It’s Quality, Not Quantity…

But I want BOTH!

I realize today that I have only posted 5 times in a MONTH. Y’all, it used to be 5 times in a week!

Life is clearly taking off at breakneck speed, and I’m caught in the wake of it all.

If I could, and in my dreams I do…I would have a full day every week to write, to sing, to rest, to read my Bible, to paint my toenails, to go through my outfits and decide what accessories I might need for Fall, to peruse magazines and websites and make a notebook of design ideas for my next house (which is a dream in itself). I would play in my makeup and learn to put it on better. I would try new hair products. I would watch Cosby Show reruns on YouTube and laugh. I would go for a walk and get my heart rate above its usual molasses pace. I would call a buddy and shoot the breeze.

But such a day is not going to happen, and while it’s fun to think about, would probably be way too indulgent for me anyway.

So I carve out a few minutes here and there. I paint three toenails, change a pullup, fix a cup of juice, glue an action figure’s head back on, and then paint the other two, hoping that the other foot will get painted before I have to make a public appearance.

And when I do have to go somewhere, and look down and see three of ten nails a sweet shade of blue, while the other seven are a lovely au natural, I think of the faces that I kissed, the giggles that I heard, the songs that we sung, the games that were played and I realize that I’m content with my new fashion statement. It’s a look I like to call, Just Be Thankful I Got Here Dressed.

Why It Is Weird to be Me (Or, What Happened Today in Real Estate)

I’m still a little flabbergasted.

We showed our house today. This week has been a doozy, with all the cleaning and a good dose of sickness thrown in for fun. We also have been trying to eat at home more, so there has been lots of cooking going on, which makes for more cleaning.

So the realtor lady called Michael this week and told him she would be showing the house on Friday. I immediately went into “we must clean out all closets” mode. It must have been the fever talking, or somebody slipped something into my spiced tea (I was into Vitamin C this week). We cleaned, we polished, we sorted, we threw out, we wiped, we vacuumed, we rearranged, we…you get it.

Today we got everything in order, and left the house in pristine condition. The realtor lady told me this lady was pretty interested, and I wanted to be excited about that. Truthfully, though, I was so tired, and had worked so hard, that I refused to get pumped up about it, because the disappointment would be more than my germ-laden, exhausted self could handle right now.

I prayed all afternoon. While I drove, while I sat outside at Casa de la Coon (my parents’ house), while I ate, I prayed. I asked everyone I knew to pray, so I knew I had a lot of spiritual backup going on. It’s pretty heady stuff, knowing that so many (meaning more than 3 or 4) are going to the creator of the universe on your behalf.

Let me stop here and mention this: I have the best friends I could ever dream of having. I am in a better place, relationship-wise, than I have ever been. I have old friends that I still dearly love. I have family that is there for me. I have new friends that have blessed me more than I could ever imagine. Considering I spent much of my life feeling “out of the loop” socially, and just kind of weird and a little bit lonely, God has blown my socks off with the precious people he has put in my world.

So there was praying, lots of praying. Around 5:00, we called realtor lady and she was effusive in her praise of our clean, shiny house. Then she got to the story:

The lady saw my house on the website a while back. She lives in Chicago. She is moving to Mississippi this fall and my house was the one she wanted to see. Realtor lady did not know her. They just communicated by email. Anyway, she walked in my dining room and saw our family picture and said, “That’s Anne Coon!”

Seriously. I don’t make this stuff up, folks.

Realtor lady was dumbfounded and said, “Yes, that’s her.” The lady says, “Are Mark and Cindy in the area too?” (That’s my parents who apparently know at least 2/3 of the people on the planet). Realtor lady said yes, they are in Madison. The lady says, “I used to go to church with them and Anne babysat for me.”

I know her well, ya’ll. Really well. It’s been years, but I knew them very well.

I’m stunned. Not speechless, that never happens, but stunned nonetheless.

So anyway…she loved my house. She loved the field behind the house (bless her). She is working on some stuff, and we’re still praying. She hasn’t made an offer yet, but we all feel good about it. **We realize this is not a done deal. But I’m a big believer in positive thinking. Remind me of that if it falls through. Thanks.

I am certain that God is in this, regardless of outcome. There was so much prayer, and still will be, until it’s all said and done. I’m convinced that this was preordained by God, and not just a weird coincidence. God is not anonymous. He shows himself in everything. He doesn’t act randomly. There is a purpose for his glory in everything that happens, in every situation. We may not see it immediately, but I promise if you look, and ask him to show you, he will.

I’ll keep you posted on the outcome. Until then, I’m going to be worshipping the one true God who is good and holy and loves people so much that he brings us into each others lives and brings things around full circle. Only God can do that. People mess things up. God gets it right, every time.

Thanks for praying for us. Let me know how I can pray for you. Thank you, my sweet friends, for being in my world. I’m better because of this whole experience with real estate, homeschooling, and God has taught me so much through the hard stuff. I pray he blesses you in a big way, too.

I Drank a Coke, Then Took a Nap

…and now I’m here. I have facebook open in one tab, in case somebody wants to chat, and I’m blogging in this tab because I have a lot going on in my head.

And we all know what that means…time to purge the old noodle.

1. I love teaching Sunday School. I have the greatest group of 9th and 10th grade girls imaginable. They are funny, smart, inquisitive (when they wake up), and from what I can tell, they want to follow Jesus. I am honored that they want to hang out with me.

2. My parents’ anniversary is today. 34 years. They have the best relationship I’ve ever witnessed. I only pray that Michael and I are having that much fun at 34 years.

3. I have a new favorite store, Charming Charlie. I could spend hours…and dollars…

4. I went in another new store…and saw an infant dress for $199. I almost fell through the floor. No offense to those who think that’s okay…but what in the world??!!

5. I’m reading the last book in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. I’ve read them all about 3 times. Every time I go to Mitford in those books, I wonder why I ever left. It’s that wonderful. I never dreamed I would feel such affection for a 60-something year old Episopal priest, but I really do.

6. Michael is snoring.

7. I have 2 weeks to get my house in tip top shape. I think we have a serious looker coming Labor Day weekend. Will you pray about this with me? Thanks.

8. If I wrote about all I am currently thinking about…I’d be up all night and you’d never read my blog again. So I’ll stop and go to bed and pray about how to say it all. I feel like a Jedi in training. Much I am learning. Still much there is to know.

Go to bed I must. The force is no longer with me.

I Don’t Think the Neighbors Would Buy It

So tonight I’m chatting with a friend about school fundraisers and she made the comment that homeschooling was good because I don’t have to raise any money. 

But that got me thinkin’…what if I sent Aidan and Molly out into the streets, knocking on doors, selling candy bars or whatnot? 

I made the comment that I don’t think my family would let me be the administrator of our earnings. You see, spending fundraiser cash at a boutique probably doesn’t help the homeschooling situation, except that I’d look awesome while teaching, but I’d be mad because nobody would see me, and then it would all be in vain. 

So my friend says the money would have to be for technology or a playground. I immediately thought an iphone would benefit our homeschooling in more ways than I can count. 

I told Michael. He laughed…AT me. 

So…I’ve been thinking. If we had a fundraiser (which we won’t, this is all a joke), what would we use the money for?

1. A maid. Because mama can’t do it all. 

2. Some sort of contraption that shocks the kids when they whine. I know that’s really bad parenting, but you haven’t walked in my flip flops. 

3. A garden in the backyard, and a gardener to tend to it. I want the kids to eat fresh stuff, but every time I work in the yard, I get poison ivy. Seriously, that has happened all three times. 

4. Desks for the kids to sit in, rather than at the table. I mean the desks they had at Whitten Jr. High in the early nineties in the ISS room. (In School Suspension, for those of you who had classier punishment titles.) These desks had really high walls around them, so the students could not see one another. I could put Aidan in one, and Molly in the other, and peace could be restored in the kingdom. 

5. A pencil sharpener that works. I bought one last week and it eats my pencils. Then they fight over the pencils that are actually sharp. The pencil fight makes me want to cry. 

6. A cheerleading squad that would chant while Aidan is trying to write: “You can do it! Go, Go, GO!” The kid needs some motivation. 

7. Chickfila lunch for a year. 

8. A gym membership because of all the chicken, and to get us movin’. 

9. A field trip to The Electric Company. Aidan thinks we need to go there and hang out with those people. 

10. A substitute teacher to come in and teach writing…so I can sit up in the bed with my book. 

So obviously a fund raiser is out of the question…but fun to think about! Things are going well, we have good and bad days. 

This week’s verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. 

Sounds good to me. My own understanding is usually pretty messed up anyway.

That’s The Way, Uh Huh Uh Huh, I Like It

This weekend was BUSY. 

I relish the business, because it was all FUN busy, not BORING busy. I have officially met my social needs for a while, so homeschooling this week shouldn’t be that big of a deal. I probably could use a little bit of home time. 

Friday was a girls’ night out to celebrate the birthday of a sweet friend. Except for the air not working well at the restaurant and feeling like I might be permanently stuck to the vinyl booth, it was a wonderful time. My friends make me laugh, and after last week, that was exactly what I needed. 

I raced home to start cooking and cleaning, because Saturday was going to start bright and early for me. I finished my casseroles and got everyone’s clothes ready and the house somewhat clean. 

Saturday morning, I was up at 6:30. That’s just wrong for Saturday. I dressed and headed down to Madison to prepare for a baby shower for Hannah, one of my friends from college. Hannah just had baby Caleb in May, so we all got to love on him. We brought our kids (some of them, at least) and our moms and had a large time. 

Notice how lovely and dressed up my girlfriends are, and the tank top and ponytail on me. I arrived wearing a dress, and was almost on equal cuteness ground with them, but had to change clothes to go to a church wiffleball tournament. As soon as I changed clothes, they decided to take pictures. At least I took my hat off. 

This is the same group of girls…the year we all became friends at MC. We were all freshmen, and trying to figure out who we were then. We’ve certainly made our mark on the world, I think, each in her own way. And now we’re all mothers. We’ve grown up and grown away from each other in distance. We’ve made new friends and moved on. But the memories I have with these girls are permanent and some of the best things that have ever happened to me have happened with them. I am so glad that God put them at that place in that time. I could not have done college or the years after without them. I love them all so much. 

Oh, and two of these couples in the picture are now married. How cool is that? 

I had to leave the baby shower early and race over to Liberty Park. I missed the first game, but was really okay with that, because I don’t need to sweat profusely twice in one day. I knew the second game would be enough perspiring for the weekend. We took the field and after a LOT of trash talk between our team and the yayhoos that attempted to beat us, we finished the game. Yep, just finished. There was no score. Everybody wins in church wiffleball. 

My kind of game. 

When I got to the game, I was so excited to see my friend Jessica. She was in our youth group a few years ago and babysat for my older two kids. She is now all grown up with a great job, and a future that shows nothing but wonderful for her. She played ball with us and helped keep my kids from eating dirt. 

After the game, we cleaned up and went to the store. We had fun company and spent the evening playing the Wii and letting Jess beat us all in a raucous game of bowling. 

She went to church with us this morning and got to experience the craziness of promotion Sunday. We ate our leftovers for lunch and she had to go back home. My girls cried. Paisley clung to Jess’s leg and said, “No leave me!” It was really funny and sad at the same time. 

We love Miss Jessica. She’s family. 

After Jessica’s departure, we found that a puppy has been living in our carport all day. His mama is around here somewhere, we saw her this morning. This beautiful little black dog has been hanging out in the shrubs beside our house. He needs to go to the vet, and really should go back to his mama, because I think he belongs to someone. We are hoping she comes back tonight. We gave him food and water because he’s so little and it’s so hot outside, but he can’t stay here. We have a strict “no pets” policy here at Hotel Albritton. I can’t look at him, because it makes my heart hurt. I hope his mama comes back. I really hope his mama comes back. 

Tonight was a children’s choir kick off, so we loaded back up and headed back to Madison. It will be so nice if we can ever live there. It’s a LONG drive. 

So there you have it…my wonderful, social, busy, hug-filled weekend. I am exhausted and could sleep for about 12 hours straight, but I know that would never happen, I might miss something! 

Someone told me today, “You are very proactive. You like to make things happen.” Yep, me in a nutshell. I love action. Weekends like this make me happy. 

But don’t ask me to do anything tomorrow.

Day One.

Please don’t expect my title to be catchy today. Sorry.

We homeschooled this morning. I’m writing this more for me than anything…I want to remember this day, even though I wouldn’t exactly call it a success. But what is success, really?

We got up on time. In our family, that means before 7. Everyone got dressed, which was the first sign that something was changing today. 

Paisley ate her breakfast. I fixed her hair, and she put on her “packpack”. We took all of the required pictures for posterity. Then it started.

I boohooed. My baby. My Paizy. Why is she going to school? What is going on here?

Aidan and Molly hugged and kissed her, then she came and gave me a “big mooch” and saw me crying. She turned to walk off. Then she turned around and came back. She put her little fingers on my cheek and wiped off my tears. She said, “Mommy otay?” After another hug and kiss, I dried up, and they were off. 

I knew the only way to handle it was to get busy. I needed to get my mind off the fact that this was not what I had in mind for our first day of school experience. 

Aidan and Molly helped me get out the supplies I bought a few weeks ago. I kept everything wrapped up and in the box just in case someone came and bought our house before school started. The first thing we did was look at the cool wipe off calendar. We learned the date, the day of the week, and wrote down any events we have coming up. Then we made a chart with chores and reading progress. Then we made a list of rules, the first being “Respect mom and respect each other.” 

After the getting started stuff, we headed to the kitchen to learn our verse of the week. I really want the kids to start memorizing scripture because, good grief, if there is anything they can learn that will actually help them for the rest of their lives, that would be it. So in light of today’s new situation, and my fear of being inadequate, I chose “I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength.” Phillippians 4:13. The kids read it on our big tablet and said it over and over again. We took turns reading, and repeating it after me. By the end of the time, we were standing in our chairs shouting “I CAN DO! ALL THINGS! THROUGH JESUS! WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!!!!” 

Actually, Molly and I were doing that, Aidan was looking at us like we were crazy. Party pooper. 

Then I made my first mistake of the morning, I asked them to copy the verse down. I knew they could write, and they certainly need the practice. But apparently writing that classic verse that seems so short to me is like writing the whole New Testament to them. They got to the word “things” and just couldn’t hang anymore. I told them we’d do the second part tomorrow. 

Then onto math. I had a math workbook on order, and had not picked it up yet. So, since we were cruising low-key today, Aidan and I did flash cards. Molly sat at the table with us with her abacus. They did addition problems, Aidan in his head, Molly on the abacus. Nobody learned anything new, but it got them thinking about numbers and putting them together. Mission accomplished. 

Spelling came next, and I have a great workbook for that. I tore out the first page and gave it to Aidan and explained the directions. He had to pick out his spelling words in a paragraph and then copy them twice. Molly and I went to my room while he worked so I could put my makeup on and she did some kindergarten activities in her book. She put pictures in sequential order, and picked out words that did not rhyme with the other words. 

I checked on Aidan and he was stuck. He had written the first five words twice but then was just stuck. He couldn’t make his S look right, so he was just sitting there. We worked it out and he finished, as long as I sat with him. Not a loner, that kid. 

By this time it was almost 10:00, so we got in the car and ran some errands. I bought a cheerleader suit for Molly off of craigslist, so we had to go try it on and buy it from a lady in Madison. After that (which was an experience in itself) we ran to the school store to pick up math workbooks for both kids. Then a few more stops, lots of whining and crying, and we made it back home. 

We had not been here 5 minutes when Paisley came in the door. She cried when Michael dropped her off. She never does that. She is the one at church who just walks right in. But she cried, and that hurts my heart. She got over it, though, and had a fun day. I am sad that she has to be there, I really wanted to be with her, but I’m glad she’s having fun. 

After Paisley went to sleep, the kids and I played Sight Word Bingo for our reading time today. They are both such good readers, it will be fun to do the reading with them. Molly has read about 3 books today already. She’s reading level 2 books with no problem. I have to remember that she can read well, but the writing will be harder for her simply because she hasn’t had to do as much writing. 

I think we’re done for the day. I am reminding myself that it is just the first day. There are adjustments to be made by everyone. Aidan and I are going to have some issues with attitude, but we’ll work it out. 

I am sad that I won’t be able to take my little boy to first grade. That is an experience I have looked forward to since he was born. 

I don’t know if they learned anything today. I don’t know if today was supposed to be about learning, or just getting situated. I have no idea what is expected of any of us. I’m tired and confused and a little bit sad. 

But we can do this. I haven’t experienced it much in my life, but God does ask us to do things we don’t want to do. I think about Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son. Of course he didn’t want to do that. I think about Moses being told to go to Pharoah and ask for freedom. He begged not to, and pleaded inadequacy. 

Homeschooling is small potatoes compared to that. 

“I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength.”

P.S. I wrote this earlier in the day, when I was wallowing in a puddle of discouragement. As of now, though, I have a detailed plan for the week, and I’m familiar with the workbooks and I know what I’m doing. Maybe. So pray for us, but there’s no need for intervention just yet.

She Takes After Her Daddy

Paisley is going to drive me to drink. 

And if you know me at all…that’s a strong statement. And an untrue statement, because I would never let a two year old have that much control over my actions…but you get my point. 

She insists on wearing panties all day, but won’t use the potty. We wrestle pullups onto her little body, and the screaming is so bad it turns into gagging, and then I feel guilty. 

But I never give in. 

Most of the time. 

Anyway…so we’re not getting much done. Today was supposed to be spent mopping, dusting, and getting our house all shiny for Michael to come home. He’s been away on business, and has flown on 6 different flights in 3 days. He’s worn slap out. 

Well, mama (me) hurt her back, and hasn’t been much good to anybody. I mean, I’ve prepared food, and changed DVDs, and even played a game of Bingo or four…but not much work has been done. 

So you can write your name in the dust on my mantle, and be careful, your shoes may stick to the floor (it’s not that bad, really) but just know that MeeMaw is kickin’ it with some Bingo in the living room. 

Oh…and there has been poop. That’s why I told you about Paisley in the first place. I’ve cleaned up many a puddle, and put her in the tub about 3 times a day since Michael left. 

I’m changing the subject, or I’ll cry. 

Right now, I have to fold a huge mountain of clothes that are residing on my bed if I want my tired husband to have a place to lie his weary head. 

On the homeschool front: I am pretty excited! I mean, I still don’t know why this is what God wants for us, but I’m convinced that it is. It’s the same thing as when I found out I was having Paisley. I just could not figure out why on earth God wanted me to raise three children, but he did. And I am loving every minute. 

Except the stinky minutes. I don’t love those. 

I’ll be homeschooling Aidan and Molly, and they are thrilled. Aidan seriously needs some boys to hang out with. He’s had a little too much sister time this summer. I’m praying that God will send some boys for him to get to know. It would be so good for him. Molly is so excited because her two favorite things are school and home. So it’s all gravy for her. 

We’re going to work on memorizing scriptures and poems. We’ve got books on reading, writing, spelling and math. We’ve got science days and gym days. We’re going to do art projects and music. I’m going to start calling about a piano teacher pretty soon. 

While I don’t understand it, I’m honored that God sees me as worthy of this HUGE task. I’m also thankful that my kids can learn in an environment that is 100% accepting of who they are. I’m happy to be able to protect them for a little bit longer. They have the rest of their lives to live and learn to make decisions in this scary world, so if I can help prepare them to choose God’s way instead of the world’s way, then it will be worth it tenfold. 

And then there’s the gratitude that comes with being able to send Paisley to preschool and letting someone else deal with her body fluids. That may be the biggest blessing of all!

A Bird’s Eye View

I seriously need pictures for this post. 

You won’t get the full idea. I’m not that good of a storyteller. But go with me here…

About a year or so ago, we found an empty bird’s nest in our backyard. Aidan was taken with it, and fascinated with how a little bird could build such a structure, with sides and a bottom, just big enough for baby birds to live in. It really is quite amazing, actually. 

He picked up the nest and wanted to put it in another tree. It’s been in a small tree in our front yard for a long time now. I haven’t thought about it in months. 

About two weeks ago, Molly wanted to look in the nest. What a cool surprise it was to find three beautiful little eggs in there! They were a beautiful shade of aqua, with brown spots. We were all so excited and watched them every day. Personally, I was excited because the eggs were quite trendy in color and pattern, but I was alone in my aesthetic enthusiasm. 

A few days after the great egg discovery, we found that they hatched! There were three tiny little brown fur balls in that nest. Every time one of us would walk toward the tree, the mama bird would squawk at us from her perch on the power line. We would see her constantly hunting for food for her babies. It has been a source of enjoyment and wonder for us to watch her take care of them. I can totally relate to that mama. We both spend most of our days hunting for food for our young. Lucky her, though, she only has a 6″x6″ area to keep straight. 

Back to the present. Today, I was frustrated again about the house not selling. I was frustrated again about homeschooling and not feeling ready to take on such an enormous task. I was frustrated about having to send my baby (Paisley) to school, when I really do not want to. 

I walked down to our mailbox, and stopped to check on the birds. We’ve had some bad weather this week, and I haven’t actually seen the mother bird in a day or so, and I was a little bit concerned about what I would find. 

This is where I wish I had the camera. 

In the nest were three little “bird children”, as Aidan called them. “They’re not babies, mom, but they’re not big enough to leave, so they’re bird children.” Their feathers were starting to develop spots and patterns, and they were not just fuzzy anymore. They were wide eyed and alert, sitting in a row in that little nest. They had grown from being the size of a teaspoon to about the size of my palm. I was again awed and fascinated. 

I sent Michael an email telling him that I checked on “our” birds and they were fine, and growing. I sent the email, and immediately had this verse from Matthew chapter 6 impressed upon my heart. 

²⁵“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

 ²⁸“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

So I compose another email to Michael with this scripture in it. At the SAME TIME, he sent me an email saying the same thing, but in his own words. 

The funny thing is, right after I sent the email with the verse, our internet went out because we had another bad bit of weather. I watched the wind blow some limbs down in my yard. I watched my For Sale sign hang completely horizontal in the gusty winds. I stood at the french doors in my bedroom and watched that tree and prayed for those baby birds. I knew that God would take care of them, that he made animals to be able to handle the elements, but I was still worried. 

After the storm passed, the internet came back on, and there was Michael’s email telling me that if God protects the birds, surely he will take care of us as well. Our emails crossed somewhere in cyberspace, but the time lag gave me a chance to think about the verse I had just sent to my husband and then watch those baby birds weather the storm in that small, frail, little tree and realize that God really does hold them in the palm of his hand. 

And if he holds the birds in his hand, we can rest assured that the creator of all living things holds us in his heart. 

I know I’ve been redundant about the house thing, and the homeschooling thing. I sincerely covet your prayers. I believe that God has a perfect plan for us. I am grateful beyond words that I am married to a man who believes that and will not settle for less than God’s plan. Not once has Michael tried to maneuver the situation by himself. We truly want God to get complete credit for whatever happens. 

By not trusting, I’m not walking what I talk. I don’t want to live like that at all. So if I say I love and trust my Jesus, then I will trust him. I will trust the one who holds the birds, and protects them in the storms. I will rest in his perfect love and find joy in the hope that he will keep his promise and it will be more than we could ever ask for or think. 

For his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.

Aidan Just Calls Him “Boots”

Last Thursday night, the family and I loaded up and drove down to South Jackson (yes, I capitalize South. I realize it’s a direction, but it’s a city unto itself to me. So there.)

We were taking supper to my grandparents. They are super cool people, but not feeling too great these days, so we wanted to help out a bit. When I asked Mamaw what they would eat, she gave me specific instructions and even offered the recipe. Hey, no complaints here, it made my job VERY easy! 

The older kids love going to their house. The house is big, and built in a way that you can run through all the rooms and halls and it makes a big circle. Then the yard is enormous and has a long brick wall that divides their yard from their neighbors. I can’t remember going over there as a child (and we were there several times a week) and not walking on that long, low wall. Now my kids walk it, up and down, up and down.

My mother has told me that she walked the wall as a child herself, so that makes over 50 years of kids playing on those old bricks. 

For some reason, that’s really special to me. 

I have talked to my grandparents on the phone very often. I see them at family gatherings all the time. However, I had not been to their house since Christmas. I admired the new furniture arrangement and checked out all of the cucumbers my grandmother had sliced to make her famous sweet pickles. 

We ate dinner and had a fun time talking about all the things the kids are doing and have done this summer. I was so proud that they were funny and friendly and attentive to their great-grandparents. 

Aidan did not want to have his picture made AT ALL, so there are none of him. But the girls are always okay with the camera! 

Paisley has never really had a chance to get to know Mamaw and Papaw. The older two can remember when we lived across the street from them 3 years ago. We found out we were having Paiz right before we moved up here to Canton, so she has never spent the time in their house that Aidan and Molly have. 

Paisley definitely made up for any lost time! She hugged and kissed and laughed and sang and did all of her tricks. She became very attached to Mamaw, and I could not be more thankful for that. 

Papaw pulled out a pen and paper and started drawing forest animals for Aidan. Aidan watched him, then took the pen and drew a picture of Papaw. He smiled up at him and said, “This is you, Boots!” 

My papaw goes by Boots to everyone that knows him. His name is W.B. (the real names will not be revealed to protect the innocent), but everyone calls him Boots. My kids have always called him Papaw Boots. Aidan just decided that “Boots” sounded cooler, so he called him that all night. We all just laughed. I hope Papaw was okay with it! 

I do know, he was certainly okay with this:

He is just the sweetest man. I love them both so much. 

So we had a big time. I think everyone was worn out by the time we left. I hope we can do that a lot more in the coming months. 

As long as Mamaw tells me what to bring…and she will.

That Smell In My House? Yeah, We’re Potty Training.

I apologize for the lack of posting recently. I know you don’t really care, but I like to apologize, it’s good for my soul. 

Paisley has taken it upon herself to use the potty as often as possible. Hey, fine by me. She’s actually doing pretty well, but there are accidents. Lots and lots of accidents. 

Since she’s a third child, we’re all like, “oh yeah, another puddle. Get the towel.” 

I just wanted you all to know…that my lack of posting has not been because of a lack of thoughts or subjects on which to write. I’ve got plenty, and every time I sit down with the computer, I have to sort through the insanity and figure out where I will start. Then she wets the floor and all of my carefully organized thoughts jumble up again. 

I had an epiphany last night after I sang in church: It does not matter how well I do anything. I could be the best singer in the world, and at the end of the day, I’m a bottom wiper. It’s as simple as that. 

So…I must go, since it’s been half an hour since she went last and I have to be on standby with my towel. Hopefully soon I will get a chance to tell you about my dinner at my grandparents house, our night of worship at church, Molly playing chess, Chuck E. Cheese, and all of the various and sundry things that have been going on around here. 

But there are bottoms to be wiped. And miles to go before I sleep. (That doesn’t rhyme, but it just seemed like it fit. Maybe not.)