Christmas baking.

I have not been faithful to this blog, it is not like lots of things haven't been going on. You can bet your bottom dollar that the kids have been doing super cute and ornery things, but man Mommy is tired.

Henry is making the transition from 2 naps down to one, which has been hit and miss on successful-ness. Today...not so great, lots of grouchy grumbling from him and a guaranteed early bedtime.

Emrie helped make chocolate pixie cookies today, she dumped a whole cup of sugar on the floor when she missed the mixing bowl. Then we made muddy buddies or puppy chow or "dog food" as Emrie calls it. Then finished our kitchen fun with home made chex mix.

Yesterday Emrie and I made a trip to Wal-mart while standing in the long line to check out I told Emrie how sick mommy felt. With concern she said "you need to go to the doctor" I explained that I didn't need to go to the doctor, it is just that mommy's baby makes mommy feel sick and tired. Her reply "Just spit Her out."

Emrie is off to the boys basketball game this evening with Beth, Jim and Jeremiah and I am cleaning and working on laundry that never seems to get completely finished. Henry is actually content for the moment in the pack 'n play and I may be able to get lots accomplished before the night ends!

Praise God for a day of baking with my kids!

I've got a secret!

It is pretty tough for me to carry around any type of secret.....this particular one is driving me crazy! When I have a secret that makes me so very excited and sick all at the same time it makes everyday functioning hard to do!

So...Yes we are expecting another Baby!! I am experiencing All Day Long "morning sickness" I have known this little secret for about a month now and have felt lousy nearly every day. I have tried my best to be perky and normal as to not let on to anyone that I would rather be sleeping and doing nothing else. This is not the time of year to be doing nothing and that really isn't an option anyway with a 3 year old and 1 year old. I keep telling myself that this will pass as it always has after the 13 week mark, but that seems like a long time coming.

I am so nervous and excited for the ultrasound this Friday afternoon. I look forward to seeing a bouncing peanut with a little heart beat that rings loud and healthy. What an amazing way God works, I praise him for this little miracle that is growing inside of me.

Praise God for a new baby!

Dec 1st!

Wow. What a beautiful/cold/snowy December 1st day! My mom would strongly argue that beautiful and snow do NOT go hand in hand....but it seems the first snow always brings a hint of excitement with it. This morning while eating breakfast looking out our large(new&well insulated!!) window Emrie said "The snow is ADORABLE, I can't wait to make an angel in it!"

Oh and on my last post I forgot to mention in the Highlights section that Emrie Ann has a new fascination with peeing backwards on the potty, standing on the potty to pee and even standing in the potty and flushing. Great. Honestly she just about exhausts me with the things she comes up with and the messes she is capable of making. Will my life always be this way? Will I always be asking her "Emrie, Why would you do that?" I am so thankful for our sweet moments and that she loves to cuddle and often says "Mommy I love you!" or I would probably think that I have done something terrible wrong in the first years of this childs life. The Duggar family doesn't give time-0uts they just practice self control with the children. That baffles me, I am sure we are making progress but some days the day is long and the night is too short to re-coup! So Lord, hear me out...Help me be a good Mommy, Help me teach my little ones self control(for I know that standing in the toilet is quite tempting) Help me sow seeds that they want to grow and love you.

Henry has a bag of tricks up his sleeves these days, to list a few:

Shakes his sillys out(a little dance, he has learned from watching sis at the library story time)

Skinnamirky dinky dink, He says "I" love you.

He says shoes for both socks and shoes

He says juice for both milk and juice

He gives kisses...and melts mommys heart

He was trying to jump today, but failed at every attempt.

He chatters his teeth, he thinks it is funny, and I do to!

Bed here I come...Emrie please close your lips and and eyes and drift off to dreamland....So Mommy can too *Yawn*

Praise God for the energy of little ones and the fun and new things each day brings!

It's been awhile.

Henry @ 13 months

Aunt Ea and Emrie Ann

It seems as though I have nearly fallin' of the blogging band wagon, huh? No I haven't, I have thought many times that I should sit down for a brief update on this or that, and that is the end of that.

Highlights

HENRY IS WALKING!! He walks like a pro! Thanksgiving day he decided that he was going to take off and now I rarely see him on his knees! Good job buddy! Sis thinks it is pretty awesome to walk holding hands and even play Ring Around the Roses together.

Emrie gave herself her first hair cut. Last Sunday morning I had the scissors upstairs in the bathroom to cut tags off of some new clothes...in a hurry, leaving for church, left them out. (Scissors are always locked away under the kitchen sink) We come home later that evening and I think nothing of Emrie going upstairs to go potty until she is quieter than normal and been missing for a few minutes longer than a typical potty break. I dash up the stairs with a gut feeling that I am about to see something terrible, I open the bathroom door and she smiles. Just a tiny bit of hair on the floor, no big deal. The next morning while combing her hair lots of clumps begin to fall out and that's when I notice the little spike section of her hair that she has chopped.....Oh no! It really isn't the worst at home hair cut I have seen a little one do, but depending on how I style her hair it is sometimes quite noticeable. It is growing fast and now a week later her spike is almost laying down!

Henry is a fan of the blues. Daddy has a new favorite blues artist he likes to listen to and Henry likes it to. The best is when Henry stands and sways his little body back and forth to the bluesy rhythm. He has defiantly got Papa Mikes musical sway!

Thanksgiving was yummy! Mom prepared a feast and I enjoyed every single bite!

Praise God for a time of Thanksgiving with my wonderful family, and ample delicious food!

Attitude of a 3 year old.

Henry gently greets Baby Jesus.

Slam Dunk Emrie!

Why is it, at every turn Emrie attempts to get away with something she knows isn't right? Last night when she was in her bedroom I could hear her say "stupid, stupid, stupid" So I went in and reminded her that we don't say stupid, and as I exited the room she whispers "stupid, stupid, stupid", I sigh and then go in for the punishment.

Today I was sitting at the computer checking my email when Emrie walked up beside me and said "I have nothing in my mouth." I now know that she just snuck a nibble of sugar cream pie. When I go to check she says "I just had a small taste mom." That small taste resulted in lots of little nibble marks. "It is tempting for me as well but together we must leave it alone until dinner time tonight." I tell her.

Henry is a baby who likes to hear a good song with a groovy beat. Emrie was never so much that way, but I love that when a tune comes on Henry's little body moves right to the beat. Sometimes the music moves him so much that his arms go straight out to the sides and he swings them back and forth rapidly. Tootsee Roll by 69 Boyz gets him like nothing else!

Praise God for a boring Tuesday afternoon.

More Birthday Fun Pictures

Emrie Ann enjoying Henry's new drum...hasn't been very quite around the house lately.

Henry's friend Micah, enjoying some of the yummy caterpillar cupcakes.

Henry looks pleasantly surprised with everyone singing Happy Birthday.

Big Sister leading Henry around, as usual.

Praise God for the bond between big sister and little brother, and for my big sister too.

Birthday Party Success

We had a fun evening Saturday with friends and family celebrating Henry's 1st B-day. Henry has had loads of fun riding his new quad from Uncle Jim, Aunt Beth and Jeremiah. He hasn't figured out the steering therefore he runs into whatever is directly ahead, & he seems to enjoy running into things.

Praise God for time to celebrate birthdays with friends and family

Milestones

Betch'a thought from the title of this blog Henry has started walking...Nope, not yet. He is holding out on us, I know he can do it!! No I was making reference to the fact that Emrie now colors mostly in the lines now. She has never been crazy about sitting down and paying attention to detail, but within the past week or so she has taken a liking to controlled coloring. Yay! I was beginning to worry that all her artwork would be abstract. Don't get me wrong, I cherish each and every work of art she creates, now she has a great sense of pride in the work she is accomplishing. While she diligently colored in her room today she summonsed me numerous times to see this or that which she had just colored. Bravo Emrie!

I have also been meaning to write down that Emrie is still a lover of belly skin or any skin that is extra soft. It does not matter to her in the least where we are or what we are doing if she feels the need for skin-she seeks it out. Pushing a grocery cart with her along my side, yeah she lifts the bottom of my shirt just enough to give my belly a rub...poor passerbyers. She can be in the midst of playing or watching a show and SNAP she needs skin. I can see it in her eyes, it is so funny and a little weird too! Almost every child has a "comfy" item of sorts and each child thank goodness grows out of it. If that were not so Aunt Ea would still be carrying around rubber night crawlers rubbing them on her face. That's right I said Rubber Night Crawlers! Yep that is weird too, huh? Aunt Ea turned out great, so I bet Emrie will too!

Also, today Henry showed me how much he loves to kick the soccer ball. I was holding his hands as he walked around the house and when he found the ball he kicked and chased after it just to kick it once again. Hmmm, maybe daddy will be playing him on the field next year, that is if he is walking by then!

Praise God for a night at the salon, and daddy who took care of the kids!

You've got to be kiddin'!

November Already? Last week flew by without a chance to sit down and put the happenings into my blog. The kids got hair cuts on Wednesday evening. Henry got his first professional cut, I didn't get the opportunity to video it or even take a picture since I was holding him in the chair. He didn't seem to be to worried about the strange lady taking scissors to his head. It took a long time to get him all trimmed up because he just wouldn't sit still, there was so much to see at the salon. I was sad to see all his dark tips of baby hair go, the stylist said it was so unusual for the dark tips to stay that usually the dark baby hair falls out. Emrie was next and she did a pretty good job of sitting still while she got her cute little bob style hair cut. She was so very proud of her hair do!

Greg had a disappointing championship loss with his 8th grade soccer team and a jerk referee that made it all worse. You win some and you lose some but this one hurt for sure. I am happy though that soccer season has come to an end and that Greg will have a little bit more free time...for a couple months anyway!

Saturday we spent the afternoon at Mama Jane and Papa Emery's. We dressed the kids up in their Halloween costumes and took them down to see Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Howdyshell. They were happy to see the Jeremiah dressed as and Indian Chief, Emrie Ann as Little Miss Muffet and Henry the Spider. The kids were happy to get a Tootsie Pop! Mama Jane spent the afternoon making huge pots of veggie soup and chili for Henry's 1st birthday party next weekend. Yummy! Thanks Mama!

Henry had a fever off and on all weekend long from his 1st year check-up shots. He also has several one year molars breaking through the surface, ouchy I am sure.

Sunday afternoon we took the kids down to the Logan Halloween parade. Emrie was wide eyed looking at all the kids and all the costumes. She was not a bit afraid of some of the scarier looking ones. Henry didn't seem to care or notice that anything special was going on he just enjoyed the stroller ride. After coming back to the house Henry took his afternoon nap we sat on the porch steps and handed out lots and lots of candy to lots and lots of kids. We didn't take Emrie Ann door to door, she seemed to be enjoying handing out candy as much as anything else. She did get lots of oooh and ahhhs on how cute she looked. Kudos to Mama Jane for making her bloomers and hat!

While tucking Emrie into bed last night our usual "Goodnight!, Sweet Dreams! & Buenas Noches!" was followed by "Happy Halloween!" What a fun time for a 3 year old!

Praise God for fun days!

Saturday Thoughts

Yesterday Henry had his one year check-up he weighed 20lbs 1 ounce. He received four shots a few tears shed but the crying lasted maybe 30 seconds, what a good little trooper! Emrie got her flu vaccination as well and was not thrilled with that at all, she didn't want the lousy "I got a shot!" sticker the nurse offered her afterwards(typical Emrie!) Cousin Jeremiah was along for the trip and was thankful he didn't have to get poked by any of those needles. We lunched at BK where Jeremiah and Emrie enjoyed climbing through the gym. Meanwhile Henry ate like a horse, he had 2 chicken nuggets, a cup of mac & cheese, and lots of french fries he is shaping up to be like daddy-eat, eat, eat, and still maintain a trim body(NOT fair!) We went to the party supply store to get some things for Henrys 1st B-day party and I foolishly allowed Henry to have my car keys and when we were about to exit the store...NO KEYS! So Jeremiah retraced our steps, then I retraced our steps and I dug every last thing out of my purse(which was ridiculously packed to the max) twice. Finally we went to the counter and someone had turned them in, Hallelujah! Sherwin Williams for paint, DQ for shakes, finally home bound, with two sleepy ones in the back and Jeremiah at my side to keep me awake.

Last night I took the children to the Fall Jubilee, Greg stayed home to grade tests. This is where I am going to be transparent with some trepidation, blogging-it-out will serve me better and can be a reminder to me. I could with no mistake feel that the sermon was preached for me. Bob Burney preached from Psalm 73, Asaph. I learned something that I have always known, but with a great ah-hah moment. Some choose the Bitterness Bypass, which was the route that I was choosing prior to yesterday at 8pm. Bitterness? Really? I am not bursting at the seams with bitterness but to be perfectly honest I was harbouring bitterness towards my best friend. You see my best friend holds 2 jobs, which he takes very seriously and those jobs can occupy most of his time. I respect him and I am so thankful for the way he provides and how faithful he is to those two parts of his life. As of late though, I have had a inkling of grumblings that go something like this; he never has time for me, he never has time for the kids, when do I get some of your attention or when do the kids get daddy's full attention, sure would be nice to get some help around here, I spend 24-7 with the children, I am exhausted. Most certainly a great deal of nit-picking and nagging, shame on me. Then I discovered that I actually want to travel the Brokenness Highway. Sounds a little crazy right? When I am broken I fully recognize My flaws and My shortcomings and then...Praise God I know "But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do." Psalm 73:28

That brings it back into focus for me. Mental Note: Stop Whining Heather! Psalm 73:24 "You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny."

So to my best friend, my husband, to a daddy who loves his children so much, I am sorry for the grouch you live with and I hope to grow into a ever loving, supportive, always gentle, kind spirited wife, that you deserve. Greg, I love you!

Praise God Psalm 73:24 "You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny."

Happy 1st Birthday Henry!

Henry October 19, 2009

Henry October 19, 2010

I am truly amazed at how fast a year goes by!

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!

Fall Photos

Emrie Ann and Henry today at the Central Elementary playground, enjoying the cool but beautiful fall weather.

Henry and Emrie Ann picking pumpkins at Walker Farms.

Emrie enjoying a cupcake decorated as a pumpkin, yummy!

Colds all week long for the entire family, me being the final one to come down with it. We are still wiping a lot of noses, but we are well on our way to being healthy once again! Today the kids played at the playground with Aunt Beth and Jeremiah, and are now taking a late afternoon nap. Daddy and Papa Mike are painting the trim now and mommy is catching up on lots of loads of laundry.

As of lately Emrie has been sleeping with her bedroom lamp on, something I dislike greatly but a battle I have chosen to forgo. I often threaten her that if she is not quiet I will turn it off she panics and then says "I can't see where I am going then!" I think that is a pretty hilarious statement.

Emrie has also started doing lots of jibberish when anyone is leaving from our house, it is her last attempt to monopolize their attention and it can go on forever if you let her, mostly talks about watching out for strangers and seeing them at the party and look out for monsters and take a nap and see you at church and don't forget to not talk to stranger and on and on and on. It is a random monolog of this and that and she of course preforms it to the fullest. So if you are here and attempting to leave be prepared to nod your head and say uh huh, uh huh, okay and good bye!

Henry is so close to a year now...just a few more days, still not walking but climbing on anything and everything. He is giving high fives now and I am pretty sure he thinks that is makes him pretty cool! I agree, he is pretty cool!!

Praise God for a beautiful sunshiny Saturday!

Hump Day!

Henry loves to climb on the sweeper, it seems to be one of his favorite toys!

Emrie Ann with make-up all over her face, this is an older picture but I could have taken the same one again today.

The week is half way over today, and it has been a doozy. I managed to get some relief from my chiropractic visit Monday afternoon, after spending most of the morning in tears because of pain and the frustration that went along with it. Greg had an away soccer game in the evening so the kids and I went shopping with Aunt Beth and Jeremiah, which was enjoyable and a perfect distraction from the annoying pain in my neck. Greg had been sick all weekend long with a nasty cold and after oversleeping Monday morning, I knew his day would be a not so pleasant one. While putting Emrie to bed Monday night Greg had still not made it home, so we were praying for him and hoping that he was feeling better when Emrie said "If he feels better, I can get in his face?" I had to laugh, Greg is always so concerned about passing his germs onto the children and had told Emrie not to get right up in his face and she remembered! Emrie came down with a fever Tuesday 12:30 a.m. and has been feeling yukky with the same old cold that daddy had. After coming home from my neck re-check today Henry has developed a snotty nose and I am crossing my fingers that he avoids the fever and all the other symptoms Emrie and Daddy have had. I haven't been able to have Lydia and Lilly here so far this week and I am hoping that tomorrow will be the start of a healthy Dickerson household I have sanitized everything! On these days, I do miss the chaos that comes along with having a houseful of preschoolers and babies buzzing around. My neck is feeling much better not 100% but 90 and I will take that!

Praise God for being able to turn my head to the Right and Left!!

Pain in the neck!

No my title is not in reference to my husband, or my children but my actual pain in the neck. I was awaken by a pop and crunch in my neck last night and then was unable to turn my head to the left at all. It has lessened a little through the day, I have forced myself no matter how uncomfortable of a task to press on in hopes that it will some how, some way ease, but to no avail. Aside from the foretold it has been a beautiful perfect, 80 degree fall day and the smell of fallen leaves is thick in the air and I love it. We went to the pumpkin patch Friday evening where Emrie had loads of fun pulling her wagon around and making her selections. Henry road in the wagon Jeremiah pulled and thoroughly enjoyed bumping along the rough terrain.

Emrie spent the afternoon with Mama Jane and Papa Emery. She had lots of fun going to the store, getting a banana milkshake, washing mama's car and watering the flowers. When we were leaving Mama and Papa's she said "I really like them!"

Henry and I went to visit Tim, Julie and Baby Taylor at Nornie and Poppy's. We enjoyed our short visit, it is always nice to sit on the porch and catch up with family. It is extra special when a couple little cousins get to touch each other, jabber and squeal. Henry with some coaching by Aunt Ea said "Baby". That makes his word list: Da-da, Ma-ma, Bye-bye, Hiyeee, and Baby. Bravo Henry! I am also catching him standing alone more often and if they made a cane his size I think he would walk with no problem. He has 10 days before he is 1 I wonder if he will take off running before then??

Time for the heating pad and 9 o'clock bedtime, boy I live a crazy life!

Praise God for Mama and Papa time with Emrie Ann!

October Monday.

Saturday I took the children to Lancaster with me to get new tires on our car. We dropped the car off at Sears and wasted a lot of time in the mall. Lunch was our first activity of choice, Emrie decided on Rax and so we sat and ate our sandwich and fries and people watched for about as long as you could expect out of a 3 year old and almost 1 boy. It is fun to watch the kids as they watch other kids with their parents buzzing around the food court. We then did some shopping, Emrie had picked at least a dozen or more items off of the racks that she wanted. We narrowed down Emrie's many wants to a few fall shirts and a pair of pants that she loved the most. I never, ever imagined that a three year old would enjoy clothes shopping as much as she does. Henry seemed to have set a goal to grab all clothing of the racks and pull them from the hangers, he did a fantastic job! What a very patient little guy to endure such a long shopping trip with Mommy and Sis. It was finally time for an ice cream break so we shared a small cup of chocolate ice cream from Coldstone Creamery, this was probably the highlight of Henry's day! This is when I discovered my phone was missing so off we went to retrace my steps all throughout the mall. My shoes rubbed my heals as we went from one end to another which resulted in nasty, painful blisters. Finally the phone was found and back to Sears we went to get our car. Both kiddos fell fast off to sleep when they were snapped into their carseats for the ride home.

Daddy was busy at home painting trim on our house, this project seems to be ongoing.

Saturday evening we took the kids to the Fall Festival of Bands. It was rainy and cool but we enjoyed the night of marching bands.

Praise God for the much needed new tires. I hated to spend the money on them but I am thankful for the way he provides.

Battle of the Wills

Emrie Ann is a strong willed spirit for sure. Monday happened to be one of "those" days. She had time-outs galore, it is exhausting for me to be giving them nearly every 5-10 minutes and when time-outs last 4 minutes minimum that consumes most of the day. After her best friend/worst enemy(Lilly)left for the afternoon we really had a battle of wills. She needed a bath so we could go shopping with Aunt Beth, Emrie believed with all her might that a bath was not necessary. She yelled, she splashed, she thrashed, she screamed, she cried, and she swatted and it resulted in a bath given by force. I often wonder where she gets such a strong will and then I decide I probably know exactly where it came from. Certainly not me! I can only vaguely remember grabbing onto the steering wheel of the car when it was time to get out at school, or having a death grip on my daddy's shirt as he carried me onto the bus and tried to make me sit down, or running up into the woods to avoid a day at school, or the vivid smell of Mr. Amen's(East Elementary Principle) cologne when he had to pry me from my mom. I guess it is pretty clear where she gets it. I love her very own spunky personality and I love it even in the midst of loud, trying, and tiring battles.

Henry Little Michael hangs onto my hip while Mommy deals with Emrie. He sits beside Emrie in the tub while she demonstrates her anger, and he doesn't seem to care a bit. Actually he may be a little entertained by all the battles!

Praise God for the patience he has with me.

Grouchy Irritable Heather Housewife

Henry and his buddy Micah

Emrie and Lilly painting pictures

Grouchy Irritable Heather Housewife just doesn't quite have the ring to it as Happy Heather Housewife. No grumblings from me today!

All the kids are peacefully napping and I am enjoying a nice break, taking a few minutes to blog, and next I will tackle some household duties.

We went to Mama Linda's last night for dinner. Uncle Bryan, Roxy(Bryan's Pit Bull pup) Aunt Ea, and Uncle Aaron were there too. It was a fun evening Emrie enjoyed herself so much and was so very happy to show off by singing and playing the piano for anyone who would watch. She sang her name song, ABC's, SuperWhy, Zacchaeus, and several others. It didn't take long when bedtime came for her to drop off to sleep. Henry took a couple more steps, which was fun and exciting for everyone to see. He can do it, he is so steady on his feet but lacks the confidence to go any great distance and crawling is his forte(he is fast!) Today he took about 4 steps so he is well on his way!

Daddy and Emrie went for a walk tonight and they hunted for more buckeyes. Emrie found 2 more "Buckabyes", and she thinks she has a pretty special treasure.

Praise God for our central air unit on this hot fall day!

Wednesday Arrrg!

I should not complain, I enjoy my job ever so most days, today just isn't one of them. I think a hot bath would help to cure my woe is me attitude but I haven't even had a chance to shower today so a hot soaking bath would be asking for entirely too much. At last all is quiet for afternoon naps, the crying from the last two holding out has finely ceased. I don't want to push my luck on sneaking into the bathroom for a shower so I will continue to schlep around downstairs while working on packing away 3-6 and 6-9 month Henry clothes. We need a warehouse specifically for baby and toddler clothes. Emrie has the most by far, she has probably 4 times the amount of baby clothes Henry had and has. To toss, give away or yard sale all these things would be wasteful since we hope to have more children down the road, the positive is we now are prepared for whatever gender comes our way.

We did have a very nice long walk this morning Lydia, Henry, Emrie and I. It is a beautiful fall day and quite warm which is actually fine by me. While pushing the stroller Emrie walks along beside of me and chatters about this and that but the sweetest moment is when she looked up at me and said "I love you, Mom." She never hesitates to tell what is on her mind and it is great to know that she has me on her mind. Henry is busy checking everything out in the stroller he leans forward and claps his hands when we walk by something that has caught is eye and excites him. So on our walk Emrie climbs up the hill in front of the new Central Elementary where the trees are located and she begins hunting for buckeyes. One buckeye made its way through the leaves fell from the tree top, bounced off the ground and hit her right in the stomach. We both got the giggles, that particular buckeye was an easy one to find!

Okay I am now over my bummer mood, I just realized if I had any other job I wouldn't have the chance to have such wonderful moments and memories to cherish. I might smell better with another job but I can handle that, he he!

Praise God for the not so special days that end up being so special.

Sunday

A good Sunday all in all, but my blogger name is not quite fitting for this evening. Lest I lead you to believe I am always Happy Heather Housewife, tonight is a fine example that I am not. No major catastrophes leading to my foul mood but just lots of little pet peeves that have inched their way under my skin.

First of which was Emrie on the 15 minute drive home from Mama and Papa's screamed and cried and kicked and whined that she wanted to listen to Barney. The simple solution was for her to ask in a polite manner, but nope the whole way she screamed. Straight to time-out on her bed when we finally made it home.

2nd a much needed trip to the grocery store-that in and of itself seemed to irritate me.

3rd telling Emrie to get her shoes on so she could go with me, she didn't obey on which shoes I instructed her to wear and then dawdled by packing a purse full of useless items she thought she was going to take with us.

4th Henry does not like to be separated from Mommy and while I am flattered he thinks so highly of me, it makes grocery shopping extra challenging when he decides that riding in the seat of the cart is no longer fun and wiggles himself loose from the seat belt and nearly falls out. That is quite a big fall for a little guy, apparently he likes to be a risk taker.

5th Emrie riding in the front of the huge and very awkward Kiddy Car Cart whilst in the check out lane she grabs just about every candy and candy bar in the isle and is quick to try to open them, so while I am trying to place items on the belt and keep Henry from making an escape from his seat, I am also policing Emrie so she does not open, touch or inadvertently steal any candy from Kroger.

6th The loading an unloading groceries and the loading and unloading of kids. Putting all the stuff away, and me being hungry and Emrie wanting juice, Henry wanting milk and Oh yeah now Emrie is hungry too. So I sit down for a leftover microwaved hamburger(which was rather tasty) Now Henry wants to be down and Emrie wants to go outside....SOOOO outside we go.

Being outside seemed to help relieve the grumpies on my part, but still a list of things to accomplish before bed hangs over my head, a list that is something like this:

Locate all sippy cups

Load dishwasher

Fold laundry

Put away laundry

Start dishwasher

Towels in dryer need to come out

Fold towels

Put towels away

Iron Greg's work clothes

Sweep the downstairs floor so Henry and Lydia don't pick up anything tomorrow

Henry needs a bath(dirty kid!)

Emrie needs to put toys away(supervise!)

Jammies for Henry

Bottle for Henry

Now Henry is stinky

Clean diaper for Henry

Emrie Brush teeth

Emrie go potty

Stories

Prayers

Kisses

Good Nights

Emrie wants a drink(stall tactic!)

Emrie has to go potty(Again!)

And the grand finale

PEACE!

So after I accomplish my long list, I reflect and wonder did a bear the fruit of the spirit during my evening tonight?? Galatians 5:22

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control

I probably missed the mark in a few of those areas, so for tomorrow I'll pray to be more fruitful!

Praise God for the dark of night and the lullaby of the crickets.

Fair Day

Emrie on the Scrambler.

Jeremiah and Emrie on Quadzilla.

Henry having fun on the tractor.

We finally made it to the Hocking County Fair today, for the record it hasn't changed a bit in 20 years. However it is so exciting for young ones and therefore it was fun for me too. Emrie enjoyed walking through the barns but did not want to touch the pigs, or get close the the horse or goats we saw. I on the other hand loved to watch and touch the pigs and realized how much I miss the days of having swine around. We will have to work on Greg on that one, but Great Grandpa Howdyshell and Papa Emery would probably easily give in if a certain little gal or little boy suggested having a few pigs around. Hmmm, we will see!

Henry seemed to enjoy riding in the stroller, watching all the people and rides. Emrie rode her very first fair ride and I nearly cried(wow, emotional right?) She looked to little to be riding all by herself...doesn't she need her mommy anymore?? The first 30 seconds on the Scrambler she looked a tad concerned but then a smile crept onto her face and she was happy from there on out! Jeremiah was a great cousin and rode along beside of her on all the other rides and she loved that. Papa and Mama took Emrie and Henry to sit on the tractors and that was the highlight of Henry's day for sure. He is pure boy and wanted to climb all over that tractor.

We came home and enjoyed hamburgers on the grill and a nice evening outside with the Martins .The kids are fast asleep and daddy is at a Columbus Crew game so mommy is wondering what to do with herself...maybe a chick-flick!

Praise God for a beautiful fun day at the fair!

Dedication Sunday

This weekend has been a awesome glimpse of beautiful fall weather! Friday night Uncle Aaron and Aunt Ea joined us for a yummy dinner made on the grill and then some oh so delicious Oreo dessert. Aunt Ea and Emrie had a mini-marching band in the back yard, Ea on the flute which happened to be a small shovel and Emrie on the drums which was a upside down sand bucket. They marched all over that back yard and loved every minute of it!

Saturday Mommy took the kids shopping a favorite past-time for Emrie and Mommy, Henry tagged along without too much complaint. While shopping Emrie had to go potty so off to the restroom we rushed, Emrie who was trying to wash her hands while Mommy changed Henry encountered a Stranger. We have recently been talking about Strangers and how they could take Emrie from Mommy and may even try to hurt Emrie and how terrible that would be. Little girls and boys should always stay close to their Mommies and Daddies. So when this little old lady tried to assist Emrie by lifting her up to reach the water to wash her hands, Emrie froze and gave her a not so friendly look. I was happy for the experience, my little Emrie was not comfortable with the situation at all and that meant to me that she has absorbed some of my words of caution.

We later in the day enjoyed a picnic of KFC with Mama Jane, Papa Emery, Uncle Jim, Aunt Beth and Jeremiah at Ash Caves. We hiked back the path to the cave, Emrie remembered there was a waterfall back there, but this time only a few drips trickling off the top and very little water pooled below but still enough to jump in! After spending some time back in the cave area the sound of rain surrounded us. The hike back to the car was a little wet but an enjoyable time non the less!

Today Greg and I dedicated Henry at church. It is a special service and a challenge for a Mom and Dad to raise their child in a Godly home, setting good examples. We also recognize the gift that God has granted us and that Henry is God's child and we are to cherish him(which of course we d0!) Henry got stage fright you might say, he didn't enjoy being held in front of a whole congregation of people. He protested as much as his little body could and was quite vocal about his objections. Precious memory! We had our family there to help with the occasion and even Daddy's good friend Greg. Mommy strongly held in the tears while Aunt Cheryl played the piano, a medley of Be Careful Little Eyes, Thy Word and Jesus Loves Me. It was touching and extra special because the rendition of Thy Word was also played during the candle lighting at Mommy and Daddy's wedding ceremony.

Thy Word

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,

And think I’ve lost my way.

Still, you’re there right beside me.

Nothing will I fear

As long as you are near;

Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

I will not forget

Your love for me and yet,

My heart forever is wandering.

Jesus by my guide,

And hold me to your side,

And I will love you to the end.

Nothing will I fear

As long as you are near;

Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

And a light unto my path.

You’re the light unto my path.

Praise God for a beautiful Sunday and Thy Word to help in all the challenges of life!

Friday

I took Henry to see Dr. Gibson Wednesday morning and she spotted a red sore throat and tested him for Strep. Strep was something she didn't want to test him for but would regret it if he did in fact have it. Gagging a little one is not a highlight of a doctor or nurses day and mommy didn't care to much for it either. Henry dealt with the swab just fine and was eating like a champ even with a nasty sore throat virus. The doctor said in a day or 2 when the fever subsided he would develop a rash (which is a sign confirming it was a virus and he is no longer contagious.) Thursday morning he woke up fever free and developed his rash mid afternoon. So with the fever gone and supposedly over the worst of his sickness he has been crankier today than the past 4 days with a 103.5 fever. I don't understand...maybe teething....maybe all the Tylenol and Motrin has upset his little stomach(he doesn't take either very often and when he does it seems to bother him, I know this from diaper changes, I'll spare you the details.) Anyway I am hoping when he awakes from his afternoon nap today, he will feel like being outside, playing with Emrie Ann and enjoying the GORGEOUS fall day.

Last night we went to Daddy's soccer game, poor coach didn't have much success. We did enjoy ourselves anyway it was a bit chilly but a great night to be outdoors enjoying a junior high soccer game. Jeremiah was the ball boy for the game, made a little cash and for a 10 year old that is a pretty awesome gig!

Praise God for his provisions.

Labor Day

Rocking my baby who is hot with a fever today. I wish I knew exactly what is causing this fever and hate that my little guy is not his usual active happy self:-(. I do cherish these moments even while wishing he felt better. To sit and rock for a couple hours staring at his growing body and in my opinion adorable facial features, is a wonderful perk of being mommy. Emrie and Daddy went to Uncle Jeff's for a family gathering and cook out. I am 100% positive Emrie is loving being outdoors with some of her most favorite people. I am extra glad I made her take a early afternoon nap so she could go with full energy and a pleasant demeanor. She was put to bed early today for screaming, and kicking, she did not wish to take a bath and I did not give her the option of bypassing it. Not 5 minutes after drying off, getting dressed and laying her in bed she was fast asleep. Emrie this is a message for you when you have children:
Be firm and patient. Remember that you also challenged your mothers authority often, just as I did.

Praise God for a long weekend, a painted house, terrific husband and my wonderful kids!

Sunday

Papa Emery and Henry resting before Sunday lunch.

I am pleased as punch to finally be able to say that all four sides of our house are painted!! Lots of trim to be painted and that tricky dormer, but lots of progress has been made!!

Saturday Emrie and Henry spent the evening with Mama and Papa. It was time to dig up the potatoes Emrie helped to plant, she was happy to boss and offer some assistance . The Martins were there working and after daddy got done painting and Mommy got back from a much needed relaxing evening of Olive Garden and shopping we all spent the night at Mama and Papa's.

Emrie has been doing great going to her Sunday School class, no more crying like in the past. She has realized it is lots of fun to go and play with her church buddies! She is always so proud of herself when she walks out of the church with her lesson papers and craft.

Mommy had nursery duty and got to watch Henry with his church friends. All the kids have stickers on their backs with a number in case there is a need to page their parents and Henry swiped numerous stickers off the other kids back, it was a fun challenge for him.

Tonight after Daddy finished painting we went to Nornie and Poppy's for pizza and spent time visiting with family. Emrie was so happy to play with Jude, cousins are great!

Praise God for a perfect cool almost fall-like day!

September Has Arrived

Emrie Ann and Henry on Papa Mikes BMW.

Look Mom, No Hands!

Emrie helping Papa blow out 57 candles!

The Family

We had a fun time celebrating Papa Mikes 57th birthday at the Logan Health Care Center. No Papa isn't old enough to be living there permanently:-) We all met there so Great Great Grandma Gwen could be with us. Emrie was happy to help put the candles on the cake and help blow them out. Henry enjoyed a little nibble of some icing and cake.

Praise God for a awesome first day of September!

Monday :-)

Henry is upset and wanting out of his seat.

Emrie enjoying some finger painting!

Outdoor fun!

Great start to the week! All the kids are napping, well at least 3 of them are. Lilly is having a hard time laying still and letting sleep overcome her. All is quiet and that is a good feeling to have all kiddos content, fed, and in their beds for afternoon naps. Tonight Chad and Kristy will be joining us for dinner and since my kids woke me up bright and early this morning the beef roast with potatoes and carrots has been slow cooking for hours already. My bread is baked, both white and banana. I am planning on fixing a yummy apple pie for dessert too, I can hardly wait!

Emrie so far today has done an excellent job of sharing and I couldn't be happier! I hope when naptime ends she'll wake up and be happy to share once again. She is a moody little girl, I don't want to walk around on pins and needles with her because that would do her a great disservice in the long run but her drama can be exhausting. Henry has been a wee bit out of sorts and I am hoping it is just some more teeth trying to make their way through. He is a happy little guy, he loves playing outside to bad he tries to eat every leaf, blade of grass, clump of dirt, or sand he can get his hands on:-)

Praise God for a hot but BEAUTIFUL day!

Wow! Time zips right on by.

I thought I was doing great keeping current on my blog. This week passed by at a rapid rate, I can't imagine time moving any faster. In the past I've been at school, work, Dr's office, or waiting on a baby to arrive etc. and a minute can seem like ten minutes. I guess there is truth to "Time flies when your having fun!"

It has been a mini adventure having 4 and sometimes 5 kids here during the week. Emrie is having the hardest time adjusting...Sharing is so dog-gone hard!! We'll continue to work on it and hope that improvement comes quickly because all the time-outs and little battles are exhausting for mommy.

We take a walk every morning around ten(boy I will be sad when the weather doesn't allow this!) Emrie was walking along beside of me when she said "Yum, I love toe nails!" Random, funny, gross, and cute all at the same time, he he! When Lilly is with us Henry and Lydia ride in the double jogger and Emrie and Lilly hold on to the sides. Each day on our little outing the girls find a stick to carry along and they call them their magic wands, their imaginations are great.

Henry is eating everything he finds on the floor. (I know Mom, I deserve this!) Friday apparently he ate a tiny bunny sticker and when it came time to eat lunch, it didn't go down so well. Food came up and out and well that is how I found out that he ate a little bunny sticker. So now the floor gets swept like crazy, it is overwhelming task to make sure that Emrie doesn't leave or drop anything on the floor that he might get into his little fingers and then straight into his mouth. I fear just about anything could be a choking hazard, Greg has somehow passed his unhealthy fear of choking onto me and now I feel panicked nearly 24/7. So many tiny lids-chapstick, hairspray, bugspray, toothpaste, pen caps. Then coins, someone drops one out of their pocket and it goes unnoticed or maybe someone leaves a purse in reach. Then there are candies, cough drops, gum, nuts, raisins and on and on and on. Yes, this is getting a little out of control, I know! .........Oh boy, I better move on.

We had a lovely evening last night with the Martins at Mama and Papa's. We had a fire, roasted hot dogs and enjoyed some yummy smores!

Today Emrie took a nap with Aunt Beth, Henry was napping so Mommy got a little nap too! Sunday naps are terrific!

I took the kids to the grocery with me this evening, they sat in the double-seater cart at Wal-Mart and it was so cute, Emrie had her arm around Henry's back all the while singing her little heart out. I love to watch her love on Henry Little Michael.

Greg is busy grading a mountain of papers and I am feeling less than motivated to do anything else this evening, so off to bed I go!

Praise God for contentment and fun times flying by!

Tuesday already!

Make a silly face!

Happy Henry!

Emrie Ann is sleeping with her big bouncy ball!

Praise God for a fun and busy weekend spent with visiting family!

Friday :-)

Just before nap time, look at those sleepy faces.

Henry Michael

Lydia Jane

Jeremiah

Praise God for a fun Friday!