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.

awake

It's 5:10am (new spring forward time) and I'm WIDE awake.  Baby bumpin' around....indigestion....and the cutest little (almost) three year old snuggled so close that I practically fell out of bed.  So here I am, in my "happy" place.  Recording these fleeting moments...how quickly I forget.

Yesterday was Hannah Reece's half-birthday--6 1/2!  I made her blueberry muffins for breakfast and we had grand plans to hit the skating rink for "Kids Skate Free" but finishing the girls' room took all afternoon.  And I love how it turned out!  Every inch of that 10x12' space is fully functioning.  :)  I look in there and STILL cannot get over the fact that God has entrusted ME with three daughters.

I started babysitting around the age of 11, I was a responsible, detail-oriented, baby-loving girl whom mothers trusted.  (I still can't imagine leaving my babies with an eleven-year-old---no matter how mature??)   Anyway, for several years, all of my babysitting gigs were for boys.  Gangs of brothers.  My mom would jokingly say that God was preparing me for a "basketball team" of boys someday.  Funny how those prophetic words (even in jest) stick!  :)  So with each new daughter I still can't believe it's true.  And I never would have imagined just how much I'd enjoy raising daughters.  They are complex little creatures, to be sure.  I am learning so much about myself (the good, bad and ugly) because a this stage, they mirror my attitudes and responses in so many ways.  I remind them often how blessed they are to have each other.  Even in the midst of squabbles and irritations, what a great blessing -- the assurance of life-long allies in sisterhood.

I pray that they would be women of noble character.  Honest.  Whole-hearted.  Kind.  Compassionate. Courageous.  Resourceful.  And I pray that the Lord would continue to grow me in these areas, too.  I get so overwhelmed by the "dailiness" of life at times that I lose perspective.  And then I fall into self-pity, or the "if only's" and that is just flat toxic.  Lord, rescue me from myself.  I want to be consumed with your life-giving, strengthening JOY and PEACE.  Fully surrendered to you!

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.

Momma + Big Sister's Day Out

Reecie and I enjoyed a special time together on a Friday morning, just the TWO of us!  What a treat to "play" together.  :)  My friend Rebecca had gifted me a pedicure for my birthday, so it was the perfect opportunity for Hannah Reece's first pedicure.  I love the finished product but am so ticklish that it's hard for me to relax.  Reece on the other hand looked like she might fall asleep during the foot rub...she LOVED it and asked me if we could get a pedicure every week!  :)  I picked a bluish-gray color and Reece picked turquoise glitter polish.

Next, we headed to Starbucks for cold vanilla milk and a pink cake pop for Reecie, and chai tea latte and lemon loaf for me!

 I had planned to take Hannah Reece to a ceramic shop where the Smith's had given her a gift certificate for her birthday.  The night before, Aunt Choley texted to see if we had plans, so I invited she and Raeghan to come along.  The girls had fun painting together and afterward, we had lunch at Subway.

I am so grateful for my big girl Hannah Reece!  She is sweet company to keep.  :)

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."

Hannah Reece's creations

This one just makes my heart melt.  She sang a song she wrote for me called "O Mom, You are love".

Reecie, you are such a precious girl.  You have SO much creative energy, it overwhelms me because it's hard to keep up with all that you are able to multi-task and think about at once!   It's is amazing!   I tell folks that I have the worst memory, and God blessed me with yours.  You are able to remember the tiniest details.   I am so sorry that I can be impatient with you darlin'.  I loved our snuggle conversation at bedtime when you asked me why I am more patient with Graham than you.  It is definitely easier to relate and understand a child who is wired a little more "like" me.  I am so black and white and "by the book" sometimes.  I know it is hard for you when I get side-tracked and forget something that you need from me.  I used to think I had it together until I had you , girl.  YOU have it together.  :)  I love you so, so much. I apologized and we both agreed that we need to work on being more gentle and patient with each other.  We prayed about this together.  Your personality challenges and inspires me on every level.  I love your creativity.  I love your willingness to serve others...with beautiful smile on your face!  I love the way you surprise me with a kind word or back rub when you can see that I'm struggling.  I love the way you lead your sister and (try) to even lead your big  brother.  Daddy and I can see that God has gifted you with the spiritual gifts of service and administration.  What a beautiful combination.  I pray that we will help you to develop these gifts to the glory of God.  You are a wonderfully made, Hannah Reece!

All my love,
Momma

This one at the top says "I love Jesus" over the fireplace.  And the picture frame was my Christmas gift from Hannah Reece.  She made it at Community Bible study, found this picture to put in it and wrapped it up so pretty when we got home.  SO sweet.

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.  

  

Music Camp

It was a fun week for our big kids, Graham had swim lessons (this week and next) and Hannah Reece went to music camp at our church. 

The week of music camp ended with a little demonstration of the songs and activities the kids enjoyed.  

Waiting patiently for the fun to begin!  :) 

This kid was in my face half of the time..."Mom, puh-leeze let me video tape!  Can I puh-leeze take some pictures? "  Looking just. like this.  Ok, that bulgy eye thing was a little extra drama for the camera.  ;)

   .

Hannah Reece told me this was her very favorite part.  Mr. Peter read a special book and the kids made "sound effects" for various parts of the story with instruments.  Hannah Reece got to rub the mallet back and forth over the xylophone to make the sound of wind.  She did such an awesome job!  This pic was the only smile she cracked the whole time.  Serious business!  :)

Another special part of the week I want to remember is the way she came home yesterday and wrote musical notes and rests in her journal.  And they were perfect!  

Also, Reecie is sportin' some new glasses.  I think they make her look so grown up.  *Tears*

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!