Life to the Fullest

Got any change on ya?

2008-09-09T22:05:00.002-05:00

Change is a good thing for me. I love new stuff. So I'm moving the blog to Wordpress, just because I like it a bit better and want to try something new. It's either that, or have another kid, and I'm picking the cheaper of the two.

So the new blog address is, drumroll please...albritton5.wordpress.com.

Change it on your bookmarks, (this pretty much applies to just my parents, the rest of you that just read this when you're bored at work...)

Keep the expectations low for a few days...I've got stuff to do every day this week, so I'm not home much. My house is getting messier and messier, and there's just nothing I can do about it right now. So when I'm home, blogging probably won't be a priority.

This blog will still be here. I need to find out how to save it permanently so I'll always have the thoughts and pics and stuff. But after today, all new information will be on the new blog.

So thanks Blogger, for the memories. I've just figured you out, and now I'm movin' on. Sounds like relationships I had...many moons ago.

Adios, amigos

We're a little mildewy...

2008-09-02T21:29:00.016-05:00

but we're having fun!

The kids went back to school today after a great weekend. Of course, due to our Russian friend Gustav, we're having to play indoors. Until dad gets home, that is. Then everybody hits the puddles. I'm fine with this as long as he bathes them!

Molly and I have had some really meaningful conversations lately. This was a few minutes ago:

Me: let's talk about your birthday party.

Molly: okay, I want a blow up slide and a pool!

Me: your birthday is in November, you'll freeze your noo-noos off!

Molly: we just won't put water in the pool, and wear our jackets!

Then a few minutes later...

Me: we'll probably paint stuff at your party.

Molly: can we play games too?

Me: sure! What do you want to play?

Molly: Hockey

Me: (uncontrollable laughter)

Molly: Mom?

Me: huh? (still can't stop laughing

Molly: What's hockey?

Stay tuned in November for THOSE picture! They're bound to be amazing, the first four year old hockey team in Mississippi!

Since we have to stay indoors, I took some pictures of the kids this afternoon. Molly asked me to take pics while she danced. It's not as entertaining as video, but this will give you a good idea of what we see every day, morning, noon and night.

the headband rocks.

This is after a fun trip to Fresh Market with my mom. Molly could get whatever treat she wanted, and of course, there was no other option for her but the solid pink lollipop. She said, "I'm the sthickiesth guhl you evah did see!"

Paiz looks like she's trying to make a point. I think she looks kind of like Beth Moore teaching the Word. The leaning forward stance, the hands up...preach it sistah!I don't know what's up here, I just think it's cute. When you tell her to Praise the Lord, this is what you get. She's making her owl sound here. Hoo! Hoo!

And here she's reading her book. I read Where's Baby's Belly Button about 27 times today. This book I think is about Belle, and Paiz loses interest by page 2, but she looks so cute sitting there with it.

I took pictures of Aidan too, but he never stopped talking long enough to smile or anything. So all the pictures look really strange. He read a whole book to Molly the other night. I can't believe he's reading so well now. I'm so proud of him. Molly figured out how to add every number under 10. She calls it "making math" and she can figure out adding single digits very quickly. We worked on subtraction (taking away) last night, and I think she understands that too. Paiz won't say a word. She understands them, she follows instructions so well. But she refuses to talk. It's probably not a bad thing, she'd never get a word in with the rest of us!

So now you've had your Albritton kid fix for the week. I'm proud of them. I'm thankful that they're mine. I had a really rough day today outside of being a mommy, so I'm thankful that they danced and smiled for me this afternoon. It brought a little sunshine in my life, and we could use some of that!!

Tammy Faye Would Be Proud!

2008-09-01T09:07:00.002-05:00

Last night, and the night before, Michael and I cleaned out dresser drawers in our room. It's starting to look like a nice place, not just an oversized utility closet.

Last night we worked on the bathroom. We have NO counter in our bathroom, due to a cute, but impractical pedestal sink. So we made due with a practical, but not cute, drawer thingy. Michael decided drawer thingy had to go (yay!), so we cleaned it out, toiletry by toiletry. We replaced it with kinda-cute cabinet thingy, which needs to be painted, but still works nonetheless.

While going through years of half used beauty products, I learned so much about myself. You know me, I simply adore a chance for personal growth.

I learned:
1. I never finish a bottle of lotion. We threw away maybe 10 bottles of lotion, 3/4 full. I have no idea why I do this. So far, the only skin softening relationship that has lasted till the end has been with Aveeno. Ahhhh, Aveeno.

2. I have really cool taste in nail polish colors. Which is funny, because I NEVER get my nails done. And I don't switch colors often. I wear one until it looks like a truck ran over my foot. But when I switch, I've got a vast color selection that is quite fabulous.

3. I've kept (and shouldn't have) every little zip pouch from every Clinique bonus for the last 10 years. This is not something I'm proud of.

4. I threw out maybe 50 lipsticks. Most of them were a neutral shade from the aforementioned Clinique bonuses. I had tons of little pale green tubes. There were some Estee Lauder and Lancome mixed in, along with some crazy Avon glossy things. I've seen a chart somewhere that tells how long you're supposed to keep makeup. I'm thinking every tube was past its prime. I'm scared of what would happen to my lips should I try one of them again.

5. I found a fake hairpiece. It has blond streaks and little braids. I think I got it as a gag gift. I'm so wearing that thing. When am I singing in church again??

6. I have a rainbow of eyeliners. And I've worn every one of them. I found 3, yes 3!, purple Almay liners.

7. We have enough ibuprofen to sink a ship.

8. What on earth will I use a tube of Lansinoh lanolin for, now that I'm not breastfeeding anymore? We tried to think of what I could use it for, and came up with nothing. Suggestions, please!

9. I have hair barrettes and clippy things from HIGH SCHOOL. They've hung in there through MC, through 6 moves, and 3 kids. And it's the weirdest thing, I never wear barrettes. Trashed.

10. And finally, in my time of self awareness, I realized: I CAN NEVER GO TO WALGREENS AGAIN. I need to be in a support group for beauty product addiction.

So now I've scaled down. I'm free from the burden of expiration dates and smelly lotions. It was a sweet release.

This winter, if my skin starts looking dry, remind me...STICK WITH AVEENO.

Home again, Home again...jiggety jig

2008-08-29T21:55:00.002-05:00

Michael is home. After a lot of airport waiting, he made it safe and sound. Now he's lying here waiting for me to get off the computer so I'll pay attention to him.

But I just had to let you know he made it. Since I know you really care and all.

I just asked him what he would like to say to the world via my blog, and he said, "I don't know...you can save 20% or more with Geico."

Astounding wit.

"I'm glad to be home, otherwise it would be 8:00 in Portland right now and I'd be waiting for a plane".

Gosh, he's killing me with the snazzy anecdotes.

I'm thinking we'll just have to have a Michael quoting session another day. I'm trying to convince him to do a vlog with me. A video post. I think it would be hilarious. Now, my blog friends...I said it first, so don't go do one tomorrow and beat me to the punch. It takes a while to convince Michael to do anything. It might be months before he gives in. Or never. I'm not that convincing.

No labor day plans right now. Not prepared for a hurricane. Can you tell I'm living for the moment?

Sunday I have a scary thing to do. Major nerves. I'd better wear black pants.

Paisley has picked up some crazy dance moves. She was holding a chair, standing on one foot shaking her head. It was awesome.

Michael is starting to fall asleep. He jerks when he is dozing off. Oh, how I missed him, taking up most of the bed.

Maybe Aidan will do a vlog with me. That kid won't take a still shot, but he loves some vid. Maybe it's the sound of his voice. He's quite taken with it. I should know, he never stops talking. Ever. I'm glad he says funny stuff.

Maybe tomorrow we'll go buy bottled water. In case the lights go out next week.

No laughing matter

2008-08-28T15:58:00.002-05:00

I don't feel funny. I have funny stories to tell, but I don't think they'd be funny if I told them.

Not that I'm a naturally funny person, I'm not. But I can usually be sarcastic enough that I get a few chuckles.

So I'm going to wait and post again when I feel funny.

Rather than funny, I feel tired. I haven't slept much in several days. Maybe if I rest, the funny will come back.

blah.

Playdate for Paisley!

2008-08-27T13:54:00.000-05:00

My girl is making buddies!

Michael is gone to Oregon again, and this morning, I had scheduled some volunteer time at the church. The sweet lady that usually keeps her when I do that was busy, so I was in a bind. Yesterday at Bible Study, a sweet friend that I'm just getting to know said she'd be glad to keep her. We both have girls the same age! They are a few weeks apart, and just had a wonderful time.

I'm not good at asking for help, but when I do, I'm always so glad I did!

Paiz and Lilah loved the wagon!

I L-O-V-E this picture. Lilah's mom did a great job on this one.

Oh, and Lilah wore a paisley romper in honor of her new friend! Sweet girl.

So this morning was fun for her, and I had a great time too! The kids are loving school. Aidan had an "all about me" poster due today. We made a huge picture collage of, well, him. His teacher liked it a lot.

This is a long trip for Michael. Monday through possibly Friday, and he may not even get back to Jackson until Saturday morning. We've been so busy, it hasn't been bad at all this time. School makes a big difference. Last night we spent time at my parents' house, getting to know the new Recreation minister's wife and girls.

I've been learning and growing constantly. I've also been challenged so much in the last 2 weeks. Without giving details, I was asked to do something I really didn't think I could do. But I'm learning that we are always better than we think we are. God has given us more potential then we will ever even realize here on earth, simply by making us in his image.

I've also learned that when someone thinks I can do something, and voices that to me, that gives me so much encouragement to try! By the encouragement I've received, I'm learning that I must be an encourager too, so that maybe someone else will find the strength to try something they think they couldn't do. Again, my motto is quickly becoming: "We are not blessed so that we can live in our blessedness. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others." That can also mean encouraging, loving, accepting, forgiving, just replace "bless" with one of those words and it can apply to so many things.

I've got tons to do around the house. We haven't been here much, so work is building up around me! I really need to go in my room and do some work in there, but since Michael's been gone, there has been a sleeping child in my room anytime we've been home! Maybe tonight I can reclaim my space!

Name that Tune

2008-08-24T15:05:00.002-05:00

Aidan and I went to a birthday party at Pump It Up yesterday. We hardly ever get to be by ourselves to talk and hang out. We laughed and joked on the way over and had a great time at the party (Pump it Up is one of those places that if you don't have fun, it's so your own fault!)

On the way home, we're crossing the Spillway, and I was flipping through the radio. I got to an oldies station and "Lean On Me" was playing. I start singing, "You just call on me brother, when you need a hand...."

After a second or two, I thought I couldn't take anymore, so I changed the station, and Aidan said, "Mama! Go back to that song!" I did. Really, I had only played about 3 or 4 seconds of the song. Apparently he liked what he heard.

He told me, "That's the same guy that sings the song about 'No Sunshine When She's Gone'"!

He was right, but how on earth did he know that?

I asked him if he'd heard "Lean On Me" before and he said "No, but the man's voice is familiar, and I know he sings the sunshine song with all the I knows!"

You know that song..."I know, I know, I know, I know...." It's on during that scene in Notting Hill where Hugh Grant is walking through London and the seasons are changing. One of my favorite movie scenes ever. Aidan's never seen the movie (duh!) but he's heard the soundtrack in the car and he loves that song.

So my buddy can pick out voices within a few seconds. I'm thinking either a career in music, or the FBI.

I told him, "Dude, that's amazing!"

He replied, "Well, I AM very smart!"

And quite humble, I might add.

33 Years

2008-08-23T14:15:00.000-05:00

Today is my mama and daddy's anniversary. I've been looking through my files, and this is the only picture I have of them together! That's not because they are never together, it's because when they're together, they're holding hands, and you can't take a pic with one hand! (Well, you can when you're in college and you do that one arm cheese thing, but mom and dad would never do that!)

Anyway, this is at Paisley's baby dedication at Pinelake. I cut Paiz out of the picture, because it's not her anniversary. Another reason they have so few pictures together, is because they are always doing stuff with us. When we're all together, they are playing with the kids. They teach them, laugh with them, and are the greatest grandparents ever.

I'm so glad they got married. For obvious reasons, John Mark and I wouldn't be here without them. But also because their marriage has taught me how to do it right. They show me every day that no matter what life hands you, your relationship with Christ and each other are the most important things. They've been through better and worse, richer and poorer, sickness and health. They've loved and cherished, they've prayed and encouraged. They laugh a lot. They never turn down an opportunity for fun. They spend Saturdays "knockin' around town" and just hanging out. They are my inspiration and I just can't imagine belonging to greater people.

I hope they enjoy their day. I know they enjoy their life. They both work so hard, and understand what each other needs when they are so worn out. Today they're spending the day together, going to Williamsville and having fun together. They are best friends.

My daddy has told me all my life that if I turn out half as good as mama, then I'll be doing well. Mama has told me that if I married someone half as good as daddy then I'll be set for life. It is wonderful to know they love each other like that.

Happy Anniversary you guys. You deserve everything good in this life. The greatest part is that you will receive so much more in the next. Thanks for being who you are. I love you so much.

Happy Days are Here Again

2008-08-22T22:52:00.003-05:00

"The skies above are clear again..."

I realized today that my mad wore off days ago, but I haven't updated, so for all you know, I'm still seething and punching holes in the wall. Definitely not the case. By Wednesday, I was snuggled on the couch with a big glass of milk, a carton of Pillsbury vanilla icing and a spoon, and a very happy heart.

Wednesday night, on the way to church, Aidan entertained us all by telling us a story about his robot named Skip. The kid could be a screenwriter. He delivered a very detailed, hilarious story about the adventures of this robot. Whenever he paused, Molly would pipe up, "tell us the next epithode!"

Tonight at bedtime, I was singing "You are awesome in this place, mighty God" to Molly. She lifted her head and said, "what does mighty mean?" I told her it meant strong and powerful. She said she hopes she can be mighty when she grows up. Mighty Molly. It has a ring.

Tomorrow, Michael's dad is coming over and they will spend the day replacing almost EVERY light fixture and fan in the house. This is the first major step to getting our house ready to sell. I've wanted new lights forever, so I'm excited.

Michael found out yesterday that he has to spend all of next week in Oregon. I don't have much to say about that, except that I miss him so much when he's gone. He worked so hard this summer, with no vacation. He took 2 days off and ended up working most of that time. He does so much for his job, and for us. I know there are so many things he'd love to be doing for himself, but he dedicates most of his time to meeting the needs of others. I know I don't show him enough how much I appreciate it. He's an incredible person. Right now, he's working on de-bugging my computer, and then will be up late doing office work. He will get virtually no weekend, and then be at the airport by 4 Monday morning. Just thinking about all of that reminds me of how selfish I can be. I don't know that I could do that with the attitude he has.

Paisley has really enjoyed having mama to herself in the mornings. She still refuses to say much, she knows the kids will talk for her. But she can point at all her parts, and make a stack of 4 blocks. She has really gotten into dancing and knows the moves to the chicken dance. I'll have to post a video soon. She follows me around and giggles all morning.

On the Olympic scene...here are my recent thoughts. I miss watching Phelps.

Nastia Liukin was wonderful to watch, and I seriously thought she was about 6 feet tall. I read the other day she's 5 feet, 3 inches. Sweet little Shawn Johnson is 4 feet, 9 inches. Those are some little bitty gymnasts!

My next favorite event is the diving. There's just something about watching a guy in a speedo standing 33 feet in the air on his hands, trying not to splash when he hits the water. Maybe it brings back all the times my mom and I talked about Greg Louganis and how cute he was.

I'm running out of thoughts, so I'll leave you with this pic of Molly. This is Michael's picture for his fantasy football team, so in honor of the season starting...

The Important Things

2008-08-20T10:52:00.002-05:00

I read and reread my last post a hundred times, before and after I hit "publish". The biggest stress about keeping a blog, for me, is the constant making sure that I am not misunderstood.

The most important people to me are my family. Yes, we have "off" days, everybody does. But I would never write anything about them that wasn't positive. They are wonderful people that I would do anything for.

I would never write negatively about my family, or my friends on the blog. Personal relationships are personal.

My last post was just a chance to deal with the courtesy of answering questions. The fact that I was angry was just a set up for the main idea. I was working with what I had, which wasn't much!

Now...as long as we're all clear...I can go give my sweet baby her Spaghettios!

What was the question?

2008-08-19T14:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I sent an email asking a simple question. It required a yes or no answer.

The response I received was callous, and wasn't really the answer to my question. It made me mad.

Now, I get over mads pretty quickly. I am always aware of what I might have done wrong, and I have no problem admitting when something is my fault. But this situation...I didn't do anything.

So I'm still mad.

It's not that I got an answer I didn't like. It's more that I don't understand the motive behind the answer. And the answer had nothing to do with my question.

This is a major peeve of mine. If I ask a question, I want the answer to THAT question. I saw this demonstrated on television the other night. Michael and I were watching Rick Warren of Saddleback Church interview the presidential candidates. I have had major issues with both of them, and really was glad to see them in that setting, being interviewed by a man I respect and trust, on issues I care deeply about.

The first major thing I noticed is that Obama didn't answer the questions as they were asked. He rephrased the question so he could answer in a way that was beneficial to him. When asked when does a baby receive rights, he never gave an answer. He changed it to, how can we prevent a high number of abortions? That was not the question.

This is not a post about politics. However, the example was there and I used it.

When I am asked a question, it's my responsibility to the asker to give an answer. If it's one they don't like, then we'll deal with that. I have to own up to my beliefs, and give it to people straight. Jesus had to give a lot of answers people didn't want to hear. But he never faltered, or turned the question around. "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no," he said.

I'm still mad. But I'm working through it. I may never understand here on earth why people think the way they do. But my job is not to understand, it's to forgive. So while I process forgiveness in my heart, pray for me.

When Bad Outfits happen to Good Kids!

2008-08-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

The following pictures are of Molly. These are old pictures, circa 2007. She was 2 years old in most of them, and on these days, allowed to dress herself. I apparently was not home, or busy being pregnant with Paisley.

Now you know what happens when I leave Michael to "make it work"!

Fishing pole accessory not included.

Backward shorts and princess slippers.

There is no caption witty enough.

She actually looks happy to be wearing this. Of course, she's not wearing pants, but I've cropped out most of that part.

So here she is...my precious girl. There are other pictures, like the one in a helmet and kneepads in her panties, but I can't put that on the blog. I do have some sense of decorum. (But not much!)

My brother and I talked on the phone yesterday, which is always a highlight of my day. I talked to Sharon too, and picked her brain on behavior modification (she's a genius), but then JM wanted to tell me about this show on Style network. We don't have cable, so I had never seen it. It's called How Do I Look? and apparently it's somewhat like What Not To Wear.

So this lady was put on the show by a well-meaning, although very short-sighted friend. Apparently (and I haven't seen it, so I could be off here on the facts) the lady was a cancer survivor. After a close brush with the end of her life, she decided she no longer would try to impress people and care what they thought. She began to wear what she wanted, without heeding any fashion trends or advice. She was fully making the most out of the time God has given her on this earth and really didn't give a flip about what people thought.

But the other lady, and I hesitate to call her a friend, just insisted that she needed to look better, and put her on the show.

Since I didn't see the show, I can't write about what happened, but my brother was appalled and while he was relaying the story to me, I was pretty disgusted myself.

Just this week, we heard the story from Beijing about the little girl who sang the solo during the Opening Ceremony, but the girl we actually saw was lip-synching to another girl's voice. The singer was not deemed "perfect" enough, so she had to stand behind a screen while the rosy-cheeked doll faced child got to move her mouth on television.

Both of these stories hit a nerve with me. At 31 years old, I still find myself struggling with appearance issues. I wonder if it will ever stop, or if that's just part of being a girl. I don't know. But before I leave the house I do a pretty critical inspection of myself and as long as I'm not embarrassing my family, then I'll go on with my life. But I've been through glasses, braces, Accutane, the freshman 20, funky arms and legs, post-baby weight, and just plain bad fashion sense and have still managed to have a great life, due to the fact that nobody that really loves me insists that I be perfect.

There are days when I look and feel like a "before" picture. On those days, I put on a crown with my girls and we sing "Bibbity-bobbity-boo" and turn ourselves into royalty. I tell Molly that God sees her like that all the time. I laugh at these pictures because my girl has so much confidence that God sees her as a princess, she really doesn't give a rip how others see her.

Sometimes what we teach our kids are lessons we need to learn ourselves.

Fast post, but not as phast as Phelps...

2008-08-14T22:39:00.002-05:00

It's 20 minutes till 11:00. How on earth are little girls supposed to have dreams of being the next Nastia Liukin if they don't show the gymnastics until after bedtime?
I'm okay with pretaping...they could show us tomorrow night at 7.

Molly will just have to settle for YouTube. Which is what we did all afternoon, watching Hannah Montana videos.

"Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days"...

The Peanut Gallery

2008-08-12T22:49:00.003-05:00

Nastia is on the beam...I'm a nervous wreck. The peanuts are long gone. They barely made it through Phelps' first medal of the evening.

I can't watch another interview with Bela Karyoli (is that how you spell it?) He is like a cartoon. Great, great man, but just a little too much.

Did anyone hear the announcer talk about the Chinese girl that entered gymnastic camp at age 3, saw her parents maybe once a year, then called and said she wanted to come home and they wouldn't let her. It was too important to the family. Maybe that's why the girls never smile. Either that, or those hair clips are pulled just a bit tight.

These gymnasts have some painful looking hairdos.

I like Shawn Johnson. If my body were that small, I could flip it around like that, too.

Michael Phelps almost flashed us again. Those suits are either really tight and restricting, or he just is proud of what 5 hours a day of swimming does to your body.

Speaking of appearances...swim caps look good on nobody. And what's up with the goggle marks on Katie Hoff's eyebrows? I'm just saying what you all are thinking.

Marta is comforting Alicia Macaroni. I'm not being rude, I just can't remember her last name. That's got to be so hard, falling during a floor routine. Then having a camera in your face while you're waiting for a score you'll hate. Sacramone, that's her name.

Nastia is great, but her dad makes me nervous. He's quite the overbearing one.

Team USA is finished with the rotations.

No matter how many times they show commercials for the new Christian Slater show, I won't watch it.

I found out tonight that Michael has to go to work early and I have to drop the kids off. That's always my time to show the teachers just how awful I can look. It's quite impressive, really.

Oh, there's Bela. Again.

I just cannot believe the Chinese gymnasts are 16 years old. This girl is no more than 9.

Molly asked me tonight why they were still in China. I told her the whole Olympics would be in China, and then when she's 7, they'd be in London, England. She said, "Am I going to be in the gymastics in those Olympics, Mom?" I told her no, that you had to be 16. She told me she wished she could be 16 so she could do gymastics at the Olympics. I told her if she worked hard, she could do it. For her sake, I wish I could put a lot of faith behind those words, but I'm too much of a realist. Luckily, she turned her attention to the synchronized diving and became instantly enamored of the purple bathing suits worn by Mexico. She said that she had to have one. I will buy the girl a Speedo suit, and take her to gymnastics class, if she will continue to dream.

Michael Phelps

2008-08-12T14:36:00.002-05:00

Just thought I'd use the most popular name on earth right now as my title, because, really, who's NOT talking about him? Also, when people Google him, my blog will show up somewhere. Maybe Istanbul will show up again.

We've got a lot going on, but so does everybody. It's a busy time. I always loved the beginning of school. I loved new school supplies, new clothes, new friends, new boys to talk about. My kids are telling me nothing. They come home from their first 2 days with NO information whatsoever. The conversations go like this:

me: How was the day?
them: good.
me: Tell me one good thing that happened today!
them: don't remember.
Aidan: I got 3 stars and got a treat!
me: GREAT! What for?
Aidan: because I'm great at school, mama.

I don't know if he helped out, answered a question, stood on his head. He gives me nothing to work with.

So, since my children don't help me out creatively here...I've got some random stuff in my head that I have to get out.

Michael Phelps is the fastest swimmer. Ever. But you know that.
But why does he wear his swimsuit so low? It made me nervous during the 4x100 relay and he was all excited. Pretty sure he doesn't get a medal for exposure.

I wish, one time, a swimmer would get up there with body hair. Like, "oops! Forgot my razor!" That'd be awesome.

A gymnastic team that is more than okay with a bronze medal is more than okay with me. I love those US guys. They were a great display of teamwork, encouragement and pride (the good kind).

Seeing all the views of China and Beijing makes me want to go there.

The synchronized diving last night? That's so cool. But wouldn't it be funny if the guys got in a fight before the event, and one dude decides to do a big can opener off the platform?

I watched white water kayaking today. The white water looks amazing. But being strapped into that kayak, where you look like you have no lower body, scares me to death. Makes my toes claustrophobic.

The story about the Italian girl swimmer who is dating the French girl swimmer's ex-boyfriend? There's some Olympic drama for ya. After the dramatic clip about all that, French girl could have dog paddled through the pool in the wrong lane and everyone would still have cheered for her. Including me.

Enough of the Olympics...

I've started using a new makeup. I LOVE it. It's that Bare Minerals stuff, and I'm just addicted. I don't know if it's the actual powders I like, or is it the big fluffy brush? That's pretty fun, floofing that thing all over my face. I've been really timid with the Warmth/Bronzer stuff. I'm so afraid of overdoing it and looking like Tara Reid.

Molly is crawling all over me wanting to play on the computer. I guess I'd better give it up for now. Women's gymnastics and 2 medal races for Phelps tonight. I bought green peanuts to boil just for the occasion (if anyone wants to watch with us...you're welcome to, but the peanuts are MINE.)

And off they go...

2008-08-11T14:27:00.000-05:00

We had a great summer. I was scared to death in the middle of May, when dance class was over, swim lessons hadn't started yet, and I was faced with about 12 weeks of entertaining the troops. My fears were temporary, and we had a blast during this last summer before Aidan's official school career began.

This morning, Molly woke up in our bed (nobody remembers how she got there) saying, "First Day Of School, First Day Of School!" in her best "Nemo" voice. They got dressed without complaint (I let Molly choose between 2 outfits, normally she hates this one, but she doesn't hate it as bad as the other one!), ate breakfasts of dry FrootLoops or oatmeal and jumped in the truck with Dad. Before they left, this is the pose they gave me.

I don't know if Molly is going to K3, or hip hop class. Check out that stance. There are no words for Aidan.

Paiz missed the big kids today. But she was so ready for some undivided attention. She ate all morning. No kidding, she never stopped eating. Cheese, goldfish, applesauce, hotdogs, sweet tea, graham crackers...I'm raising such a healthy child.

The goodbye kiss that brought tears to Paisley's eyes...seriously, it hurt!

This was at a birthday party this weekend. I thought it was sweet, and very fitting of their relationship. I don't even want to think about how Molly will respond next year when he's at big school. He'll be unfazed, but the girls and I will be in pieces. We love our Aidan. He came home from school today telling me that he just loves going to school. I'm so glad. He is so friendly, and speaks to all the other kids, regardless of whether they speak in return. He was the class clown last year and cracked his teacher up. I'm not sure if the new teacher this year will feel the same, but I hope he endears himself to her anyway!

As for Paiz and me, the homeys, we watched the Olympics, folded towels, picked up toys, snacked, and got reaquainted. She learned to click her tongue, and walk up the stairs on her feet, not her knees! (don't worry Mama, she held onto the rails tightly!)

My heart is full...these kids are awesome.

Can I take a 16 day hiatus?

2008-08-09T22:13:00.002-05:00

Nah...I'm sure I'll have way too much to say between now and then, but be aware that my attention is in Beijing. Pretty much all day long.

The Olympics are a big deal around here. I've always been completely fascinated and awed by Olympic sports. I love geography and world trivia, so I love the ceremony, with Bob Costas delivering interesting facts about countries I have never heard of. Last night, I enjoyed learning about nations such as Tuvalu, an 8 square mile island in the Pacific.

I was blown away by the lighting of the cauldron. I hope nobody ever tops that.

My favorite thing about the Olympics is the stories. I have cried all day thinking about the 9 year old boy who saved himself and 2 friends from the rubble during the recent earthquake in China. Seeing him revered as a hero, walking next to Yao Ming, was a major tearjerker.

**I've been trying to compose this post for several minutes now. Usually words are not a problem. I love the Olympics. I love what it stands for, and the honor a medal brings to a nation. I'm not sure I can put into words how much fun watching the competition is for me and my family.

So I'll just say this, as I get ready to watch Dara Torres swim...

I was really struck last night during the parade of nations at the USA athletes. Our country is so young, and so diverse. I felt very blessed to be part of a country composed of so many colors and cultures. Other countries are their own culture, and that's wonderful. They shape what is wonderful about the world. But America is a perfect blend of all that's good about this planet Earth that we live on.

And Jesus died for every person alive. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Inside we all have the same need for love, forgiveness, peace and joy, and He died so we can all have it. I was so overwhelmed last night, watching the parade in a stadium of 91000, plus the athletes and performers. God loves every single one of them, and blessed them with amazing talent. He is the same God that cares about where my kids are going to school. I just don't know that I'll ever get over it. Inside we are all the same, and we all need Jesus.

He's better than a gold.

Like I need one more distraction...

2008-08-06T22:19:00.003-05:00

I got a sitemeter.

I've wondered how people knew who was visiting their blogs...so I asked my friend Nicki, and she told me to install Sitemeter.

Now there's pressure.

I check the meter after an hour...12 hits. 3 hours, over 30 hits. By tonight, over 50. 4 of them were from other countries! I don't know if some guy in El Salvador cares about my kids or my opinions, but he's welcome here anyway. I know all of you have one and are so over it, but I'm really having to deal now.

Knowing some of you come by and see me every day, I feel like I must write all the time. It's like always having sweet tea in the fridge, just in case someone comes by.

Maybe I'm freaking out because I can go DAYS with no emails, phone calls, texts or facebook messages. So to find out 50 people have been to the blog...I have to step it up.

I'm going to have to start carrying a notepad, so I won't forget the funny stuff I can report on.

Or not.

I'm going to be over this by tomorrow, and you'll still have to wait till Michael goes out of town again to get new information.

Speaking of...he just called...will be home momentarily...and I have to say that if he calls me again with the windows down, I may just hang up the phone. I hate that sound.

Goodnight folks...and you in El Salvador, Buenos noches.

Aidan runs from the camera...

2008-08-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

So I have to take pictures of those who will let me. To quote my friend Carrie, "I take pictures of what I see. What I see is my children. Oh well, at least they're cute."

Paiz loves to get under a blanket, sheet, whatever. We don't even have to be in the room. I've walked in the living room and found a breathing lump in the floor.

Those hands probably aren't clean...notice the chalk on the ground.

Molly only wears pants in public. We're working with her. She's in a 12 step pants program, which is weird, because it only takes 2 steps to put your pants on.

Just because...

2008-08-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

This was before church Sunday. Paiz kept the bow in for 30 minutes, I was so proud.

This picture may not look like much...until you see that grin sticking out from under the sheet. I think she looks a bit like the emperor on Return of the Jedi.

"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters...."

That grin will get her anything. And she knows it.

So Umpressed

2008-08-05T09:21:00.003-05:00

The kids are watching Sesame Street. I'm doing my daily peruse of the internet, and was on CWDKids.com, and Aidan made a mad dash to the dining room where I am, and said "MOM!! Come see this! You will be so UMPRESSED!"

I finished my quick once-over of an outfit I'm considering for the girls and strolled into the living room, with him yelling, "This is so awesome!"

Musician John Legend was sitting at a piano singing a great little song about singing a song. I said, "Oh! That's John Legend. He's really talented! Watch him play piano, Aidan." and I was about to start waxing eloquent about the value of practice. Aidan said "No, Mama! Not him, look! It's Mr. Hoots!!" Mr. Hoots is the gravelly-voiced, saxophone playing, jazz singing owl on Sesame Street.

And I thought he was impressed by the HUMAN. Silly me.

Read my mind

2008-08-04T14:38:00.002-05:00

In the 6 months I've been blogging, I find myself thinking blog posts. When something happens, I process it by thinking about how I would write it. Unfortunately, my life is so crazy that I forget all of the bright, witty anecdotes that I have composed in my mind and end up writing snoozy "what's happening in my family" posts that would put even my sweet mother to sleep.

Right now, my son Aidan is hanging his build-a-bear Teddy, dressed in a Spiderman suit, by a jump rope hanging from the top of our staircase. He says he's building a web. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

Molly is, right now, being quite bossy and telling Aidan he has to come play in her room. It's taken her so long to stand up to him, I'm not going to correct the bossiness. Pick your battles, that's what I say.

Paisley is asleep, after a long, arduous attempt at getting her there.

You see why I don't want to give a daily report? It's not an exciting life. Fun, fulfilling, hilarious at times, but hardly Pulitzer worthy.

So...moving away from the antics of my offspring...

I went to Northpark mall last week. The kids were with Maddie, and I was out browsing and using gift card money that I should have saved for fall clothes.

As I was walking through the upper level, I had the thought, "Gosh, I haven't been in Victoria's Secret in years!" So I turned right and found myself among overpriced lingerie and really not cute sleepwear. Sorry for you fans, but I refuse to wear the word Pink on my butt. Or any word, for that matter. It brings back memories of a church camp I attended at Baylor University. One girl, bless her, bought a pair of Soffe shorts from the campus store that said Baylor on the rear end. She would wear them and guys would walk behind her and chant, "Bay!" "Lor!" with each step. I made my decision to swear off writing on the posterior.

Anyhoo...back to VS. It was morning, so the store was mostly empty, except for this girl...and her boyfriend. Now, I've said before, if you don't want to read my opinions on stuff, you don't have to, but I'd advise you to stop here.

This little couple looked about 18. Great looking almost-adults. Men in VS make me nervous anyway, but I always hope that they're just checking out the sleepshirts or fragrances. No. This cute chica was looking at bras, and handing the ones she liked to her boyfriend. I noticed this, it made me a little uncomfortable, but as the day went on, I found myself getting frustrated. Not at them, goodness, I don't know them!

I was frustrated because of the obvious nonchalance toward intimacy they showed just by being in there, and even more so by shopping for her underwear together. I mean, why don't they just wear a sign that tells everyone "Hey! We've seen each other in our skivvies, and we're here to spread the word!" (I love the word skivvies...we should use it more often).

As a parent, you know the message this sends to everyone. We're doing what we want, and don't care if you know. And even if they aren't...men, guys, boys, are created to be visual creatures. This is not new information. If you hand a guy a bra on the rack in VS, he's going to picture a girl in it. Not to mention the posters on the wall in the store are enough to overstimulate any healthy, red-blooded male.

This is not a post on True Love Waits (although it does, and should, I think.) I am overwhelmed with the permissiveness we allow ourselves and especially our teenagers. I read somewhere a comment made by someone that said, "abstinence doesn't work. kids will do it anyway. prevention is the only solution." Why is this? Why do we think they'll do it anyway? Maybe if we spent the time with our kids that they need so desperately, and not just give them the things they want, they wouldn't go looking for their emotional needs to be met outside the home.

I hope this was read knowing the intention with which I wrote it. I don't mean to preach, but I feel so strongly about the lack of morals in the world where my children will grow up. I feel as a parent like it's my job not only to teach them what God says is right and wrong, but to speak up about our society from a Christian's standpoint. In other words, call a spade a spade.

I daily struggle with sin in my life, and have to claim the line in the song we sang at church yesterday, "But by the power of Christ, I stand." I am not a loveless old church lady who points a finger at people who sin with 3 fingers pointing back at her. I am just a parent who cares deeply about her kids, a wife who knows the value of doing it God's way, and a child of God who knows how far his grace can reach.

I waited. God has blessed. But I still have regrets. I pray that couple in the store doesn't have regrets one day. God's plan is always best. His forgiveness is all-encompassing. His grace is sufficient. His mercy is everlasting. His love is perfect.

2008-07-29T21:47:00.000-05:00

Madelaine took this after she got Paiz down for a nap yesterday. Her shirt says, "Fun to be me", and most of the time, it is.

I made signs tonight, "We", "Miss", "Dad". I tried to get the kids to hold them up so I could take a pic for Michael, and this is the best I could get.

Paiz didn't quite understand. When I said, "hold it in front of you," I guess that was interpreted 3 different ways.

This cracked me up. Paisley was playing with the dollhouse. She went around to the back and peeked in the window. We all got so tickled at her. I hope there's nobody getting dressed in there!

So for the dog days of summer, we're doing pretty well. We always have so much to be thankful for. Air conditioning, cold water, an icemaker, cool summer clothes, stuff to do inside. No matter what the time of year, we're going to be thankful.

And at 9 in the morning, when Michael gets home, the gratitude will be even greater!

Dog days

2008-07-29T21:38:00.000-05:00

Hot. Steamy. Stifling. Muggy.
So many words for our lovely Mississippi weather these days.
Michael, on the other hand, is in Oregon again, enjoying highs of 85 and a nice breeze. He's flying red-eye tonight and will be home in the morning. Last week was New Jersey, the weekend was Tennessee (purely fun, rafting the Ocoee), this week Oregon and next week Jersey again. I love that he's getting to take charge of projects and gets to travel. I'm so proud of what he can do. One of the guys that rafted with him this weekend said that he asked Michael how the water at this plant on the Ocoee can turn into electricity, and Michael explained it very simply and clearly. He's pretty smart like that.

I, apparently, am not quite that smart. I can't figure out what to do around here with the kids when it's too hot to go outside. We've played cards, made collages, painted, colored, played many, many games and watched many, many dvds. This weekend, we stayed with my mom, since dad was gone to the Ocoee too. The kids had a great time. They got some skates, and have skated from one end of the house to the other. It's pretty funny to hear a thump, then "I'm Okay!!!"

I didn't get much sleep this weekend, Paisley ran fever every night. By Sunday, I was a zombie. My dad told me at church that our sweet friend Madelaine was coming over Monday and Tuesday morning to watch the kids so I could get a break. I didn't realize how much I needed that. Or maybe I just really needed someone to notice that I needed it. That meant more than the break itself. So I cried and cried and thanked them for thinking of me.

Madelaine got here yesterday morning and stayed till after lunch. I went and got school supplies, ran an errand for my dad, and went to Belk. I had some gift credit, so I bought a nightgown. Now, I'm the world's cheapest person, and hardly ever buy anything that I really don't need, so this was a splurge. But it was so cute, and marked down to $17 from $58, that I just couldn't resist. Today, I went to Renaissance and got a planner from B&N, then walked around and window shopped. I went in Francesca's, and decided that I really need to do some Pampered Chef soon, because those clothes had my name on them! The prices are great, and the jewelry is beautiful! Definitely going back there.

Okay, I'm boring myself with this recap of my life, so here are some pictures that are much more entertaining!

Madelaine must have taken this...and I love it. KoolAid mustaches rock.

More Maddie photography. I wish Paiz would let go of that pacifier. She's so cute without it.

She is the best babysitter EVER. My kids rooms were clean when I got home. The dishes were done. How she manages my house and kids better than I do...I don't know. But she's awesome. She has such a precious heart for Jesus, and is doing life right. I'm so proud to know her, and I'm glad she's made herself at home with us.

Miss Independent...Paisley!

2008-07-24T13:33:00.005-05:00

I realized today that my last several posts have been very wordy. I would apologize, but I'm not. You don't have to read them.

In actuality, we've had little photo opportunities lately. We've been having fun, but it's so hot, the thought of holding the camera outside makes me sweat. I hate to sweat, unless I know some of this postpartum baby fat is leaving my body. (it's been 14 months, I'm out of excuses.) But anyway...

Here's a quick video I took of Paiz last week on the slide. She made it up, then down, all by her little blond self. As of this week, she can get on top of the table by herself, but there will be no video of that, lest she think it's okay!

Here is another of Paiz from the 4th of July. She went down the slip and slide by herself, only to get taken out by G, my dad.

So there you have it, my little girl showing off. She is proving to be much more of a handful than Aidan and Molly were. Each kid has brought different challenges in parenting to the table, but so far, Paisley is the most exhausting!

Travelin' man

2008-07-21T23:19:00.003-05:00

I'm up late tonight, waiting for Michael to come home. He's been on a business trip again, this time to New Jersey. His flight tonight has been delayed almost 2 hours. He's been just sitting on the plane, which is fun for no one.

Anyway, I miss him. The kids tried to wait up, but eyelids are heavy things after 10 pm.

It's so hot outside, I'm thinking about purchasing 2 supersoakers, and letting Aidan and Molly have at me in the yard. I'll just stand there and soak.

Molly's ears are getting better. She needed an oral antibiotic, which I knew when I called 2 weeks ago, but they didn't believe me.

Turns out I had strep. I think it's gone now. A shot and a z-pack...best drugs on earth.

Speaking of medicine...my dad thinks Vicks VapoRub can cure anything. He says "vicksalve", one word. When I was a kid, I'd go to him with a stomach ache and he'd say, "just put a little vicksalve on it."

I think he just likes the smell. Maybe Yankee could make a Vicks candle. That would rock my dad's world. He'd light it at work, and the offices would be mentholated.

Last time Michael had a trip to Oregon, he bought me a cool tshirt in Seattle. It's from the airport, but really, where is he going to shop on a layover? Anyway...I'm thinking a one day trip to Newark, then a long night at the ATL won't result in a present this time.

I made a cheap Tony's frozen pizza tonight. Yes, I know I sell Pampered Chef and can do better, I just don't want to. Anyway, I handed Aidan a piece and he said, "I don't want pizza. I don't like the potato sauce." I got so tickled and he was just standing there with those huge brown eyes, saying, "what, mama? what'd I say?" Tomato, potato, let's call the whole thing off.

Molly is into bathroom humor. Every joke has either a body part or function. I would spend a lot of time correcting this, but I know it's a phase, so I'm picking my battles. I'm attacking the You Cannot Wear That In Public battle presently. So if you see her and she says "poop" at any time, I'm sorry. We don't sit around talking about it. She's 3, and it will pass. Hopefully.

Paisley wants to be big. That's all there is to it. She is into everything, and either breaks it, or hurts herself. She has worn more bruises the past 2 weeks. I still haven't gotten her picture made, ever. She always looks like she just took out 3 other kids in the nursery. We're working on words. So far, everything is "isssss". Don't ask me what it means, I have no idea.
I have a great vid of her climbing the ladder and sliding by herself. I'll post it when I'm motivated enough to download.

Michael should be in the air and on his way to me. So I'm going to fall asleep on the couch and pray that when he walks in tonight, I won't have drool running down my face.

Ain't no cure for the summertime flu...

2008-07-17T21:23:00.002-05:00

If you go back and read February's posts on the blog, you'll see that everyone in our house got sick. I managed to escape the treachery.

My turn. I took Molly to the doc today for a ruptured eardrum, and was feeling so bad, they did a strep test. It was negative, so the doctor told me, "looks like a case of the summer flu."

Flu in the summer? Why?

I'm off to take medicine that will put me out for 12 hours. Hope I am better tomorrow, I have fun things to do!

Perfect Post Pressure

2008-07-15T08:08:00.002-05:00

This is my one hundredth post. Apparently, I've had a lot to say or share since February!

I've been rolling thoughts around in my haphazardly organized mind, and I think I've had about 20 different perspectives to write from this time around. I put pressure on myself to make this one really spectacular, with the perfect combination of humor, life changing anecdotes, tales of my kids' antics, and spiritual insight. However, that's not where I am right now. Recently, I've been seeing the beauty of imperfection. That messed up part of us that just can't get it together. For me, that's where God comes in and makes himself so real.

When God steps into my faults and messiness, I become so aware of the beauty of the imperfection. It becomes a beautiful thing to not be just right, because God makes up the difference. As I strive to become "lesser" (John 3:30), then the imperfections become lesser too, and the perfection of Jesus in me becomes greater, therefore making me more complete. I picture it in my head as a pie chart, with two colors, one for the ugly messed up part of me, and one for the beauty of Christ. In every circumstance, how I respond, how I think, how I speak and act, how I treat people, my prayer is that the beauty of Christ take up most of the pie, and eventually the ugliness of my faults is a just a tiny sliver.

I have been working on the appearance of the blog, as you can tell. I love the grid with the most precious faces I've ever seen. But I can't stand the font. Blogger doesn't give a lot of options here, I have to learn how to do something different there. But the whole point of the upgrade is this: I realized that although "Flirting with Chaos" is appropriate for our life with the kids we have, it has a negative connotation. It was intended to be humorous, but I would never want anyone to mistake my attitude toward my family as being stressed, or frustrated, or less than completely happy.

Michael and I have talked a lot about making the most out of life. To quote the musical we did in junior high, we want to "Live It to the Max!" We only get one shot at life here on earth. I want mine to be lived in the best possible way. There are so many ways to look at this idea. I want to be adventurous. I want to be creative. I want to be passionate. I want to be silly. I want to laugh really hard. I want to be more spontaneous (which is hard for me, but I'm working on it.) I want to love people. This is probably where I am the most right now. I want to treat others in a way that there is no question that Jesus lives in me. I won't get it right sometimes, or even most of the time. But that's where the Lord comes in and fills in the rough spots of my imperfection and my identity in Christ becomes more important than even my relationships with people.

I think God wants us to embrace the life He has for us. He created so many wonderful things. He made wonderful people, everyone different and special. He made music. I wouldn't want to live in a world without music. He made everything to worship him. I desire with all of my heart to worship him without inhibitions. To worship him through my life, my words, my actions.

This past Sunday night, my sweet friend Katie Magee was baptized. She is a precious girl who I love to be around. After church, someone brought me her camera and said she left it in the baptistry and could I take it to her. The camera is pink, and Molly has been chomping at the bit to use it. We have been talking a lot about Katie's baptism, and what it means to come to know Christ and be baptized to show everyone that Jesus is in your heart. So yesterday, Molly comes to me and says, "Mama, how can we take Katie her camera if she's in heaven?" I told her Katie was at home, not in heaven. She said, "but she got baptized, and now she's in heaven, right?" That started a wonderful conversation about the symbolism of baptism and what it means to have Jesus in your heart. I told Molly that I asked Jesus in my heart when I was 6, but I'm still here. I told her when I die, a long time from now, I would go to heaven. Molly teared up and told me, "I'm gonna miss you when you die, mama!" After a good cry and a long hug, I explained that I wasn't going anywhere today. That hopefully I would be here with her until I am really old. Then I explained that if Jesus is in her heart, she'll see me when she gets there too. This made my sweet girl really happy. We talked about singing with Jesus forever.

Then she asked me where people go when they don't know Jesus. Now, I've known these questions were coming, but Molly is three. I was a little caught off guard. But I was honest, and I told her about hell. I told her hell was a sad place, because there was nothing good there. That it was a place completely without God or his love. This made her get really quiet for a minute, then she said, "tell me more about hell, mama". I explained that we have a choice, to know Jesus and ask him to forgive us of our sin and come live in our hearts and be in charge of our life, or not. I told her that in my life, following Jesus meant joy, peace, comfort, excitement. I told her that people without Jesus didn't have those things all the time, like we do.

Molly's conversation was an incredibly humbling experience for me. She's three, and now she knows that life with Jesus is better than life without him. I know she'll have hard times. We all do. But to have a chance to maybe instill a little bit of the faith that gets me through the valleys makes me feel so honored and proud. I'm so glad God made that little girl. I pray she will see that the faith and God given strength that gets me through stuff is available to her all the time.

For a 100th post, this was a doozy, huh? Thanks for reading if you made it this far. I'm thankful for the chance to get to express what God is doing in my heart. I pray that He's being awesome in yours. Even as I wind this up, there are so many wonderful things going on in my life that I could write about. But this post is long, and those things are all outside circumstances. So, I'll stick with the heart stuff, and say good night.

I said, You said, and one more memory...

2008-07-10T09:13:00.004-05:00

I found a copy of our ceremony today...

He said, "I, Michael, promise to love you Anne, as Christ loved the church. To love you with a sacrificial love that seeks your good above all else in order that you may be presented to Christ "radiant, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."

I said, "I, Anne, promise to love you Michael. To live "in submission as unto the Lord." To seek to uplift you in all that I do so I may show the world the peace, unity and Christ-like love that God would have seen in our family and testify to the world that God is in control."

Horton says, "I meant what I said, I said what I meant. An Elephant's faithful, one hundred percent!" -Horton Hatches the Egg, Dr. Seuss.

My next post is my hundredth. I'm working on it in my head...stay tuned.

***I can't believe I forgot this last night! My sweet friend Jennifer sent me a message on facebook reminding me about one of the funniest parts of our wedding day!

In 4 of the 9 bridesmaids' bouquets, a couple of stargazers had not opened, and there was just a white unopened bud sticking up. Jenni, my cousin and one of the funniest people I know, started tapping on hers and saying, "testing, testing...1,2,3" It really looked like a weird microphone in a flower bouquet. So Jenni, Sarah (her sister, just as funny), Lucy (my jr. bridesmaid, just as funny), and Jennifer (my matron of honor...funny as well) all started talking into their flowers. We all got so tickled. The photographer, when lining the girls up for a picture, said to Jenni, "you there, lower your microphone just a bit," and we all fell out. Oh, that was a good time. Thanks Jennifer for reminding me of that.

If you were there, and a few of you that read this were...comment with something you remember. Going back over that day has been so much fun! Thanks!

I remember...

2008-07-09T23:16:00.000-05:00

I have a great memory. This is good and bad. I can remember conversations, what I wore, who I was with, where we went. But I also can remember every embarrassing thing I've ever done. July 10, 1999 is a day I remember almost every minute of, and I'm so glad.

I remember singing with my friends in the bride's room. I wasn't nervous AT ALL. I just wanted to marry Michael.

I remember throwing the top layer of my wedding dress over my head and pretending to be a ghost and getting lipstick on my dress.

I remember the silly poem my cousins wrote for me. All inside jokes, and very, very funny. Thank you Clyde.

I remember my brother streaking through the house after his shower that morning. He actually wasn't streaking, he was dancing, and his towel fell off. Mom and I were in tears from laughing.

I remember wondering if it should be weird that my high school boyfriend was a groomsman. It wasn't.

I remember waiting with my dad after the bridesmaids had gone in. We had so much fun. I think the photographer wanted sweet and sentimental. We didn't give it to him. Dad had a wedding to perform, he couldn't get all gushy.

I remember my dad ushering people in, and when he was reprimanded for doing that (since he was the father of the bride) he said, "I can do what I want! Are you paying for this??"

I remember walking down the aisle. I remember Michael's face. That's why I had the ushers tell everybody to stay seated when I entered. I wanted to see his face. He grinned at me, and nothing else in the world mattered at that point.

I remember the flowers not being what I ordered. I was upset, briefly, until dad hung the bridesmaid dress hanger around his neck and stood on the stage and showed me that the red would not clash with the dark pink. It really looked great.

I remember the indescribable feeling of hearing almost every person I know and love singing my favorite hymn, "Worthy of Worship", and being shaken to the core with emotion.

I remember my little brother standing up there trying not to cry. I'm glad he got to stand on my side. If I could have had a best man, he'd have been it.

I remember Michael at the reception stopping to talk with EVERY person he saw. I did the, "hey! so glad you came! Thanks!" But Michael shook hands and said, "how's the job going?" He worked the crowd slowly, but he let everyone know how glad he was they were there.

I remember Michael being afraid to lift my dress above my calf. I think he was just uncertain about all those layers of tulle. I hiked it up, and showed him the garter. Then he got the idea.

I remember my sweet 11 year old cousin catching the bouquet. She was so beautiful and grown up in her red dress.

I remember the rose petals being tossed at us as we ran to Michael's mustang.

I remember the happy sadness as we drove off, and wondering if I truly showed my parents how grateful I was for such an awesome, worshipful, fun, delightful, beautiful day.

I remember being alone with Michael for the first time in the car and the peace that came over me that I had made the best decision in my life, after following Christ.

So many other memories. But this post would be longer than it already is. I love my husband. He is my best friend. If you've read other posts you know how I feel about him, so I won't repeat myself.

That day was great. Our life since then has been greater. I'm excited about what God's going to do in the next 50 years!

I had to doctor the pics a bit. We don't have a scanner, so Michael took pictures of my pictures. They're not great, but it gives you the idea. There are not many things I'd have changed about that day. I'd have had our pictures taken before the ceremony. I'd have shortened the ceremony, maybe. I liked it long, but my bridesmaids didn't have on isotoner slippers like I did! I'd have had a funkier cake. I didn't care about the cake. It was pretty, but I would have had something more "me". We certainly would have picked a different honeymoon destination. But all those things are so small...now they're just memories. Michael and I have learned and loved and lived and are having a wonderful time.

Ecclesiastes 4:9. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Water fun and watermelon!

2008-07-06T10:30:00.017-05:00

The Fourth of July is becoming one of my favorite holidays. I guess I don't remember it being a big deal as a kid. Usually we went to an extended family member's home, and that was always fun, but we didn't have any traditions of our own.

My dad spent all day Thursday getting ready for Friday. Victor, our good friend, came over and helped, and they created a water playland in the backyard. I'd say it was for the kids, but I think Michael, John Mark, Daddy and I had just as much fun!

After we wore ourseves out running up the hill and sliding, we ate mom's bbq sandwiches and all the fixings, and rode to Liberty Park, where the kids gorged on watermelon, danced to the band, and enjoyed a wonderful fireworks display. It was the best fireworks they've ever done. We've gone to Liberty park every year, and that's just getting to be one of my favorite things to do all summer.

It was a great day. It was as fun as Christmas, but without the stress of having to buy gifts. I'm hoping dad will rig up the slides again for Labor Day!

I have tons of pics and videos...enjoy!

This is my little brother, John Mark and I racing on the blue slide. If I had just done the belly flop, I'd have had a fighting chance. Later on, Michael and I raced UP the slide, and it was pretty funny. The slide had about half a bottle of baby oil on it, so it was slick!

My dad and Victor built a zip line between two of the big trees in the woods. They used a swing for the seat. As you can tell by Aidan's face, it was a hit!

This is the backyard. The zip line is behind the tube slide, and the trampoline is above the blue slide. The tube is a culvert that my dad found last year down the street that never was used. He put it in the truck and dragged it to the hill. With a lot of water and baby oil, it's a great slide!

Aidan, zipping out of the slide.

Mark, my dad, the ringmaster of the circus. Wonder who he was shooting with the hose in this pic

Molly, just a swingin....

Paiz did the slide too! She sat on G's tummy and slid down like the big kids!

I think Aidan ate 5 pieces of watermelon! He loves it!

Molly calls it a "waterlemon"

It was all just too much for Michael...

Victor (or Mista Victa, as Molly says) brought 3-D glasses for the fireworks!

The fireworks were about to start. A great end to a great day. I have so many more pics to choose from...this was hard! And a quick word of clarification...I have tons of pictures of my precious niece and nephews, but they have a blog too, so I thought I'd just share my kids here and let them put their pics on their blog, if they want to.

One more video...this is Molly dancing to the band, and just as she's really getting into it, Aidan jumps in the video and has to go to the bathroom. His face is priceless.

And the next morning was the hot air balloon in our yard...but this post took me an hour...I'll do that one another time!

Only in Canton...

2008-07-05T08:54:00.003-05:00

So a hot air balloon just landed in our backyard! Aidan got to sit in the basket while they took it down. I have tons of pics from yesterday and this morning...but I'll post them later. I just had to let you know about our morning excitement!

Way to go, Aidan!

2008-07-03T19:20:00.003-05:00

Aidan rode his bike with no training wheels this evening! He's been asking to try for several weeks, but we've put it off. Tonight, we had a few minutes and so we gave it a try. He did it the first time! The first video is the first leg of the driveway, and the second video is him riding back towards me. I'm so proud of my big boy! Now we just need a neighborhood with some other boys for him to ride with!

Making up for those last 2 pitiful posts...

2008-07-03T09:46:00.008-05:00

Welcome to our first full week of nothing to do! June was busy, busy...but July is going to require us to find our own fun! We started this past weekend spending time with new friends that we have grown to love very much. Then Monday and Tuesday we had a lot of house time...playing, watching tv, painting pictures, and basically just hanging around. By Tuesday night, the kids were fighting a lot, so we got out yesterday and headed to the pool at our friends' house. We took our babysitter, Maddie, with us to help out, since my kids are prone to jumping in at any time, whether or not anyone is in the deep end to catch them! We had a blast.

Paiz is doing her runway walk.

Cheezits in the pool.

The girls and I on our float. Molly loved it, Paiz, not so much.

This is Madelaine. I wish I could say those were my legs, but alas....I'm not seventeen anymore.

Aidan loves the water.

I think Molly understands the term "summer vacation". She looks really relaxed!

I'm going to enjoy this month with my kids. We have no plans, just a few parties, and our 9th anniversary is one week from today! I'm trying to think of something cool to do with Michael. Going to dinner is fun, but we've done that a million times.

God is teaching me a lot about myself. I'm learning what really matters. I'm learning to surround myself with people who make me better. I'm learning that when you're sitting in a waiting room, that's a great time to read your Bible. I'm learning that people seeing me as a Christian is a lot more important to me than people seeing me as smart, talented, pretty, or even a good mom or wife. And yes, all this learning has been going on just this past week!

Happy summer...

Now I feel stupid.

2008-07-01T16:44:00.002-05:00

Went to the doctor. My pain didn't alarm him in the least. So apparently, I'm not suffering from some kind of weird disease. And I'm not in need of bedrest (which I hoped for, ha!). I guess I'm just overreacting and should probably delete the last post just so people won't think I'm an idiot. But my new resolution is to not care what people think, so I'll leave it. We'll just chalk today's adventure up to my low pain threshold and leave it at that. I'm even willing to say that I was having sympathy pains for Heather Avery. That makes perfect sense to me!

My kids have lost all conflict resolution skills. We have to get out of this house tomorrow. Wonder what trouble we can get ourselves into??!!

what is wrong with me? this hurts!!!

2008-07-01T09:30:00.002-05:00

okay...i don't know how else to do this...but i have some medical minded friends that read my blog and i am not sure what to do about this, so i'll just post about it!
i woke up this morning with a sharp pain/cramp in my lower right abdomen. that was at 6:30, and it's still there. i can walk around, but just barely and bent over. it mostly goes away, but not completely when i'm sitting down. it really, really hurts! i ate, and it didn't help. i laid down for a bit and it's still there. not sure what to do about this. i have my yearly checkup today, so i'm holding out till this afternoon to talk to my doc about it...but if anybody has any idea what might be the problem, please let me know. my kids want to play treasure hunt and paint pictures, and i just want to lie on the couch. this makes me feel worse than the pain!

thanks for the feedback.

Longest day of the year!

2008-06-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

Saturday the 21st of June was the longest day of the year. We celebrated by going to the Yogi Bear waterpark in Pelahatchie. It was so much fun. I didn't get the camera out much, so these were the only two pics worth posting.

I hate that Paiz's cup is in her face, because she was so very cute in her suit!

My mom and dad got an awesome hammock for their front porch. My kids loved it, but they love their Nonna more!

Dad fixed the tire swing. It used to be on a rotted rope, now it's on cables, and really swings out far. It's a playland at their house!

VBS is going great. Michael comes home tomorrow. I've kept the house mostly clean. Except for a little weariness, we've had a great week. Today Aidan and Molly played in shaving cream, and the word on the street is that they had a blast! Paisley has found a friend in Mary Alice and gets toted around the church, spreading the joy of being Paiz. The ladies in the teacher's lounge can't believe how big she is. Last year, I worked in there and she was about 4 weeks old. What a year we've had since then!

I can't wait to see Michael. I hope I sleep tonight, knowing he's flying all night. Tomorrow will be a happy day.

Roll with the punches...

2008-06-23T20:07:00.002-05:00

Today was the first day of VBS. Actually, I'm with the 5th and 6th grade, so that would be VBX, Vacation Bible School Extreme. We had an awesome day. I met some really great kids. They were so funny! My group played Truth or Dare, and they were such good sports and we laughed a lot. I guess my kids had fun. They tell me nothing. But they were all smiles at pick up time, so I take that as a good sign.

Michael left yesterday before daylight for another trip. He's got a lot going on these days. We're fine, but today we had a van issue that really made me wish he was here. Our air conditioning has been going out on the van lately. Michael takes it to this place in Canton to get it fixed. Today when we left VBS, it was hot again. So I drove straight to the mechanic to get it fixed. They told me to go inside and wait for a bit while they "looked at it". I woke Paisley up, got the kids out and sat in the waiting room for quite a while. After 45 minutes, I asked if they would be done soon, and they said, "oh no ma'am. Probably another hour or two." At this point my kids were crying from hunger and pretty much running wild in the waiting room, so I asked if I had to stay or if I could call someone to come get me. The man (who is so nice) realized that I was standing there with 3 screaming kids and offered to take me home. He promised he wouldn't kill me (and I did ask) and I accepted a ride from a stranger for one of the few times in my life. He brought us home and said he'd call when the van was ready and somebody would come pick us up. I got the kids in, fed them, put a movie on, and tried for a long time to get Paisley back to sleep. Around 3:30 she finally crashed and then the guy called at 3:45 and said someone was going to come get me to pick up the van. In my nicest voice, I told him I had just gotten the baby back to sleep and he immediately said they'd just bring it to me. So Paiz got her nap, I got my van, and the kids went to bed early. All in all, not a bad experience. But in the moment, I was getting a little frustrated.

Now all the kids are fed and sleeping...so I have a choice to make. Do I exercise, watch tv, read a book, clean my bathroom, take a shower, or just sit and do nothing? I'll enjoy getting to choose!

A Renaissance Day

2008-06-21T21:18:00.013-05:00

I don't know why I can't get my pictures to line up the way I want them to...but oh well. These are in backward order...

Yesterday, Michael took the afternoon off and we went to Renaissance. We ate at Sweet Peppers (I was really disappointed in the chicken salad) and then let the kids get wet in the fountain. We brought towels and changes of clothes, and they had a wonderful afternoon. We changed their clothes there in the little plaza behind a curtain of beach towels. So now my kids have been naked in a mall. I figured we'd get it out of their systems now so when they go to college, this will be one less stupid thing they'll need to do.

Aidan loved just running through the water at full speed.

This would be a cute pic except for the water drop on my lens right on Aidan.

Molly was shocked that I let her wear that dress. She asked if I was sure she could get it wet. I told her, "just because there will be pictures, darling!"

And I'm thinking she was ready for those pictures!!

Paisley was a happy, happy baby.

She was fascinated by the water. She loved just putting her hands in the spray.

Paisley had a bit of trouble keeping her footing. It was really slick, and she busted it many, many times. But she never cried. Apparently the fun of it overruled the frustration and pain of falling.

I wish I had gotten her face up close. She was joyful. That's the only word I can think of. Just completely joyful.

Aidan doing a little fork and knife action.

Molly was mad because the food wasn't there. I was trying to make the best of it. We had to go ask for crackers to get us through the wait.

Paiz loves the crackers.

Today we went to the Yogi Bear campground waterpark. I'll post the few pics I have later. We had a great time there. We saw my sweet cousin Jenni with our friend Leslie and their beautiful girls. The kids wore themselves out. And I've got a nasty sunburn. I was so worried about getting sunscreen on the kids and Michael...I forgot to put it on myself. It was cloudy, so I didn't feel the sun on my shoulders. Next time, I won't forget. I just get so caught up in getting everybody ready, it's amazing that I get out the door with pants on! Anyway, we had a great time. I want to go back with my family and stay in a cabin. It's very relaxing and kid-friendly, except for one thing. There are NO diaper changing stations anywhere. And there were babies everywhere. But not one changing table thing. And the lady acted like I was crazy when I asked if they had one. Yogi apparently was thinking like the boy bear he is and forgot that detail.

So that's our weekend. Tomorrow will be a good day...except that Michael is going out of town again. That's always a bit sad. But a day at church will be wonderful. I look forward to it so much.

Have a happy Sunday. Rejoice!

Lunch break...

2008-06-20T23:04:00.002-05:00

yesterday when Michael came home for lunch, this is what we did..

For Father's day...Michael and the kids!

2008-06-15T10:26:00.000-05:00

Some of these are repeats, but worth repeating!

Michael's dancing with Paiz here. I love the look on his face!

At Pump It Up, sliding with the girls.

On top of Monkey Hill with Aidan. New Orleans Zoo.

Climbing the web at the zoo in N.O. There are so many I could post! But these I think show how much fun he has with our great kids.

My Father's Eyes

2008-06-15T09:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's day to the dads that read this! (That's like, 2, right?)

I'm home with a stomach virus while Michael took the kids to church. They didn't rush this morning to make Sunday School. They played go fish, read books, ate breakfast, played Molly's dice game (long story...) and basically just enjoyed the morning together. The most special thing about this is that this is not a rare, abnormal thing around here. Michael is a wonderful, caring, hands-on, loving father. Our kids are so blessed to have him. He does so much to show them he loves them. Actually, if we were younger, we probably would have more kids, primarily because Michael loves being a dad. The day after Aidan was born, we had about 2 hours when the room wasn't full of family and friends. Michael sat in the rocker with our new baby on his chest and didn't move. I remember seeing his face filled with the peace and wonder of knowing he had found his greatest purpose. And I've grown to love him more in the past 5 years than I ever thought I could. He doesn't feel like being superdad all the time, but yet, he always is. If the kids want a story at bedtime, and I'm folding clothes, he's right there to read. He throws the baseball to Aidan on his lunch break and then when he gets home. We chose this house in Canton mostly because of Michael's relationship with the kids. He wanted us to be close to his work so he could come home every day at lunch and see us. We'll have to move next year for school and that will be the hardest on Michael and the kids. I'm so proud of who he is as a man, and a father.

I also was blessed beyond words with a father who is almost indescribable. People tell me all the time, "Oh, your daddy is so _______." Words like wonderful, special, kind, funny, giving, selfless, great, and unique fill that spot. My favorite part of the quote is the word "your". I'm so glad he's my daddy. I don't know anyone who loves people like he does. He loves the Lord and wants everyone to know how great our God is. In my lifetime, many people have come to know Jesus in a personal, real way because dad shares him in such a transparent way. I pray I can learn to do that. He taught me how to shoot a can off a stick, how to fish, how to play a Bach Minuet in G, how to project my voice on stage, how to handle a beligerent teenager who breaks curfew every weekend (yep, that was me), how to pray through hurt feelings, how to make sugar cookies, how to love people wholeheartedly, and so many other things. He embarrassed the mess out of me when I was an adolescent. He offended my need to be cool at all cost. Looking back, I see how boring I was and how awesome he was. Being cool is way overrated. Dad taught me that what other people think is pretty much a nonissue. The only identity I should care about is my identity in Christ. Am I glorifying him? Who does God say I am? What does he love about me? I can answer those questions now and it really puts the right perspective on things. My dad is a grateful man. He is so thankful for his family, his home, and his work. He never really complains, and I've never heard him EVER talk bad about people. He keeps a secret locked up tight, and is the most humble, selfless person I've ever known. I admire him. I thank God I get to be his. He answers his phone when I call, even when he's busy, just because I might need something. He told me when I got my first boyfriend in high school, "this makes me just a little sad, because now you love someone else besides me". I knew then that if I ever met a guy that I could love more than I love him, we'd get married. Michael Albritton is the best friend I've ever had. He has so many of these same qualities my dad has. I didn't mention it in the last paragraph, but Michael spends as much time in God's word as he can. So does my dad. Neither men are pompous, or self righteous, or think they're better than anybody. They just have discovered a power and a love and a peace that comes from knowing the Perfect Father. I think their lives praise God in so many ways. They aren't perfect, but they are connected to the source of perfect love. And they share that love with us. I am so grateful.

Happy Father's day. I know so many people don't have the same experience I do. But there is a perfect Father who loves unconditionally and accepts you just like you are. Know Him, and you will know a love beyond comprehension. His love makes any earthly father pale in comparison. And he sees us each as his child. I'm amazed at that. I'm God's child. Even more than I'm Mark's child, I'm God's child. Mark, Michael, and the other family I have don't make me who I am. Belonging to Jesus makes me who I am. Loved, accepted, forgiven, cherished, I am all those things, just because Jesus lives in me. I pray you know this. I pray that no matter what your earthly father looks like, you know your Heavenly father.

My Favorite song!

2008-06-11T22:40:00.002-05:00

Just a bit of news about Brad Paisley and his new video and single. This song is on his Time Well Wasted album, and he's repackaging his new album, 5th Gear with this song on it. He's releasing it and just made a video...read about it.

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1589080/brad-paisley-films-new-video-with-andy-griffith.jhtml

This is my favorite country song. I can't wait to see the video.

Dreams and imaginings...

2008-06-11T21:44:00.001-05:00

If you know me well at all (and seriously, how many people really know anybody well?) then you know that Nashville was my City of Dreams when I was a kid. I remember the day vividly when my dad brought home a record, Amy Grant's Age to Age. It changed my whole life. Up till then, I knew Sandi Patty songs and stuff my mom sang, plus a lot of kid stuff. But I had never heard anything quite like Amy Grant. I had a lower voice register than any other girl (and most boys) my age and for the first time, I could sing along with the record! I learned every word, every note. I read everything I could find on her. My wall became adorned with posters. I found out she lived in Nashville and had attended Vanderbilt. I had no idea what Vanderbilt was, but I wanted to go there. I read that she was 16 hours short of graduating. I had no idea how hours were counted in college and wondered for years why she didn't just go back for 16 hours and finish. That's like, 2 days, right?

Anyway...when I was 9 or 10, we took a vacation to Nashville, and I made my poor parents drive around till they found her house. Bless them. Then at her concert in 1989 (?) I got a backstage pass and met my hero. I was in 7th grade then, and after I met her, the magic faded. I discovered country music then and became aware of women like Barbara Mandrell (who I had watched on tv growing up, but had no idea of the extent of her ability), Reba McEntire, Kathy Mattea and Anne Murray. I couldn't sing Reba, but I wanted to perform like her. I watched the CMA awards EVERY year (still do!) and would write my acceptance speech for my future award in my diary. Although I think I was very aware that I would never do anything like that with my life, it was a wonderful dream, and I am thankful that mom and dad let me imagine like that and didn't treat me like I was an idiot.

So Nashville has always been the place where my childhood dreams led me to. I get goosebumps when I see the skyline and the "batman" building. The Opryland hotel is magical to me. My first time to go there was late, late at night with some of my most special friends in college. Oh, the adventure! We roamed and laughed and ate ice cream in that wonderful place. I can't go to Nashville without taking a walk through the atriums and thinking about how if I were a princess, this would be what my castle would look like.

So Michael and I had a wonderful time. I came home so relaxed and happy. I know I missed my Bible study night. I'm glad everyone had such a good time Tuesday. I just could not miss this opportunity. And honestly, Michael and I needed to just spend time together and finish our sentences, without being interrupted. I told him last night, "I think I've held your hand more this week than in the past 5 years!" I was reminded how cute, kind, funny, affectionate and crazy about me my husband is.

So this is me..Outside the country music Hall of Fame and museum. I love this quote, and I love the lady being quoted.

Our friends, Robbie and Jill Armstrong were in Nashville, too! Robbie was speaking at a camp, and I'm sure doing an awesome job. They have a precious little girl that I wish lived closer to Paisley. Her name is Hannah, and she's adorable. She loved the monkeys in the Rainforest Cafe.

I won't ever make it to the stage (that's an understatement!), but I made it to the steps. Next time we go, we'll see the show. Nobody I had heard of was performing last night, and we didn't have time to get the tickets.

Me, by a fountain in the Opryland Hotel. There are just so few good pics of me these days, I thought I'd include this one.

The kids have had a good week. However, last night Aidan woke up with a stomach bug and was sick all night. My dad had to take Aidan and Molly to my inlaws house so they could go to work. I'm so thankful that all worked out. Michael's folks brought them all to us this evening. I was so happy to see my sweet kids. They're feeling better and tomorrow will be business as usual, except that maybe I'll be a little more patient, a bit more relaxed, and hopefully a lot more fun. Aidan asks me a lot what I wanted to be when I was a kid. I always say a mom with great kids like them. Maybe tomorrow I'll tell them that I wanted to sing. And that God's plan was for me to sing to them. And that's the best stage and audience I could ever have.

Blissful day...

2008-06-09T23:51:00.003-05:00

I have gone swimming 3 times today. I have read my Bible and my new book. I have been to the mall, twice! We ate at The Melting Pot downtown tonight. I'm so relaxed I feel like I could just float. I don't remember the last vacation I had like this...let's see...2 years ago, Michael and I went to Six Flags in Atlanta and then white water rafting. It was awesome, but very tiring. This may be the first time I've chilled out in years.

I wish some miraculous fluke would cause me to run into Brad Paisley somewhere...but I know that won't happen. It's fun to think about what I'd say to him, though. Michael says I'd ramble on and on and on. I think I would just tell him we named our baby girl at his concert. Maybe next time, he'd throw a guitar pick to me, just for doing that.

We were walking downtown tonight and heard a really drunk guy singing Johnny Cash in a karaoke bar. It was hilarious. I was asking Michael what I should sing if I had the guts to get up there. I didn't do it...but maybe, just maybe, I'll work up the nerve. I'll let you know. Any suggestions as to what I should sing? The problem is that they pipe the singer out on the street, so everybody hears it!

It's really late, I'm really sleepy, and who knows what I'll say if I keep writing. I'm passing the laptop to Michael so he can see how much golf balls are selling for on ebay. By the way...we look like the Cleavers. The only room his office could get is a 2 double bed room. So we each have our own bed. Nobody steals the covers! I'm feeling very 1950's with this setup. Maybe I'll buy a ruffly apron tomorrow at one of these country stores in the Opry Mills mall.

If we take any pics, I'll post them...Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow. Michael thinks I'll cry. I always cry at stuff like that. It's pathetic.

night night!

Music City to my ears...

2008-06-09T09:05:00.003-05:00

Michael is in training in Nashville this week. He's probably really bored right now! I'm with him. The kids are well taken care of, thanks to my sweet family. My folks have Aidan and Molly and Michael's parents have Paiz. I'm on my way to the pool. There's plenty to do here...but I really don't need to shop, and I'd rather go out at night with Michael. So for now, I'm going to do what I can't do at home! Sit and read by a beautiful pool! Maybe tomorrow I'll break out and go to the country music hall of fame by myself, but for now...to quote Elmer Fudd, "West and wewaxation at wast!"

aaaaahhhhh.....

Mid-afternoon thought break...

2008-06-05T13:58:00.002-05:00

Swimming lessons, business trips, playdates, doctor's appointments, sports camp, piles of laundry and dishes..that's what's been happening at the Albritton's this week. I've enjoyed the busy pace, although I'm behind on housework. Michael and the kids don't enjoy it nearly as much as I do. They would much rather stay home and play. I understand that. They're still really young to go and do as much as we do. So we're working on a balance. We have managed to not eat out once this week. I've fixed lunch and supper every day. Hopefully our wallet and waistlines will see the difference!

I've been contemplating my career as a stay home mom. Not because I have nothing better to do, but because it comes up in conversation a lot. I've been told by lots of people, "you should be so thankful that you get to be with them all day." Now I know all of the strangers in Walmart who tell me this will not be reading this blog...but I'm saying it to those who do: I am so thankful. My life is my children. They are not my identity, but they are the focus of all I do right now. I am grateful for my sweet husband who is willing to work really hard so we can live on one salary. He never really wanted to go back into engineering, but he did in order for me to be here. We don't do or buy a lot of things other people have in order for me to be home, but God has taught me so much through that. It's amazing what I really don't need!

But I do have rough days. My kids are 5, 3 and 1. They are still mostly dependent on me for everything. I spend all of my awake time doing what they need or want me to do. I'm not a pushover, they just need a lot! I'm teaching them to do things for themself, but that means there's a lot of messes to clean up after them. So not much else gets done. My leisure time is usually filled with guilty feelings for leaving them (I do this to myself, Michael is great about this), but I know I have to do a few things without them. When I'm with my kids, I try to spend a lot of time talking, playing, laughing and teaching. Because I know that when they go to school, or anywhere they are not with me, how they behave is a direct reflection on what I do every day. So I have to be mentally "on" at all times, and that is very draining! Right now, Aidan wants to play on the computer, and the girls are asleep. I'm talking to him about taking turns as I type!

So I am thankful. I love their faces, their dance moves, their laughs, their artwork, their "contraptions" that they love to make, their jokes, their movie quotes, their hugs and kisses, their snuggles and so much more. I'm so glad I get to be a part of who they're becoming. I see so much promise in my kids, and I pray every day that God will manifest Himself in their little hearts and they will know his perfect love and acceptance and never look for it anywhere else. I didn't want 3 kids this soon. I didn't see this for myself. I confess I'm worried about when I do go to work, what on earth will I do? But right now, I'm where God wants me to be. It's a crazy life. I have done nothing to deserve such great kids, but God has been more than gracious to me. All I can do in return is praise him with everything I do.

Backyard blast!

2008-05-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

They look like they're whining in this picture. They probably are.

This is Michael, getting his slide on.

The kids had a blast.

Yep. I can do more than just stand around with a camera. We didn't get pictures, but Michael and I were working some really cool stunts. We were sore the next day...but it was worth it.

The Princess and the Birthday!

2008-05-30T14:04:00.001-05:00

Maggie, my sweet niece, turned 3 and had a Princess birthday party at Strawberry park last Saturday. The kids had a great time, and JM and Sharon did a wonderful job. The girls were each given one glass slipper and they had to go hunt for the other one. The boys were given their helmet and shield, and they had to find their sword. It was fun for everybody. Even Molly, who is channeling her inner Maxwell Smart and using her slipper as a phone.

Aidan loved being a knight. He's bound and determined to save the world one day. Either as a superhero or a knight in armor. If I could just get him to save his bed from being unmade, that'd work for me!

Max is simply the greatest kid. Everything about him makes me smile. And my favorite part? He loves to give hugs and kisses!

Maggie looked beautiful. Her cake was befitting a perfect princess. I think my dad was sad that fondant icing just isn't as delectable as buttercream...he's seen too many episodes of Ace of Cakes. He was sure that it tasted just like regular icing!

This was a great start to our busy weekend. It's been so hectic around here that I'm looking another weekend in the face and I'm just now processing the last one! On Friday night of last week, Michael and I saw Indiana Jones. I loved it. I mean sure, it was a bit farfetched at times, but all the elements of a good Indy movie were there. Madelaine kept the kids, and that is always a great time for them. She's awesome. Then on Saturday after the party, we played in the yard. Slipping and sliding all afternoon. Then a trip to the ER that night with Paisley. I thought she had a broken collarbone. Michael was here with the kids, so my folks met me there so I wouldn't be downtown by myself. Turns out she had "nursemaid's elbow" which apparently means some tendons got stretched and her elbow popped and caused her some pain. The bill that I'll get for that will cause me some pain, I'm sure! On Sunday we went to church then over to mom and dad's house, where more pool time and haircuts were on the agenda. We stayed till suppertime, then went home and chilled out for the night and all the next day. Michael went out of town on Wednesday, and will be home tonight, right before Tatum and Trevor's (cousins) birthday party at Pump It Up. So another busy weekend ahead! But lots of fun. More pics on the way!

BILL COSBY HIMSELF

2008-05-27T21:37:00.001-05:00

This happened to us today...Molly ate watermelon, then wiped her face on her pink smocked Easter dress that was hanging to dry in the bathroom. When I asked her why, she said, "I don't know!" I had to turn around and walk out of the room.

The rest of the Bill Cosby video is just funny.

"I hate snakes!"

2008-05-23T12:38:00.002-05:00

yeah, me too. See, I have so much in common with Indiana Jones! He hates snakes, me too. He runs screaming from 10 ton boulders, me...well, okay.

We preordered our tickets, got a babysitter, and we're off to see Dr. Jones be his wonderful self tonight! I'm so excited. I really wanted the recessional of my wedding to be the theme of Indiana Jones, but Michael (and mom) just didn't get on board with that one.

7 more hours! I'm so excited!

Let them eat cake!

2008-05-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

Taste testing...

Bobbing for birthday cake!

I think she likes it!

The end result...then off to the tub!

Fun First Birthday!

2008-05-23T08:26:00.001-05:00

Last night was Paisley's first birthday party. We had some sweet family come over to my parents' house and we had a great time.

This is her paisley cake and plates! Naming her after a pattern was a great idea, don't you think?! Suzanne made the cakes, and they were precious and yummy!

This is the birthday girl in her outfit. My friend Tamah did the monogram, and although this outfit gave her fits, we're so happy with the outcome!

This is Aidan, Max, Molly, Tatum and Trevor. Happy cousins, having fun. They love each other so much, and I'm so glad. It used to be chaotic when we were all together, now it's just fun.

And this is baby Jack. He's just taking it all in. Sweetest little guy, ever.

Purple Tutus!

2008-05-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

Molly's first recital was last night. She did a ballet and a tap dance. The teacher, Mrs. Donna Hatten, is a precious lady who wants the production to glorify God first and foremost. The girls have fun, get to dress up, and dance to sweet music about Jesus. My kind of show. Molly did really well. She remembered every step, and when it was time to do a turn, she spun on one foot really fast. It was hilarious. She almost took out one little girl next to her. But she did 6 of those spins, and it became her signature move. Our favorite part was the little girl who did her whole tap dance facing the backdrop. Everyone in the room was laughing. It was a really fun night.

This is my girl. She and I spent a lot of time together this weekend getting ready, and I was so proud of her. I could tell she had fun, and did her very best.

Aidan and Molly with their Nonna. It's always fun to have her around!

This is her teacher, Mrs. Donna. She really does a great job with the girls, and teaches them about what's most important.

Before the show...

I've got sunshine...on a cloudy day

2008-05-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

My girls!

I've got a question!

Check out the leg propped up. If my legs were that cute, I'd show you too!

Cheese!

Last day of School!

2008-05-16T14:39:00.000-05:00

This is Mrs. Debbie, Aidan's teacher. This was her first year to teach, and she has done a wonderful job. Aidan really loves her, and she has really taught him a lot. Her note on his report card said lots of nice things, but then she wrote, "Even when he makes me mad...he still makes me laugh!" Yeah, I have that problem, too.

This is Mrs. Patterson. She is a special, special lady. Molly has bonded with her big time. Molly and Samuel Wadford were the oldest ones in the room this year, so they got to be helpers a lot. One day, Mrs. Patterson had to go down the hall for a minute, so she told Molly, "Molly, you be the teacher while I'm gone." When she returned, Molly was telling all the other kids, "Now put your finger on the RED bird on the page!" She took her job very seriously! It's obvious that she had a good example.

These are some of Aidan's buds. I'm so glad he found some great little guys to hang out with. They've had a lot of fun, and I hope we see them over the summer!

Star wanted a picture with Paisley, and Perry was happily joining the party. Molly wanted to be in the picture, but I have no idea what this pose is. She's a crazy one, that girl.

I cried at the end of the school day. I felt stupid for crying...but my children are the most important things in the world to me. They drive me bananas, but I could not be more blessed, proud, and happy with the 3 that God has given me. I don't think I could let just anybody teach my kids. Their little minds are too vulnerable, too innocent. But I trust these teachers, and believe that God has them there for these kids. There are some children in the school who don't receive a lot of love at home, but I know they get it from these wonderful ladies. If I am going to send my kids away from me every morning, I'm so glad they are where they are.

I've looked EVERYWHERE...

2008-05-14T15:53:00.003-05:00

and I can't find my battery charger for my camera. And the battery is dead. This is a dilemma for several reasons, the first of which is Molly's dance recital is Saturday, and I have to have a camera! Secondly, if I can't take pics, then all of you will be forced to read about what I think. This could be good some days, and bad some days. Are you willing to take that chance? I would feel much safer knowing you are just seeing pictures of my sweet children, and keep my thoughts (mostly) to myself. Thirdly, I hate losing things. It makes me tense and I lose sleep. So if I find the charger, I sleep. Reason enough, right there.

I haven't checked the van yet...no telling what I'll find in there!

A day in Meridian

2008-05-10T20:44:00.002-05:00

Before we moved back home to the Jackson area, we lived for 2 and a half years in Meridian, MS. While we were there, a really special girl (and some other really special girls...but they didn't get married today) babysat for us pretty often. Aidan loved her and so did we. She got married today, in a sweet, worshipful, precious ceremony at Midway Baptist Church. I'm so proud of Morgan. She has let Jesus guide her through her teenage/college years and has always tried to seek him first. God has truly blessed her for it. It was obvious from the people there that many people love her, and they should. She's openhearted and giving. She has a genuine smile and spirit about her that just endears her to all that know her. I wish her God's very best.

I have to be candid and admit that we approached today with hesitation. Can we go back there? Will people be nice to us? Will they even care if we show up? By all means, the day was not about us at all...it wouldn't have mattered if nobody had even said hello. But because we invested so much of those 3 years there, we hoped that we would be received with gladness and not a cold shoulder. So we prayed. We prayed about today, that it would go beautifully for Morgan and Carl. We prayed that we would see sweet friends and it would seem as if no time had passed. And God answered our prayers completely. I saw so many people who I dearly, truly love and will always love. It was so nice to be hugged and loved on again by those sweet people who were our family. Everyone was so kind and wonderful. It was a great day. My heart feels peaceful about our time there...where as before it didn't. Praise God for his love and his hand on all situations.

I believe with all my heart that if you love God, love people, and your motivations are pure, then God will bless you. God blessed us today. Lord knows, we made mistakes. We always will! But I felt like today was a confirmation that we did the right thing...living there, and going back there today.

I don't know if Morgan reads my blog or not...but I pray that God just rains blessings down on her and her sweet new husband.

for Nicki...ahhh, the memories.

2008-05-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

My friend Nicki Glenn asked me to tell her what happened on my honeymoon...most of you may already know...so you don't have to read this unless you just want to laugh at me again.

We got married on July 10, 1999. After the wedding, which was a well-orchestrated circus, we headed for Memphis. The next morning (notice the lack of details about day 1), we drove to...I hate to even say it...Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We spent most of the day on 2 lane highways weaving through rural Arkansas. We actually spent most of that time behind a maroon Dodge that was apparently on a Sunday drive. We finally made it to ES and checked in at our beautiful cabin on a lake in the mountains. It really was pretty. But the first thing I noticed was that the bathroom area had no doors at all. None. You walked into the bathroom (no door in the entrance) and there was a huge tub, adjacent shower, and toilet, all right there. It was pretty, and well decorated, but I really like to go by myself, thanks.

Anyway, Michael, my sweet husband of about 28 hours at that point, decided to run a bubble bath for us in the jacuzzi tub. He didn't read the instructions on the bubble liquid and poured probably a cup of the stuff in the running water. Bubbles were POURING out of the tub. But it was sweet, so we got in. He lit candles everywhere and we were being so sweet and newlywedish. After a few minutes, Michael said, "do you smell something? I smell something burning!" My hair had fallen in a candle (it was very long then) and was on fire. I started to panic and he yelled, "Get under the water!" The tub had about 18 inches of bubbles, and about 4 inches of water, so he pushed me under all those bubbles into the little bit of water on the bottom. My legs were up in the air, I was covered with burned hair, sooty stuff and bubbles. I came up sputtering and probably crying.

The next day we saw the sights (all 3 of them, ha!) and went to the Passion Play, which we didn't love. We chose a restaurant for supper and when we got there it said, "closed on Monday". Every day that week, the place we chose to eat was closed on that particular day. It was like a practical joke! We ate at these family restaurants with all these screaming kids on vacation.

On Wednesday, I got in the shower, which only had 2 walls and a door, it backed up to the tub. Right as I started washing my hair, the owners of the cabins started construction down the mountain on some new cabins. They turned the water off. The water I was rinsing my hair with came out muddy. I climbed over into the tub, turned on the faucet and there was more mud. I started to cry. Then started to bawl. Michael came in the bathroom, put a towel over me, and let me cry. There were other things too...the cabin didn't have individual phone lines, just a party line, so that was weird. People asked us everywhere we went, "so why did you come here on your honeymoon?" I got carsick EVERY time we went anywhere, but held it together for most of the trip, until the last night. We were all dressed up, going to a fancy place that was actually open, and right before we got to the restaurant, I got sick all over the gas station parking lot. What a romantic evening that was!

We were supposed to stay 2 more days, but we left early Thursday morning and came home.

I look back on this week...this half nightmare/half wonderful experience, and it always cracks me up, but it makes me so thankful that Michael was the one I shared it with. He can laugh at it now and has never seen it as a failure, or a waste. He just chalked it up to just one of those rotten experiences. He has always said that if we survived that week, we can do anything! He has promised to make it up to me next year on our 10 year anniversary. We hope to move to Madison then, so we'll see. I may get a house instead of a trip...and that's okay.

So there you go, Nicki. That's what happened. I hope to post again in a year and tell y'all about our lovely anniversary trip to...??

Now I have dishes to wash and towels to fold...I almost would rather be sitting in a hot tub with my hair on fire.

Hollywood is calling for the movie rights...

2008-05-05T22:32:00.003-05:00

Saying "baby, let's keep in touch, hey baby, let's keep in touch"

I have had that song in my head for 2 days now. Thanks Blues Traveler, for singing such a catchy tune that it sticks with you for days and days.

It's a new week. We had a great weekend. Michael and I had a chance to lead the "More than a Marriage" weekend for engaged couples at Pinelake. Even though we don't attend church there anymore, we were invited to come back and do this. It went great. There's something about spending hours talking about marriage and dealing with topics like communication, Love Languages, conflict resolution, and why God wants more for your marriage than just the vows and commitment that keeps our feet to the fire and makes us stronger. Michael and I came away from it better able to talk about some things that needed to be addressed in our own relationship. We both are committed to not just being married, but consistently striving to make this the best thing either of us could do after following Christ. It was fun to relive funny moments from our own newlywed days...our honeymoon story is always fun to tell, and now we can finally laugh at it. When your hair goes up in flames on the second day of married life, it takes a while to get over it.

Sunday was a great day. I am thrilled, excited, tickled to death about the direction that our church is heading. I am excited about how Michael and I can serve. I'm excited about how my children will be affected spiritually. I'm hopeful that new families will come serve with us and excited about the prospect of making new friends.

As much as we've moved in the last 9 years, it's been hard to form lasting friendships. I still pray that as we invest our life in this place that we will find people to invest in. Both of our hearts are big enough for lots of people. We want to constantly be expanding our circle of friends. I realized recently that I tend to open myself and my heart up quickly when I meet new people. I love being around people that make me laugh, or make me think. I don't have anything to hide, and I have no problem stating my faults, so I just jump into friendships without a second glance. I think this is a wonderful part of life. I mean, we make friends every time we change schools or neighborhoods or cities as a kid. But as an adult, we tend to keep the friends we made in college or right out of college and just kind of hang there. I just never got to really do that. I LOVE my college girls dearly, and would do anything for them. But we've never lived close since those days. So now, I'm over 30 and finding myself dealing with the "new kid" syndrome much more than I expected I would. And being the person I am, wearing my heart on my sleeve, I probably trust too easily, open up too quickly and my feelings can be hurt. But I'm learning to brush off the dirt, and move on. It's all part of the experience of life, right? Learning to love others, be a godly, trustworthy friend, and finding the ones who will stick. Ultimately, I probably think about it too much. I think about everything too much. Therefore the reason for this blog. If I get it out and share it with you, my mostly anonymous readers, then I don't have to think about it anymore. It's therapeutic.

Michael got his golf clubs today. I'm happy for him. He got some really nice Callaways that are just slightly used. Tomorrow is the kids' school fishing trip. All of us are going, and Michael will fish with the kids, and I'll try to keep Paiz from jumping in the reservoir. Oh, at the top is a pic from the trip to the Ag museum...this is Molly posing by the flowers. I just love a 3 year old that can "smolder".

"Like a game show contestant with a parting gift, I could not believe my eyes..." There's that song again.

I guess that means I need to go to bed. I'll go sing Blues Traveler to Michael. He'll love it. By the way...singing with Randy was probably the highlight of my year so far. So. Much. Fun. I honestly am so grateful for that opportunity. It really blessed me and the song we sang, Livin' in the Rain, was so true about this time in my life. So many blessings, I feel like I'm standing in a downpour of God's goodness. So much mercy, so much grace, so many wonderful people and opportunities. I love my life.

No rest for the weary...

2008-04-28T23:19:00.002-05:00

This week has taken off at a gallop. The weekend was stressful, with lots to do, and one parent out of commission. Then Sunday night, after the church indoor rainy picnic, I had my first migraine. It was horrible. I was asleep at 8:30 and slept for 10 hours. Then today I had errands to run and a Pampered Chef party tonight at my parents' house. We have something to do every day this week. I really need to be taking cute, funny pictures of my kids and posting them...and I will when I get a minute. But for right now...it's run run run!

Is everyone dealing with this right now? It seems like it. Do we overcommit? Or do we just not have time to do the few things we sign up for? I don't know...but it's a vicious cycle.

On a proud mama note: Aidan read a whole book (that he'd never seen before) to his class last week and got a "super reader" certificate. He's really coming along with his reading. Writing, not so much.

Molly, Perry and I painted our toenails blue today. It was really fun. We're some snazzy girls, let me tell you.

Paisley has learned to shake her head "no". And she means it! She also has found her scream and just hollers and laughs all the time. I can't believe she's almost one. I really should get her picture made professionally...

Michael is shopping for golf clubs. He wants to sell his old baseball cards so he can buy nicer clubs. I asked him if he was going to put his new clubs in his old bag. I said, "doesn't the Bible say something about that?" (I was referring to the new wine in old wineskins verse). He responded with "Yes, when Paul was writing to the Callawayians, he said that new clubs only could go in a new bag."
What a comedian.

time for sleep.

"today is gone, today was fun. tomorrow is another one. every day from here to there, funny things are everywhere". Dr. Seuss.

Practice makes...

2008-04-23T21:44:00.002-05:00

for a great time!
I get to sing with Randy Robertson at church in 2 weeks and I don't think I could be more excited. I mean, that man could sing the phone book and it would be awesome. We sang the song about 10 times tonight and had more fun than I've had all week!

I love making music. I love making music that gives glory to God. I LOVE making music with someone who has that kind of talent.

I hope I don't regret this post later and get all my church friends' hopes up...I could fall flat on my face or wet my pants or burp in the microphone or anything horrible like that. I just am really excited and wanted to tell the world that I'm one happy backup singer!

Tomorrow is a field trip to the Ag museum. And I'm going. And I have to take Paisley. I'm not excited. I love the Ag, but she's a wiggle worm who demands 95% of my attention, which gives Aidan and Molly each 2.5% and that just doesn't cut it for them. Anybody want to keep my baby?
(This is where I think positively...It will be a fun family experience and I'm glad we can all go and be together. There, I did it.)

I'm going to sing myself to sleep...

Children's museum

2008-04-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

Molly and the eye.

Molly inside a bubble. This was really cool.

Aidan inside a bubble.

Aidan with Mr. Rogers' shoes, in a replica of his house on TV. He and I LOVED this part (we're big fans of Fred.) We walked around singing the song and I know people thought we were crazy, but in N.O., that's okay.

These were the best shots from the trip. There will be more on my facebook, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to see more! We had a wonderful time. Thanks to my mama and daddy for keeping Paisley. It was nice to have "big kid" time.

2008-04-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

My itsy-bitsy spiders!

NOW, he's wet.

Her too!

Last family pic at the zoo. This was right before Molly started crying because she was cold.

2008-04-21T09:06:00.000-05:00

At the top of Monkey Hill!

The kids and me after wading in the water.

We just thought he was wet here!

She had a ball!

2008-04-21T09:03:00.000-05:00

Here we are by the big fountain at the zoo entrance. Ready for action.

Molly and her buddha.

Apparently I like taking mid-air shots...here's Aidan at the petting zoo.

This tree is approximately 500 years old. We were amazed at that. It has been here since before our country was founded. In a world of constant innovation, it reminded me that there are things that should never change.

Friday night in New Orleans

2008-04-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

The kids LOVED looking at the steamboat.

This is in Aunt Sally's Praline shop. Molly is being attacked by alligators, and seems to like it!

Again, favorite activity so far. They liked chasing pigeons by the river, but jumping on the beds won out.

I don't know what's going on here with this pose.

class program

2008-04-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

This is Aidan's class, waiting their turn.

The 2's and 3's are doing some kind of motion, but I have no idea what.

Aidan's class, and he's about to swallow a fly if he doesn't close his mouth!

Paiz was moved by the experience. The spirit got her.

Monkey Hill, and other adventures

2008-04-20T21:36:00.002-05:00

We left Friday at about 11. By noon we were at Crystal Springs. By the time we reached Brookhaven, we had stopped about 3 times for potty breaks. All in all, it took 4 hours to get to New Orleans. I know this is normal for traveling with kids, but remember, we haven't traveled with them in a long time. We used to make that drive at least once a month and could do it in less than three hours...so it felt like we would never get there.

Anyway...we stopped first at Target in Metairie. My favorite Target EVER. It's 2 story, with a cool thing by the escalator to put your buggy in. We got some snacks and I got a backpack to carry to the zoo (my mom bag). Aidan found a toy he wanted. A $10 knight costume. He asked us for it ALL weekend. He begged, he pleaded. Anyway...

Checked in at Providence house at NOBTS. Molly had never been in a "showtel" before. They spent an hour jumping from bed to bed. Then we cleaned up and went to the quarter. The kids were a bit overwhelmed by all of the activity. There were people all over dressed as pirates (maybe they had a convention?) and Aidan thought they were real. After all, there were big boats on the river...who's to say the pirates didn't get off on one of them? We saw the silver guys, the musicians, the artists, and all the whatevers. Going to the quarter for the first time as a parent was strange for me. I realized that I have tried so hard to protect my children from evil and to show them only good things. I have walked through Jackson Square a hundred times in my life, and this time my eyes saw it differently. I wanted to put my kids back in their little bubble and protect their minds from absorbing any of the sights and sounds. I realize I can't do that. One day they'll have to make their own choices and they'll need a knowledge of what the world is like. But for now...we've been there, they've seen it, and at their ages (5 and 3), I can and will help them "Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thess. 5:22).

Saturday was great. We started out getting dressed and driving through our old neighborhood. I haven't been there in 5 years. I wasn't prepared for what I saw. The Katrina damage is still so great. My heart hurt for those still trying to rebuild.

After our drive, we headed to the zoo. The kids had fun, but have such low tolerance for seeing the animals. They wanted to DO something. Then we found Monkey Hill. When Michael and I climbed Monkey Hill years ago, it was just a hill. Now it's a waterfall and a rocky stream thing with cold, clear water and you climb up and down. We spent a LOT of time here! Pictures will tell it better than my words could. Anyway, we pried them away from the Hill and saw the rest of the zoo, then went back to Monkey Hill to get REALLY wet and then went on our way. The kids were drenched, and I had clean clothes in the van, but Molly was cold. Aidan was too, but he laughed it off with his blue lips. Molly cried and cried and cried. She was freezing. I'm sure it didn't help that everyone that saw my little wet girl in her tie-dye dress boohooing thought it was funny. We stopped at the gift shop, got the tshirts that you're supposed to buy, and headed to lunch.

We ate at the Superior Grill on St. Charles and then went to the Children's Museum. They were having a street festival, and so we had to walk a LONG way to get in. We got in and they were selling tickets for over twice the usual admission b/c of the street festival. We told them we didn't care about the concert, and just wanted to do the museum. They said it didn't matter, and oh yeah, they close in an hour. So it would have cost us $60 for one hour of play. We were ready to leave with our sad kids when a lady walked by with 2 extra tickets and gave them to us. I hope God has done something really good for this lady this weekend, because that really helped us a lot. We bought our other 2 tickets and played hard for a little over an hour. The pics will tell the story here.

We went back to the PH and changed clothes and cleaned up. We told Aidan he could get his Knight costume at Target, so we went back to Metairie. We got in, went upstairs, went to the toys and Aidan said, "I think I want this for Christmas, I want something else now." After we beat him up (just kidding), he picked out a cool Imaginext airplane and Molly got another Cinderella set, just like the one she already has. Fancy that. We checked out and went to get beignets (finally!) and then went back to the PH and crashed.

The drive home was great. 3 hours. One stop. The way it's supposed to be. We had lunch with Mom and Dad, who had a great weekend with Paisley. We went home, I unpacked and started the laundry, and then went to our Sunday School party at the Walls' farm. The kids had so much fun, and we loved being outside with good friends. Honestly, tonight may have been the best part of the weekend, because we were with people that we are loving more every week. They are precious to my kids and so much fun to be around. I have to learn to laugh at myself when I can't hit a stinkin' whiffleball, but other than that...

Pictures coming soon! Hope your weekend was marvelous as well!

What happens in N.O, stays in N.O.!

2008-04-19T17:29:00.000-05:00

So far, this has been the favorite activity on our trip. Jumping from bed to bed has provided hours of excitement!

This was last night...and right now, Aidan is at it again. The zoo and Children's museum were fun...and we're tired. But now we're off to Target...we stopped there on our way in to get some essentials, and Aidan found a toy that he won't forget. So his souvenir is something we could get at home. Isn't that always the way!

More about this crazy weekend later!

By the way, Molly did great on the Pledge. I was so proud of my girl.

Weekend!

2008-04-18T07:18:00.002-05:00

today is a big day! At 10, the kids have their spring program. Molly, in all of her 3 year old glory, is leading The Pledge of Allegiance. She's been practicing and practicing. Then immediately after the program, we are handing Paisley off to my daddy, loading up Bonnie and Clyde, and heading to New Orleans for a weekend of beignets, zoo fun, the Childrens' Museum, beignets, and did I mention beignets? They are so excited, and I can't wait to experience the place we once called home through their little eyes.

I'll tell you all about it later! Happy Weekend!

Just 2 more, I promise!

2008-04-14T11:17:00.005-05:00

I had to add these. This was the summer of 06, which means Molly was a year and a half, and Aidan had just turned 3. We spent so much time in that front yard!

Classic Albritton vids

2008-04-13T19:54:00.004-05:00

I found some old videos on the computer. This is when Molly was about a year old. Just a bit older than Paisley is now. We lived in South Jackson in a little white house across from my grandparents. I hope I can put a couple of really funny ones on here...but it may crash my computer. Anyway, enjoy!

This is Aidan reading to Molly...well, sort of. My favorite part is when he says "watermelon".

This one is appropriately called "buckethead". Poor Molly. She doesn't stand a chance against big brother. Maybe that's why she's so tough now.

Tornado aftermath

2008-04-13T19:47:00.000-05:00

I know the title is misleading...there should be pictures of trees down and devastating damage. Fortunately, we avoided all of that. However, the school across the street got some MAJOR puddles. What choice did Aidan and Molly have but to jump in them? Michael, Paiz and I were outside in sweats, because it was maybe 60 degree...but the kids had a great, although chilly, time!

Clean as a whistle!

2008-04-07T22:11:00.003-05:00

Went to my folks' house tonight, just to get out of here for a bit. When we got home, there was a tote bag with our new member packet from FBC. There was a really nice note, some information, some pens and notepads, 2 cups...and...my favorite...I mean, what in the world?! SOAP ON A ROPE!!!!! You gotta love a church that values hygiene...and convenience.

And to answer your unasked question...of course we'll use it! It smells good!

Matrix Baby

2008-04-03T21:53:00.004-05:00

Paisley is learning to walk. Sometimes that results in some wacky moves that only Keanu Reeves can imitate. All she needs are some wraparound shades and a long black coat!

And I'm very aware that me telling her to do all her various stunts at the end of the video is quite "stage mom" of me. I can't help it. It's a sickness.

My Interview

2008-04-03T20:04:00.003-05:00

okay...Keena did this one...and she picked the questions. After tonight, you all will have way too much information about me!

1. What is your favorite childhood memory?
I love/hate these questions...I love remembering, but I hate narrowing it down to one. I actually don't have many bad childhood memories. I loved doing dinner theater every summer with my church. My parents were always involved and it was so much fun. I have great vacation memories. But my favorite memories are probably of the times we just sat and laughed. We would sit on mom and dad's bed for an hour just telling jokes and laughing. Yeah, that's my favorite.

2. Describe your spiritual personality.
I'm not sure I can do this! I would say I try to be a God-pleaser. I don't go by the phrase, "better to ask forgiveness than permission", I just try to do what he would want me to do the first time. I love to talk about, sing about, think about all that God is doing and has done in my life. If someone met me and didn't pick up on the fact that I'm a Christian, that would hurt me very badly. My greatest job in this world is making sure my children know Jesus and trust him completely with their lives. I have seen God do mighty, amazing things. I have actually tried to doubt him, just for the sake of doubting him, and I find I can't do it. Not that we shouldn't. I think it makes some people stronger. I just find it's easier to trust and obey him with my life. I hope that doesn't sound self-righteous or arrogant. That's just who I am. **I actually lost sleep thinking about the answer to this question...I really sound goody goody! I take my relationship with Jesus very seriously. I love him so much. I want others to know that love and the power that comes through knowing him. But I mess up a lot. All the time. I live daily by his grace and mercy. I couldn't live without it.

3. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Gosh, which one?! Senior year of college formal. I won't tell it. EVER. sorry. There are some other ones too...but sorry Keena. I just can't do it.

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
As long as my mom and dad are alive, I want to be here. Well, in Madison. I love spending time with them, and I have found after being away, I love the Jackson area. It's home (and I thought I would never come back!)
But later, after mom and dad are gone, and the kids are gone...I would love for Michael and I to live somewhere different every year. Maybe a year at Yellowstone, a year in Europe, a year in New York...wouldn't that be a great life? Why? Why not!!

5. If you had an unlimited gift card to any store, what store would you want it to be, and, what would be the main thing you would buy?
I have thought about this all day...such a hard question! My first thought was "Gap! jeans for life!" but then I thought that was lame. Then I thought, "Banana Republic! I could finally afford the regular priced stuff!" But then I thought about how sometimes in the winter all the clothes in there are either black or gray, and that is just not me! So I thought, "maybe Walmart. practical. we would always have diapers, cleaning products, school supplies, food, blah, blah, blah. Nothing high-end, and that defeats the purpose of the card!" So...after racking my brain...i would say Amazon.com. They have the high end, and the practical. They have cute shoes, and great books. They have Sephora for makeup, and they have diapers. The main thing I would buy? Right now, a laptop. Or a video Ipod, which I have NO need for. Or some furniture. Who knows!

Now it's your turn. If you want to be interviewed, leave me a comment including the words "Interview me." I will respond by e-mailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don't have a valid e-mail address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

I like tagless on my tshirts...but I'll be tagged on my blog!

2008-04-03T19:45:00.003-05:00

Alison tagged me...so here goes.
I was tagged by April to play a "who are you?" game. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their ansmes, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?
March of 1998...Michael and I were "officially" dating by that time...we had just gone to see Phantom of the Opera in Nashville for Spring Break (I still can't believe mom and dad let me do that!). My friends and I were enjoying apartment life during our Sr. year at MC. I had just changed my major for the 6th time to English and was so happy with my classes. Michael was at State and I drove back and forth a LOT! I was not graduating in May, so I was pretty much having fun this semester. I actually have a lot of really funny stories from this time in my life...but none of you need to know about them!

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. laundry (mostly done)
2. pick up kids (done)
3. write bills
4. put away my clothes
5. put clean sheets on bed

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. sherbet with sprite
2. green apples and jif peanut butter
3. salsa and sour cream with tostitos
4. trail mix (dried fruit, nuts, granola)
5. iced sugar cookies and milk

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. build a house
2. put away for the 3 college educations that are coming up
3. buy an outfit that is NOT on sale!
4. buy a condo in Colorado and go skiing EVERY year.
5. travel. I've never been anywhere!

5 bad habits:
1. staying up too late
2. procrastinating
3. apologizing way too much
4. doing projects halfway
5. overthinking and talking myself out of things

5 places I have lived:
1. Jackson, MS
2. Clinton, MS
3. New Orleans, LA
4. Meridian, MS
5. Canton, MS

7 jobs I've had:
1. O MY! (at the metro...one month...ick)
2. Joy's Busy Hands (high school...frame shop)
3. MS Bar General Counsel's Office
4. Professional Doctoral Programs at NOBTS
5. Mommy
6. Pampered Chef Consultant
7. BSU secretary at MC

5 people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG):
1. Jennifer
2. Keena
3. Kim
4. oh heck...whoever.

The Swimsuit Issue

2008-04-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

Molly got a new suit. So they all played "beach trip" one afternoon. I think it was 50 degrees and cloudy outside...but it was sunny and warm inside!

April Fool...

2008-04-02T11:45:00.002-05:00

Aidan missed Monday at school due to a doctor's appointment. So when he went back yesterday, he told his teacher, "I missed yesterday because I had to eat lunch with the president!" Then he followed up with a big old "April Fool!"

Molly, however, has a different approach to humor. She thinks all jokes start with "knock knock". When I told her that on April first, we play jokes on one another she said, "knock knock!" I said, "who's there?" and she says, "I had lunch with the President April Fools day!"

she's got a long way to go...

Square peg

2008-04-01T15:27:00.002-05:00

Everyone has heard the description, "square peg in a round hole", meaning someone just doesn't quite fit in with the people around them. It's not a negative description, just a way of saying that someone is not like everyone else. Ultimately, I think we're all like this. We're never going to be JUST like the people around us. Everyone has idiosyncrasies that make them unique and yes, different.

For most of my life, this has been where I feel the most attacked in my spiritual life. I come from a whole family of square pegs, and I have been taught that it's okay to be different. However, Satan plays on my insecurity about being not as pretty, not as thin, not as talented, not as spiritual, not as funny, not as stylish, not as wealthy...and the end result is me feeling pretty bad about myself. I know the truth, and know what God says about me, and still I struggle with believing that I am a worthy child of God.

Or, sometimes it's not an insecurity issue...it's a mind issue. Satan knows that I overprocess everything. He can't read my mind (did you know that? Satan cannot read our minds!) but he can lead my thoughts by lying to me. Lies he tells me are along the lines of this, "you're different. and that's bad", or "you're a fake, and everyone knows it", or "how on earth do you think you contribute anything to the world you're in? you stay home all day! you're worthless". And I get these thought in my head, and forget to "take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5)" and then start overprocessing...remembering every conversation I've had recently and wondering how my worthlessness affects those that I have relationships with.

I want to be at a place where nothing bothers me. Where I don't get frustrated by a simple conversation. Where I can relax and be myself and not give a thought to others and what they are thinking (because, most likely, they're not thinking about me!). I want to not worry that I don't look like a proper mom who always has a beautiful home, good food to eat, clean, neat, well dressed children who go to the right schools and play with the right friends. I want to be able to throw a football or go fishing with my husband instead of sitting and talking about "women stuff". Again...it's that square peg thing. I think God made me and everybody in the world special and unique. I think we each have so much to offer. Some are leaders, some are really good at following. Some are hostesses, some are cooks. Some are friendly, some are shy, but good listeners. And all of these are wonderful, when used to glorify God. I want to be at a place where I value every person for who God made them to be...and more importantly, see myself as God sees me and not think about how I appear to others.

I've had to take several breaks while writing this, so it may be bumpy and disjointed...but I hope I got the point across. To quote Bob the Tomato, "God made you special, and He loves you very much!"

and one more thing...

2008-03-30T22:04:00.003-05:00

this morning, the choir sang a really joyful, upbeat song, Shout for Joy to the Lord. after church, i was goodnaturedly teased by a few people about looking like i was about to start dancing in the choir loft. i took no offense whatsoever and laughed about it...but i have to say this: even though i am overwhelmed with my life right now, as i just posted about, God is so great, and so big, and so powerful and loving and wonderful...i will worship him regardless of my circumstances. i can't sing "shout for joy" and not want to shout! i really don't care where i'm in church...fbc, pinelake, alta woods, wherever! so if i start dancing in the choir loft...and you don't have a problem with it...dance with me!

i worried for about a day or so whether being in a more traditional worship setting would bother me, since i tend to be expressive when i'm talking about or singing about Jesus. but God has really given me a peace that church is church. it's a body of believers coming together to worship him. so i'm going to do it my way. it's fine if it's not your way. i can worship standing still too...but this morning, i just couldn't. i also worried for another day or so about whether people would be offended if i raised my hands. or if they'd say something to my parents (and if they do...the problem is not with me!) but again, God has really given me a peace about being myself. now, if i'm a distraction, that's another story. i would never want to hinder anyone else's worship. but if i'm doing my thing, and you're doing your thing...and they aren't the same...that should be okay, right? i think so.

i'd better get some more video or pics of my kids...articulating my thoughts wears me out! or maybe it's all the dancing...

Too much time, too little to do....wait, scratch that, reverse it.

2008-03-30T21:38:00.001-05:00

i published my title, with no post to go with it. sometimes i amaze myself at how stupid i can be.

we just finished an "Albritton calendar meeting". ugh. all those do is remind me that we're overbooked and i'll be really tired and irritable by the end of each week this month. i have no pampered chef parties scheduled, and i really need to get a couple on the calendar, so please schedule one!! i have to find a couple of camps for the kids this summer, plus sign them up for swimming lessons. i also need to preregister them for school next year, but i really don't want to. i want to move and send Aidan to school for free...but unless someone pulls up in my driveway and offers to pay a really great price for this little house, that's not happening. And there are so many things we need to do to get ready to move, and we're not home enough to do them! plus, we're in dire need of a few pieces of furniture...but that's just not in the budget right now.

do you guys (whoever reads this) do this? start thinking about all the things you want to fix, change, make better...and it snowballs and really stresses you out? it's awful. so frustrating.

i am trying to accept the fact that i have 3 small children who, although we're trying to teach them, are not mature enough to really do chores yet. so it falls on me, and i am not superwoman (surprise, surprise!) now that paiz is starting to walk, i have to be with her all the time and supervise. so nothing gets done. it's a truly vicious cycle. i know, i know, i know that i have so much to be thankful for, and i have a wonderful life...but i feel like it's getting out of hand and i don't have the manpower to deal with it. michael's job is so demanding, and he's going out of town more. he usually doesn't get home until after 5:30 at night...which gives us no time to do any projects, if we want to eat and get kids in the bed. i work really hard in the morning when Paiz takes her nap...but that's only 2 hours, which means i get clothes and dishes washed. that's it. i've been told to just focus on my kids and deal with the house when i can...but that's just it. i can't! there is no time. during the day, that is. late at night, i could work...and probably should be doing dishes right now...

tomorrow, aidan has a doctor visit. his 5 year old checkup. he'll get shots. he HATES shots and is quite violent about it. i'm not excited.

on a happy, happy, happy note...the search committe announced that Ronnie is coming next Sunday in view of a call. i wish i could explain how this makes me feel. he is like a member of our family. there are not many people in the world that i love as much as him and martha. he is a wonderful, godly, smart man who is so perfect for the job. i can't wait.

off to the kitchen i go...then folding clothes...then adjusting paiz's carseat (she's growing so fast!)...then maybe i'll get to sleep.

2008-03-23T22:47:00.000-05:00

Molly and Maggie, scrutinizing their eggs.

The kids on the lawn at mom and dad's house. And it looks like Molly is headed for the fountain.

They had such fun. Victor was there, and my grandparents. I hope we do this every year until they're insulted for having to hunt eggs. We laughed a lot today, and enjoyed each other. I'm so thankful that I come from a family who cherishes each other. I'm also thankful that when I say, "He is RISEN!" my family says, "He is Risen, Indeed!!!" To come from people who believe that and who have passed that on to us by words AND actions is a gift that could only come from God. I've been amazed all my life at the fact that God put me with these people when He made me. My parents are non-judgmental, welcoming, warm, kind, funny, self-assured, wonderful people who love the Lord with all their hearts. I can tell through everything they do that Jesus lives in them. I pray that one day my kids will say that about me.

2008-03-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

I loved this dress...and she was my only kid to stay clean.

Molly was so clean and shiny before church...and the purple marker. Hope it comes out!

Dyeing eggs with Nonna. This is becoming a tradition!

Max and G are having a conversation. And my brother dressed up for the occasion.

Easter, baby showers, spring is here!

2008-03-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

one day some stinky boy will love these eyes...but he'll have to wait till she's 25!

Paiz wanted Emma Katherine's bow. She's not quite tall enough!

My girls from MC. Minus a couple that were missed. In order this is Me, Angie, Allison (not MC, but high school), Alicia, Amanda (the soon to be mommy!), Amy and Hannah. We had a great day. We had a great time together in college. It's weird how we've all grown up. We may not get together like this again for a long time. Special day.

This was at church today. Horrid picture of all of us except Paisley. But this was the best of the bunch (which is SO sad!)

Easter Egg pics to come!

Things I think about

2008-03-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

When I'm not on the phone while driving...I think. The kids are strapped in, nobody can touch me, it's a good environment for pondering. So I pondered on the way to Clinton today, and when my thoughts got to be too much for me, I called my friend Jennifer and gabbed.

My first thought: if I received news that I had a terminal illness...and it was getting close to the end of my life, I think I would like an "early" funeral. I want to be there. We'd have great music, an awesome worship time, good food afterwards, and I'd get to say "see ya, I'm going to heaven!" I know this will not happen, and it's probably a dumb idea...but in theory, it makes a little sense!

Second thought: Elliot Spitzer's scandal. The gov. of NY. This whole thing has made me mad. I mean, what he did was wrong, and he made a very, very, very bad choice. But the girl, the prostitute he was with, is now being handed book deals, her songs are being played on the radio! No condemnation, just fame and fortune. I know it's not up to us to condemn anyway, and that's not what I'm getting at. I just think it's so sad that his family is having to suffer while she gets rich. He made a wrong choice, but she's in an immoral profession, and nobody seems to mind about that. She also made a Girls Gone Wild video, and will probably make loads of money from that too.

And while I'm soapboxing...can I just vent a bit of frustration about the presidential candidates? I mean, I don't like either democrat, and John McCain was my LEAST favorite of the republicans. And I've never cared before...but the older I get, and as my kids grow, it matters to me. And I'm really sad at having no good choices. (By the way, you don't have to agree with me. I can be friends with a democrat or a McCain supporter...maybe.)

Michael got us all up this morning at 4. There was a "rotating cell with serious tornado potential" in Canton, so he put the kids on the floor in the hall. They never woke up. He got me up to hold Paiz, who wiggled relentlessly. We sat on the floor for 30 minutes, then back to bed. Paiz kicked me, pulled my hair, and poked me in the face. It was most uncomfortable. I told him next time, save the kids, and take a chance with me.

My 3rd Pampered Chef party is tomorrow night. I have a new recipe. Should be fun, this is all the praise team girls I sang with from Pinelake. I haven't seen them in 6 months or more. They were my church family for a year or more, so I'm excited. I can't wait to hug them all.

I'm going to actually read more than one page in my book then fall asleep. 4:00 a.m. was a LONG time ago!

2008-03-17T22:48:00.000-05:00

checking out the goods

bear crawl!

my joys.

Easter Eggin'

2008-03-17T22:46:00.000-05:00

Molly and her class at their Easter party...can you tell who the ringleader of this bunch is?

Best friends. Really.

Perry loves Paisley.

I love this pic, and Molly's face makes me laugh.

Molly's Recital Pictures

2008-03-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

We had pictures last week...the girls had so much fun.

One of Molly's many faces.

She can be a ham. Nobody gets to see it much, but she can do it!

I thought my sweetie looked pretty in her makeup. A little JonBenet, but pretty anyway.

Manic Monday

2008-03-17T22:11:00.003-05:00

It took 3 hours to get everyone dressed and out the door today. I learned that Paisley really won't nap if the kids are awake. She yelled at me all morning. We finally made it to the van, and everyone was safely buckled in and then I had to decide where to go. The mall was my destination of choice, because I figured we'd get the chaos out of the way early in the week. We accomplished a few things...the largest being the consumption of 2 kid-sized icees while walking from dillards to belk with no spills.

Tomorrow we'll take it easy, hopefully clean out the van, and play outside. I have to go to the grocery, I need to practice my new dessert for my PC party on Thursday. Another food to send to Michael's office for taste-testing. Engineers are good for that sort of thing.

This weekend was wonderful. Friday night was our almost-regular trip to Chicfila, where the kids ran crazy and we ate sandwiches and enjoyed being "out". Saturday was a lazy morning, then a wonderful, relaxing Easter Egg hunt. It's so nice now that the kids are a bit older and we don't have to watch them every second. Then out to eat for a grown up fun time Saturday night at Pan Asia. I love the stir fry bar. I feel almost healthy...even though I know the sauce is super-sugary. I bought a pair of cute shoes and got Aidan's Easter shorts. Today I got his belt and shoes, so now all I need is a bow for Molly. I hope Michael and I have things to wear!

We decided yesterday to take vacations this year. We haven't done that since Aidan was 1! So we're taking the fam to New Orleans in April, and the beach this summer. I am SO excited! Especially if it works out that we can leave Paisley. Then we might actually get to vacation.

Michael and I have been discussing the fact that we won't have any more kids. The doctor doesn't want me to...says it would be dangerous. And we certainly have a full plate. I can't imagine being any busier than I already am. But there's a grief that comes with knowing that chapter is over. Our hospital experiences and all of that have been very good, thankfully. But we're ready to raise the kids we have and move on with life. Anyway, we've been praying a lot about this and I feel this is what God wants for us.

So...anyway...tomorrow we're taking it easy, Wednesday we're going to Clinton to visit my aunt, Thursday and Friday, who knows? I want this to actually end up feeling like a spring break...but how do you do that with 2 kids and a baby?

Gosh this post was boring...but i'm too tired to have provocative discussion about anything.

Nothing you could say could take me away from...My Guy

2008-03-12T23:14:00.002-05:00

Just for fun....

1. Who is your man? Michael

2. How long have you been together? Off and on in '97, official in Feb. of '98, married since July of '99.

3. How long did you date? 11 months, seriously, but he broke up with a few times in that year.

4. How old is your man? 34

5. Who eats more? I'd have to say we're equal on this. And that makes me sad.

6. Who said "I love you" first? Me, and looking back, he loved me, he just didn't know it!

7. Who is taller? Michael, by a little bit.

8. Who sings better? He's not bad...but I have a bit more experience. And I have a crazy ability to learn lyrics, therefore making me a better singer. (that's what i tell myself)

9. Who is smarter? Michael's an engineer with really good grades in undergrad and grad school. He knows how to study. I am excessively practical and self aware and have a great memory. So I would hope that we'd be equal, just different.

10. Whose temper is worse? He is more demonstrative when angry. I cry. So that would make him with the worse temper.

11. Who does the laundry? Me...but he helps me put the clothes away.

12. Who takes out the garbage? Michael. I hate, hate, hate garbage.

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Michael. He's closer to the door, so the kids attack him first.

14. Who pays the bills? I do. And therefore I don't shop. I know what we don't have.

15. Who is better with the computer? Michael knows more. I use it more.

16. Who mows the lawn? Michael. I did it once this summer, and he didn't tell me about the self-propel feature. I was almost finished and he let me in on that. I'm never doing it again.

17. Who cooks dinner? Me, unless we're having pancakes.

18. Who drives when you are together? Michael, unless he wants to talk to the kids, then i drive so he can turn around. I can't turn around or I'll throw up.

19. Who pays when you go out? Michael...but we never go out.

20. Who is most stubborn? Michael. All day long.

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me. I have a sad problem with assuming I usually am.

22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine.

23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me. On a hill in Starkville while looking at stars. I finagled the moment, but he made the move.

24. Who asked who out? I asked him, and I still can't believe I did that. My girls will not do that.

25. Who proposed? Michael

26. Who is more sensitive? um...me.

27. Who has more friends? I guess me. I know a lot of people.

28. Who has more siblings? Michael, 2 half siblings. Me, one whole brother. So does that make us equal on this one?

The Pledge of Allegiance

2008-03-11T23:05:00.002-05:00

Molly has learned the Pledge. I had no idea until tonight, when she was saying it in the car. So I made her do it for the camera, which is no small feat. Sorry for the lack of clothing. I have to take what I can get when I can get it!!

2008-03-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

Aidan tried on his new pirate suit...he looks pretty authentic, i think.

hey buddy...the sword may be plastic, but that hurts!

sassy pirate pose.

could be my favorite picture. ever.

2008-03-11T22:34:00.000-05:00

on your mark, get set, go get those eggs!!!

what do you mean, i wasn't fast enough??

paisley found underwear, and is proud of it!

2008-03-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

Lining up to throw the sock rockets. April is right...the low-tech toy of the year.

The point is to hit the blown up glove with the paddle. Harder than it looks, I'm sure!

Go Perry! She's a pro.

This is Molly...they had to pick up as many ping pong balls as they could...this was an awesome game.

Chinny Chin Chin

2008-03-10T22:41:00.003-05:00

This is what the Albrittons do when we finally get a night at home. Other families watch American Idol...we showcase our own talent. ha!

why i don't blog late at night...

2008-03-10T20:32:00.002-05:00

yesterday, we didn't have a church picnic. it was an easter egg hunt. i was made very aware of this tonight at bunko. sorry ladies. next time, i'll get my nap, and i'll be on my A-game.

Wild and Wooly Weekend

2008-03-09T20:17:00.002-05:00

Aidan's birthday was Friday. I have a 5 year old. It doesn't bother me so much that he's 5, but that I'm older because he is! Anyway, the day was great. It snowed, sort of, which is cool when it's your birthday. We stayed home Friday night and cooked breakfast for supper. Saturday was the Main Event. We had his party in the gym at church and the kids had a blast. We made sock rockets, which are socks filled with a cup of rice and then tied in a knot. They fly pretty good when you throw them, and all 17 or 18 of those things were whizzing past our faces. Nobody got hurt, and everybody laughed a lot. Mission accomplished. Dad organized some really cute relay races, and they had a great time. I was touched that so many of his buddies came. We've moved 4 or 5 times in his life, so for him to be in a place where he has made friends means a lot to me. He's a great kid, and I'm so proud of him. It makes me feel good as a mom to know that he's nice to people when I'm not around.

Today, we slept in. We remembered the time change, but I have a cold, and the house was a wreck. I stayed in bed till 9! I haven't done that in who knows how long. Then we had the church picnic this afternoon...and I had so much fun. It's great, now that Aidan and Molly are old enough to participate in things without me standing right there. I actually get to visit with people. I may surprise myself, but I think empty nest won't be a big deal for me. I really am very okay with the kids branching out. It may be different with Paisley, though. She's the baby, so I may hang on tighter to her.

So the weekend is over...and I laughed a lot. I learned a lot about some things that have worried me for a long time. I realized new ways I need to pray for my friends and family. I lived a lot of life, it seems, in 2 days. And I think I'm better now than I was on Friday night. God is continually working in my family. I love being a witness to what He's doing with my husband and kids.

My dad made a great DVD of pictures from the party, backed with some music by the Go Fish Guys. It's great, and if I figure out how to put it on here, then I'll share it with you! But I'll post pics anyway very soon.

Happy Monday tomorrow!

march madness...

2008-03-01T23:43:00.004-06:00

this week was nuts. not bad...but just way too busy, and i just didn't get enough sleep. as i write this at 11:45 on saturday night, with droopy eyelids, i realize that i haven't even looked at my blog in a week.

my first pampered chef show was thursday. it was very successful. i was a nervous wreck, and my ultimate mandoline certainly didn't convince people they had to have one. but we had fun, the three cheese garden pizza turned out yummy, and i made a good commission. that's the point, right?

i also observed a show, took paisley to the doctor for a checkup. all the kids got runny noses. my brother and his wife welcomed their new baby, Jack, to the world on friday. everything went well, and he's a little cutie. he was 6 pounds and just absolutely beautiful. i can't wait to hold him. so it was a busy week.

gosh, i wish i had something interesting to write about. my brain is too tired to process anything important. and i know it's boring for people to just read about what i did this week. let's see...presidential election...oscars...spring break...aidan's birthday coming up...so much i could say...but i'd fall asleep while saying it. so i'll get back to you.