Slow Down Time

I am struggling this week. My kids have all decided to hit milestones, or what I consider milestones, all in the same week! Toxey has suddenly weaned himself of the pacifier. The child wanted it all the time, and literally overnight will not touch one. Ella Katherine is turning five at the end of the week. Anne Hartley has slept dry all week, therefore no more pull ups. And on top of all that, I went through all the baby clothes to get rid of them. Life is so ironic how you want to rush through the tough parts, but when they are suddenly gone you miss them. I should be thrilled we won't have the same paci struggle like we did with Anne Hartley, or that I will not have to buy anymore pull ups, but I sit here finding myself a little broken over how quickly it is all happening! The last two years I have barely been able to keep my head above water, having three with me constantly with very little relief. I would complain frequently to myself and hope for a break, especially while Matt was away in Army training. In a short eight months though, EK will be starting Kindergarten and Hart will be in prek4. It will only be Toxey and I here during the day. While the little man and I will enjoy the quietness and drama free mornings, it just won't be the same. People are constantly telling me enjoy it, it goes by quickly. I think those people truly have forgotten the reality that comes with three children 4 and under. I think if they were to experience it again, they would rethink those words. I do not wish to go backwards, however I would love for it to just slow down a bit.

Christmas Pageant

Ella Katherine was in her first Christmas Pageant this past Sunday. What a joy to watch the young children sing praises to the Lord. I get teary eyed every year! Thankfully there are plenty of moments to laugh at also. She was a sheep and we have literally been practicing everyday learning the words of her songs. She makes me play the cd constantly. My pictures didn't turn out very good, but I am including a couple.

Madison Christmas Parade

We took the girls to the Madison Christmas Parade last Saturday. They randomly let Matts group out of drill for a couple of hours so he was able to join us. They had a blast. I left right after and was able to drive to Columbus to finally meet one of my best friend's baby, Murphy Hatcher. He is such a little bundle of joy and I could just eat him up!! I was able to spend the night with Kayla and Kevin. We had such a good time catching up. I can't wait to get to see him again!

Wednesdays Words

Ella Katherine: "Mom, You know why the flag is only half way up the pole right?" Me: "No, do you?" Ella Katherine: "Of course, because Barack Obama won the president." Anne Hartley: "Mom, could you ask God to close his eyes for two minutes. I am about to disobey." :)

Kate McPhail is Finally Home!

What a beautiful picture of God's grace! Sweet Kate finally came home Monday to my brother and sister in laws home in Oxford. Kate and her twin sister Maggie were born on August 31st at 26 weeks. Maggie passed away the next day and is now resting in Heaven. Although those left behind hurt, what an amazing thing that she never experienced this fallen world! A few days after Maggie's funeral it was discovered that Kate had suffered a brain bleed. It didn't look good, but miraculously she is doing great! She was born 1 lb. 14 oz. Kate now weighs 5lbs. 12 oz. There is still a long journey ahead. She is a little fighter. I can't wait to get to Oxford to love all over her. She is the custest little thing and my very first niece. Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow! Please pray for David, Jenny, Logan and sweet Kate.

Also here is a link to Kate's CaringBridge page where you can read her entire story. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katemcphail/mystory

Finally Home

As some of you know, Matt left for JAG school in Charlottesville, VA at the beginning of July. The kids and I joined him shortly after. However, our time with him was cut short due to a family emergency that we returned home for. We left him at the very beginning of September to come back to Mississippi. We were able to see him during his transition from Charlottesville to Ft. Benning for the weekend. Other than that quick visit we were separated the rest of the time. Thankfully, Matt finally returned home from JAG school on the weekend before Thanksgiving. I dropped the kids off in Collinsville and made the five hour drive to Ft. Benning for his graduation. We were able to spend a much needed weekend together and do all of our Christmas shopping. We are getting back into our routine and are so happy to be together as a family again. I also have a new found respect for single moms, particularly those with multiple kids! It was no walk in the park, but we survived and plenty of santification happened in the process. :)

Polo

Today after church we headed out to a local vineyard that host a polo match every Sunday afternoon. People put up tents and eat their lunch there. It was such a fun new thing to watch. We may have found our new Sunday afternoon tradition. Matt has the kids down at the pool now, so I am getting special time with my little man!:)

Virginia Safari Park

Last night we went to Baja Bean Co. I am a huge fan now!! Of course I have yet to find a Mexican restaurant that I am not a fan of! I am fairly certain the whole place had a party upon our departure, and it probably took three people to clean up my kids mess. We then went to Kohr's frozen custard. Today we ventured out to Buffalo, VA to the Virginia Safari Park. We were quite hesitant to make the 70 minute drive and spend the money. I mean this place is in the middle of nowhere. Much to our surprise it was WONDERFUL!!! We first ate a picnic lunch, then we headed to the walk through park. We were able to feed lots of different animals including a giraffe. We then got in our car and drove through the Safari part. The animals literally stick their heads in your car to eat food from your buckets. We fed Zebra, Llama (Which EK is dying for one now), Ostrich, Pigs. We saw every kind of animal you could possible imagine. We even saw a llama that literally just been born right in front of us. My favorite quote of the day was of course by Ella Kat. A momma Squirrel Monkey that has beard was nursing, and EK screams out, "Weird momma, why is that grandpa feeding that baby from it's milkers?" We made lots of wonderful memories their today and I am so thankful we took the risk. This past week was fairly uneventful minus date night.