The Meaning of Love

As most of you know, Annie is in the third grade at the Environmental Charter School at Frick Park. All of the education there is infused with teaching the students to care for , respect and preserve our environment. It is located in regent square and Frick Park is their outdoor classroom. Right now it is only grades K-3 and it will add a grade each year until it is K-8. All of the classes go outdoors many times throughout the week for Environmental Science. They walk through the park and observe it's ecosystem and how the living and non-living things interact.

One day in December Annie's class was out on a hike and they came upon a homeless man laying on the ground. Anyone who knows Annie knows she is quite a sensitive little girl who loves people. When Alex was working in Oakland we would often meet him for lunch or dinner. If we ran into homeless people we would give them our leftovers or gift certificates for food...so Annie was familiar with the issue of homelessness and sensitive to it. But out on a hike with 20 third graders - it isn't smart to approach a stranger so the teacher wisely moved the class along. Annie came home that day absolutely broken hearted. She was just despairing over this man and that she hadn't been able to talk to him or help in some way. She just kept saying "mommy he must be so cold".

I started telling her about homeless shelters and the good work people in Pittsburgh are doing with the homeless. I told her to think and pray about what she could do to help. A few weeks later she came up with the idea of holding a blanket drive at her school to benefit the homeless. So with the full blessing of the principal at school Annie got up in front of the whole school and explained her idea. Since it was in February she called it the Have A Heart Blanket Drive. In just 10 days her classmates donated close to 50 blankets! On Valentine's day our family went down to Family Links' homeless shelter for youth in the lower Hill District and gave them the blankets.

It was amazing and Annie is already talking about expanding the drive next year to involve more schools. She is hoping to be able to donate more than 200 blankets next year. I'm attaching some pictures of Annie donating the blankets. Isn't she just amazing!

Sledding!

The Best Laid Plans

My Top Ten List got knocked off track on Wednesday by a sick 6 year old. Little Lucy has been fighting something for a long time...she has been on one round of antibiotics but hasn't rebounded well. She started to go downhill fast on Wednesday and she ended up back in the docs office today. She is on a stronger medicine now and hopefully it will knock this thing out. She did rally enough to make it to a festival at our church tonight so Halloween wasn't a total bummer.

Approximately 100 hours until the election now - my nerves are already shot. I vacillate between confidence and panic. I'm finding myself so irritated by all of the propaganda and rhetoric...I feel like people are blind and it makes me so angry. I'm sure the other side feels the same way.

So tomorrow I will try and pick up with my 3 most important reasons for voting for Obama. Tune in and chime in!

School Days, School Days...

Well it's over, the first day of school that is. The girls had a great time. We got off to a rocky start when their bus didn't show up. Alex and I had planned on follwing the bus anyway and attending the morning meeting (they meet each morning as a whole school). So we hopped in the car and drove to school. We made it in time and both girls were greeted with big hugs from their teachers. (we had gone to meet the teachers on Monday so they weren't strangers)

We sat through the meeting and then they were off to their classrooms. They were excited and smiling - it felt great. I shed many tears in the car on the way home - even though I am confident this is the BEST thing for our family, I will miss those two. The house was quiet today...Jack and I played many rounds of Bingo and Go Fish. We all have to get used to this new paradigm and it will take some adjusting, but it feels so right and that gives me great peace in my heart.

Here is a picture of my gorgeous schoolgirls...

Can I Get An Update???

I can't believe it is August 22nd. As I sit here with my mouth wide open, astonished at the pace the summer has flown by at, I'm feeling really blog-lazy. I haven't been here nearly enough and I haven't kept you updated nearly well enough.

There are so many things to tell all of you that I feel a little overwhelmed - okay a lot overwhelmed! Well I'll try to take them one by one and see how far I get before I'm called away.

1. In 6 days Annie and Lucy start in a brick and mortar school for the first time. I have been homeschooling them via the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School for the past few years. But finally, a charter school that we have been following the progress of for more than 2 years had it's charter approved this past February and is opening it's doors next week. Annie will be in third grade and Lucy in first grade at The Environmental Charter School at Frick Park. It is a city of Pittsburgh public school but it is run by Imagine Schools one of the nation's only NFP charter school companies. The teachers and administration are employees of Imagine Schools and though they are accountable to the city and state for test scores the majority of their accountability lies with Imagine and also the parents of their students. This year it will be limited to grades K-3 and they will add a Kindergarten class each year until they are K-8. (So Annie will always be in the oldest class!) It is housed in the old Regent Square School building and the transformation that has occurred there over the summer has been amazing. We have been attending events all summer long designed for the kids to get to know one another and the staff and we will attend the Grand Opening on Monday and the girls will meet their teachers and see their classrooms for the first time.

I'm thrilled for this opportunity for them - it seems to me like a perfect mix between public education and homeschooling. Part of the Imagine vision is lots of parent involvement and satisfaction so I'm confident that my voice will be heard and listened to. Also they had over 300 applicants for less than 50 positions so they were able to hire the best of the best for their staff. Everyone I have met so far has been incredible and I'm excited to see how they year unfolds.

Of course I have my reservations - how can any teacher know my child and their learning style better than I can? How will my kids fare with a more rigid schedule and less flexibility? Will they fall prey to all of the potential hazards that exist for young kids in school today...bullying, trying too hard to fit in...etc? And, to be as transparent as possible, I will miss them horribly. I know that after I drop them off the first day I will shed lots of tears...my eyes are welling up writing this. But in my heart I believe this is what is right for them and for our family right now. I don't think my homeschooling days are over...we may have to revisit that issue come time for high school but that is 6 years away. (OMG - Annie will be in high school in 6 years?!)

2.Wyatt is only 9 days away from being 5 months old! Yeah, I have no idea where that time has gone. He is AWESOME! He is rolling over both ways and laughing and grabbing onto everything he can and getting it into his mouth as soon as possible. He is mesmerized by his siblings and saves his biggest smiles for them. He had some extended time with his daddy on vacation and they are developing a strong bond. I'm happy to say though that he still prefers Mama over anyone else! Our CPU is being worked on right now but when I get it back I promise some updated pictures...he looks EXACTLY like Jack did at this age...it's actually a little freaky.

3. Speaking of Jack...he is already dealing with the fact that his "sissies" (sisters) are going to be gone for much of the day this fall. He is sad because the three of them are a little pack, traveling everywhere together. Along with that comes the good - and the bad - but for the most part they are super close. He will have a tough adjustment but he is also very close to me and I hope that he and I can have some special time together this year because next year he will be in Kindergarten...and sending him off to school is sure to break my heart in two.

Okay that is all for today - I still want to write about our house and vacation...but that is all I can muster for today!

Life with Wyatt

I cannot believe my last post was 9 days ago! Time is going by so fast right now. usually when I bring babies home the first few weeks seem to last years but this time is totally different. Time is racing by and I can't even tell you where the days have gone.

Wyatt is settling in to life around here. Some of the amazement is wearing off for the older three kids - and it seems as if Jack is experiencing twinges of jealousy here and there. I understand that because he had been the "baby" for 4 years before this little interloper came along and usurped his role. So we hear a lot of "don't nurse Wyatt!" and "mommy will you sit next to me?".

I'm loving breastfeeding again - it isn't without its stessors and moments of feeling so tired that I'm ready to give up - but all in all it is going well. Wyatt is gaining weight the doctor said he looks great. Unless I have some major concerns I don't have to go back until his one month appointment - which is unbelievable only 12 days from now.

We have a new nephew - John was born to Jay and Linda on April 12. My sister in law is a total beast - as she pushed out (in right about 10 minutes) a 10 pound 6 ounce baby! YEOW! John had his own stay in the NICU but is home now and doing really well. Thanks be to God! My mom has been out in New Jersey all week getting to know her newest grandson...and believe you me her 4 grandchildren here have felt her absence...not to mention their mother!

Well my little alarm clock is squeaking - must be time to open the dairy queen again or as Alex says "time for milking". Just laugh along with me!

So Yummy!!!

My dear friend Sarah is starting a photography business and took some pictures of Wyatt yesterday. Here is one that I love love love. If any of you in the Pittsburgh area want to contact Sarah about pictures just let me know...I will happily put you in touch. Thanks Sarah!

Welcoming Wyatt

One week ago today on April 1, 2008, our son, Wyatt Gregory was born. He entered the world at 9:05 pm weighing 8 pounds and 8 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches. His debut was not an easy one...I labored for close to 19 hours and pushed for 2.5 hours. He came out "sunny side up" which made for a interesting time...but he is here now and we are deeply in love.

We came home on April 3rd and then, sadly, Wyatt was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on April 5th with high bilirubin counts. He was there for 48 hours and came home yesterday. He is still on a bili blanket to continue his healing but hopefully that will be gone by this afternoon or tomorrow and then we will get to the real business of settling in and finding our new normal as a family.

Annie, Lucy and Jack are all doing wonderfully with the baby. They love him so much they sometimes don't know what to do with themselves. When you have older kids bringing home a baby is a very different experience...it is the family's baby and I have to get used to that.

I'm experiencing all of the hormone changes and new mom exhaustion that are par for this stage of the game but I feel so grateful to be home and so happy to have my son in my arms...that most of the other stuff seems inconsequential.

I will be posting pictures soon...they are all on Alex's laptop right now. Thanks for your prayers and love and please continue them as we welcome baby Wyatt.

Where Have theses 3 Weeks GONE???

OY! I don't know where time is going these days. I guess there is just so much going on that I haven't even found time to get here and devote any real attention to blogging.

I am in the middle of my 34th week of pregnancy. I am HUGE. I feel well for the most part and really have nothing to complain about. We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of our son and we covet your prayers for a smooth end to the pregnancy and delivery!

I'll try to be better about getting here more often but no promises. I do promise to update when the big day comes!!!

Is that the END of the Tunnel???

There has been sickness in da house. Icky, exhausting and annoying sickness. First Jack got it, then I got it, then Alex got it. Annie came down with something entirely different. Lucy has remained unscathed...and I'm nervous even writing this post because for sure she will get sick tonight.

And that is another thing, why do kids always get sick at night...right when you need to rest most. I mean how are parents ever supposed to get better when they can never sleep?

Drugs are good...at least the prescription kind. My OB put me on one and Annie is on one. Annie's transformation in the first 24 hours of hers was incredible. We must have caught her strep really quickly becasue she has bounced back like a super ball on speed. Mine has definitely helped - I can sleep lying down again - rather than upright in a chair so I don't cough ALL night long. And let's just say that a intense cough and being 31 weeks pregnant with a baby right on your bladder don't mix all that well...shudder.

So it hasn't been fun...not one bit. But yesterday I was reminded of something great while Annie and I sat in the doctor's office. Until yesterday, Annie hadn't been for a sick visit in more than 18 months. She has had colds here and there and the occasional stomach thing but nothing that warranted a doctor visit in that long. For Lucy it has been 14 months and counting, the last time she even darkened the door of the office was for her well check last March. Jack had a rough year in 2007 being hospitalized twice for stomach flus...but even with that he hasn't been to the office since April of last year. (we never made it to the office in Sept we went right to the ER)

All this to say that even though everyone being sick at the same time really sucks...we have been blessed with health recently. And last week was an okay week for us to have to slow down and focus on wellness. To drink lots of yummy warm beverages and eat healthy and hearty meals. To rest when our bodies said rest and have an opportunity to care for one another in ways we don't always do when we are well. It felt nice to be taken care of...to have the kids bring me ice water and fresh navel oranges. I was touched by how they all asked me several times a day how I was feeling. They all seemed to understand in a different way what it meant for mommy to be sick.

Alex was a beast when it came to laundry and cooking. He ran this ship very efficiently - put me to shame really. It's so funny how spouses do things so differently. His strengths really do compliment my weaknesses and vice versa. It's great to be reminded of how God designs it all.

I think we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Alex is gone this weekend at a retreat...please send all of the good vibes our way for a healthy and fun weekend sans daddy.

A Good Thing

Well it finally snowed more than an inch this past week. Last Monday we got a good 6-7 inches of snow here in Pittsburgh and while it wasn't the blizzard I've been hoping for it was an improvement.

The really sad thing is that I was flat on my back sick in bed while Alex and the kids romped around in the fluffy white stuff. They did throw a couple of snowballs at my window and took pictures of their adventures for me to see. I was just so sad to miss it.

Here is a picture of the kids and their friend Frosty! (he is still there now but tomorrow it is supposed to be 51 and rainy...bye bye Frosty)

Catching Up

I feel as if it has been a while since I provided anyone reading with an update on our family. Sometimes it is just easier to do a fly by and post an article or video. But I have a few quiet moments so I'll try and fill you all in on life with us.

*I'm almost 30 weeks pregnant! I feel really good for the most part. Sleeping is getting a bit arduous but generally speaking I feel amazingly good for being this far along. We had a follow up ultrasound and the baby (definitely ALL boy) looks great. The docs saw all they wanted to see but hadn't the first time and from the looks of things our baby is healthy and developing normally. Thanks be to God!

*Jack and Lucy are coming upon their 4th and 6th birthdays repectively. It is hard for me to believe they are that old already. Especially Jack - I think because I thought he was going to be my last I have kept him a baby in my heart for all of this time. But that is all about to change when we bring home a squeaking, squirming newborn. Jack wants another Cars party (since he got sick and ended up in the hospital last year) and Lucy's party will be at a local bowling alley!

*Annie has become rather entralled by the idea of her new brother. She took a while to get used to the idea but now she wants to watch shows about babies being born and the first days of life. She pretends each day to be pregnant (complete will doll under her shirt) and give birth. She dotes on her baby, who she's named Adrienne, and she really is a good little mama. I can't wait for her to meet the baby...I know it will be love at first sight.

*I am still feeling happy about the Super Bowl! I am so glad the Giants won and that the Patriots lost...and it was a really good game.

*Alex is in the midst of Lent at church...a busy time. He has a retreat later this month and several other events coming up on the calendar. He tried to plan for this semester to be loaded on the front end so he can have a more calm schedule after the baby arrives.

*I'm about to begin knitting a blanket for the baby...hopefully I can get it done before he goes to college! I'm keeping busy with schooling the girls and figuring out how I can possibly volunteer for Barack Obama since it looks like the Pennsylvania primary will actually matter for a change. I don't know what I can do but I'm very interested in looking into it.

Well that's about all for now...I'll try to be better about all of this in the future. Here are some pictures to update you on the kiddos!

Thankful

Last year I made a list of the 10 things I was most grateful for at that time. I really think it helped put me in a good frame of mind as we raced headlong into the crazed holiday season so I'm doing it again! Enjoy...

1. Only 425 Days Left - In the Bush Presidency. For that I'm truly thankful!

2. Our Small Group - Last March we began meeting with a wonderful group of adults from our church. It has been a rich and fulfilling process and I am so grateful for these friends.

3. Bobby and Susie's Wedding - It was such a joy to watch our dear friends join their lives together this October...and a true honor to be a part of their special day.

4. The Pool - I love being able to go to the pool everyday in the summer. The kids love it and their swimming has really improved. It is so wonderful to get outside and soak up the sun and splash around in the water!

5. Mom's Retirement - After many years of working hard my mom retired last week! I'm so happy for her and can't think of anyone who deserves to enjoy retirement more than she does. I'm looking forward to a more energetic and less stressed mom and grandma who can spend lots of time with us!

6. My friend Anne - I've become good friends with Anne - who has been in the states with her family for a few months before they head back to Africa (where they live full time) at the end of the year. Though I'm already sad that she is leaving, I'm confident that this is a lifelong friendship.

7. God's AMAZING Grace - There have been several times this year when I have been in need of amazing grace...and God has never let me down. I'm thankful that He has placed people in my life who have shown me the limitless nature of grace.

8. Spiritual Direction - Another huge blessing has come in the form of Jeanne, my spiritual director. Our monthly meetings have opened my eyes and blessed my heart.

9. My Family - As the mom, I have a chance to sometimes take a step back and watch my family and I'm in awe of them. I love learning more and more about each of them and watching as God develops in them wonderful hearts. Alex, Annie, Lucy and Jack are real touchstones for God in my life.

10. New Life - I'm most thankful for this new life growing inside of me. I really didn't imagine a year ago that I would be pregnant now...as much as we talked about 4 kids, I think we both thought we were done at 3. But I cannot imagine life without this promise, this blessing, this gift.

Oops I Did It Again!

I missed yesterday...some days are just too busy for blogging and I have to accept that my life is in a season where I may not be able to blog everyday for a month straight. I don't like that fact but it is what it is.

Just briefly stopping in this Sunday morning to say hi and to wish my sister in law Monica a Happy Birthday! we love you Monica!

OB appointment tomorrow morning - so look for an update later in the day!

Big Sigh

Mom's surgery is over and it was the best of all possible scenarios! Thanks to those of you who prayed and encouraged me today with emails, text messages, and phone calls.

Sorry to be so brief but I've got three children who I haven't seen all day to go smother with kisses!!! See you tomorrow!

Yesterday and Tomorrow

So yesterday was Halloween and a good time was had by all. Annie was a flying unicorn, Lucy was a tiger and Jack was Scooby Doo. I will post pictures soon...and I know I keep saying that but I really will! Two families from church came over and went Trick or treating with us and that was a lot of fun. I stayed back and handed out the candy - and there were a lot of people out last night. We had at least 150 trick or treaters, it was madness!

Tomorrow my mom is having surgery. As far as we know it is nothing serious and I am counting on that. But I do covet your prayers for her tomorrow and during her recovery and I will keep you updated on how she is doing.

As for today? Well it is November! The month of my birthday, and even as I get older I still love my birthday. It is also the first day of National Blog Posting Month (linked below) and here I am posting away! I hope you'll check back often to cheer me on!

I'm It! Good Things...

I was "tagged" on my dear friend Liz's blog to list some GOOD THINGS in life right now. I've never been tagged before, so thanks Liz, this is fun!

Good Things

*Teeny Tiny Baby Movements - I'm beginning to feel those little popcorn popping movements inside my belly every now and again. It's undeniably the little one growing inside of me and it fills me with awe and wonder each time I feel it.

*The Aroma of Yummy Things Coming from the Crockpot - I love using my crockpot. It makes life so much easier to know that a big portion of our family meal is cooking and that at convergence of chaos that is the dinner hour I won't have as much to do. Plus the entire house fills with the smells of whatever is cooking.

*Pajama Days - This past Saturday we found out early on that the girls soccer game had been cancelled and we ended up staying in our pajamas ALL day. We ate lunch together, the kids played board games, Alex got a bunch of things done around the house, and I napped in the couch! When we bathed, which was late in the day, we all put clean pajamas right back on! It was so great to be home all day and be in relaxation mode!

*Listening to Annie Read - I love hearing Annie read and discover new things about life and the world around her. She is reading really well and loves chapter books now. It is my hope that she will develop a passion for reading.

*Seeing the Budding Friendship Between Lucy and Jack - Lucy and Jack are both extremely imaginative children who can sit a play with toys for a long time. Recently they have begun playing together and it is a joy to listen to them create magical worlds together. They also love board games - and even though they don't always follow the rules they have a blast!!!

*Walking Together - Alex and I have been married 8.5 years and I feel like right now we are walking together...in step with one another in ways we have never before. There is a clarity and a sense of being in sync and it is a wonderful place to be. It's not exciting or thrilling or a make your stomach flip with giddiness - it is solid and enduring and comforting. I'm thankful...

Happy Birthday to my Firstborn

Here is Annie, 7 years old today, with her present. Yes, a kitten. (Don't think I'm too crazy, the dog is gone...something else to blog about one of these days) So this is Annabelle (named by Annie), she is two and a half months old and just the tiniest and sweetest little thing in the world. She is bonding to Annie...and she slept curled up by her head all last night...it really was too cute.

7 years old?!?! It seems, at the same time, impossible that she has been here that long and that she hasn't been my life forever and ever. She is growing and changing so fast these days. She is into High School Musical (1 & 2), Hannah Montana (concert tickets story coming soon), and everything girly! This Saturday her party is being held a local Tea Room where they have Princess Tea Parties for little girls. So I will be there with 10 little girls dressing up and painting their nails with glitter nail polish...even Daddy and Jack aren't invited. I'll be sure to post some pictures from that adventure!

Happy Birthday Annie - I love you more than my heart can fathom.

Convergence of Chaos

This weekend seems to define chaos for our family.

It is our church's retreat weekend which means Alex is loaded up with responsibilities with students at a retreat center about an hour away.

It is also the wedding weekend of our dear dear friends Bobby and Susie!!!! Alex and I are leading some worship in the ceremony and Annie and Lucy are flower girls! We also have the honor of being the people who set Bobby and Susie up with each other...our very first set up to actually go all the way to marriage! So it's a very important event for our family.

In addition my aunt is coming to town to celebrate her 50th high school reunion!

So today around 3, Alex will leave for the retreat and I will take the girls to the wedding rehearsal at 6:30. I, unfortunately, have to miss the rehearsal dinner to get home and get the kids in bed. Then tomorrow, my mom and aunt will take Jack for the day and Alex will come home at 1:30 so we can be at the church by 2:30 for the wedding at 3:30! My mom will pick the girls up after the ceremony while Alex and I get to enjoy a bit of the reception before picking up all three kids and heading back up to the church retreat by 10 pm. Tired yet?

We will be at the retreat until lunch on Sunday and then we will come home and collapse in front of the television to watch the Steelers (hopefully) beat the Seahawks. I bet I'm not awake for much of the game!

Although I'm dreading all of the busy-ness of the weekend, I am filled to overflowing with joy for Bobby and Susie. Susie is such a wonderful friend and she has been there for me through thick and think. We have known her for 7+ years now and she is a part of our family in inextricable ways. Bobby and Alex have known one another longer than I can even remember and we value him more than we could ever say. We are so thrilled to have been a part of their story up until now and we look forward in great anticipation to what God has in store for them in the wonderful adventure of marriage.

So even though I won't be drinking the champagne my heart will be toasting the coming together of these two lives for weeks and months to come.

I'm Still Here

I know it's been a long time...but between homeschooling both girls and caring for all three kidlets...in addition to trying not to throw up every minute of the day I have been pretty tied up. Things are going well on all fronts...and I'm hoping the morning sickness ( all day sickness is more like it...must have been a man that named it morning sickness :) )will subside soon as I'm nearing the end of the first trimester.

Anyway I received this video in an email and I got a chuckle out of it...I know lots of it will sound familiar to many of you...either you've said it or heard it. Enjoy.

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.