Big Birthdays

All glory to God, today marks thirty years since Jesus drew me to himself, and I was:

"buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

He paid the highest price to cleanse my sin-filthy heart and redeem my life from sin and it's consequence...eternal death.   He made me his own!  It boggles my mind to know that the greatest joys in this earthly life pale in comparison to even ONE day with God in eternity.

"A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. "  Psalm 84:10

God alone loves us completely, the way we were created, by HIM,  to be loved!  And today I'm especially grateful for two precious people who demonstrate God's love to me and so many.  I love you, Dan!  I love you, Aunt Sue!  Happy Birthday!  xoxo

A few more from Dan's birthday:

The kids wrapped Dan's gift all by themselves and couldn't WAIT to have him open it!  

The anticipation!  :)  

I'm pretty sure Daddy let Graham put together most of his birthday girft.  :)  It was a Lego Star Wars Desert Skiff.  Also, Graham remembered that Dan had seen a giant Snickers ice cream bar at Target, and that was Dan's birthday cake. The kids were pretty much in charge of Daddy's birthday this year and they loved every minute of it. We love you so much, Dan!

New Years Interview 2012

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Dan:  I'm too blessed to pick one. :)  Starting Classical Conversations (homeschool) with the kids and our (Dan + Sarah's) trip to Boston.  

Sarah:  First year of homeschool.  Becoming more intentional in my role as a mother and wife...and all that entails...getting to REALLY know our children and discipling them.  The trip to Boston was such a treat for our marriage.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Dan: Dealing with Aunt Pat's diagnosis. (ALS)  

Sarah: First year of homeschool.  Adjusting my perspectives on education....my compulsory teacher training and experience makes this extra challenging!  Also, this season of the Lord "pruning" my character in so many ways is painful....but such a true blessing.  I am grateful and pray that the fruit God will eventually produce in my heart would be lasting and nourishing to those around me.  

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?  

Dan:  We have learned a more Biblical perspective of money.  Becoming more disciplined in this area to begin to (significantly) reduce our debt.

Sarah:  Getting pregnant with Lydia Kate!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?  Fist year paying self-employment tax (as full-time ordained clergy) YIKES!

5. Pick three words to describe 2012.

Dan: Consistent.  Blessed.  Calm.  

Sarah:  Intentional.  Pruning.  Peaceful.  

7. What were the best books you read this year?

Dan:  I didn't read any books this year.

Sarah: (still reading) Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

Dan: Sarah and our kids.

Sarah: Dan and our children. Also, deepening my friendships with Jill S., Rebecca Y. + Sarah P. 

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

Dan:  I think more like an "adult" now.  From every perspective.  I feel like I have a better perspective on what matters---and what is just drivel.  There's so much drivel in these world.  I don't perform for people like I used to...even people I respect.  

Sarah:  I feel like I've changed in so many ways.  I'm becoming steadier...not so shaken by every little external change or experience.  I still struggle with fear in some ways, but the Holy Spirit has filled me with peace, as I learn to trust God and lean into him more in my day to day life.  

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

Dan:  I have no emotions.  ;)  Emotional growth for me would be experiencing emotions.  I think I'm becoming more compassionate.  

Sarah:  Some areas I am working on:  No more martyring.  Measuring/expressing my expectations clearly.  Setting boundaries emotionally, realizing that I am not responsible for the happiness/contentment of others.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?  

Dan:  I've realized that it's ALL the Lord.  I trust God.  God is sovereign.  My only challenge is to see what God is doing and see how I'm a part of it.  I don't have to create it.  

Sarah:  I'm learning to really rest in God's presence.  No more striving.  No more performing.  I don't have the energy for all of that.  It's life + energy draining.  Jesus came to give life ...truly I'm learning that his yolk is easy and his burden is light.  With God's help I'm shedding the burdens and weights in life, Jesus is strong enough to carry those.  I want to live in light of the joy and hope that comes with salvation in Christ!  Time spent in the Word and enjoying God's presence in all areas of my life will be my priority in 2013.    

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

Dan: I shrunk!  (256-218)

Sarah:  Growing a baby.  :)

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

Dan:  I enjoy conversating with people more.  

Sarah:  I am learning to be present and really working on being a better listener....which means being quieter.  Significant, lasting relationships are built on trust and "leaning in" to another person (friend or family) no matter what life brings....

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Dan:  Preaching.  (at work)  A finished project.  (at home) 

Sarah: Learning more about who God has created our children to be.  Seeing some fruit from training the kids to contribute to household responsibilities.  Their help is such a blessing as our family grows!

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Dan:  Striking a balance of engagement.  (at work)  Being present.  Even when things need to be "done".   (home)

Sarah:  Feeling (often) that I am at the end of myself.  Self-sacrifice.  It is a joy and a challenge all at the same time.  

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Dan: Tetris.   

Sarah:  Time reading articles/blogs.  I've pared down "what" I read to (mostly) enriching, challenging, encouraging material...but I still sense that I need to be more intentional about "when" I do these things.  For instance, not reading a blog while Graham is working on his math lesson.  Using my time wisely is a goal for 2013.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?  

Dan:  Spending it with family.

Sarah:  Engaging and discipling our children and investing in our marriage.  

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

Dan:  Just listen to your wife.  

Sarah:  Be intentional.  Trust God.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2012 for you.

Dan:

Sarah:  

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

If your house is anything like ours, getting myself and three kiddos ready for church Sunday morning can be anything but a holy experience!  And my husband's a pastor for cryin' out loud!

Here's some encouragement:  remember that GOD does not look at the outside (kids messy bed hair or our bad attitudes, mom's clothes pulled out of the laundry because that's all that's remotely clean....I claim all of these today!)  GOD loves us (stinky clothes, bedhead, bad attitude and all!)  :)  Now go dig some clothes out of the hamper and let's get to church.

This is how we feel about going to church with you today, Momma!

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.  By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.  And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  Hebrews 10:19-25  (NLT)

Leaving a Legacy "Behind"

One of my main goals is to be a story-keeper.  Not only recording the collective stories of our own little family, but looking for ways to help our children see how their stories "fit" into the legacy left for them.  Recording some of the good and not-so-good, seeing a true picture of the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors is so valuable to me.  These provide opportunities to learn, and grow and have a sense of connection with those who've lived before us.

Graham LOVES history. His Grandpa is a Vietnam Veteran and has many stories to tell.  He worked on planes on a base in eastern Asia.  I have never been much of a history buff but have this growing desire for historical knowledge recently.  This was such a special time.  Grandpa brought over a few of the albums he kept...he even journaled on the pictures!!!!  I was SO excited to see these recorded stories.  What a special gift for all of us to enjoy.  The kids were facinated by the pictures of planes and of their Grandpa in his younger years.  

One of the many qualities we admire so much about Grandpa is that he knows how to work hard and he also knows how to play!   Reminds me a little of Winnie the Pooh stuck in the tree trunk after too much honey, ha!  ;)

Ordained

On January 30, 2011 Dan was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament. The service and reception were held at our church, this was such a sweet time with our relatives and church family. We glorify GOD as HE is the one who has carried us through many years of schooling and preparation to equip Dan for the pastorate.

Dan answering the constitutional questions (to the candidate) for ordination

Laying on of hands and prayer of ordination by church leaders



When we begain this journey, Graham was a baby...now we are a family of five!  Side note: The sash Dan is wearing is very meaningful to him.  Two (graduated) students in our youth group visited Ghana several years ago on a mission trip, and brought this back for Dan.  He promised them he would wear it for the first time at his ordination.  It is handmade and I think it is so intricate and beautiful!



Our big 'ole family (minus my brother and his family, they had already gone home)

P.K.'s ;)
(preacher's kids) 

Our church hostesses went all out to prepare a wonderful reception for all to enjoy.  What a wonderful evening!

Our pastor, Dan's mentor

Thank you, Lord!

Hello 2011!

I'm glad it's a new year, and am in disbelief at how quickly 2010 went by!  For our family 2010 included: a new baby, a huge move, buying and beginning renovations on our home, and the completion of graduate school.  The Lord sustained us through it all, and we are very grateful that HE is faithful.  

December flew by without a single bloggy nod to the Christmas season!  It was an unusually simple Christmas for our family, in terms of the "trappings" of the holiday season.  With Dan finishing up seminary and about two months of various  illness running through the family, it felt right (and necessary) to keep it simple.  I'll do a little Christmas re-cap soon.   In the meantime a few fun pics of the kiddos!

We have the cutest little orange tree out back; so little in fact, this is it's first and only fruit of the season!  Hannah Reece was thrilled to be the "picker".     

Miss Millie is almost 10 months old now and I can't get enough of her brunette baby hair swirls!  She's a girl on the go, it took quite a few snaps to get this picture.  :)    

It was wonderful having big brother home for 2 weeks over Christmas break.  We ALL missed him terribly when he went back to school on Monday!  I think he especially enjoyed hanging out in his jammies past the early morning hours.  And you know what?  So did I!  :)

 Happy New Year!

The Home Stretch



Pastor Doug presenting Dan to the congregation as a candidate for ministry



The church voted an entusiastic "yes!" to bring Dan on as associate pastor.  This week he will be "examined" by our presbytery (which is the local governing body of our denomination).  As exciting as it is that things are moving forward with Dan's new position at the church, he is still very much immersed in his work there and in his studies.  He is finishing up his last three courses for Seminary.  Add to that many pressing house projects (I'm talking sinks in the bathroom kind of projects!) and 3 small children.  Life is full.  We are very grateful.  And very tired.  Please pray that God would strengthen us and that we would find opportunities for rest.  The goal?  The end of Dan's last seminary semester...DECEMBER 3rd!   

memory makin'

A big first grader,

this energetic *almost* four year old,

one fuzzy-headed angel baby,

our dern mutt....er, I mean beloved lizard-wranglin' pet,

and many, many house projects

are filling our days....and nights...

time to hang on and enjoy the ride!  :)

Never Say Never

I know I shouldn't say this...but I never want to move again!!! There, I said it.  It's off my chest and lost into blog cyberspace oblivion...I feel so much better now.

We (Dan and I) have moved MANY times.  (I think I've mentioned that before.) But a move with 3 very young children and a puppy?  Yeeeaaah. 

Also to add to the mix, we arrived at the new house...realizing that the floors were much less desirable than we originally thought.  (read: very nasty)  Our plan was to remove all of the tile and carpet towards the end of the summer when traveling was finished, etc.  To sum it up...my amazing man of a husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law tackled the job of removing carpet and lots and lots of tile in less than TWO DAYS.  They are amazing. And now we have a very dusty slab-ish floor.  Patience. 

Sooo we are extending our time at Grandma and Grandpa's house until they kick us out the floors are finished or the dust is contained...whichever comes first.  :)

I have so many wonderfully sweet pictures to share...but for now, those will have to wait. 

The last few weeks have been filled with goodbyes, hellos, tears and laughs. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to say goodbye to our friends in Charlotte.  We made a last minute decision for the kiddos and I to fly to Florida with Dan's mom early...on the day of Graham's Kindergarten graduation.  I was a teary mess!  That evening as I tucked the kiddos into bed together here at Grandma and Grandpa's house, we all just cried.  God provided lasting friendships for us and our children there in North Carolina...in such a short time.  I'm so grateful for technology and travel so that we can keep in touch.

Dan's maternal grandfather passed away almost two weeks ago...he was Dan's hero and a pillar of faith.  What a blessing to be able to enjoy the impact of his legacy of faith...even as he has gone on to heaven.  Dan is so grateful that he and Hannah Reece were able to spend time with him several weeks ago...those memories are so precious now.

It has been fun to spend more time with family and reconnect with old friends here.  Mercy, it is HOT in these parts!  We've been keeping cool in the pool.  :)

In baby news...little Miss Camille erupted into her first giggles...she's so ticklish!  :)

Oh, and I can't forget, Mom and I and the kiddos drove to Tampa to meet up with my sweet friend Amy and her four adorable kiddos.  Amy and I go WAY back...we were in the baby nursery at church together!  What a sweet time.  That's all for now...hopefully we'll have our computer set up soon so that I can post pics!

A Message and Big News

Thought I'd post the link for the message Dan delivered at FPC last Sunday:

http://fpcbonita.org/index.php/worship/sermons/but_now 

I'm so happy to share that this is the end of the line for Dan's travels away from us for the REST OF HIS SEMINARY CAREER!!!!!  HOORAY!!!  :)  After four years of monthly, bi-monthly and sometimes WEEKLY travels away from us for school and then to work in the last year, this is so HUGE... I can hardly believe it! WOOHOO!

In 5 weeks, we'll return to Florida...this time to set-up household in our first home.  My stomach just did a little backflip when I typed that...I haven't even begun to pack!  We are grateful for God's provision and hope that you will come visit us!  :)   (Please don't let the pictures scare you!)  ;)

*Photos credits: Graham and Hannah Reece*

Camille's Birth Story

This is the story of your birth day and the events leading up to it.  On Saturday, Daddy's birthday, we rode the train into Uptown Charlotte to visit the Children's Library and do a little sight-seeing while Grandma was visiting. That evening, we settled in for a movie at home.  Around 4:30pm I felt restless and the contractions were more frequent. I folded laundry, tidied up and packed our hospital bag.  Around 7:00pm, I asked daddy to write the time with each contraction, by now they were between 6-10 minutes apart, but not too uncomfortable.  Around 11 pm,  my contractions were more regular at 4 minutes apart so we headed to the hospital.  It was so good to know that your big brother and sister were safe with Grandma and sleeping soundly.  When we arrived, contractions were 1-2 minutes apart, so we registered quickly and settled into our room.  The epidural worked great, but slowed my labor, so the nurse administered Pitocin just before 3am.  At 6am the doctor broke my water, but I was still pain free!  Daddy and I enjoyed being ableto rest a bit and conversate.  This was a first!  Just a few pushes and you were born at 11:56 am on Sunday, March 14, 2010.  You had a soft cry and a head full of light brown hair.  You were our smallest baby, born about 3 weeks early, weighing 7 pounds, 18 ounces and 19 inches long.  I remember the adorable way your brow woudl furrow when you'd squint your eyes open.  I nursed you right away and then the nurse gave you  a good bath.  We had a wonderful birth experience and care at Presbyterian Hospital (uptown), but daddy and I were so grateful to be released only 24 hours after delivery.  You didn't make a peep during the 30 minute drive home!  You are a precious gift from the Lord, Camille Grace!

Love,

Momma 

A Slice of Life

Spending time with good buddies

a big trip to Florida for Belly photos

our nephew's 3rd birthday parties

a baby shower for Camille

and...we are in the process of buying our first home!

To sum it up, it's been a little hectic around here.  We are grateful for friendship, family, and provision.  We've encountered God's faithfulness and are humbled by his protection and strong, guiding hand. 

A Cool Tool and Family Update

Up until the last few days I've been feverishly working on scrapbook catch-up for Hannah Reece's baby album.  I'm motivated by the thought that the details of her baby-hood are only going to grow foggier with the birth of a new baby. 

I must say, this blog has been a very useful tool in my endeavor to "catch up", I've been able to copy some of the journaling right into her book from here!  My two favorite things about blogging are:

1. sharing of  ideas: a few of my own and many from others that inspire and encourage
2. remembering/memory-keeping:  I have a feeling in the next few months it's gonna become heavy in the memory-keeping department around here, so bear with me!  ;)

Speaking of catching up...this year I've decided to participate in Project Life, or what some call Project 365 (P365)  If you g**gle it, you'll see some ideas of what I'm referring to.  Basically, it's taking a photo-a-day and using this to tell you/your family's story for the year. 

There are so many aspects of this project that excite me.  In a few words:

• Simple
• Concise
• Easy-to-Maintain
• Authentic story-telling

I will use this method to tell my family's story, it will become our 2010 family album.  I've chosen this tool (thanks mom and dad, for the b-day gift!) created by this uber-creative lady to tell our story this year.  Can you tell (photo below) that I'm just a little excited about it?!  I even used this for my P.O.T.D. that day! Hannah Reece has her own little art area next to me and I love to watch her punch and sticker and write and cut.  :)  I'll be posting our P.O.T.D. (photo of the day) every now and then, and maybe even a page here and there to show you how the album's coming along.  My goal is to print and work on this album once a month.  I just finished setting up the album, and completed the first two-weeks and y'all-it only took 2 HOURS!  Now that the album's all set up, I feel confident that I could easily complete a months worth of photos (1 per day) in 2 hours (or less).  That's do-able for me in this season.  Also, very excited that with the contents of the kit, all I need is a pen for journaling, my photos, and maybe some adhesive and a trimmer. Love that.

A little update:

30 weeks along now...nesting and exhausted...simultaneously.

Went to the doctor today because my heart is just pounding and I've been feeling very light-headed for several days now...had a little blood work-up, but he's pretty sure it's only anemia....relieved.

This part of pregnancy is exciting...

The four of us talk about Camille throughout the day. Both kiddos have many questions about all things baby, including our big winner for this week courtesy of Graham (at the dinner table): "Mom, I need to know how Camille's coming out of your belly, right now."

Hannah Reece loves to look at our growing stash of baby girl clothes and carries around the little sample diapers and wipes with such love and care. It just warms my heart! I'm so excited to see her in the role of "big sister"...she told me tonight "I want to hold Camille right now, can we have her now, Momma?"

This part of pregnancy is challenging...

Physical limitations, low-energy and waiting...these are not fun for anyone. For me these are character-building times because I am typically a busy-body and impatient! A word that God keeps bringing to mind in prayer is SURRENDER. Surrender to the process of pregnancy, delivery and after. Surrender to the fact that there will be projects left undone, maybe even goals unmet...and that's okay.  Surrender to the idea that we will need to ask for help, especially difficult being away from family and familiar, faithful friends. Surrender to God, that He alone knows ALL of our needs and our future, that he is willing and able to meet every. single. one. It's all very humbling, really. Knowing that I'm in control of so little in the grand scheme of things. Nothing in life has lead me to trust Him more fully than being entrusted with these little ones that ultimately belong to the Lord.

Dan's classes officially begin next week, for the new semester. But he's been a busy bee studying for his Ordination exams. These exams are comprised of 5 individual examinations required by the denomination that we belong to. He's already passed one of them last year, church "Polity". Today, he took the "Worship" and "Theology" portions and that leaves "Exegesis" (translating passages of scripture from the original language, Greek and Hebrew) and "Bible Content" examinations. These exams are only offered twice-a-year and are in addition to his Masters of Divinity program requirements at Gordon-Conwell.

Dan is one of the most self-disciplined individuals I've ever known. I can tend to be lazy at follow-through with things that I say are important to me. His character in this area is an example and inspiration to me on a daily basis...not to mention that he "carries the team" in just about every other area of life these days...and I'm one very grateful woman.  :)

Our Christmas Letter

A “Year in Review” from the Oedy family:

*Our most exciting news is that we are expecting our third child, due in April, 2010. We’ve named this baby girl Camille Grace, and brother and sister are excited to see her (especially big sister)!

*Dan is on the home stretch in completing his Master of Divinity degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. We currently plan to return to Florida in June of 2010.

*Sarah has had a great pregnancy so far. She enjoys her new hobby, sewing, and still loves to photograph and keep memories for our family through scrapbooks and blogging.

*Graham began Kindergarten this year at a school just 2 blocks from our house. He loves school, and going to the computer lab and drawing are two of his favorite activities. Hannah Reece still marches to the beat of her own drummer and she makes us laugh until we cry; or cry until we laugh, depending on the flow of the day.

*For some unknown reason, primarily Reecie’s ability to work her daddy, we got a puppy! Her name is Charly (short for Charlotte) and she’s a 5 lb. ball of fur, who usually brings an extra smile to our day, unless she has regressed in her house training.

Merry Christmas to you, dear family and friends!

Love,

Dan, Sarah, Graham and Hannah Reece

A tricky day...that started with a treat!

After a day like yesterday, I've just gotta VENT! Shoot- that blasted dog (cute as she may be) is about to be homeless if she poops on my floor AGAIN! AAAAggghhh!

I miss my hubby....did I say that already? He's working at church in Florida this weekend. Yesterday was a day that I would like to qualify as "a character building experience". Mom, aren't you proud of me for sayin' that and not something else? Graham talked about wanting to go to trunk or treat (which is a tradition at our church in FL) ALL DAY LONG.

If you've ever watched Seinfeld, you'll appreciate what I'm about to say. Living in Bonita Springs is a little like living in Del Boca Vista (the retirement community where Jerry's parents live) Gated community after gated community. So...my kids have never really had a "typical" trick or treat experience going from house to house begging for goodies. Instead, our wonderful church there hosts this carnival/trunk or treat where the kiddos walk up and down the ailes of parked cars, lavishly decorated trunks open wide with wonderful people that we know (I love that part) passing out candy to the kids. It is so much fun.

Now, back to my sob story. :) Coupled with the fact that we're all missing Daddy, it was POURING rain (so we had to go to the mall), Hannah Reece has diarrhea, and that when I picked up Reecie earlier in the day-I pulled a muscle in my belly....well, you get the picture! The day was shaping up to be a rough one. Oh! Not to mention the fact that we got to the mall, I whipped out my camera to get pics of my darling High Sch**l Music*l Cheerleader and Clone Tro*per and the screen said...[no memory card] my response..."perfect!" You know, it was just the poop-flavored cherry on top! Anyway, I hope you're laughing right now because I am!

Just so you don't feel TOO sorry for me-there was ONE redeeming part of our day...my treat. ;) Earlier that morning I hit The Nester's rockin' yard sale! Yup, I was one of the lucky ones, I told her I was even gonna brag about it right here on my blog ;) she was so gracious and kind-she even let me take my picture with her...I'm telling y'all-this lady is a blogging celebrity!

And my bargain-huntin' sidekicks (can you tell it was early?)

As someone with VERY little (or no) decorating budget, her clever, thrifty ideas on how to dress-up our little nest have been an encouragement to me. My all time favorite thing she does is show many ways to "mistreat" your windows.

Here are some of our fun finds for the day: (thanks for the awesome deals Nester!)

Hannah Reece picked out this flower arrangement for the girls' room-usually I don't go for "silks" but this one was very cute; A giant mirror (so many places I could put this!); and some cute throw pillows...Reecie is displaying a bristly, fish ball thingy that she found at the sale.
Some lovely Matelasse euro-shams for the living room; mirrored candlesticks for our bedroom; and a giant MESS of pinkie ribbons that I'm sure will come in handy!

Graham helped me with this pile ;) : A red fleece for me; two DVD's for the kiddos and my first baby girl item...a burp cloth hand made by the Nester with this cute black and white toile scene stitched in pink! (Not pictured a Nascar book and hat just for Graham :)

I'm hoping my kiddos will agree to dress up again today, maybe I'll have pics of them all decked out after all, or not. :)

One last thing, can you believe how GORGEOUS this tree is? I had to bust a u-turn to get a shot of this autumn glory. No matter how pretty I try to dress my nest, reminds me that God is concerned about me seeking him (and focusing on eternal things), and he will meet my needs abundantly. Thank you, Lord. Perfect timing.

Luke 12:
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Our third child is...

...a baby...

****** GIRL ******

This little one sucked her thumb for just about the whole 20 minute ultrasound. So precious.

Hannah Reece has insisted all along that this baby was a girl, referring to the baby as "her" and "my girl"...she's so happy (and frankly, I'm relieved that we didn't have to tell her otherwise!)
Graham is still not home from school yet, I can't WAIT to share the news with him. He's such a wonderful big brother. And Dan...is reeling...with thoughts of braces for two thumb-sucking girls, two weddings (much less giving away two brides!) and how he's going to protect his daughters from the boys. ;) So very thankful.

I hardly slept a wink last night...so excited about seeing this beautiful little one today. I think I'll make good use of this rainy fall weather and go take a nap....I'll be dreaming in pink!

Introducing...

a furry addition to our family

Charly

(short for Charlotte)

born on July 25, 2009...I'm realizing as I write this that is the day we found out baby #3 was on the way-and it is my Dad and our niece Kailey's birthdays!
Charly is a shih-a-poo (part Shih-tzu/part poodle) and weighs only 3 pounds-I have to ask right now that you'd pray for her safety, because she's much smaller than Dan's size 14's and is constantly under-foot! She's quite taken with him and follows his lead like a little shadow. ;)
We've had her for 2 days now, and we love her already. She's super mellow for a 3 month-old puppy and her favorite spot is any lap that'll have her. She's doing her thing outside about 90% of the time (thankfully, the other 10% is tiny and not too much of an event!), and sleeps well and often. Her little mouth is still so tiny, we have to crush her dry puppy food so that she can eat it without choking, teeny-tiny girl!

Graham had a scary time with a dog about a year ago...ever since then both kids have been afraid of any dog, big or small. It seems that little Charly has proven to be good medicine for their fears. Here's a progression of the kiddos interactions with her in the last few days, you can almost see their confidence growing:

Home for the first time (after a little bath because she peed on herself in the car!)
Graham reading the book on how to train a dog "Charly, I'm going to train you, now...sit!"
How's that?
Reecie's new buddy Her favorite spot on Dan-right on his neckRiding in the car to pick up Graham from school
Yes, even sweet Charly is a naughty girl sometimes...she has an affinity for Hannah Reece's dress up shoes! Getting to know each other
Her favorite non-living things to snuggle with, Ellie the Elephant and Reecie's baby doll...
Can you tell, Hannah Reece is warming up? I had to teach her how to carry her properly today, because she wants to take her everywhere that she goes. A big switch from yesterday when she'd squeal if Charly came too close.

Charly found her happy place :)