow day so I decided to go back to bed until they (he) got up. At 7:50 AM, I hear Anderson say "Mama, the moon goed away!"

Love him!!!

It's a SEAL!!!

2011-01-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

This week in Kindergarten, Harrison is learning about the letter "O". For homework, there were several pictures of various things and he had to circle all of the objects/things that started with "O". For the most part, he circled all of the correct objects. When I got ready to put the paper in his homework folder, I noticed he had circled a seal.

Me..."Harrison, why did you circle the seal?"
Harrison..."Because it's an otter."
Me..."No it's not, it's a seal."
Harrison..."Mom, it's an otter."

I decided to just leave it circled but I wrote beside it, "Harrison insists it's an otter and even though it's a seal, I'm going to let him circle it." After all, he did, at least, understand the concept.

Fast forward...

Anthony comes home from work that evening and I was telling him the story. I showed him the paper and then he did what he always does....goes to his "smartphone" to find the answer for himself.

And the verdict is......

It

Was

An

OTTER!!!!!

I can't explain the humiliation I felt as we tried to erase my comments on his paper so that his teacher would not see just how smart I am....not.....

Report Cards

2011-01-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

I made up my mind when I adopted two little girls that have learning disabilities that I would not put a lot of stock in my kid's grades. My mindset has always been that I will be happy as long as my kids are doing "their" very best and living up to "their" potential. I stress "their" because all of my kids are different with different strengths and weaknesses.

Harrison, for example, is just a brain. Simple as that. The kid loves to learn and school comes super easy for him. He has been reading and writing since he was three and he would prefer reading a historical book on the presidents over playing basketball any day of the week. That's just Harrison. Therefore, I expect excellent grades from him. Of course, in Kindergarten, all you get is checks and minuses and his report card was nothing but checks leaving him no room for improvement, at this point. However, his teacher and I work together to challenge him so that he doesn't get bored.

Emma Rose who, because of her past, was deemed to be a very poor student has once again, blown me (and her pediatrician) away with her grades. She made the honor roll! YAY, Emma Rose!!! She works so hard and it is really paying off! I can't help but cry with pride every time she brings home a report card. God is so good and this is nothing short of a miracle!!!

Erin, who is now a 2nd grader, brought home actual grades for the first time. As she handed me her report card, her eyes were as big as two silver dollars. I could see she was super nervous for me to see what was inside. So to ease her mind, I chose to read the comment section before looking at her grades because all teachers do try to write something positive before telling you what your child needs to work on. It read, "I am very proud of Erin! She works extremely hard and has done her absolute best! As a teacher, that is all I can ask for." Again, my eyes filled up with tears because I knew when I opened it, her grades weren't going to be as high as her sister's but I didn't want her to feel any less special because she had done her "absolute best"!!! She had a B in math (her hardest subject) and 3 C's in her other subjects. I read aloud, her grades and then her teacher's comments. Then I said, "Erin, what part of this report card means more to me than anything?" She pointed to the words "absolute best"! With that, she gave me the biggest hug, I signed her report card and later we celebrated over ice cream the fact that my 3 school kids did their "absolute best!!!"

I Want To Be on His Team!!!

2010-12-29T09:06:00.000-08:00

With all the rush of the holiday season, I have failed to blog one of the most important events of the weekend. Harrison asked Jesus to come into his heart (Sunday, December 26th)!!!

On the way to church that morning, he said, "Mom, you know what it means to ask Jesus in your heart don't ya? It means you want to be on God's team!"

Later that evening, he crawled into bed with me to have a talk about the Lord. He told me how he needed to be baptized so that God could wash all his "old" sins away. After a really good conversation, Harrison asked me to pray with him so that Jesus could live in his heart forever.

Let me just tell ya, if you've never experienced that with your children, there's nothing like that precious moment. Harrison and I have a very different, unexplainable bond between us. The kind where we can just look each other in the eyes and our instantly they fill up with tears. It's like we always know what the other is thinking. I love this child more than life so to be the one to lead him in a prayer that will mark his place in eternity in heaven is such an honor.

My heart is so full!!!!

GONE!!!

2010-12-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that Anderson's antibiotic is working wonderfully! He has not had an allergic reaction and his strep is G O N E!!!!! What an answer to prayer!!!!

Now...on to plan D. Find someone who will remove his tonsils!

The Lab Results Are In......

2010-12-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

S
T
R
E
P
!
!
!
!
B
O
O
!
!
!
!
!

Spoke to Soon...I Hope...

2010-12-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

We took Anderson to the doctor yesterday for what I assumed was strep throat. The nurse swabbed his throat and it came back negative. However, the doctor, after taking one look in his mouth (actually by just seeing his swollen neck), said that he had to have strep. Her words, "that is one nasty looking right tonsil!" So....she reswabbed....he cried....she sent it to the lab to be cultured.....he got a popsicle....I got the rundown of the doctor's plan of action!

Plan A - pray really hard that it isn't strep. (please note, that when he had strep a few weeks ago, they had to make special suppositories for him because he is allergic to everything!!!)

Plan B - Give him a med that he is allergic to but give him a dose of Benadryl before he ingests the antibiotic and pray that he doesn't have a severe reaction to it.

Plan C - Hospitalize him for 10 days and give a strong med to him intravenously. (Yes, we could give him the suppository again, but the problem with that is, he pushes it out as quick as we push it in!!!) Dr. R did say that she would see if we could hospitalize him for a day and then see if a home health nurse can come to our house and give him the remaining 9 doses intravenously.

MY Plan D - no matter what, those tonsils are coming out as soon as he is healthy!!!

If you're reading this post and you have kids that do not have severe allergies, thank the Lord because it is a truly a blessing.

Please pray with us for our little boy to be strep free!!!

Streptococcus and Such...

2010-12-21T04:41:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year, again! You know...the time when nasty, unwanted bugs try to come in and take over your house!!! We have been sick for over a month now. UGH!!!!!!!

Harrison...stomach bug
Emma Rose...stomach bug
Karrington...stomach bug
Anthony...stomach bug
Anderson...strep throat
Emma Rose...stomach bug (again)
Karrington...stomach bug (again)
Krystal...stomach bug
Anthony...horrible stomach bug (again)
Erin...strep throat
Karrington...stomach bug (again)
Krystal...strep throat

Anderson...woke up this morning looking like he swallowed a golf ball and screams "Don't touch my boo boo" if you try to touch his neck. I'm gonna go ahead and say...

Anderson...strep throat (AGAIN!!!)

UGH!!!!!!!!!!

She Did It!!!!

2010-09-20T18:14:00.001-07:00

My sweet, sweet Karrington finally took her first step tonight at 15 months old!!! I told her First Step's therapist, Lindsey, last Friday that I knew it wouldn't be long! She, all of the sudden, just began to cruise everywhere.

Tonight we were eating and talking with our Gap Group when it happened. I took Karrington out of her highchair so that she could play with her friend, Kennedy. She wanted to kiss her but couldn't reach her and Kennedy wasn't going to come to her. After standing for close to 30 seconds (without holding on to anything), she took her first step towards her and planted a big kiss on her. So sweet!!!!

I'm sooooo proud of my girl!!!

You WILL read WELL!!!

2010-09-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, Harrison was tested to see what reading level he is on so that his teacher has a better understanding of how to reach him.

He tested at a level '38' in fluency and a level '30' in comprehension. Translation...he is just under a 4th grade level in fluency at right at a 3 rd grade level in comprehension.

I know I shouldn't brag but that's pretty amazing for 5 year's old, if I do say so myself.

There's a rule in this house....I don't care what your IQ is, (I've said before that my girl's IQ are both below 80), you WILL read and you will read WELL! It's been a lot of hard work but all three of my school kids are above average readers and, as a result, they will succeed educationally. Just watch and see!!!

Okay....done bragging....for now! ;o)

Butterflies, Word Nerds and Jesus

2010-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

5 kids...5 different personalities...5 different demeanors...5 different sets of strengths and weaknesses! It's funny to me how different each of my children are. Since my older three have started school, it has been really interesting to watch their personalities blossom.

I remember how when Emma Rose started school she wouldn't talk to anyone. Her teacher's main concern was never anything regarding her academics...just her inability to want to socialize. Now, at 9 years old, she has really began to come out of her caccoon, if you will. Though socialization is still not her strong point, she is able to make friends easier.

Then there is Erin....my social butterfly. She will talk to anyone....grown-ups, peers, small babies, walls, etc.... She absolutely LOVES people....so much so that our biggest issue with her in school was toning it down. One of the questions I hae to answer every time I take her to an ADHD appointment is, "Does she act as if she is driven by a motor?" Ummm, YES!!!! I'll never forget the behavior chart, in Kindergarten, that she would bring home everyday. If she got a sticker, it meant she had a good day but if she got a number, I had to look above and see what behavior corresponded with the number in the box. There were many days when the box would be so full of numbers and then it would say, "see back." I'd flip the sheet over and the numbers would continue. Bless her heart...and her teachers....and mine!!! It wasn't until April of her Kindergarten year that she went a whole week with NO numbers. It was such a big deal that her class threw her a party!!!! LOL! Well, here we are at 8 years old and in the second grade. One month into the school year and she has yet to get a number!!!! Yay Erin!!!

On to Harrison...my word nerd!!! The kid is a brainiac, plain and simple!!! I know he's my kid and I'm biased but it's the truth! He's been reading, writing and doing math since he was 3! Now, here we are in Kindergarten and he is sooooo bored! Yesterday, after my voicing some of my concerns to his teacher, I received the sweetest email from her. She asked me to really be praying that God would give her wisdom in knowing how to reach Harrison, given his giftedness and talents. All the sudden, his boredom didn't matter to me. All that mattered was that his teacher was seeking God in knowing how to deal with my precious child.

It was as if the Lord confirmed in me that Harrison (and my girls) are right where they need to be. Although it is not a private, Christian school most of the teachers have a relationship with Christ. I feel like I am getting a Christian school for free. No, the teachers aren't allowed to share with the kids about Christ, but their lifestlyes speak way louder than their words!

My butterflies and my little 'word nerd' are right where they need to be....and that gives this Mother Hen much, MUCH peace!!!!

Thumb-Sucking

2010-08-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Me; "Anderson, you're gonna have to stop sucking your thumb."
Anderson; (quickly puts thumb in his mouth) "I suck my thumb!!!"
Me; "But you're getting to be a big boy now and big boys shouldn't suck their thumbs."
Anderson; (sucks harder) "My thumb. I suck it!"
Me; "I know it's your thumb but it's gonna mess up your pretty teeth."
Anderson; "Nuh uh...I'm gonna suck my thumb, 'Booty Naked'!!!"

('booty naked' is a term that he coined...using it only when he's done with a conversation...don't ask me where he got it because I have no idea.)

She Speaks!!!!

2010-08-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Although Karrington is yet to walk, the girl can TALK TALK TALK!!!!

Yesterday she began repeating whatever we said....

Jesus
Diaper
Baby
One
Two
Three
I see Daddy!
Sissy

* She even crawled into the living room on all fours and said, "ruff ruff"!

Not bad for 14 months old!!!!!

The Bus...

2010-08-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Many parents, this day and age, refuse to let their children ride the school bus. I am definitely NOT one of those parents. My kids go to a very small school and only pre-k and elementary school kids ride their bus. There is also an aid on there for the preschoolers.

Fast forward to day 1........

Harrison gets off the bus crying because 'Danny' called him a "fat kid" and punched him in the stomach. Although my first thought was to get on that bus and teach little Danny a lesson, I knew that there were lots of little eyes watching so I told Harrison, "tonight, we'll pray for Danny and if things don't get better, I'll deal with it." He was fine with that so on we went.

Fast forward to dinner that evening....

We told Daddy what happened with Harrison on the bus. Daddy's response was quite different then mine...."Does that kid live in our neighborhood?" The man was ready to go hunt him down!!!!! That was until Erin chimed in with some comic relief, stating "that boy needs to go back to preschool until he learns his manners!!!" After that, we decided to just do what Mommy suggested and pray for his enemy.

Fast forward to the next day...

(me) "Harrison, how did it go with Danny today?"
(H) "It went fine, Mommy! Danny was on the wrong bus yesterday!!!"

Bus Problem Solved

Or was it???????

Fast forward to day 3.....

Bus pulls in and the bus driver says, "one of your girls cried the whole way home and I have no idea why!!!!" THen I see a VERY upset Erin. The poor girl is sobbing!!!! I could feel my temp starting to rise because Erin is NOT one to cry! Whine, yes! Cry, NO!!!!

(me) "Erin, what is wrong?"
(E) After much crying she says, "those big boys blamed me for something I didn't do!"
(me) "Blamed you for what?"
(E) "For spilling pop on the bus and didn't do it Mommy!"
(me) "So if you didn't do it, what is the problem?"
(E) "When I told them I didn't do it, they called me FRUIT!!!!!"
(me) "Erin, I can think of a whole lot worse names that start with the letter F, now get in the house Fruitcake!"

She looked at me like 'I can't believe you just called me a fruitcake' but she went inside and I never heard another word about it!

Until the next day...

"Erin, did those boys bother you today?"
"No ma'am!!! I told them if they did that my Daddy was gonna come on this bus!!!"

Problem Solved!!!!!!

Letter to Harrison

2010-08-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Harrison (Boo),

I can't believe this day is here already! It seems like just yesterday, I was holding you in my arms for the first time! I'll never forget how we locked eyes when you heard my voice (outside the womb) for the very first time. Somehow, it was as if time stood still for that moment. Oh, what I would give to still be in that moment!!! But, as you tell it..."you grew up on me!"

Here we are, five years later and I had to say good-bye as I put you on the bus for Kindergarten! You were crying because you were anxious about your first day and because you wanted to stay home with me but mostly because I was too! I was crying because I was anxious about your first day and because I wanted you to stay home with me but mostly because my little boy is growing up too quickly!!!!

No matter how many times you tell me, when you hug me, that you never want to grow up and that you want to live with me forever, it's inevitable that you are going to grow up and if Daddy and I do our job right, you're going to grow up to be a very Godly, successful and well - educated young man.

I believe you're going to be quite a leader! I'm excited to see all the things that you do for the Lord in your lifetime! I pray that you always keep your senstivity to people and to the things of God. As you grow and fill your head with so much knowledge, I pray that you always keep your heart soft and tender for the Lord. Allow Him to change you and mold you into the young man that HE wants you to be!

I am sooooo proud of you! I am very thankful that God chose me to be your mommy! You have changed my life!!! I love you with every single beat of my heart!!!

Love,

Mommy

Wrong Way!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before how Anderson has always struggled with bad food allergies. He is just now (within the last few months) been able to tolerate eggs which is surprising because he had a very bad allergy to them. At his last allergy appointment, his egg allergy was improving but his milk allergy was quite a bit worse.

If the poor boy drinks a glass of straight cow's milk, his throat closes off. However, he has always been able to tolerate it in stuff (ice cream, cheese, etc...).

UNTIL TODAY......

A friend of mine came over for lunch today at noon. At 12:05 I gave Anderson a bowl of mac & cheese. By 12:10, he began coughing and wheezing. Before I gave him his breathing treatment, he had an accident (I know, TMI, but that is the way his body responds when he has an allergy attack). My poor guy will not be having anything with milk in it for a LONG while!!!

Anderson Turns 3!!!

2010-08-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, my favorite red-head turns three years old!!! Oh my goodness! Where has the time gone? Him and most of his antics make me laugh so hard every day. Anderson is always naked and his favorite thing to do is "hide" (run away) from Mommy and Daddy. We don't like that game nearly as much as he does.

Just today, I tried to hide everyone's packed lunches, from him, in the microwave. I was convinced that he wasn't paying attention where I hid them..........until, I heard him scoot a chair over to the microwave and turn it on! For the record, I do not recommend eating microwaved chips unless you like a whole lot of soggy and whole lot less crunch!!!!

Anyway, HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY to my little guy! He has made my life SOOOO much more entertaining and spontaneous!!!!!

Recollections from a Playdate (1 year ago)

2010-07-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

Harrison; "Mom, do you remember if I ate lunch a long time ago when I went to Samuel's house?"

Me: "If I remember correctly, you ate 4 muffins!!!!"

Harrison: "I correctly remembered that I did!"

Karrington turns 1!!!!

2010-06-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Although this post is a bit overdue I didn't want to do away with it altogether.

Karrington celebrated her 1st birthday June 11th. Boy has this year flown by!!!! Although she's only 10 pounds bigger than she was at birth and she has yet to take her first step, she is definitely growing up.....too quickly! I nursed her for the last time the day before she turned one. The truth is, barring a miracle (you know, the kind where the tubes magically grow back together) I nursed for the very last time EVER!!!! The one thing about her turning one that was looking forward to! Oh, what I would do now to be able to keep her small and camped at the breast! ;o)

We had a very nice pink and brown polka dotted birthday celebration for Miss Karrington. Over 60 friends and family members came to celebrate her life with us! She received lots of dolls and clothes and ate two pieces of cake (pictures to come at a later date)!!! Thanks to everyone who came out and celebrated Karrington's first birthday with us! We love you all!!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, KARRI GIRL!!!!

Last Day of School!

2010-06-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! It has been well over two months since I last blogged!!! To say that I stay busy is quite the understatement. Honestly, I wouldn't have even taken the time to blog today had it not been the last day of school for the girls.

As I took them to the bus stop this morning, I was immediately reminded of the blog that I posted last August (8/10/09) as I watched them get on the bus for the first time this school year. I am happy to report that God truly did answer my prayers regarding the girls. They both had great school years.

Emma Rose has stayed on the honor roll...knock on wood...I haven't gotten her end of the year report card yet! And Erin has had to have extra reading because, at one point in the school year, she had excelled far beyond her classmates, as far as her ability to read.

Both girls have worked really hard and I am extremely proud of both of them!!! Math does still seem to be a huge challenge for them but I refuse to accept that due to their Fetal Alcohol Syndromem that it will always be a huge struggle. We'll just keep pressing on all summer with the hope that the lightbulb will come on!

Today at 3:00, I will officially be the mom of a 2nd grader and a 3rd grader! Oh yeah...and a kindergartner and a preschooler! Did I mention that mty sweett Karrington will be one in just 2 days??? Whew!!! Where does the time go?!?!?!?!

TWO'S!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

For months I have put off blogging about Anderson and his "terrificly trying two's," mostly because I have no idea where to begin. But, as Julie Andrews sings in the "Sound of Music," 'let's start at the very beginning..."

Anthony and I knew early on that Anderson was definitely more temperamental than his big brother. As an infant (in the hospital), I remember his pacifier falling out of his mouth and he screamed so loud immediately...this boy had/has no problem making his needs known. The older he's gotten, however, he is at least a little more patient. Now if he needs my attention, he says something like this; "Mommy..(yes, Ander...) MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!"

All five of my kids are very different but I have to say that Anderson is the one that keeps us on our toes the most...literally! If we look away for even a second, he is up to something about 95% of the time. Here a just a few examples...

1.) Anthony went to the bathroom and within seconds he was standing on the dining room table and had managed to unscrew the chandelier out of the ceiling!

2.) Nearly every single time that I go to nurse Karrington, he finds a way to sneak food. A lot of times I don't even figure it out until I go to do things like, slice an onion and his teeth marks are in them. I want to fix a sandwich and I find empty bread bags under the table. I literally have to hide the bananas because they're his favorite....peel and all!!!!

3.) During naptime, he has gotten to be very skilled. Other than the time that he overturned his entire dresser, he is very quiet when he does his business. Right now if you were standing outside my house looking at his bedroom window, you would notice baby lotion rubbed all over it as well as many broken blinds.

4.) I buy a box of diapers...he shreds them during his naptime. I buy wipes...he covers every inch of his room with one. He no longer has a toy basket because he overturns it and stands on it when he needs to turn on the light at 2:00 AM!!!!!

5.) I love that my new neighbor is very patient....but I don't love that he is a cop! We go outside and within seconds, Anderson is gone. His favorite hideout is the cop's garage!!!

***These are just a few examples. I could go on and on and tell you how he feels like his bath is not complete unless he throws in all of the dry towels and as many clothes as he can in the water. Or, I could mention all of the uses he has found for dental floss!!! Not to mention how he tightrope walks on the back of our couch....nearly every single day!!!

I'm sure many of you mom's reading this have sooooo much advice you want to give but I will venture to say that I have tried everything!!!! For those that are saying, 'lock up the food'...we do! He can break into any child lock quicker than you can say "childlock!" For those that are saying 'put things up high'...he can shimmy (like spiderman) up the front of our refrigerator doors within seconds. For those that are saying, 'take eveything out of his room'...he only has a bed, dresser and very few toys.

I am convinced that he lays in bed thinking, 'what can i do tomorrow? How can I get that chandelier out of the ceiling before Daddy catches me? I bet that dead frog I saw on the road yesterday will make a great pet. I think I'll try to shove it in my pocket before my mommy catches me tomorrow on our walk!'

To say this year has been trying is an understatement but with all frustrations has come sooooo much laughter. I have become a better parent. As much as it hurts my brain, I have had to learn how to stay one step ahead of Anderson at ALL times!!!! This little boy of mine has brought so much joy to our home! He is 100% boy and I wouldn't trade him for anything!!!

Homework

2010-03-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

My Harrison....lover of books and pizza is in the best reading program (for him) at preschool. Every week, his teacher sends home a new book for me to read to him throughout the week. After we read it, he must color the corresponding picture before I sign off with my initials saying that we read the book. After four books are completed, he gets a coupon for a free pizza. He LOVES reading for pizza!!!!

Yesterday, when I pulled out Harrison's book, I realized quickly that this was a book that he would more than likely be able to push through the harder words and read himself. Without hesitating, Harrison grabbed the book and began to read. Soon after, he colored the picture to show that he indeed had read the story. About two minutes later, he hands me the picture and says, "I read my book, colored my picture and I wrote K O on the line." That boy of mine forged my initials!!!! That '4 year old' boy of mine FORGED my initials!!!!

Let us pray now because I can't even imagine what the next 13 school years are going to look like!!!!! :o)

How do you spell we???

2010-03-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

Harrison and I have been working very hard at reading lately. Thanks to Hooked on Phonics and lots of practice, he is doing amazing and he absolutely loves it. Yesterday, we went through our normal reading routine. I introduced him to a new book and after reading it, we quickly went through his 50 sight words. When we came to the word "we", he stops and says;

"Mommy, I know how to spell we!"
***"How do you spell we, Harrison?"
"You can spell it two ways, Mommy!" "W-e" and W-i-i"

Gotta love all this new technology!!!!!!

JUST STOP TALKING!!!!

2010-02-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

On our way to church the other day, Erin and Harrison decided that they were going to argue about EVERYTHING!!!! Whatever one said, the other was going to disagree. Finally, I decided to handle it the best way I could, and said...."Just stop talking. Don't say another word to each other the rest of the trip. I do NOT want to hear one more word!"

SILENCE began to rain down in our Pilot like it never had before. It was beautiful!!!!!!

Unable to take it any longer, Erin says; "Is it okay if I talk to myself???"

That, folks, is ADHD at it's finest moment!!!!

Catch Up!

2010-02-22T05:19:00.000-08:00

I have been so horrible about keeping up with my blog this year. My life completely changed when I quit my job in January. One would think that I would have a lot more time on my hands but somehow I have found myself to be so much busier. Those that think being a stay at home is not a full time job, most definitely do not have kids!!!!

Anyway, speaking of kids....I need to get you up to speed with my littlest! Karrington is now eight months old and one of the best things that has ever happened to me!!! She has, in the last two months, begun to sit up, crawl and teeth! Although no little teeth have cut through the gumline, she is not far from showing off her new chompers. Bless her heart...of all my kids, I have never seen gums swell and get as red as hers have. The good news is she is cutting several at a time so hopefully it will be over with soon.....for all of our sake!!!

I'm sure gonna miss that gummy smile!!!!

Mousse????

2010-02-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

During Harrison's last trip to the hair salon, Diane (hairdresser) asked him if he'd like a little mousse in his hair. Boy was he surprised to see that she wasn't seriously gonna put an actual moose on his head!!!

Fast forward 2 weeks.....The kid had to have some mousse from Wal-Mart!

Fast forward 1 month....(question from Erin as I was fixing Harrison's hair!!!)

"Mommy, have you put that uh....ummmmm......uhhhhhhh........Mommy, did you put those goats in Harrison's hair yet???"

WATERCOLORS

2010-02-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

Harrison; "Erin, what color was the water when you got baptized?"

Erin; "Plainish!!!"

Lullaby and Good Night!

2010-01-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

5 kids....5 bedtime routines...However, there is one part that doesn't change very often with any of the kids. Daddy does the praying and Mommy does the singing.

Here was our conversation tonight with Anderson at bedtime;

Me; "Anderson, who do you want to sing you a song tonight?"

Anderson; "Daddy, will you go away?"

Well, I guess he answered that question.

Potty Training!

2010-01-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that my little Anderson is doing amazing with this whole peeing in the potty bit!!! I woke up two weeks ago and out of nowhere decided that today was going to be the day. Other than diapers at bedtime and naptime, he would no longer have the comfort (or discomfort) of sitting in a wet/soiled diaper. Not to mention, I would no longer have to buy diapers for two kids. WIN WIN!!!!

I was actually very surprised at how easily Anderson caught on to this new way of life! Between our consistency in taking him to the bathroom every thirty minutes and rewarding him with a ginormous marshmallow every time he was successful, this was a breeze! We're so proud of our boy for accomplishing another major milestone!!!!

Pretty Blonde Hair

2010-01-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

Me: "Girls, I want you to brush your hair 100 times so that it will be healthy and beautiful!"

Erin: "Is it okay if I count by 10's?"

The Talk!!!

2010-01-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely blown away with how quickly kids grow up these days...especially MY kids!!! As much as I would love to keep them little forever, I am learning at a rapid pace that that's just not gonna happen.

Lately, Erin has just looked older to me. If you're a mom then you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's like one morning your little baby gets out of bed and BOOM...they're all grown up! When exactly did this happen????

Well, for Erin I have noticed little signs here and there...wanting nothing but clothes for Christmas; asking to wear make-up...constantly asking me if she's pretty!!! STOP!!! REWIND!!!! Really, Erin??? Really??? What do you mean are you pretty? You're the most beautiful 7 year old girl on the planet! You're bound to be Miss America some day! I'm surprised guys aren't chasing after you already!

Okay, Okay...Relax!!! That is nowhere near the conversation that I had with my 7 y/o daughter when she asked me if she was pretty. That one question was the start of such a great conversation with my little girl. I looked her dead in her eyes and told her she was beautiful because she is. And then I told her what made her beautiful...it wasn't her smile or her figure or her blonde hair. It was her abilty to make people smile, her tender heart towards the Lord and her compassion for those around her! We began to list different things that make her insides "ugly" (trying to keep it on her level of understanding)...when she's rude to her siblings, when she talks back to her parents and when she deliberately disobeys! What a great opportunity to speak into her life!!!

I realize that this is just the start of many more conversations between me and my girlies so I'm praying for wisdom like never before. I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak into these little lives!!!

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised."
(Proverbs 31:30)

Honor Roll!!!

2010-01-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

I am tickled pink about the fact that my little Emma Rose made the honor roll this nine weeks. I blogged earlier in the term about her midterm grades and how we celebrated by having a secret donut party. Well, when she came home with 5 A's and 1 B we splurged publicly. Let it be known that last night the we...the Owens' family had our first official "Ice Cream Sundae Dinner!!!"

If you've walked this journey out with us from the day that Emma Rose came to live with me, you know what a great accomplishment this report card truly is. Here's to many, many more!!!!

BOYS!!!!!

2010-01-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

Like most boys, Anderson LOVES to burp! He thinks it is the funniest thing, which in turn cracks everyone else up at him laughing at himself. Well, the other day he was sitting with me (which he rarely does) and he passed gas. (I know what you're thinking...TMI, but bear with me!!!) I just tried to ignore it so that I didn't draw attention to his noisy boy-like ways. Before I knew it, Anderson says, "Uh oh Momma, I burped in my diaper!"

So much for ignoring his little ourburst. I couldn't stop laughing!!!!!!!!

Multipurpose Cup...

2009-12-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Warning........Please be advised that the following story may contain some graphic details.

Harrison has a very bad habit of forgetting to wear underwear. Well, the truth is the kid hates underwear and we have found him on several occasions missing the one necessary undergarment because he just didn't want to wear them!. (tonight being no exception)

Anthony walked into the bathroom this evening only to find Harrison (in the buff) running one hand under the water. As Anthony proceeded to go about his business, Harrison says, (with a cup in hand) I guess I'll just use this cup." Anthony's response, "what do you need a cup for?" As confident as ever, Harrison replied, "I got poop on myself and since there's no toilet paper, I'm gonna pour water on my booty to clean off the poop." When asked if he would like some toilet paper, he said, "nope it's sticky!"

For those of you who think I have just crossed the line with this story, I do apologize...However, this is just another one of those Harrison moments that I just can't make up and I need to remember (so I can share it with my grandchildren someday)!!!

Christmas Card

2009-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I sent Erin to school with a Christmas card/family picture for her teacher. Later in the day I received an email from Mrs. Napier that shared verbatim how Erin described us to her classmates. (thought it was worth remembering!!!)

"Me and Rose are adopted and Anderson, Harrison and Karrington were born. And mom and dad are old sorta because they had so many kids. Dad's real name is dad and his middle name is Anthony. Mom's name is Mom Owens."

Reality versus Television

2009-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

I purposefully don't make it a point to blog about Anthony and I mainly because this is meant to be a keepsake of memories about our kids. However, today was a pretty neat day and I think it is worth remembering!

It's no secret that Anthony is a diehard Cats fan but he is also quite the Colt's fan. This year for Christmas, I decided to surprise him with tickets to a Colt's game. He has never been to a professional football game so I knew this would thrill him! He was like a kid in a candy store. He missed the road to the stadium not once but twice because he was oooing and awwwing over Lucas Oil Stadium. Once we got there he was walking as slow as a turtle because he was trying to capture the best picture of the stadium itself.

I personally didn't care nearly as much about watching the game as I did watching his face light up when we walked into the stadium and saw his Colt's in person for the first time. That moment was priceless!!!!! (Although the moment was indeed priceless, everything else was rather expensive so I hope he thoroughly enjoyed it because it's gonna be a looong while before we go back! :o)

Beyond the excitement of Anthony's first pro game, I think that it is very important that you see the game through my eyes! Understand this, I was in the band and when I go to football games or watch them on television I am usually spending my time listening to the band! You can only imagine how disheartening it was for me when we got there and for the first time I realized there was NO band! Everything I enjoyed about football was non-existant...or was it! When out of the stands I heard such a clatter I rose to my feet to see what was the matter! That clatter was the beautiful sound of a baritone. It was on the complete other side of the stadium to which Anthony replied; "only you could pick out a baritone over the sound of nearly 68,000 people!" Well, I only heard it twice but boy did my ears perk up when I did!

Anyways, back to the game...here are some of the major differences between reality and televised football that I realized by default! First off, I can't tell you how many times I stared at the field waiting to see an instant replay. Secondly, you know that yellow line on the field that tells you where you need to run for the first down? Well, it's not on the field....stinkin' technology....always messing with my mind! Lastly, (this has nothing to do with watching it on tv or in person...just shows how much I don't know about the sport) the camera kept zoning in on the man holding a D and a gate. After seeing the same footage several times, I finally had a short conversation with Anthony....

Me...."What is that D and that Gate all about?"

A........"What?"

Me....."Why is that man holding a D and a gate?"

A......."(laughing hard) "Are you serious? You know what that means!" (still laughing)

Me...."What does it mean...Dgate???

A......."(laughing so hard by this point) "Ummmm...defense!!!" (body shaking from laughing)

Me...."I'm soooo dumb!" (couldn't help but laugh!)

Like my Daddy always says; "Krystal, you have a ton of book sense but you have no common sense!"

Last story....trying to get out when you are surrounded by a sea of over 67,000 faces was quite the chore. We were in the traffic line for what felt like forever! I decided to make the best of our time and do a little pumping, make a few phone calls to check on our kids and eat leftover pizza. (During all of that, we maybe moved 100 feet.) I had no sooner gotten a couple of "things" put back in their rightful place and grabbed the pizza box when someone knocked on my car window. I, again, used all of the common sense God gave me and rolled the window down on my unlocked door and talked to the young man who was trying to trade an entire case of beer for our last two pieces of pizza. I kindly told him that we don't drink. His response before he walked away, "are you mormon?" In hindsight, I wish I would have replied, "no sir, I am not a mormon and I am clearly NOT a football fan!

Today Was Special!!!

2009-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

When I got up this morning, I knew today was going to be special. Don't know how I knew but I just did!

The reality was I didn't even have to get out of bed but I knew today was going to be special and I was wide awake. Anthony and I made a deal this basketball season that we would take turns going to the games. Last Saturday I took the girls to their game while he stayed home with the other 3. This week it was his turn to go the game. I knew this day was going to be special so, I made the executive decision that we were all going to the game. Well, first I made sure that Anthony wanted to go! :o) He did and so we did!!! Today was going to be special!

The entire game Erin played her little heart out. She was defending her girl trying to steal every ball that came her way. She made a total of 6 steals. She also had two of the four team fouls which tells you how aggresive she was playing. Every time the girl that Erin was defending would get the ball I would look dead into Erin's eyes and say "go get that ball." She listened and it paid off over all (minus the times she got the fouls!)!!!

Today was special! Not just any ordinary day..........not just any ordinary game!!!!!!!!!!! Early in the second quarter, I looked up and saw that Erin had the ball and she was right in front of the basket. I immediately jumped to my feet and yelled, "shoot it!"

Before I go any further, picture my little 42 inch girl trying to make a basket into a 7 foot goal. Not an easy task when you're plain 'ol short. (side note...I told Erin this morning during our little pep talk. "Erin, you're short and if you're ever gonna make a basket you have got to bend those knees, jump and push that ball up with everything you have.)

Anyway, back to the story....that 42 inch blonde bent those knees, jumped and pushed that ball with all of the strength she could muster.............SWISH!!!!!!!!!! Nothing but net! Erin Owens for 2!!!!!!! She made her first basket ever in two seasons of playing the sport! Today was special!!!

Let me just say, I was so proud and everybody in the gym knew it! In a matter of seconds, I was wiping tears, giving high fives, yelling for my girl, updating my facebook status and making calls to tell anyone that would listen. She did it!

Today was special!!!!!! (and so was the ice cream that we bought later to celebrate!)

***note to self...Krystal, next time you're feeling that the day is going to be special, remember the camera!!!

28 Months Old!!!

2009-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Anderson Wright Owens officially turned 28 months old yesterday, December 2nd, 2009. For all of you mom's reading this blog, take a deep breath before you start ridiculing for me for knowing that my child is '28' months. I don't make a habit of counting months after turning 2 but it just so happens that Anderson accomplished my worst nightmare yesterday, which forced me to do the math...

Everyday from 12:00 - 3:oo I enjoy the peace and quiet while all of the kids are napping. Yesterday was no different, except for the fact that Anderson was refusing to nap. In my mind, 2 years old is way to soon to be giving up your nap so irregardless of whether he slept or not, he was staying in that crib. Around 1:oo I hear, "Mommy, get me up!!!" My choice to ignore him was not going to keep him from 'insisting' that I get him up! Finally after about 30 minutes, I heard no more yelling and feet banging against the wall. You can only imagine how excited I was to know that I had won this battle......or had I????

The next thing I knew, Anderson's bedroom door slowly opened..out popped his little red head, thumb in mouth and pink blanket in hand! That little turkey had officially learned how to climb out of his crib!!! My only regret is that I didn't see it coming. If I had, there would have definitely been a picture to show of him refusing to make eye contact with me when questioned if he had climbed out of his bed.

Bet you can't guess what Anthony's going to be doing this weekend...big boy bed meet big boy!!!

She Did It!!!!

2009-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

This week has definitely been one full of ups and downs but nothing could take away from the joy I had as I witnessed my little girl getting baptized on Sunday (11/29/09) evening. I have to admit that I honestly thought she would get scared when she saw the water and back out at the last minute. In Erin's words, "Mom, you think I can't do these things but I can!" She can....and she did!!! I am so proud of my girl and the stand that she chose to take before her God, her family and her church for Christ! All the way home, she kept repeating, "didn't you get so proud of me mommy when I got baptized?"

"Words can't even express how proud I am of you, Erin!!!"

Namesake...

2009-11-26T19:24:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving was spent with some of my most favorite people in the world...Tom, Elli, John, Jeremiah and Matthew Zurowski. They are special on sooooooo many different levels that should I try to go into it now at 10:30 PM, I'll need toothpicks to hold my eyes open tomorrow because I could write for hours on what they all mean to me.

Karrington was actually named after Elli, hence her full given name; Elli Karrington Owens. Tonight, Tom was able to catch the best picture of my two "Elli's!" I will treasure this picture always!!!!!!!!!