Reading Big Nate comics while sipping o.j. through donkey teeth.  It's good to be a nine year old boy.

Quotes...the crack the whole family up edition.

Pahk the Cah in Hahvahd Yahd.(Translation:  Park your car in the Harvard Yard.)  -Camille

*****

Me:  Camille, did you empty all of the tooth flossers out into the bathroom drawer?
Camille:  {smirk} No.
Dan: {hiding his face because he's laughing}
Me:  Camille, be honest.  Did you do that?
Camille:  Yes.
Me:  Thank you for being honest.  Now come out of bed and clean it up.
Camille:  Ok, Momma, here I come. I'm coming to fix it.

*****

Trying to beat Mom in Just Dance 2 (Wii Game) is like trying to beat Kevin Durant (in basketball) in Adidas shoes while you're barefoot.  -Graham

*****

{In his best radio announcer voice} Hello.  You're listening to Moody radio.  And I'm moody.   -Graham

*****

Moooom!  Graham said he's going to nail my boyfriend.  -Camille

*****

Ah... goo.  -Lydia

Come, let us worship the LORD!

We can worship the LORD in so many ways, inside and outside of the church building.  This month, the kids have had some special opportunities to serve and participate in corporate worship at church.  Here's Hannah Reece, an old pro with the palm branch on Palm Sunday.  I loved hearing the girls that morning singing a song they learned at Community Bible Study earlier in the week:

"Ho-ho-ho-Hosannah, 

A-a-allelujah, 

He-he-he-HE saved me,

I love HIM!"

 Millie's first time to participate in Palm Sunday, Daddy was rounding up a small palm just for her when I took this picture.  :)

 Graham and cousin Logan attended acolyte training this month, a special opportunity for children ages 9 and up.  It was so special to see these boys serve the LORD by lighting the candles as worship began on Resurrection Sunday.

Upward's Award Ceremony

Last Sunday was a busy one for us!  Dan preached all three services, followed by lunch at G-ma and G-pa's--Aunt Sue and Uncle Terry were here visiting last weekend.  And THEN, the grand finale to our day, Graham's basketball award ceremony.  This has been an awesome "first" organized team sport experience for Graham and our whole family.  I think we will all be a little sad when Saturday morning rolls around without a game!  Then again, some extra sleep and snuggle time will be nice, too.  :)  

Daddy "coached" Graham informally this season at home and on the sidelines.  :) Maybe next season, he'll be the official coach for Graham's team!  

Graham and a few of his new buddies through basketball:  Logan and Marcus

I want to remember....

These days, I put on my peace-keeper "hat" often.  It's a delicate balance, allowing the kids room to work the conflict out and knowing when to step in to arbitrate.  Today, I witnessed some sweet moments that I want to be sure to remember.  

This afternoon we were in the backyard, I asked Graham to put Camille into the baby swing and buckle her up.  As he was hoisting her cute self up there she said.  "Graham you have super powers!"  To which he quickly responded "Camille, you have "cute-tonium"!  

While on the swingset, I said "Isn't it a beautiful day, guys?"  To which Graham replied "every day is a beautiful day, because God made it that way."  Wise words.  May we truly see God's beauty EVERY day, son.  

Camille was already tucked into bed, Hannah Reece came in a few minutes later and said "I'm sorry it took me so long to come in, but here I am!  Let's go to sleep now."  :)  

I don't think that it's coincidence that on the days I "back-off" a little, usually when I'm having a tired, achy, super pregnant day (like today) that the kids really pitch in and help each other out.  I pray that they will be dear friends for life, loving each other unconditionally.

Upward Basketball

Graham started playing Upward Basketball at the beginning of January.  He's learning a LOT about the game (mostly from Daddy's at-home coaching) and even gave his oral presentation at Classical Conversations last week on three important rules of the game.  

Part of Graham's cheering section:  Gma + Gpa, Nana, and Uncle Greg and Aunt Shirlee were in town and came by too!

A few things we like about Upward is that the focus is on Christian character, good sportsmanship, and learning the game.  Even the referee's take the time (for the first few games) to stop and explain calls to the players so that they can learn well.

In the Groove

Last week was a bit rough after two weeks of no school/no structure.  It felt like usual after Christmas break was over...except that this year....our kids stay here with me!  No farming out of bad behavior or overstimulated brains from too much TV.  Oh I remember these times when I taught in public school.  The first week back was almost always a wash!  Which allows me to extend a little more grace to myself and the kids when transitional weeks come.  It's normal!  :)  So, we started out slowly.  Just the basics.  And a few  extra crafts and outside breaks.  This is the time of year we LOVE to be outside.  Florida winters almost make up for the sweltering tropics the other 9 months of the year. 

I'm happy to say that this week has been SO much better!  Dan and I pow-wowed about some things in the order of our days that needed tweaking and also, we have established a family Sabbath.  This will occur on Saturday, since as a minister, Sunday is a "work" day for our Dan.  Our homeschool week goes from Sunday-Thursday since Dan has Fridays and Saturdays off (mostly).  :)  

Without further ado, here's a little of what we've been up to lately!  

Millie LOVES her glitter glue/paint as much as her big sister!

We make it go a little further by squirting small blobs on the paper and painting in the blobs with paint brushes.  

Daddy and Millie snuggin'.  She is ALL about Daddy these days.  And Nana and Papa.  :)

Big girl hanging out in the front yard last weekend.  She is Daddy's yard helper and enjoys working side by side with him.

On Saturday, Graham's best "home brother", Johnathon came over for a birthday celebration. Dan took them to play putt-putt golf,  and at Graham's request, cheese fries and root beer afterward at Rib City.  These fellas are too funny.

This is what I get when I ask the two of them to pose for a picture--instant bunny ears.  Are they nine + ten or what?  ;)

Today, we had a little crafty fun!  I found some festive pipe-cleaners in the $1 section of Target, so we twisted and hooked lots of little hearts together....

....made glasses....

....and lollipops....

and this cute garland!  I love it.  It hangs on the entertainment cabinet in our living room.  I need to remember that pipe cleaners are such a great way to entertain.  Pretty sure that we spent close to an hour doodling with these things.

This was Hannah Reece's math project in her Saxon K program.  We created a "pictograph" together.

I love her illustrations.  I accidentally flipped her oven upside down...oops!

Our Favorite Winter Activities by Hannah Reece
"We play in the snow."  (She wanted to include that from when we lived in N.Carolina several years ago!)
"We play on the playground."
"We swim in the pool."
"We go to the farmers market."
"We drink hot chocolate."
"We like to read."
"We bake treats in the oven."
"We celebrate Jesus at church."

sweet

The girls and I got a hankering for cupcakes tonight...and so we made 'em!  We're working on taking turns with the spoon in the kitchen.  Everyone wants to stir.  ;)

Here's "C-licious" after her nap, buck nekkid, chowing down on a  cupcake.  I love her warm snugs and sweaty baby head smell when she wakes up...can't get enough of my Millie girl!

She was so tickled with the way her voice sounds when she has her mouth stuffed full of cupcake.

One of our favorite traditions is the Christmas book basket.  So cool to watch the kids pour over these books, some familiar and some new to us this year.

Look at this little sweetie!  Eighteen weeks now.  

Feeling good.  Feeling sleepy.  Feeling HUNGRY!  Feeling some growing pains (round ligament).  Feeling little bumps and flutters.  Feeling so, so, so thankful.

Home Brothers

Johnathon and Graham go WAY back.  I first met their family when I was pregnant with Graham and Johnathon was a new baby!

Johnathon, Oliver, Graham + Aiden at Trunk or Treat

Johnathon celebrated his 10th birthday last week and Graham will be 9 next month.  Though completely different in personality, these boys are so awesome together.  Jill and I laugh that it's like watching two little old men interact, and it's been this way since they were little!  They almost anticipate each other's next idea or thought because they know each other so well.  Now they call each other "home brother" and love talking about how they will design their bachelor mansion with a bowling alley, giant pools, movie theaters.  Their plan is to play all day long in their bachelor pad leaving no time for anything else.  Like a job. :)  So funny.  Today, I snapped a pic of Graham's birthday sentiments for his home brother:

number four

It's official....we're expecting baby number FOUR.  It is so surreal to write this!   Each time we try to grow our family, I prepare myself for months of waiting.  (even though when Dan and I look at each other cross-eyed and get pregnant-ha!)  The Lord met our desires with a "yes" very quickly, once again.  We are so excited (and freaking out a little, too.)  :)

I had picked a three-pack of tests because I knew we were trying and they were on sale.  :)  ha!  My how things have changed-I remember I bought the fanciest test to be sure it was perfectly positive with Graham.  So funny.   Anyway,  I took one about a week and a half ago, another one on Tuesday-both negative.  On Friday evening, Dan suggested that maybe  I  should take another one in the morning.  When I woke up Saturday morning, I headed straight for the bathroom, remembered the test, did my part and left it on the bathroom window sill.  I then curled back up under the covers with Millie.  TOTALLY thinking it would be negative but highly entertained with Dan's excitement.  About 30 seconds later I hear laughter...silence....and then out of now where he appears right next to me. "We're going to have a BABY!"  I  thought he was joking.  I was practically asleep.  After all, it was 6 o'clock in the morning!!  I jump out of bed (wide awake now) and bolt to the bathroom to see the test.  "Oh my WORD!"  Totally shocked.  Like heart beating fast, light headed shocked.  It was nuts.  Then this feeling of panic.  How will I do this?  Can I do this?  How will we do this?  And then the tears. Dan, was so sweet and reassuring.  This was not the response I expected to experience from myself.    The truth is, I can't do this on my own.  I'm at the end of my own means.  I am leaning hard into the Lord's strength and mighty arms and it is the BEST.  Exactly where I want to be-running to Him.  Peace washes over me.  And I am GRATEFUL.  Thank you, Lord for this child!

I snapped a video yesterday of Dan and I sharing the big news with Graham and Hannah Reece.  Graham likes to play hang-man, so we made a little game of it.  Here's the final result of our little game:

Graham was sooooo visibly excited (as expected)  :)  and is really hoping for a baby brother.  Hannah Reece was smiling, but a little quiet.  She has to internally process things and I love this quality about her.  She's thinking it through!  :)  She is concerned that the baby might be allergic to dairy, like Camille, and also where this baby will sleep, etc.  We've reassured her that the Lord has planned this child for our family and we trust Him wholeheartedly to guide us through the details.  (I need to remember this, too!)  Today she kissed my belly three times.  I think sweet sister is excited.  And she wants a boy...her bedroom's already maxed out for cryin' out loud!  ;)  Miss Millie is still unaware, and we hope to keep it that way for a bit longer.  In her chattery, innocent two-ness she might spill the beans before we're ready.

We let the kids pick who they wanted to tell.  Graham chose to tell Grandma + Grandpa, Hannah Reece chose to tell Nana and Papa.  Graham played hang-man the same way to tell Gma and Gpa and they were so surprised and excited!  Mom stopped by today and Hannah Reece told Nana right away.  Papa called to talk to her this evening, and she shared the news with him over the phone. This baby will make #6 grandchild for my parents and #11 for the Oedy's.  It's a tie-breaker on the Oedy side, there are 5 boys and 5 girls!  So for now, the big kids and our parents are the only ones who know.

I still can't believe it's true, but I praise God for this amazing gift from above.  We trust that children are a blessing from the Lord.  It is a joy to surrender our lives to Him as parents.  I am grateful that He will never leave or forsake us or our children.  Our faith is in the Lord alone.

***
Dear sweet baby,

We are thankful and excited about you!  I can't wait to smell your sweetness and hold you close.  It is a privilege to be your momma.  I am honored to be able to watch  your life unfold from a front-row seat.  Daddy is beside-himself excited about you.  I'm pretty sure he was jumping up and down (all 6'4" of his big self) in the bathroom when he peeked at the test first.   :)  He's always envisioned four children for us, so you may be the grand finale.  I pray that your precious body and soul would grow to be strong in wisdom and stature.  Your life is already a blessing and  joy to our family.  Your brother and sisters can't wait to meet you tiny one!

We love you,
Momma

a peek at our week {in pictures}

My goal is to delete/edit my pics from the week on Friday nights.  Here are the first "fruits" of my photo purge/sort.  We're easing back in to some scheduled days and I'm trying to make sure to build it time for things that are energizing and enjoyable to me so that I don't slip into "Mom-the-martyr" mode.  :)  Organizing and journaling on our pictures is one of those activities for sure!  After the joys and challenges of the week, a little memory-keeping exercise like this reminds me of all I have to be thankful for.

Dan came home on Monday night after interviewing our new church preschool director ready to celebrate!  It's been quite stressful at work this summer and this was a huge relief..  He called the emergency babysitting squad (Grandma and Grandpa) and they scooted right over to watch the kids for an hour while we noshed on some cheese fries at Rib City.  No eating after 7 is out the window when you need to celebrate.  :)

Went to the library on Monday, which means a gigantic pile of books and 7 dvd's (the library's limit)   I think they were watching Princess and the Pop Star Veggie Tales with every blanket in the house piled on top of their bodies.  I almost forgot Millie was in this pic!  Can you spot her? 

This boy is so sweet on his sisters, and right now, Miss Millie has his affections.  The feeling is mutual! In fact when she got into some trouble she ran to Graham to tell on me!  "Grammy....momma....me feel so sad!"  So, so pitiful.  

Our little "pantry raider" is now the "panty raider"  ;) This pic is going to get me into trouble one day with Camille....I'm sure of it. (Don't worry, this blog is private only for you, family and super close friends!)  

Sitting across from these three at lunch...I was overcome with gratitude to God for entrusting me with their lives and hearts!  

Graham getting in Daddy's sermon writing process.  Dan is intentional about helping our children understand and be a part of the ministry God has called him to.  One of the many things I admire about him. 

We rearranged Graham's room and sorted out  all of the Lego (a friday morning tradition).  A clean slate in the Lego room always gets the creative juices flowing.  Here, Hannah Reece is demonstrating her awesome Hello Kitty village.  She is so proud of it!  She asked me to take pictures at every angle; here is another:

our blue-eyed beauty

our buddies Asher and Jadon came to play.  We loved how the kids all piled on the sofas right away and started looking at books and reading to each other.  Makes some homeschool momma's hearts feel happy!  I  enjoy stimulating conversation with their mom, Sarah, politics, theology...nothing's off limits.  Grateful for friendships like these.

So sweet!  This little cocked-head pose is how Camille poses for the camera lately.  

Thank you, Lord.  

  

letter to a friend

I'm quick-posting this letter as a record for me to refer to and share with other friends if needed in the future...a little about Camille's ear situation and dairy allergy....a little on Graham's past food allergies....a lot on corn-free.
*************************************************************************
Hi friend!

I'm so sorry about the food allergies!  I checked your blog and read up on you guys.  :)  Gosh those babies are getting big, girl!  *** looking more like a little boy instead of a baby.  :)  Cutie pies.  I noticed that you said *** having trouble with his ears.  We actually had the tube surgery scheduled for Camille for "eustachian tube disorder" as the ENT put it.  She had SO many ear infections in her first year.  Her ears were just full of nastiness.  We too, went to a pediatric chiro.  and the first thing she told us was to eliminate dairy.  Well, we didn't notice a huge difference until the second month.  By the end of the second month, plus the chiro. treatments. The fluid had cleared!  I could not believe it.  So grateful!  I'm so glad  *** ears are getting better.

Anyway, here are some of the resources I promised.  Do y'all have a Trader Joe's?  I know there are several in **** so you may have to travel a bit, but most of their snacks and such are corn free.  They have many "convenience" foods that are minimally processed and without preservatives that contain corn. Also, we found that the little market near the exit at IKEA has lots of snacks and most (if not all) are also corn free.  I guess they don't grow much corn in Sweden.  ;)  Both of those places have economical choices.  And of course Whole Foods is a good bet, too-just sometimes a bit pricey.  G. loved it when I'd take him to Whole Foods for a "treat" from their bakery...lots of corn free stuff there and the folks are SUPER helpful. Enjoy Life is a great brand-I'm almost certain that ALL of their products are corn free.  Graham loved their snack bars and mini-cookies.

I'm sure you noticed this, but often "gluten free" contains corn products, as corn gluten is an readily available and cheap substitute for wheat gluten. Stay away also from any drinks other than water, milk and 100% fruit juice.  Popsicles and ice cream are another major offender, try the Edy's (or maybe breyers?) juice pops-my kids love those.  Another thing I wanted to mention, since know you love to bake, is that baking powder contains cornstarch, you can find some at Whole Foods (and maybe TJ's) that is corn free.  Also, typical vanilla extract contains corn syrup-just pick up the "pure" vanilla extract next time you go to Wal-Mart, sometimes it even says "no corn syrup" on the front.  Chicken.  Yes, most chicken is corn fed.  For those truly sensitive to corn, this can be a big deal.  Many labels say what type of feed is used, but you can also ask the butcher at the grocery store, or try ordering from a local butcher if you have a hard time finding some.

I've enjoyed these websites in my quest to "allergen-free":
-  this is one of my favorites-simple ingredients, not all corn free, but most are.  Many "whole" ingredients here:  http://blog.superhealthykids.com/

-another whole-foods goodie  http://www.raisehealthyeaters.com/

-http://paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-diet-recipes/   lots of corn-free recipes here for the whole family

-http://angelaskitchen.com/recipes/have-other-allergies/corn-free-recipes/

Oh ***, I wish I could give you a big hug right now, you can do this momma!  I am praying that the Holy Spirit would undergird your efforts and strengthen your mind, body and spirit now.  I hope this message doesn't come across as bossy or know-it-all.  It's written with love knowing full-well how overwhelming this process can be.  I so wish I could go grocery shopping with you.  I remember I just wanted someone to walk down the aisles with me and show me what to buy.  :)


Love y'all!
Sarah

D.G. lately

Today was Graham's last "summer" session of swim lessons.  This is his second week and WOW what a difference a great coach makes!  Graham's coach, Edwi, has been awesome with him.  Graham has learned the backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke, froggy kicks, and some side breathing. He is also swimming the length of the pool!  It's been HOT on the sidelines with the sweet sisters but so worth it to see our fella gaining confidence and working hard/having fun in the water. He doesn't want to stop so we decided to keep up with the next session.  Hannah Reece is ready to swim, too.  

waiting patiently for his turn  (he's one of two in Edwi's class)

working hard to keep those toes pointed

Ready for a celebratory-last-lesson-game of Marco Polo!  They let the beginners wear life jackets in case they get fatigued while treading water  during the game.

Graham loves to play the game "Angry Birds" on Dan's tablet.  The last time we were in the Apple store, he played "Angry Birds Space" and since that time, he's been asking Dan if he could download it.  It costs $2.99, so he agreed to pull the weeds/grass that are encroaching on the flower beds around the pool cage.  He was out there for an hour and did an awesome job, not a single complaint!  Here he is, working hard for that new app.  ;)  And he spent his entire "techno" hour on Angry Birds Space today.  The joys of summer!  For a few more days....

happy camper in a tropical storm

Reecie is all broken up about Graham going to camp.  ;)   She had her "take Graham to camp" clothes all laid out the night before.  

 Graham's heartbroken and overwhelmed with how much he's going to miss us...

...can't you tell??  It was so funny to hear momma's whispering last minute warnings and encouragement to their sons; all the while sons were grinning, putting up bunny ears, and I'm pretty sure I even heard a fart noise and giggles before we left.  *sigh*   As we walked out Dan said, "this is just what these boys need, a chance to be boys, away from their hovering moms!" :) ha ha.  He's right! 

Graham with his camp counselor, Josh.  There were four boys in a room with one college-aged counselor.  

Me consoling Graham- he's so sad we're leaving him at camp, ha!

Jill and Johnathon

A road trip is just not complete without a pit-stop at Cracker Barrel....breakfast for dinner with our beautiful girl.

Millie had a big time splitting her afternoon with Nana and Grandma + Grandpa.

When I woke up this morning, I learned that a tornado actually touched down about 30 miles from camp.  So grateful for God's protection!   It was super rainy and windy today.  We spent the morning at the YMCA and then played with our friends Sarah, Jadon and Asher this afternoon.  Despite the rain, it was such a fun day!

Hannah Reece loves to bake as much as I do....chocolate chip cookies.  She's been  wondering what Graham has been doing all day long.  :) 

The wonderful folks at camp scanned and emailed this word from our boy this morning.  We can't wait to see him tomorrow!