I just decided to show the "after" pictures...the "before" ones were just too ugly. Which is WHY we had it painted! Anyway, my LR is a light yellowish color. Lighter than I thought I wanted, but I love how the room brightens up. It puts me in a great mood, just being in there! Rob and Casey did an incredible job. They were fast and much neater than I thought painters would be! Anyway...I'm proud of my new colors!

Another LR shot. Michael's working. It's almost 11 on Friday night. It's been such a crazy week, he has to catch up. Don't you love my lime green retro chair? Don't answer that if you don't!

The kitchen, eating area (I can't call it a dining room), stairwell and hall are all this color green. I ADORE this color. I'll put more pics up when we get stuff on the wall and a new light fixture. Right now, our broken light fixture looks like we're in a back alley diner. Sorry for the counter clutter. We're working through it piece by piece.

This is the first day with Perry at our house. I love their expressions. Aidan looks like he's happy no matter what...the girls, however, are a bit wary. Things are going great. She's a precious child. Everybody is getting along wonderfully. Aidan is learning to back off and not be in charge. Molly is learning to speak for herself, something she's always allowed Aidan to do for her. It's been great to see them develop just this week. Perry has fit right in. She loves helping with Paisley. I laugh at her questions...between her and Aidan, my actions are well documented. I just thought about this, but she's having to learn how a different family works. We don't know their inside jokes, she doesn't know ours. We are finding out her favorite things, and she's learning what we like. It's amazing how much room is actually in your home when you make your personal space bigger. I wondered if I would feel like my space was being "invaded". But it's been quite the opposite, actually. I feel my heart getting bigger by the day. I'm learning that being open and letting people come in your life and home and be a part of that is actually so rewarding. This is something I've seen my dad do, and admired him for it. Hospitality is one of my spiritual gifts, but I have never really used it. So it's great to see God making my world bigger and stretching me by adding a person to my daily routine. I'm not saying I'm open to a fourth kid of my own, but Perry is a great temporary one!

My first P.Chef party is next week. I'm nervous, but I got out some of my new stuff tonight and used it. Okay, I was doubtful, but the Ultimate Mandoline is amazing. It really did save me time. It takes me about 5 minutes to slice an onion, and it took less than one minute to use the mandoline. And the cleanup was fast too. And the Microplane Grater may just be my favorite. I may put parmesan cheese on everything now. So the party should go well, now that I'm learning how to use the stuff!

So, new house colors, a new house guest, and a party next week. Plus Aidan's birthday is 2 weeks from today. Yikes! Better make those invitations. I can't believe my little fella is almost 5. He and I had a big day yesterday. I found out that that there is an explanation for all the "weird" things about me. I have a syndrome called Nail-Patella syndrome. I hesitate to put that on here. It doesn't bother me, I've lived with the unexplained weirdness all my life. But I don't want Aidan to have any problems. He has no idea that God made his arms and legs a little different from everyone else. They are healthy and strong, just formed differently. Anyway, after 31 years of not knowing why my thumbnails, elbows and knees were not "just right", now I know. And that gives me so much peace. And I'm so in awe of God's timing. I would probably not have had children if I had known what was the matter and the risk involved. And now I can look at my sweet faces that I get to know and love every day and be so thankful that God protected them. My case and Aidan's (and possibly Molly's) is very mild to moderate. We are so blessed. I'm learning every day what "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" means. Nobody was created perfect. Comparing myself to others is silly. I'm who I am for a reason. God has taught me so much in my life about being different and that being okay. Being tall, having a low voice, being outspoken about my beliefs...those were things that separated me from the crowd. And while I cried bitter tears over it in high school, I could not be more grateful for those differences now, because of what it will mean when I teach my children acceptance and unconditional love. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant at all. That's not what I mean. I just am so thankful that God has brought me this far and I hope he uses the way he created me for His glory.

it's so easy bein' green...

yes, Kim, the painters are awesome. they are doing a great job...my house is gonna actually look cute in the near future! but i think the painters are awesome b/c they didn't make fun of me when i was required to wear an indian headdress to play with the kids. and they acted quite calm in the midst of chaos. as far as i'm concerned...they're the best! pictures coming soon.

Workin' for a livin...

Well...actually...not for a living. Just to help our living be a little more comfortable! As of today, Princess Perry will be staying with us every afternoon. So far, it's been great. They are all asleep in sleeping bags on the LR floor. pictures will be posted soon, I'm sure. I also will be receiving my kit this week that will make me a Pampered Chef consultant. So call me, and let's have a party!!

Tomorrow, we've got some painters coming to paint almost all our house. i'm so excited. i will try to do some before and after pics. aidan and i have doc visits tomorrow and friday i have a doc visit. lots going on at our house.

i've had lots of ideas to blog about...but i just don't have my heart in it, so i'll come back later.

Love is in the air....

How many song titles could we quote on the subject of love? hundreds, i'm sure.

So I'm dedicating this post to my best friend, confidante, helpmate, and everything else in the world to me.

I heard this this morning...I think it fits:

I'm proud of the house we built.
It's stronger than sticks, stones and steel.
Not a big place sittin' up high on a hill.
A lot of things will come and go, but love never will.
Oh I'm proud, I'm proud of the house we built.

God has given us so much in the past 8.5 years. Most importantly, Aidan, Molly and Paisley. Could we have ever planned for anything so wonderful? As much as we talk about how chaotic our life is, can you imagine a minute without those faces? Thanks for supporting me staying home. Thanks for lowering your expectations on cleanliness and getting a hot meal every night. Thanks for building train tracks, having tea parties, pushing swings, blowing bubbles, giving bottles, changing diapers, being the "horsey", going to soccer and dance, and all the other things you do that make you the greatest dad ever. Thanks for reminding me to pray when I have concerns about the kids. Thanks for the time you carve out for me. Thanks for working so hard to provide for us. You are amazing.

When I was 15, I thought you were the nicest, coolest guy ever. Way out of my league. I'm still amazed that the same guy who threw snowballs in my front yard in 1993 is my husband. I've loved you in a million different ways since then. I went off to college, but you never left my thoughts. The first time we went on a date, I was a nervous wreck. Was it a date? Were we just friends? Is he going to pay? Then after several of those "friend" dates...there was Starkville. I love looking at the stars with you, even now. I know I had to scheme to get you to kiss me, but wasn't it worth it?

Then our Valentines day a year later...after a break up, you had a summer in Europe, me in NC. Then by New Year's, we just had to accept the obvious. God meant us for each other, there was no way around it. Valentine's day at Portabella's. The way you stared at me through the meal and we talked for hours and hours. I knew that we'd be together for good. There was nobody else for me.

God changed you after that. You found the greatest love. Our love for each other paled in comparison to His love for you and I. This was one of the greatest, most important times of my life. Watching you grow, make decisions, deal with family, and become a man of God.

Then after The Greatest Day, followed by the Worst Honeymoon (ha!), our life together began. How awesome were those years in New Orleans. Dirt poor, living' on love. But we had a great time and it made us who we are now. I wouldn't trade it for anything. We realized that family is the most important, and we have to trust God to provide for us. Those lessons have made the difference in how we live now that we have kids.

You are special to me. One in a million. This all sounds so cheesy, because there aren't words great enough to tell the world on my blog how wonderful life is with you.

I love you, Michael. And I will until I'm outta here.

People do this for a living...

Live-blogging, that is. people write about what they watch on tv, and make a good bit of money doing it. I personally think this is a perfect job for me. I have opinions, and I could write them down and make money. Who do I call to get this job?

Since I don't get to do this for a check...I'll write about last night's Grammy awards for free. It's not really live-blogging, considering the grammys were last night. But it's blogging nonetheless, and otherwise I'll end up writing about something that could be misinterpreted and then I'll have to apologize, and then it will be a big old convoluted mess.

I didn't watch the red carpet. I just can't go there anymore. So very shallow, talking about people's clothes.
The opening act, Alicia Keys, with Frank Sinatra...I thought this was amazing. I don't like R&B music, but I have to say that girl is so gifted. And I love Sinatra. I thought the cutout in the front of her dress was very unflattering (shallow, I know), but the song really set the tone for the 50th anniversary of the awards.
Now, I'm only going to write about what I can remember. It was too late last night to write right after the show, so this won't be about the whole thing.
I found myself watching the show with my kids (the first half) and being very thankful that the FCC has put all those restrictions on it. I didn't worry about anything being vulgar or inappropriate.
I really think Prince looks the exact same as he did when i was 8, and he sang "When Doves Cry".
Carrie Underwood looks like a Barbie. She's so pretty, but also very standard. But I loved the "Stomp"-like percussion in the background. That song is so very overplayed, but still catchy.
Faith Hill looked beautiful. She may be the prettiest person alive.
Tina Turner and Beyonce. This was a funny conversation I had with the kids: me:"You see that lady up there in the silver? She's been singing since before I was born. She's older than Nonna (my mom)" Aidan (yelling): "Hey dad! That lady is older than NONNA!!!!" But Tina can still move and Beyonce may be in the running with Faith for prettiest person alive. That was a great act. Slightly manic, but fun to watch.
Brad Paisley. Brad Paisley. Brad Paisley. I love him. I love that song. I kept wondering if he was up there thinking "I'm so lucky to be me. I'm singing about bugs to all these honchos, and they don't even get the joke!" He can do no wrong in my opinion. At least he better not!

The Beatles tribute. Okay...here's what I thought. Why??? So many good songs, why couldn't they have just had great bands of today cover them? I know that's not as artistic and creative, but I didn't get what happened up there. I think hearing more of the music would have been more of a tribute. But they didn't ask me.

I don't like the Foo Fighters. But Jason Bateman is so cute. He was cute on Silver Spoons with Ricky Shroeder.

Aretha Franklin is legendary.
Fergie is not. But at least she wasn't wearing plaid shorts and a crop top.

Amy Winehouse. She has bugged me for weeks. I don't get it. I wish someone would tell me why she's considered good. I watch her, I listen to her, and I just don't get it. Personal problems aside, her voice is awful and you can't understand what she's saying. Why is this considered talent?

I missed Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. I was truly sad about this. I'll have to watch it on youtube.

I think this is it for me. I wrote about the parts I had opinions on. Everything else I either didn't see, or didn't care about.

on a note about my weekend...everyone is healthy. we had fun around here. i shopped and found some great clothes for the girls. my mom and i had some really meaningful discussion. she told me some things i needed to hear and be affirmed about. i also dealt with the feeling of being alone. the only one choosing one direction when everybody else chooses another. but as usual, God showed me the truth. i am NEVER alone. he is with me. he guides my mind and heart to make my decisions and he will stand by me and help me understand why he wants me to live this way. and then as a bonus, he brings fabulous people into my life that lift me up, encourage me, and also have decided to live the same way.

God is life. all of life. He wants to be acknowledged in EVERYTHING i do. when i do this...i tap into a power that is greater than anything on this earth. God doesn't want to be part of our life, he wants to be all of our life. he can bring joy, peace, comfort, instruction, guidance, unconditional love...and so much more if we just turn over every part of ourself to him. he is truth. he does not lie. i have seen more and more in my adult life how crucial it is to seek him in everything i do. when i do that, i know my mistakes are still going to happen, but not as frequently. and i have a peace about the things i say and do.

but i've learned that when i do this, this giving of my whole self to God, i accept that i will be different. my choices will most likely not look like the world's choices. i've asked myself if it's worth it...giving up what i want to do for what i think he wants me to do...and the answer is always yes. my blessing far outweigh my sacrifices. and i don't even see it as sacrifice. i see living for Jesus as a no-brainer decision. he knows best. he will take care of me. i have a great, abundant life. just like he promised.

time to get on with the rest of my week...much love and prayers for all who stumble across my little space...

sillies and snuggles...

This is Molly Potato Head. She not only is sporting the latest in dental work, her hair looks amazing!

Paiz, showing her own dental accomplishments!

She's on the move...look out!

This is today. The kids fell asleep together in the recliner. So sweet, so peaceful.

when the lights go down...

The kids are in bed. I love this time of night, the winding down of a busy day. I like knowing my three little high-spirited children are getting the rest they need to grow and be strong for another busy day tomorrow.

Molly went back to dance class today after a 2 week sick break. She was so happy to be back in the pink tights. I love watching her. She never takes her eyes off the teacher and tries so hard to imitate every move...until she looks at me. Then she gets silly and starts making faces and cutting her eyes at me. It's really funny, but I put on my stern face and tell her to watch Mrs. Donna. She is also learning the words to so many songs. It's fun to listen to her sing in the car...she loves "He's got the whole world in his hands". She and Aidan love each other fiercely, but they fight with equal passion. He wants everything to be just right and she just wants to have fun. But they can't walk away from each other and play separately. So Aidan gets mad and calls her some crazy name and Molly's response is always the same, "God makes me special, Aidan!" And I hope she believes that with all of her heart. God makes her so special.

I scrubbed my bathroom last night. Exhausting work at 10:30. But I have no time to do it during waking hours. But all the kids' laundry is put away and the dishes are mostly clean. I've balanced the checkbook, sent the emails I needed to send. I need to pay some bills, and do some stain fighting, then I can call it a day. I'm so overwhelmed. I need to organize a bunch of stuff...but I have no idea where to put it. We could seriously use a utility room.

I think we've decided about Aidan's school for next year. I think he'll just stay where he is. He likes it, it's cheap, and we can't afford to move right now. But if I start working a little bit, maybe we could sell this house and move in time for first grade.

Paiz is crawling. And pulling up on EVERYTHING. She's changing every day. She wants table food. She wants to take shorter naps. Watching her grow has taught me something. When Aidan was a baby, and even now to an extent, he grew fast physically. But with no older sibling to watch, he stayed a baby for a lot longer then Molly or Paiz. Paiz sees the big kids and wants to be where they are. It's sad...she's my grand finale baby...and I'd like her to stay little. But I know there's no chance of that.

Tomorrow night, church...then Thursday, ANNIE! I can't wait. Molly and I have to figure out what to wear.

We're moving on up....

the illness is becoming a thing of the past...so let's move on, shall we?
happy day today, Aidan's teacher called and all his friends said hey to him on the phone. That made him feel special. Then we went to the library and checked out 10 books for the kids. We've already read a couple of them twice! I'm so, so, so glad I have kids that like to read. Aidan has started reading small words and now is asking me what my emails say! The kids rode their scooters outside and have eaten a few meals now, so we're all getting better.

I've been thinking about things I like. This stems from a recent viewing of a scene in Sesame Street where Ernie asks Bert to name some things he likes. The result is a really cute song about how they don't always like the same things, but they like each other. It's one of my favorite SS moments (I love that show). Anyway, I thought I'd make a list thingy and then tag everybody that reads my blog to do one of their own. Weekend Fun!

5 Things I Like
1. Laughter. I like hearing it, I like doing it. I love getting really tickled, to the point that I can't stop laughing. I love trying not to laugh because something's funny in a serious setting. Weird, I know, but some of my best memories are of trying not to burst...handbell festival, Jennifer? I like people that make me laugh. My dad and I always can find something to laugh about. Michael cracks me up, but I tell him I'm the only one who would get his jokes. If I remember an event, it's usually because something funny happened.

2. Conversation. I love people, for the most part. I like discussions. I love talking to a friend who knows you so well that you can banter back and forth and there is no awkwardness or discomfort. I love conversations that make me feel good when they're over. One of the things that let me know Michael was it for me was that we never ran out of things to talk about. One of our first dates was ice skating and then sitting up till the wee hours with a quart of Breyer's vanilla bean ice cream and talking.

3. Good food. Over the past year, I've become a much better cook. I'm doing a lot from scratch and trying to stay away from processed, preservative-laden foods. No more cream of mushroom soup in this house! We're not really eating super-healthy...my still present baby weight is proof of that...but our food is better quality and I'm becoming much more skilled in the kitchen.

4. Church. Most people that know me or my family would see that word and go, "yep, Anne likes church, minister's kid...no shocker there". I never get a chance to explain why church is important to me...so here goes: I could worship my savior and spend time with him and love him with all my heart and put him first in my life...all by myself. I don't need church to have Jesus. I go to church because I think it's the best thing you can do to surround yourself with believers that will love and support you. The pastor at Pinelake has said many times, "Go on and say the church is full of hypocrites...that's where they need to be!" I have no problem with people in the church having issues...I'm just glad they're in church! My children know that Christ is the head of our family by what we say and do, and by us taking them to church. I love worshipping with lots of other people. I love fellowshipping. I love Bible Study. My life has been centered around church for so long...the people at my home church growing up raised me. They gave me a beautiful, big old wedding. They loved me and my family. I can't ever forget that. And they didn't do it because they had to, they did it because they have Jesus in their lives and they were ministering to us as we ministered to them. That's what it's all about.

5. Outdoor adventures. Quite a change from #4, but I can't have a list of things I like and not put this on there. I like skiing. I like white-water rafting. I like canoeing. I like hiking. For a non-athlete such as myself, I find great satisfaction in doing these things and being outdoors taking risks. I want to spelunk, rappell, scuba dive, and yes, skydive before I'm too old to enjoy it. But, I have to clarify, I'm not a true outdoorswoman. After a day of the aforementioned activities, I have to have a nice hotel to return to. No outdoor sleeping for me.


okay...here's the next part...

5 things I don't like
1. Not belonging. If I feel like it's going to be a lot of work to be a part of a group, then I'm outta there. I'm too old to dance the dance for people that put conditions on relationships.

2. People that complain about things that don't matter. If we could see the big picture, if we could look past our own selfishness, then a lot more would get done to help others. A lot more people would smile. And smiling is good.

3. Gaining weight. I don't like it. Doesn't mean I won't do it, but I don't like it.

4. Movies/TV shows with bad language. I can't find anything remotely necessary about cursing. If my kids can't hear it, then I don't want to hear it either. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth..." I try to live by that.

5. Rude, unfriendly people. If someone has a job dealing with the general public, they should do it with a smile. Or at least an attempt at one. Eye contact will do.


and if you still don't have enough to do....
3 things I care nothing about. No opinion whatsoever.

1. Ashlee Simpson or Ashley Tisdale's nose. I don't care.

2. The stock market. We have no money anyway.

3. Darfur. Yes, I know something bad is going on over there. I know I should care. But I don't have time to read about it (but I have time do this). I know George Clooney cares about it...and that's motivation to look into it, but not today.


Okay...y'all do it. It helps me know you better...and vice versa. Have a happy weekend!