I just went to Julee's blog to see the latest and I can't believe I've never noticed this before... Look... it's a picture from her blog of Julee, her mom and her sister Hayden at her mom's 60th birthday. Notice anything??? IT'S HEREDITARY!!! The neck crick is hereditary!!!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Wow, three years flies by fast! It's hard to describe how much happiness little Jacob has brought into my life since that day 3 years ago. From that hopeless time of the miscarriage before him, to the pregnancy from hell carrying him... sick as a dog, on home nursing care and more drugs than I've ever taken in my life, and contractions from 18 weeks on... to one of the most precious moments of my life... holding his perfectly formed little body in my arms for the first time. It was that feeling of pure bliss that is so rare in this life here on earth. I was in complete disbelief that he could be so perfect as much as we had gone through together. And I have thanked God every day since for the miracle he gave me.

Jacob brought a joy and a completeness into our family... Jonathan was so happy to have a boy, the girls were so happy to have a little brother and I was just happy to have him out! Pregnant no more!!! He truly makes me just want to grab him and kiss him all over everyday! He's cute as can be and he is so very funny -- he keeps us all laughing with his imitations of Macy's "break dancing" to his hip-hop "DJ" to his goofy faces and the cute things he says. I'm a lucky mama and I know it ... Thank you, Jacob, for making Mommy so very happy. I love you and Happy, Happy Birthday! (Click the 'X' if the slideshow stops)

After a crazy weekend of birthday celebrations for me, a trip to the aquarium, and a work-Sunday of building the pond, it was time to get Jacob's birthday party together. I've been working on it for weeks, but it's still a little difficult to pull it all together with 3 kids in tow. It was worth all the hard work, though. The kids had a great time and so did Jacob. He wanted a Bob the Builder party and it was crazy how hard it was to find Bob the Builder things these days. Thank goodness for the internet. We had a lego scavenger hunt where the kids helped Bob find the building blocks he needed for a job... we had a "dress the builder" relay where two teams of kids ran down to a box full of builder clothes, dressed the "builder" who were really Kate and Madison, and then ran back to tag the next runner. At the end, the builders had to run to the next area and build a tower of building blocks eight blocks high and use all their blocks. Then we had birdhouse painting, nailing into blocks (the nails were golf tees and the blocks were florist foam), and painting the stairs (the paint was really just water). It was a lot of fun. Afterward Jacob opened up his gifts and played all night with his new toys. Thanks everybody for coming and helping us celebrate our special little boy!

Celebrate Good Times... Again!

This has been such a great birthday -- it's been more like a birthweek instead of a birthday. Friday night we went out as a family to Laredo to celebrate, and you know what they do there -- the singing... the sombrero... and the way I remember it... the fried ice cream they usually bring to the birthday girl. But no... for whatever reason the Amigos didn't bring the expected dessert -- they opted for a TEQUILA SHOT instead -- rimmed with salt, fresh with a lime... you know the deal. Now I don't know about you, but it's been a VERY long time since I've shot tequila -- about 21 years to be exact! Gosh, that's hard to admit... that I could have been drinking 21 years ago! (Am I really that old???) So... shocked as I was, the pressure of the 10 Amigos standing there waiting was getting to me... I ever so slowly put the shot to my lips, tasted it and said, "No Way! I can't do it!" It's a good thing I have such a generous husband... he took over, grabbed the shot and drank it down.

The kids had no idea what was the big deal. They were like, "What's that? Why is it in such a tiny glass? Why won't you drink it, mama?" Anyway, we had fun, then came home and opened my gifts and put the kids to bed early so we could get some sleep before we were off to Atlanta the next morning. And what do you know, right as I was tucking myself into bed, the phone rings, it was Shelley & Robbie wishing me a happy birthday. They said, "We're in your driveway. Let's celebrate!" The next thing I knew it was 3:00am and Jonathan & I were wondering how in the world we were going to get up in just a few hours to take the kids to the aquarium! We had the best time -- Thanks guys for ringing in my new year with me!

You're probably growing weary of birthday slideshows, but here's one more. And thanks again to everybody for making this day so special.
(Click the 'X' if the slide show stops)

A Walk Down Memory Lane

It's nice to hear the pitter-patter of little feet again this morning. My girls are back from their grandparents' house. They came back last night and I wish I had their homecoming on video. Jonathan went to pick them up, so when they came in, the girls attacked me and Jacob. I mean ATTACKED! Yes, they may find their little brother annoying at times, but it sure was sweet to see them all in a death-grip hugging each other! They brought both of us birthday presents and were so excited to have us open them up. The rest of the night was one of the best I can remember in a while -- full of hugs & kisses and lots of play.

I'm really glad they're home. Not only did I miss them, but they'll be a good distraction to keep my mind off the fact that this is the LAST day I'll ever be 37. That age thing is ever-looming! And it doesn't help that Jacob is turning 3 on Monday. I'm losing my youth and my baby all at the same time! No... I guess I'm OK with getting older -- It's certainly better than the alternative, right? But I do have to admit that the occasional "carding" at the grocery store makes my day! Especially since we live in a college town! I just try to look at the lines creeping up on my face as adding a little character -- you know, symbols of the wisdom I've gained and the hurdles I've overcome. Maybe my eyesight will start going too so that these "laugh lines" won't be so noticeable!!

Thank you all for the sweet e-mails, phone calls, cards and gifts I've received. And, Julee, I loved the smilebox birthday slideshow you sent me -- I have no idea how you had time to do that with packing for the beach. We're taking the kids to the aquarium tomorrow in Atlanta to celebrate so I'll check in with you all when we get back.

I made a little slideshow of my own to commemorate those precious days gone by -- a little walk down Memory Lane. (My dad has all my pictures from growing up so there's a chunk of my life missing -- those are the awful, transitional, bad hair & 80's clothes days anyway!) CLICK THE "X" IF THE SLIDESHOW STOPS

38 and still having fun...

Alright, girls, my jaws hurt from laughing! I can't think of a better birthday gift than celebrating with all of you! I had so much fun. I say it all the time, but I am so fortunate, lucky, & blessed to call all of you my friends! Thanks for making my pre-birthday special cause ya know that EVERYONE I know, want to get to know, or ever hope to know is going to the beach this weekend and leaving me here to celebrate my actual birthday with just my husband. Kidding, Jonathan. I can't wait to celebrate my birthday with you, honey.

Anyway, about last night, we start out a bit miffed that God had decided to throw a little rain on our outdoor dining plans. We got over it pretty quick though... especially when we saw that Tommy Tuberville came out to help us celebrate my birthday, too. No, really, he must have been celebrating something, but it certainly wasn't my birthday. It makes me laugh that everyone treats him like such a celebrity -- he gets up to leave and everyone in the restaurant is starry eyed... and then flashbulbs start going off... we hear some War Eagles... everyone is like, "Wow, that's Tommy Tuberville!" And I'm thinking the whole time, "whose the idiot taking pictures?" I look beside me and the "idiot" is HEATHER!!! We called her paparazzi the rest of the night.

Then Stacy comes in, and again, we all cheer! And again, that makes the rest of the restaurant cheer. And again, no one there but us knows why they are cheering. But yet again, the crowd soon finds out... she's a one woman show that Stacy! Not only were we laughing all night, but we got everyone else around us laughing, too. The big group of college kids that were out celebrating their friend Abigail's 21st birthday were downright boring comparatively. At least we helped make Abigail's night a little more fun with our group rendition of Stacy's "It's Your Birthday" song.

I love you girls! I love you girls! I love you girls! Thanks for making my one night out a month the highlight of my month! I look forward to the next one -- and I'll miss you all this weekend! Have fun!

Oh, I almost forgot to thank you, Leon (whoever you are) for signing my birthday card... I will always love you, too. (Click the 'X' if the slide show stops)

Mama Betty, Papa Scott & Ally's visit

On Friday Jonathan's parents and Ally, our niece, came to visit for the girl's art camp exhibition and for Jonathan's mom's birthday. It was so good to see them all, and we're so happy Ally came, too. We haven't seen her in a few months and the girls really miss her. We all went to the exhibition to view the girls' artwork. They both did well, but my favorite was Madison's fantasy garden sculpture. She used construction paper, glue, paper bags, and cardboard to create an amazing garden of funky flowers and bugs. It was detailed and very creative in its concept -- I was so proud of her. And both girls did a crayon resist abstract that Jonathan & I liked so much that Saturday we went and had it framed. We're now arguing over where it will go -- his office at work or here at the house.

After the exhibition we cooked out and celebrated Mama Betty's birthday. Jacob got to open his own birthday gift from his grandparents, too. It was a huge pop-up pirate tent! He loved it. He and Macy put it on top of the bed and even slept in it Friday night. I think that's why they were up at 6:30 the next morning, too! the girls left Saturday to go back to Decatur to visit their grandparents for a few days. It will give me some much needed time to get some projects done around here -- cleaning out all the closets, drawers and cabinets among many other probably too ambitious things I plan to have done before they get back. It'll feel so good to get this house back in order from the inside out -- I've kind of let it go while I've focused all my "free-time" on learning photoshop. I may not be blogging all that much this week, so I'll catch up with you soon.(Click the 'X' if the slideshow stops)

Need a Laugh???

My friend sent me this video clip in an email... I guarantee it'll make you giggle. (Scroll down and turn the ipod off to stop the music if you want)
Oh, Holly... how'd that whipped cream work out for ya??? I've been laughing all weekend about the collision with your Sunday School teacher at Bruno's! I hope you guys had a great trip, and don't worry about seeing her next Sunday -- I'm sure she's forgotten all about the cart full of wine & beer & the fluffy white stuff!

Bible School

What a week! Art camp in the morning, friends over in the afternoon, and Bible School at night. I'm so tired and so are the girls, but it's been great and they couldn't be having a better time at Bible School. The band gets all the kids pumped up for the first 15 minutes or so -- everybody's jumping up on the chairs and dancing. All the band members are either wearing crazy, mad scientist wigs or they've colored their hair and gelled it to where it stands straight up, and of course all the kids think that's so cool. Then we're off to our activities... crafts, missions, drama, recess, and all the rest.

Last night we played a game where the kids had to surround their leader (me) and lock arms around her to protect her from all the other groups of kids trying to spray us with water bottles. It was so much fun! Then the tables turned and all the adults got the spray bottles and chased the kids to get them back. We were all soaking wet after, but it was definitely a memorable night for the kids. At the end of the night we all go back into the sanctuary, the band kicks in again, the room is dark, the disco ball is going (yes, we have a huge disco ball at our church!!! It's a remnant from the first days of the church when they met at a skating rink before the new building) and the kids go wild!! I feel sorry for all the parents driving their kids home at 8:45 at night and trying to get them settled down for bed after the "rock concert" they've just been to. I feel sorry for them because I'm having to do the same thing and my kids are so wired when we get home!

They're learning lots, but mostly they are having fun which in the end is what we all want -- for our kids to want to go to church. And I love being able to spend that individual time with Macy (being the middle child, she's more in need of that than anyone), even though I do have 7 other boys in my group to watch over. I've always thought boys were easier than girls to raise, but I may have just changed my mind after dealing with one of the boys in my group this week. Can anyone give me some Ritalin, PLEEEEASE!!!!! No, he's sweet, just a wee bit rowdy! Anyway, I'm glad to be a part of it. Here are a few pictures from the week... (Click the 'X' if the slide show stops)

100 Most Common Words

I came across this little quiz... it gives you 5 minutes to type in the 100 most common words in the English language. Sounds real easy, right??? Well, it's a little harder that it seems... Try it by clicking here. My score was 43, wooo-hooo! Not so great! What's yours?

Rolly Coaster...

So Jacob just informed me... that is, right after I walked into the kitchen and saw his "project"... he had taken off the top to the syrup that I carelessly forgot to put back up high in the pantry this morning after breakfast, then proceeded to dump it out in a veeerrry tiny bowl so that most of it wound up all over the counter, the barstool and the floor, and then he put his Incredible Hulk bad guy right inside the bowl. I guess he wanted it to go swimming or something... anyway, after I saw the fun he'd been having, Jacob informed me that he was getting a "rolly coaster" for his birthday. He wants a big one he says, one that will fit in the "whole, big backyard." And he wants to sit in the front, he wants to drive. And he wants me, Daddy, Macy & Madison in the back.

Now, I know, we all probably overindulge our kids these days, and it is the ONLY 3rd birthday he will ever have, but I'm thinking... NOT! He says it will only cost "a hundy dollars" and he wants to build it with his power tools, oh, yeah, and he wants spiders on it, too. He even drew me a picture of it. Here it is...
He even got his work clothes on... and his tool belt loaded up with tools...
Now a kid like that can turn any bad day around... he's one CUTE boy! I couldn't even get mad at him about the syrup!

Not a whole lot going on up there...

So I got this e-mail while I was at the beach. Thought I'd share it with you all... (and by the way, I added a few graphics that I thought were fitting...)


1. HER DIARY...
Tonight I thought he was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment. Conversation wasn't flowing so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed but he kept quiet and absent.

I asked him what was wrong; he said nothing. I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said it had nothing to do with me and not to worry.

On the way home I told him that I loved him, he simply smiled and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say I love you too. When we got home I felt as if I had lost him, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there and watched TV. He seemed distant and absent.

Finally, I decided to go to bed. About 10 minutes later he came to bed and to my surprise he responded to my caress and we made love, but I still felt that he was distracted and his thoughts were somewhere else.

He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.



2. HIS DIARY...
I shot the worst round of golf in my life today, but at least I got laid.











Ain't it the truth??? We over-analyze EVERYTHING!!! And there is so very little going on in their brains... so very little... hunger, sex, work, sex, golf, sex, hunting, sex, football, sex... And somehow we're supposed to be compatible enough to live "happily ever after...!"

Home Again! Home Again!

We're back! Well rested and not so worry free. I don't really understand why this always seems to happen, but it NEVER fails -- If we take a family vacation, the market takes a dive, Jonathan is inundated with phone calls, the bad mood sets in and well, we came home a day early so he could get back to work. At least it was the last full day so it wasn't that big of a deal -- and the rest of the week was fantastic! We had a view of the ocean from the 2nd and 3rd floor balconies, the weather was terrific and the kids had their own "little apartment" on the ground floor. We played and ate, and swam and ate, and jumped in the waves and ate, and then we came in and ate, play some more and then we'd find the nearest ice cream shop or dessert cafe and eat some more!!! That's what it's like when you vacation with me -- you eat, A-L-O-T!!!

Oh, I figured out a new trick for when you're kids have had about all they can take of each other (and I had had about all I could take too!). We were out on the beach and the girls had been fighting all morning -- I was tired of the sulking and the ugliness so I got every pail and shovel and beach toy we had. I put them all out on the beach in a line at different intervals, making an obstacle course. I made a starting line in the sand and told both of them they had no choice -- they had to race. They looked at me like I was crazy until I told them the winner would get $2.00. Oh the power of money! All of a sudden they were into it -- racing to the first pail, shoveling sand in it, taking it down to the water to pack it all in, then heading back to the course to turn it over and make their first form. Then they were off to the next stop where they had to make a fish out of sand, then fill up another pail, and on and on. They loved it! And it only cost me $2 bucks to turn their attitudes around. If I've learned anything as a parent it's to distract them from their moodiness -- even if it takes a bribe! Try it sometime and let me know if it works for you, too. I plan on having regular races in the backyard now everytime things get a little too rowdy indoors! Here's a slide show of our week. (Click the 'X' if the slide show stops)

It's good to be home now though. I always love coming home -- except, of course, for all the unpacking that Momma always gets stuck with. It's a small price to pay for a great week, I guess. Now it's time to catch up and get ready for the big week ahead. Art Camp - AGAIN! - and bible school at night. I'm helping out with bible school and we just found out that I'll be leading Macy's class -- I didn't even request it so we just got lucky but she's really excited.

We stopped by in Troy on the way to Destin to visit Sarah's grave. It always makes us all so sad to visit. It's been over four years and it's still so devastating and hard to believe. Jonathan and I miss her so much. And it's that much sadder when the girls tell me they hardly remember her -- especially when Madison says it -- she was so in awe of Sarah and worshipped the ground she walked on. Now she only remembers things because of the stories we tell her or the pictures I show her of all the fun times we spent together. Here are a few pictures of the visit and there's one of Jacob after we told him he was named after Sarah. He understands the letters "J-A-C-O-B" so we sat him underneath his namesake.

Leaving for Destin...

Pictures from McWane Science Center

Bye Boys!!!

I'm a bad, bad blogger. The whole idea is to update the goings on around here and I've just been too busy to do it. So my crazy week and a half is dwindling down. The boys are with mom now and I'm trying to get caught up on laundry and ironing and house cleaning and errands before the big holiday tomorrow and our beach trip on Saturday.

It was so much fun for the girls and Jacob to have their cousins here. Monday we all loaded up and went to McWane Science Center in Birmingham. If you've never been, you should go. It's fun for everyone, adults to two year olds! The IMAX is always awesome. The boys watched "Dinosaurs" -- my girls were too scared so we opted for "The Grand Canyon." It turned out to be very environmentally informative -- a little scary actually -- about our we are destroying the Colorado River. (One of my favorite memories was the trip Jonathan and I took there before we got pregnant with Madison. White water rafting on the Colorado is something everybody should do at least once. You'll never forget it!) But the best part of the movie was the music -- all by Dave Matthews. And the scenery was breathtaking. By far though, the "hit" of the day was the electronic game mat where all the kids jumped around trying to avoid the lit up "dodge ball" on the floor. They had the best time hopping around, falling down and acting like loonies.

Thanks boys for coming to visit! We're going to miss having you here!