Life

Life is fragile.

Fleeting.

It is like sand running through our fingers. You blink-and it is gone.

I remember having the immortality complex as a teenager. Life stretched before me and it seemed endless and full of possibilities. Then, I married and had children. Life became marked by endless diaper changes and milestones. Birthdays come faster and faster and sometimes it takes my breath away. I want to grab my child who is a year older and keep them close because I know that before I can comprehend what has happened-they will be grown. This is a fact that is every mother's bittersweet reality. It is one that we both celebrate and sigh over.

But I don't often think about how truly fragile we are. How fragile my children are.

I have been confronted with it in the past. I have buried my grandparents whom I loved dearly, I have mourned the loss of two babies that I never got to hold, I have held the hot hands of a child burning with fever, picked up an unconscious child after she fell from a ladder, and I have held my tiny newborns in my arms and marveled at their perfection. It is something that I don't like to think about. I don't like to admit that I am not in control.

This weekend, as I held my sleeping baby on my chest, as I laid my hand on his back to feel the rise and fall of each breathe, I thought about it. A lot. I thought about how powerless I was. I thought about how powerless each nurse that came in and each doctor we spoke to was. I was numb. The realization that God could take my baby or heal my baby was awe inspiring and yet, so shattering that it left me numb. I thought about how helpless we are when we come into the world and how helpless we stay. We think as adolescents that we are invincible. We believe as parents that we will live to see our children parent. We accept as humans that life has an end. But I have never dwelled on the fact that every single breath could be our last. Our bodies depend on the grace of our God to live each day. Every single day is a gift. As we bumble about, living our lives and making mistake after mistake, we not only reveal our fragility but how deep our God's love is for us. That he would extend grace to us. To us-shallow and weak and hopeless without him.

We went home Monday. Will was declared over his illness (flu and pneumonia) and we drug ourselves home, both exhausted and elated that all was well. And then, I got a call asking me to go check on Clay's Mamaw. She is very elderly and needed some help. I went over there immediately and spent some time with her. As I sat there, watching her struggle for each breath, hearing her chest rattle, I was overcome once again. We are so fragile. Life is so precious. We are here but for an instant when it is all said and done. I can only hope that while I am here that I enjoy my family. That I enjoy the life God has given me. And, most importantly, that I make it worth something. God is allowing my fragile, imperfect self here for a reason. He is amazing.

Hospital

I would appreciate everyone's prayers-Will has been in the hospital since Thursday night. He has been very sick. He is getting better but is still not well enough to come home. Thank you!

One of those nights

Last night was one of those nights.

First, I made the mistake of watching a Lifetime movie. "Mom at Sixteen" to be exact. The end was supposed to be uplifting but it led me to sobbing while I rocked my baby to sleep. Clay just sat there with a pained expression, pinching the bridge of his nose like he does when he is really trying hard not to say anything.

"Are you mad at me?!" I sniffled.

His mouth twitched. "No. I am trying not to laugh at you."

He then laughed at me.

I can't watch Lifetime often because I almost always end up in some emotional upheaval.

To top the night off, I watched the House vote. Why I even bothered watching the national train wreck I don't know. Clay and I both went to bed feeling like sobbing. Clay of course didn't-he is too manly. I didn't sob either, I was breastfeeding Will and didn't want him to wake up. He did though. Several times. We were up most of the night breastfeeding. I am thinking if he would just eat some solids he would stay full longer. But, no-he finds my milk delicious and nothing else compares.

I was thinking that and then the song, "Nothing Compares To You," popped in my head. I danced to that once. In high school. It was a modern dance and suddenly I could even remember the choreography. That made me want to get up at 3 a.m. and dance. It then hit me that my body can't do that anymore and that led to a whole new onslaught of depression.

Yeah, it was one of those nights.

Loving On Willy T

Willy T. has become his family nickname. The one that we will have to drop very soon because I DO NOT want him to be known as Willy T. That name sounds so...bubba-ish. It makes me think of mullets and shrimp farming...



Anyway.




My family is so in love with this baby.

His brother and sister bend over backwards to make him laugh. They spend their day loving on him, entertaining him, and talking about him.

We are so blessed.

Will also loves us. But, for the most part, he really loves his feet.

Week In Review #9 Spring Break Week!

Monday- Laura Grace had a sleepover the night before with Emma and Laken. Everyone slept in until 7 and then I made chocolate chip muffins. The girls played in Laura Grace's room after breakfast. My friend, Rebecca, came over around 8:30 and had a cup of coffee with me. Her little boy, Paul Cooper, played with Layton. Rebecca went to the gym around 10 and I watched Paul Cooper for her. Emma and Laken's mothers picked them up around 10:30. We ate lunch and I got the floors vacummed, swept, and mopped while the boys played and Will napped. After Rebecca picked up Paul Cooper I took my 3 kids to the library. After the library we ran to the bank and Walmart. We got home and Laura Grace and Layton played outside while I finished the laundry. I made a sausage pizza when Clay got home and after dinner the kids went to bed early. Clay and I watched tv while I folded laundry.

Tuesday- It was a rainy, yuck day. The kids and I stayed in our pajamas most of the morning. I cleaned house while the kids played in their bedrooms. At noon, we went to Grandmother's house for lunch. She made country fried steak, creamed potatoes, vegetables, and banana pudding. It was delicious! After lunch, Clay went back to work and the kids and I went home for naps. All three children took a nap (which is SO rare) and I enjoyed the quiet by reading a book. Clay came home around 5 so I could get dressed for my girl's night out with my two best friends, Rebecca and Jenny. I ran to the store to pick up a last minute gift for Rebecca's birthday and then went to meet the girls. We ate at Fairpark Grill, in Tupelo, and had a wonderful time. When I got home the kids were in bed and Clay was asleep in his chair. We went to bed after I woke my sweet husband up.

Wednesday- Another rainy, yuck day. I was glad that I had gone out the night before because I needed that extra dose of patience all day. The kids were whiny, out of sorts, and bored. They played, cried, and argued pretty much all day. I cleaned house, broke up squabbles, and held a baby on my hip. It was a LONG day. When Clay got home we ate chicken, vegetables, and rolls. There was no church due to Spring Break so we put the kids to bed early, shared a bottle of wine, and watched a movie. It was a great end to a really trying day!

Thursday- Thursday was a beautiful, sunny day. The kids went outside as soon as they ate breakfast. I had them come in after the house was clean so we could all get showered and run errands. As I was pulling out of my driveway, Aunt Barbara called and invited us to lunch in Tupelo. We went to a children's boutique downtown, ran to the library and bank, and then went to Tupelo for lunch. We spent about two hours eating and talking at Atlanta Bread Company. Laura Grace ate her weight in potato soup, Layton had a turkey sandwich and tomato soup. The manager was so impressed with their manners that he gave them all sorts of free food. They loved it! Laura Grace told him that she was very impressed with the "welcoming bread smell and wonderful hospitality." After lunch, we went to Old Navy and T.J. Maxx. I invited Aunt Barbara over for dinner that night because her birthday was the next day. We went home and I cleaned house, baked a cake, and baked yeast rolls for dinner that night. I also made baked porkchops and threw together a salad. Clay got home and helped the kids tidy their rooms while I set the table-I even used our china and cloth napkins to make it more special. The kids love it when they get to use the "pretty dishes". Barbara came over and was so surprised-she had not been expecting a birthday party. Laura Grace gave her a photo album (that she was given not long ago and a card that she spent nearly two hours making). We had a great time visiting. Barbara left around 9 and we got the kids in bed.

Friday- It was another beautiful, sunny day. The children got up, bolted down breakfast, and went outside in their pajamas. I did laundry all morning-I am in the process of consigning clothes, putting away winter clothes, and getting out warm weather clothes. The kids ate a picnic lunch in their fort and then came in for a bath and a rest time in their rooms. That only lasted forty five minutes. They came out begging to go back outside so I let them. They played outside all afternoon. Clay came home around five and helped me put clothes in the attic. His parents came over around 7-they spent the week in D.C. came over with gifts for the kids. They stayed until almost 10. When they left we all went to bed.

Saturday- We all slept in until nearly 8. That is unheard of in my family, HA! The children are usually up well before 7. We ate breakfast and cleaned house. When the house was clean, we all got dressed and went to Tupelo. We made another T.J. Maxx run and then went to Kroger. Let me tell you, grocery shopping with 3 is an event. After shopping we went to Sonic for drinks and then came home. We put away the groceries while Layton napped, Laura Grace played, and Will jumped up and down in his Excersaucer. Clay's parents came over for hamburgers later on that evening. We ate, visited with his parents, and played with the kids. It was a fun, relaxing evening.

Sunday- This morning Laura Grace woke up with a headache and not feeling well. I stayed home with her and Will while Clay and Layton went to church. After church we are eating meatloaf and veggies at my inlaws. We are going to spend the afternoon at their house, go to church tonight, and then get ready for school next week. BOO!!

Some Friday Happies

First of all, it is Friday. That makes me nearly giddy.

Second, IT IS BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE!!!!! It is currently in the 60's, the sky is blue, the breeze is light, and my children are OUTSIDE!

Third, did I mention my children are outside?

Fourth, I was praying this morning and Layton came and crawled into my lap. He snuggled close and said he wanted to pray with me. Laura Grace walked by, saw us praying, and joined in as well. It was precious. Laura Grace thanked God for her family, Layton thanked God for "this wonderful day, God, Jesus, and hugs and kisses." I have to admit, this mommy teared up!

Fifth, Will is napping peacefully.

Sixth, my house is clean.

Seventh, the laundry is almost finished.

Eight, I have some new library books :)

HAVE A FABULOUS FRIDAY!!

Honest Scrap Award

Demetria gave me this award! She is such a sweet woman-I love her sense of humor and crazy stories about her boys. I first met Demetria when I taught her oldest in Mother's Morning Out. I loved her instantly because she was one of the few parents who actually stopped to talk and smile! She is always warm and just one of those people who are so easy to love. If you have never read her blog-go and do it now!

Rules for the award:

1. Must thank the person who gave you the award and list their blog and link it.

2. Share "10 Honest things" about yourself.

3. Present this award to others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

4. Tell those people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award

TEN HONEST THINGS ABOUT ME

1. I am having some difficulties with online shopping. I need new clothes for summer but...um...keep ordering them online, finding something I like better, returning what I ordered and buying what I liked better only to then find something even better... it is a vicious cycle and I need help.

2. I hate that my hair looks better short. I have always wanted long, beautiful hair but genetics are apparently against me. On the other hand, my sisters all have long, thick, GORGEOUS hair. It isn't fair.

3. I love to travel. What is funny is that I love driving places-I hate flying, trains, buses, ect... I am not scared of flying at all, I just hate the closeness to strangers and the overall experience. I really enjoy driving across the country and seeing new towns.

4. I am no longer an animal person. Except for horses. Y'all know all about my unrequited love for horses. I want fifty million and a barn. But all other animals-such as fish, birds, rodents, dogs, and cats? Over them. Completely. As in we will never have another pet if I can help it.

5. I don't like to eat fish. It grosses me out. It is a texture thing. I also hate squash, okra, coleslaw, any kind of salad with mayo in it (yes, including potato salad), fried green tomatoes, sweet tea, sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, gelatin salads and ham. But yet, I am still very southern.

6. I am upset at Focus On The Family right now. I am not impressed with Jim Daly and think that he is dangerously lukewarm on many issues. Disappointing.

7. I am struggling when it comes to running/exercising. I haven't been once this week because I got discouraged last week. Before I got pregnant I could run several miles. Now I can barely run one and want to pass out afterwards. I know it is going to take time to build up my endurance but I am impatient.

8. I am participating in the Grocery Game and have become more than a little obsessed. I think I am about to stop paying for it and do it on my own...but that worries me because I don't want to spend a ton of time on it. I also worry that I am now spending a ton of money on things that I ordinarily wouldn't buy. I also worry that we are not eating as healthy as we should. See where this leads me? I get obsessive.

9. I got burned in the tanning bed yesterday. It isn't pretty. I do realize that I should stop going to the tanning bed because the wedding is over but I love laying in that warm, coffin like thing for 20 minutes. It is silent, warm, and I always take a cat nap. Sleep is precious right now-Will is nursing every two hours around the clock and I am exhausted.

10. My house is a wreck. And I don't care. This week is Spring Break and it has been cold and nasty outside so the kids have stayed indoors-and slowly dismantled the entire house. But, like I said, I don't care. I can't find the energy to do anything about it!

I know these ten things are entirely pointless and all rather shallow!

Okay, I am awarding...

1) T.J.

2) Brittany Ann

3)Sarah

Anna Mae

The Library

Monday, the first day of our Spring Break, the sun was peeking out from the clouds. This rare glimpse of light was enough to motivate me to take my children to the library. All three of them. The morning after a sleepover.

Not my most brilliant decision.

I dressed all three kids (it should be an Olympic event) and loaded them in the car (again, bobsledding has nothing on hefting a chunky infant into the middle seat while ensuring that your four year old does not crawl under the vehicle). And so, we were off.

First, I had to face the music. I was undoubtedly on the America's Most Wanted list due to my rather large library fine. We are talking three digits here. I gave myself a pep talk all the way to the library. I told myself all sorts of things...

"They will be happy to get money because more money means more books."

"They will understand, they have all had children."

"What is the worse they can do? Glare? Revoke your library priviliges and ban you from the premises making your children cry?"

What made it worse is that the librarian is Clay's, grandmother's, Sunday School teacher. That is just a little too intimate to me when I am finally coming to pay the fine they keep mailing me letters about.

But I did it. I also brought a bag full of like new hardcover books to donate and hopefully soften them up. I was also hoping that they would barely notice me. That I would be this random woman coming to pay her fine and they would not connect who I am related to in this town where everyone is related in some way...

No such luck. Because, you see, Layton had to go potty. Actually, he had to go poop. As soon as we walk in the doors he runs across the library, yelling, "I HAVE TO GO POOP!".

Mortifying.

I put Laura Grace in the children's area and ignored the fascinated stares, glares, and looks of pity as I did the motherly walk of shame across the library. I walk into the bathroom to discover that Layton has already found himself a stall and is...um...hard at work.

I ask him if he needs help and he says, "Nope! It is coming out just fine! Whew, it stinks, huh! I have lots of poop lined up in here!" I would continue with the conversation but it is rather graphic and nauseating. Just ask the pregnant woman who came out of the other stall holding her stomach in apparent disgust and horror.

We finally leave the bathroom after battling over wiping, flushing, and hygiene. I had to insist that he wash his hands all the while he was telling me they were "not stinky". People, boys are gross. They just are.

We make our way back to the children's area where Laura Grace has fifty books stacked up at the librarian's desk. The librarian looks at me and asks me if I was aware I had a fine. I turned red, stuttered an apology like a child, and paid it. The librarian cheerfully assured me that everyone she knows has large fines and that the library loves the money! She thanked me for my generous book donation, tells me the latest grandmother gossip, and cheerfully checks out all fifty books Laura Grace has chosen. I was watching her put the books in the bag in a numb state of three digit fine shock. I was rather appreciative that she was so nice about it, but it was still humiliating!

Finally, an hour later, we left. We had knocked over several displays, Will soaked a book with drool, Layton and Laura Grace has more books than I will ever be able to keep up with, and I needed a nap.

Girl's Night Out

Last night was my one of my best friends, Rebecca's, birthday. My other close friend, Jenny, and I took her out to dinner at the Fairpark Grill. It is ridiculous how much fun we had. You would have thought we were in high school. We laughed so loud at one point that the whole restaurant probably thought we were drinking. I am so blessed to have these women in my life!







Me and Rebecca...we had to fight for composure long enough to get a decent picture.
THIS is what all the rest of them looked like. We giggled like little girls the entire dinner.

Jenny, Rebecca, and myself...in the bathroom. Of all places.

Me and Rebecca before we left her house. Her husband took the picture, all the while thinking we were ridiculous. Because, you know, men don't take pictures of each other.

Me and Jenny. This is the fiftieth attempt. The people around our table stared at us the entire time and made it very obvious they thought we had lost our minds!

Week In Review #8

Monday- My house was a wreck from the wedding weekend so I spent the morning cleaning house and doing laundry. That afternoon I picked up Laura Grace from school and drove her to dance. The boys and I ran errands until it was time to go pick up Laura Grace. We all went back home, the kids ate cereal for dinner, and then I gave them a bath. Clay got home around 7 and I had to go grocery shopping in Tupelo so I left when he got home. I shopped until 9 and on my way home got a call from my inlaws asking me to come over and get some of the leftovers from the reception. They gave me two huge Ziploc bags full of chicken, tons of chocolate covered strawberries, and crawfish dip with toast rounds. I got home around 10 and Clay and I snacked on the reception food for dinner.

Tuesday- Will had been really fussy the day before and did not sleep well Monday night. He woke up Tuesday running fever and coughing. Clay's Aunt Barbara was in town and volunteered to keep Layton for the day. I dropped off Layton and took Will to the pediatrician. They told me he had a double ear infection. We went to the pharmacy and then ran several errands. I felt bad that I was out in the cold weather with a sick baby, but didn't have a choice. I went home and did laundry while Will finally napped. After Will's nap we picked up Laura Grace from school and went to pick up Layton. We ended up staying the rest of the afternoon and visiting with Barbara and Clay's Mamaw. Clay met us around dinner time and we all went home. The kids ate chicken from the reception for dinner, and after they were in bed, Clay and I ate soup. We watched television until bed.

Wednesday- Laura Grace went to school, Layton helped me clean the house, and then we went back over to Clay's Mamaw's house. We played all morning, ate lunch, and then Barbara rocked Will while I napped with Layton. It was a wonderfully lazy day! I left the boys with Barbara and picked up Laura Grace from school. We went back to Mamaw's house and Barbara asked if Laura Grace could stay until church that night. I agreed and left with the boys. Layton watched movies all afternoon while I caught up on housework. Clay brought home Laura Grace around dinner time. We ate Beef Stroganoff, yeast rolls, and green beans for dinner and then Clay and the kids went to church. I cleaned the kitchen, got lunches ready for the next day, and fell asleep on the couch. I woke up when the kids came running in. We got them in bed and I read a book until midnight.

Thursday- Laura Grace went to school, the boys and I went to Mother's Morning Out. I worked until 2 and then went home. Laura Grace went to the afterschool program at church so I did not have to worry about picking her up. I cleaned house while Layton and Will entertained each other on the floor. Laura Grace and Clay got home around dinner time. The kids ate leftovers and went to bed early because they were all tired and whiny. Clay and I ate a pizza and watched Housewives of NYC.

Friday- Laura Grace woke up not feeling well so I let her stay home from school. We had a lazy morning and then went to Clay's, Grandmother's house for lunch. She cooked fried chicken, greens, turnips, yeast rolls, deviled eggs, ham, cheese potatoes, peas, green beans, and peach cobbler. It was amazing. We stuffed ourselves and had a great time visiting with her. We went home around 2 and the kids took naps while I cleaned house. Clay came home earlier than usual that afternoon. I went to visit a friend who just had a baby, went to the movie store and got a movie for me and Clay to watch, ran to Walgreens, and came back home. The kids played with Clay while I cleaned up after dinner. After the kids went to bed, Clay and I watched "Couples Retreat".

Saturday- We got up early, ate breakfast, got dressed, and then loaded in the car for a trip to Jackson. We live 3 hours from Jackson so it is doable to make a day trip out of it. We got there around lunchtime, ate with my mom and sister and then visited while the kids ran around and played. Around dinner time we left and made a quick Khols run. Laura Grace needed some white leggings and Khols was having a sale. After Khols we ate at Backyard Burger, watched the kid's play in the play area (well..Laura Grace played. Layton hates the animal noises) and then left for the drive back home. The kids slept the entire way back so it was an easy trip. We got home a little before 11 that night.

Sunday- I had to teach Sunday School that morning so I got up earlier than usual. We all ate breakfast, got dressed for church, and then left. The time change nearly killed me. I had a huge headache and was exhausted because Will did not sleep well the night before. After Sunday School I brought the kids home and Clay stayed for church because he is the sound and light person. I made BBQ chicken and veggies for lunch. After lunch everyone took naps. I had a preschool committee meeting at 4, so I went to that while Clay watched the kids. I got home just in time for Clay to make it to the church service. Laura Grace had her first sleepover that night. Two of her bestfriends, Emma and Laken, came over around 7 and spent the night. I baked sugar cookies and they had a tea party in Laura Grace's room. The girls went to bed around 11 and surprisingly stayed in there!

Books You Must Read

I post this every few months and here I am again! What is everyone reading and what would you recommend?

I just finished reading a series by Liz Curtis Higgs that is retelling of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel's story. It was FASCINATING. The characters were not the familiar biblical ones but the story follows the same basic plot-there are a few twists to make it more applicable to the time period. As someone who personally dislikes the whole Leah/Rachel controversy and to be honest have always thought that Jacob behaved like a giant weenie, it surprised me that I really enjoyed these books. It made me take a step back and look at Jacob in a different light. Before I get any criticisms on the fact that I have issues with Jacob, just don't go there :)

Anyway, I love how flawed the characters are. That sounds odd but they are so incredibly flawed and so in need of God's grace and it is poured out on them time and time again. The books made me cry and THAT is always a sign of a good book! So...read them. And tell me what you think!

The First Book:

Second:

Third:

Fourth:

Don't miss this one!! It has not been released yet, but is the retelling of the book of Ruth...

Another Will Video

This is the one I intended to post!

Will's Video Debut

7 Things About Me

Ashley tagged her readers to do this and I think they are fun, so here goes! My readers pretty much know everything about me, but there are some newbies that may be surprised by my list.

1) I can't sleep in shorts or tank tops. I actually stole this from Ashley, but it is true about me. Oh, and lingerie. It seriously gives me the heebie jeebies to feel the sheets on my bare legs. I am weird like that. I love huge soft t shirts and too big pajama pants. Basically, I dress like a slob to sleep! However, I CAN NOT wear socks to sleep. That also icks me out.

2) I prefer my meat very well done. Like...extremely done. I cook Clay's meat and then stick mine in the oven or microwave longer. I actually prefer it on the dry side. Moist/juicy chicken, turkey, or pork makes me physically ill. I am weird.

3) I want another child. Not anytime soon, but I have decided that I do not feel a peace about our family being complete. Clay just rolls his eyes when I say this. However, Clay and I come from different perspectives. I love big families and he does not. It was a stretch for him to have three children! It is something that we are praying about and I am content to rest in the fact that we have a sweet baby to love on and have plenty of time to add more. When Will turns 2, I may be singing a very different tune!

4) I love, love, love to read. I read everything-including children's books and juvenile fiction. I struggle with finding "clean" books that are also interesting/entertaining. So many promising authors ruin their books with explicit sex or language. I can't read those so it can be difficult to find good reading material.

5) I have this thing with flip flops. I own way to many pairs. And then, last summer, I discovered that you can buy matching Mother/Daughter flip flops. Laura Grace was equally thrilled and the sickness took on a whole new dimension. Clay has limited me to three new pairs this summer. Only. Three.

6) I tend to be sarcastic. Not cruelly sarcastic-I don't make fun of others or use sarcasm against anyone. I am self-deprecatingly sarcastic. People don't get this and sometimes email me strange questions or leave me comments thinking that I am depressed, angry, or arrogant. I then have to read back over what I wrote and realize that they didn't get I was joking!

7) I worry a lot about what others think. This is something that I am struggling with when it comes to homeschooling. I am trying to grow a thicker skin but I have ALWAYS been sensitive. I tend to play conversations back in my head and obsess over them because what if I said something stupid?! Clay says that I over analyze everything to begin with.

So...that is me! I am doing my feature later this week-the blog I am featuring belongs to a very busy woman so we are pushing it back until she is ready :) I am now realizing that my weekly review post has not been completed as well...

Why I Am Homeschooling

I wrote about it here.

Friday Love

You can tell who actually enjoys pictures in this family. HA!

But, one thing is for sure, my children do enjoy each other.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

A Day In The Life Of Mommy Brain

I got this idea from Kelly's Korner. It was one of her Show Us Your Life posts. I meant to do it then, but got busy and didn't have time.

As I am trying to write this morning I have been interrupted three times in the last five minutes by wails. Layton hurt his head, Layton's throat hurts, and Laura Grace's clothes feel funny.

Anyway.

A typical day for me changes because the kids have different activities, I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then church. What does NOT change is that Will nurses every two hours including during thi night, I change about 15 diapers a day, and I always have a child following me around. Talking. I love every minute of it but there are times I go to bed "talked out" and just want silence!

This is what Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays look like:

6 a.m.- Will wakes up and nurses. Most of the time he goes back to sleep and I SHOULD get up so I can go running or do Pilates. Sadly, this only happens about twice a week. I usually just move to the couch and drink coffee while I stare blearily at Fox News. Laura Grace and Layton have strange internal timers that dictate they must get up around this time. It is a family rule that they can't leave their bedrooms until I come and get them. They are allowed to come and give me a kiss, but then they go back to bed and read books while I finish my coffee.

6:30 a.m.- I release the children who by this point are moaning that they are starving. I fix their breakfast, lay out their clothes for the day, take a shower, and get myself dressed. Will wakes up about this time and plays in his bouncy seat.

7:00 a.m.- I get Clay's lunch and Laura Grace's lunch together, check Laura Grace's back pack and folder to make sure her homework is in the right place, and then fix Laura Grace's hair. I help gather coats and other misc. items and then see them out the door for school and work.

7:30 a.m.- Laura Grace and Clay leave. Most of the time he is able to take her to school. I clean up the kitchen and start laundry while Will plays in his saucer and Layton watches cartoons. This is also the time that I try to check blogs and/or begin one. It often takes me several hours to actually finish it because of interruptions.

8:00 a.m.- Will nurses and takes his morning nap.

8:30 a.m.- I turn off the television and Layton drags out his toys to play. I move from room to room as I straighten, make beds, ect... Layton usually follows me around, playing with his toys. He likes to be in the same room that I am in. I usually read several books to Layton around this time.

9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.- Will wakes up and eats a jar of baby food. On Mondays, I have a Bible Study that I attend. Wednesdays, I run errands while Layton plays with his great grandmother. Fridays, both boys and I usually run errands or get together with a friend for a playdate. Fridays are my only flexible day-some days we stay in pajamas until noon but most of the time we have something that needs to be done outside the house.

11:30 a.m.- Lunch time. Layton and I eat lunch while Will nurses. Layton watches Sesame Street while I clean up from lunch and get Will down for another nap. I check blogs again and usually am able to finish whatever I am writing.

12:30 p.m.-Layton has his "quiet time". He no longer takes a nap, but he must play in his room quietly. This is my time to drink a cup of hot tea, fold laundry while I watch HGTV, play games on Facebook, have a quiet time, ect...

1:00 p.m.- Will, like clockwork, wakes up. He nurses and plays on the floor while I work on laundry. He is usually very happy after his nap and is content to chew on his toys and babble to himself.

2:00 p.m.- Layton's quiet time is over. He comes out of his room, eats a snack (usually a bowl of "cereals") and plays with Will on the floor.

2:30 p.m.- We pick up Laura Grace from school. Will is usually fussy at this point because he is wanting to nurse and take another nap. This makes carpool not fun at all.

3:00 p.m.- On Monday afternoons, Laura Grace has two hours of ballet. I drive her to ballet after carpool and she eats her snack in the car. On Wednesdays and Fridays she comes home. When we get home, I fix Laura Grace a snack, nurse Will, put Will down for another nap, put Layton in the back yard or get him working on an art project, and then help Laura Grace with her homework. She is not allowed to play or watch cartoons unless her homework is completed. This works well for us because she gets it done quickly and has the rest of the day free. Surprisingly, she has about four worksheets every afternoon as well as something to read. I thought this was a bit much for a six year old, but she does it without complaining.

4:00 p.m.- By this time of day, Laura Grace is usually finished with homework. While Will is still napping I start dinner. Laura Grace and Layton play together outside or in Layton's room. I finish laundry, clean up the house, and answer the phone. For some reason this is the time of day that the phone rings non stop!

5:00 p.m.- Will wakes up and nurses. If it is a Monday, we pick up Laura Grace from dance. On a Wednesday we eat dinner at this time because of church. Fridays, the kids continue playing because we do not have to eat an early dinner.

6:00 pm.- On Mondays and Fridays we eat dinner, Wednesdays we go to church. After dinner I clean the kitchen, make lunches for the next day, get clothes ready for the next day, and the children all get a bath. We usually read books, watch Wheel of Fortune (Layton and Laura Grace LOVE this show), and have some family time.

6:30 p.m.- Will goes to bed. He nurses and I change him into his pajamas. He seems to have learned that this means bedtime and gets excited. I lay him in the crib, pray, and then he goes to sleep. Laura Grace and Layton play quietly in their rooms.

7:00 p.m.- Bedtime for Laura Grace and Layton. Both are exhausted by this time and brush their teeth without much complaining. We pray, snuggle for a minute, and then they get tucked in.

7-11 p.m.- On Mondays and Tuesdays, I run errands. Tuesdays is my big grocery shopping night in Tupelo. I usually get home around 9 and then stay up several hours so I can spend some time with Clay. Wednesday nights we just veg on the couch. Thursday nights I have meetings. Friday nights are "date night"-we rent a movie and eat dinner or dessert together.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are totally different.

We have the same morning routine, but at 7:30 I take Laura Grace to school and then go to work. I work from 8 until 2 in the baby room at Mother's Morning Out. Layton goes to preschool at the same church. Will gets to be with me in the baby room. After work I go home with the boys. Clay does not commute to Memphis on Tuesdays and picks up Laura Grace from me on Tuesday afternoon. On Thursdays, Laura Grace goes to our church for after school play. It is a ministry that our church has for elementary students. They rollerskate, play basketball, air hockey, ect... Everyone gets home around 5 and the day continues on from there!

Won't You Read To Me Wednesday

The book I am choosing today is...

I know, I know, not very original.

And can I make a confession?

Dr. Suess freaks me out. Seriously. I used to have nightmares about the books. Green Eggs and Ham made me nauseous. However, after taking Children's Lit at Mississippi College I developed a newfound appreciation for the man-weirdness and all. Then, when Laura Grace was born, I decided that all good mothers read Dr. Suess to their babies. Why I was that deranged I don't know. Anyway, I read and read and read. Laura Grace loved it! She loved the silly words and funny looking illustrations. When Layton came along he had a similar reaction. Today both of them can literally quote this book. Word for word. Clay says they are brainwashed.

So. I lost my whole point in the previous rambling paragraph. Basically, while Dr. Suess is weird, he has a place in my children's hearts and as a result one in mine.

Layton's Birthday Party #2

Last week, Layton had two birthday parties. I think I mentioned this. The first party was with friends and the second party was with family at my inlaws house. These are the pictures

Dinner was all of Layton's favorite foods-fried chicken, green peas, green beans, creamed potatoes, deviled eggs, rolls, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese.

The birthday boy/girl gets to sit at the head of the table. Usually, Laura Grace has this chair at family meals. I was very impressed when she graciously offered it to him. I realize I look like I am choking my oldest. I was merely restraining her from blowing out Layton's candle.


Layton was VERY excited that he was able to blow out the candle unhindered.



He was also thrilled that he got to lick the chocolate frosting off his candles.



We bought him a new Tag book for his Tag reading system.






His Mimi and Grandaddy bought him a glove for tee ball this Spring. He was very excited!

Spring Fashion

Last week I made an announcement.

Actually, the story is pretty funny. I told Clay that I had an important announcement and he almost passed out. You see, he thought I would be announcing another pregnancy. I quickly assured him that I was NOT pregnant but undergoing a major fashion transformation.

He was not impressed.

After Layton was born, I became this t-shirt wearing, seventy million pairs of flip flop owning, soccer mom. My wardrobe screamed, "Hi, I am tired and lactating." Not attractive.

Last summer, I was very pregnant and refusing to feel beat down by it. My solution was to buy several maternity dresses and wear them all summer. I felt great! Shamu like...but pretty! I realized then that my desire for clothes that are low maintenence and comfortable could still be met without looking frumpy.

This is where my announcement comes in.

I told Clay that I was going to be spending money on skirts and dresses for myself. This is what Clay envisioned due to me homeschooling this summer...

I quickly assured him that this was the only denim I would be wearing.

First, I was inspired by some great shoes.

Those are only two of the adorableness available at Target right now.

And then, Old Navy shocked me.

This skirt looks long but is actually a cute, flouncy skirt that stops at the knee. It is very flattering and available in several colors. Adorable.


This is probably my favorite out of all my new tops. I bought it in this pretty pastel pink and in a soft metal gray color.

I also really liked this tank. The detail at the top makes a casual, comfortable, and usually bland tank top very cute.

I love the rosettes on this tank.

I originally ordered this online as a swim coverup and was pleasantly surprised that it works well as a dress. I bought it in a pretty coral color.

The nautical look is in this Spring and I hated it until I tried on this dress. I love the navy and white combination.

I found this at Target...

Do you recognize the shoes? The dress is much cuter than the picture shows!



While I found some clothes that I love this season, I also found many that are simply too ugly for words.

Like these shorts. Rolled denim cutoffs died for a reason. Ugh.

This swim coverup is so hideous that it makes my toes curl. Seriously, fashion designers? Seriously?

THIS made me laugh. I, who can't even sew on a button, could make a more attractive dress using plastic wrap and toothpicks.

I mentioned this on facebook last week. Ladies, this is a denim potato sack. Why would anyone do this to themselves?!

Again...I laughed. And laughed. And then groaned a little. Clay says it is missing New Kids On The Block patches.

This lovely swim bottom makes me think of Austin Powers. And then I shudder.

A New Blog!!

I am proud to debut my new blog.

It will not replace this one, but I felt like I needed another place to discuss most of homeschooling. I don't want it to take over this blog because I have important topics like Spring Fashion to discuss. That is coming soon by the way.

So.... I am proud to announce...

Mommy Brain Teaches.

I know, I know, the title is a shocker. I am so creative.

Wedding