Wild about Annie

We have been blessed with the SWEETEST babysitter in the WORLD named Annie. She is smart and beautiful and wonderful with the kids. The kids have a wonderful time with her, she makes them do what they are supposed to and helps me around the house - an added bonus! This is the third summer she has spent babysitting for us and now that she is going to be a senior, I hope it will not be her last. We would certainly miss her!

Anyway, Annie's birthday was earlier this week. I took Micajah shopping with me for her present while the girls went with Annie to cheerleading practice. On her birthday, the kids met her at the door (Micajah still in his underpants) and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. I bought a tiny little cake and we sang again to her at Lunch and gave her present to her.

Her sweet mama, Lynn, called and asked me to do her birthday cake. She gave me some ideas and then gave me the freedom to do whatever I wanted. I have to say I think THIS is the cutest cake I've ever done. I'm getting better at decorating with Fondant and if I can find a great (more workable) recipe, I think I will do even better. The pre-made fondant I've tried works well, but tastes HORRIBLE. Oh, well!

Welcome to the World

Welcome to the World Amory Elizabeth.

My sister Marilois and her husband Pablo welcomed their precious daughter, Amory Elizabeth, to the world yesterday. She arrived about 5:30 yesterday afternoon and weighed 6 lbs 10 oz. and was 18 3/4 inches long. She has a head full of the blackest hair you've ever seen. Precious, just precious. She and mom are doing QUITE well!!

While they are recouperating in the Hospital, we are given the joyous task of babysitting big sister Frannie. This is her first night away from mom and dad and I think it is tough on all of them. I debated whether or not to retaliate against my sister for giving 2 year old Lindsey Kate "lots and lots of coffee" while she babysat when Micajah was born. I've also debated about whether or not to teach Frannie how to walk while she is visiting - much like Aunt Nannie did to my mom with me when Katharine was born. I guess I will be a responsible Aunt and not go with the coffee. The walking, that's another thing all together. She is ready, but we won't push the issue.

She did fine last night going to bed, although it was a little later than she usually goes down. This morning, she woke up happy but got a little quiver in her chin when she realized we were still there and her mom and dad were not. After a good breakfast I left her downstairs with the "babysitters" while I got dressed. I came downstairs to find her loaded up in a laundry basket watching TV. Good times, good times.
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Haircuts All Around

Well, summer is here - time for a cooler weather haircut. Jody and Micajah very much needed a trim and the girls went along to get one too. You can't tell really well from the picture that they all got trimmed, but they did. Heyward especially got the most bang for her hair cutting buck!

Gone Fishin'

My friend Erika called earlier this week and wanted me to make some fishing themed cupcakes for her son Tate's class to celebrate his 9th Birthday. I came with this GREAT idea, but couldn't figure out how to make the string on the fishing pole. My first thought was to use fishing line, but I just KNEW some 3rd grader would eat it and sue. So, I decided on Twizzlers. Last night, I dutifully tied 30 strings onto pretzel fishing poles so I could deliver the cupcakes to Erika when I took the girls to school this morning. Of Course, we were running late to school today. As I was carrying the box of cupcakes to the car, I noticed that one of the strings was "untied". I opened the box of cupcakes and ALL of them had come untied. Not just untied, but the twizzlers BROKE on every one!! I ALMOST cried. If Jody hadn't readily volunteered to take the girls and Micajah to school so I could re-do the cupcakes, I think I would have cried. Remember, we were ALREADY running late at this point. A quick phone call to Erika to let her know what happened and that I would bring them soon, I got to work.

As I was re-tying the twizzlers, I called mom for our daily morning chat. We were discussing the de"lemon" I was in and were brainstorming for solutions. The best one mom came up was making the string from pre-chewed bubble gum. If the idea weren't SO gross, it probably would have worked!

Anyway, I got the cupcakes tied and delivered. Erika promised to deliver them immediately to the classroom so the kids could see them before the strings possibly break again!

Kid's Night

A few weeks ago, I had a brainstorm. I was cooking dinner and Micajah wanted to help. I thought to myself "Why not have 1 night a week that one of the children can plan and cook dinner?". It will teach them how to plan a healthy meal, teach them valuable cooking skills, grocery shopping AND relieve me of one night a week of having to plan and cook a meal. Micajah helped me that first night. He wanted to make eggs and toast. Every once in a while, he would yell to his sisters in the next room "Gurls, I'm making them weely WEELY cheesy". They were delicious!!

Last night was Lindsey Kate's turn. She decided she wanted to cook what basically amounts to glorified hamburger helper, corn on the cob, butter beans and brownies. We browned the hamburger meat, cooked regular boxed mac and cheese and mixed them with taco seasoning and sour cream. The beans and corn were leftovers from our Mother's day lunch, but I told her that good "cooker mama's" recycle leftover food.

The best part of the meal was the love that was flowin' during the meal. It was the MOST praised meal we've ever eaten. Don't get me wrong, our family is SUPER appreciative and make great comments over most of the meals I serve, but seeing their reaction to Linds' meal was PRECIOUS. Micajah and Heyward gushed over how DELICIOUS was. Linds bragged to Micajah on how much cheese she put into the meal and I said that she put more love into it than cheese. Jody even went back for seconds. They started planning among themselves what meal they would cook when it was their turn. Micajah was torn between home made pizza and spaghetti. He thinks he can throw the dough up in the air if he makes pizza, so that makes pizza quite appealing. They've also asked if grilling counts as cooking a meal. They want Jody to teach them how to grill. Good times, good times. Micajah even took leftovers to school for lunch today!

April Fools!

I LOVE practical jokes. My mom has always said I have a little "streak". Not a mean streak or bad streak, just a streak. Jody loves practical jokes as much as I do.

April Fools day is the perfect time for practical jokes. For April Fools dinner this year, I decided to cook a special meal for our family.

This "meatloaf" was actually dessert. It was chocolate rice krispy treats made into the shape of a meatloaf. The "ketchup" on the top - a fruit roll up.
Our main course was "cupcakes and Ice cream". What kid wouldn't like that meal. They were a little dissappointed though to discover it was Meatloaf "cupcakes" with mashed potato icing and mashed potato "ice cream". Micajah called the girls to the table QUITE excitedly when he thought we were having cupcakes and ice cream for dinner. One lick of the pink icing and he said "dis icing is not bery good". Poor guy. He ended up going the refrigerator and fixing his own dinner of oranges, yogurt and cheese.
How many times do you get to say "Finish your cupcakes and ice cream before you can have meatloaf". Good times, good times. Heyward has already decided to make this for her children one day on April Fools day. Thank you Family Fun magazine for the ideas!!

Pawprints & Pom Poms

I love baking cakes. It is the best way I can express my artistic talent until the children are grown enough that I can have paint around the house! It seems lately when I bake one, I think to myself "now THIS is the cutest one I've ever done". The cake I baked for our friends Statton and Sara Grayson over the weekend was no exception. Their mom, Laurie, decided to have a double party for their birthdays this year. To appease a boy and a girl, she decided to have a football/cheerleader birthday. What a CUTE idea, huh?! She gave me free reign with the cake and I have to say it turned out pretty cute.

Happy Easter

Saturday was our 11th annual Easter Egg Hunt. We were afraid we might see some rain, but thankfully it was a beautiful - although slightly overcast day. Jody worked for several weeks getting the yard into shape and it was GORGEOUS!! I can easily admit that the Easter Egg Hunt would NEVER happen if it weren't for his input. I do not enjoy yard work (although I want a beautiful yard) and I don't think he LOVES it, but he gets out there and gets it done! Thank you!!
This year, we rented a Cotton Candy machine for the first time. It was a HUGE hit - note Sara Kate, Thomas and Taylor above enjoying their blue cones. It was certainly something we will do again.
Easter was VERY early this year and I worried last week that we may not have many flowers blooming. Like clockwork, the azaleas and dogwoods were in full bloom. I honestly feel that the week of Easter, everything BURSTS into bloom in rejoicing over the death, burial and Resurrection of our Saviour!!
We were delighted to have Frances Faith make her Egg Hunt debut. She missed the egg hunt last year because she decided to make her Grand Entrance to the world the morning of the Egg Hunt. I am STILL thankful that Marilois and Pablo decided NOT to make the trek to Homerville last year - they would have never made it. We hoped to have the Maier crew out of Charleston join us this year. It was a surprise for my parents and they were to be staying with us for the first time EVER! James had practiced how to say "surprise" and Will has learned to crawl so we were looking forward to having them join us. Unfortunately, they developed car trouble the morning of their departure. It was a HUGE disappointment to all of us, but hopefully we will see them soon.
I'm leaving you with one of our FAVORITE Easter recipes. These delicious cookies tell the Easter story. We plan on making them tomorrow night at church (with a few made in advance because we do not have time to wait overnight) for our Easter Activities. It is an awesome visual way to teach children about Easter.

EASTER STORY COOKIES
1 cup whole pecans

zipper baggie
1 teaspoon vinegar

wooden spoon
3 egg whites

tape
pinch salt

Bible
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (do this first - very important)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman Soldiers. Read John 19: 1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19: 28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.
He wants us to know Him and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27: 57-60. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27: 65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter Morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28: 1-9.

Jubilant Timberland Jubilee

Our community hosts an annual festival, the Timberland Jubilee. It has just this year moved from the first weekend in October to the first weekend in March. It is a community event with timber competitions (log splitting, sawing, etc), arts and crafts, children's activities and LOTS of great food.

One of the events is an Art Contest sponsored by the local school system. All students from K-5th grade design a picture that best represents the Timberland Jubilee. Both of the girls have placed (and even won) for their grade before, but this year Lindsey Kate was chosen as the winner for the entire K-5th grade. Her picture has been posted along with the grade winners at the local bank and will be featured on next year's Timberland Jubilee t-shirt.

Here is a close-up of her picture.

Cute, huh? We are SO proud of all of them. It seems that all of the children have inherited my "artsy" side. So, next year if you find yourself with nothing to do the first weekend in March, swing yourself down to the Timberland Jubilee. It will be worth the trip!!

No place like Home

I wanted to take a moment to give a round of applause to our friend, Terron Skipper. who has been serving our country in the Marines on a tour of duty in Iraq. Terron arrived home to Hawaii yesterday. While Terron was on tour, his beautiful wife, Bobi, gave birth to their adorable son Logan. Terron met Logan for the first time yesterday.

Terron is a friend of Laci's. They graduated from High School together. He is one of the finest young men we have had the honor of meeting. I have to fight back a lump in my throat as I think of this brave young Soldier who is so far away from his precious family fighting for my freedom. I pray I never take for granted the freedom I am given or the young men and women that fight for the rights I have. We have prayed for Terron as he has been away and Praise the Lord for his safe return. Terron, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe!!!

Thank you for allowing us to share your precious reunion with your family. It is something I will never forget.



To TOTALLY change the subject: On another mention of "HOME" there was "NO place like Home" as our friend Cara celebrated her birthday with a Wizard of Oz party a few weeks ago. Her mom, Erika, asked me to do the cake. We decided on a Ruby slipper Cake. Erika is one of those cool, artsy moms that always has the CUTEST Birthday parties!!

Dancing with Cinderellas

Saturday was our Annual Father-Daughter Valentines Dance. Jody took and danced with the two most lovely Cinderellas there.

We've recently heard a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman entitled Cinderella. It will put into perspective how quickly they grow up and bring a tear to most daddy's eyes. You can listen to it here http://video.aol.com/video-detail/steven-curtis-chapman-cinderella/2091518691

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad I need you!There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
Chorus:So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms'
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song'
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of her dress
She says, "Dad the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms'
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song'
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
She will be gone

But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned
She says, "Dad the wedding's still six months away
but I need to practice my dancin
'Oh please, Daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms'
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song'
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

Posting the blog this morning, I ran across this photo of Jody and the girls two years ago before the dance. My my, how quickly they grow up!!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Last night, it got down to 13 degrees down here in South Georgia. We left the sprinkler on last night and woke up to a "Winter Wonderland" in our front yard. The children had a MARVELOUS time walking around on the frozen grass and breaking ice cicles off of the trees. As of lunch (when these pictures were taken) most of them were still there. It was cool to hear them cracking and creaking. We should have tempratures in the 20's tonight, so hopefully they will be around tomorrow too.

Merry Christmas!!

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. - Luke 2: 1-14

Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We pray for you that this Christmas will be filled with Peace, Love and Joy!

Happy Thanksgiving

Sometimes I get an idea for something and after it is finished I think to myself "Now THIS is the cutest thing we have EVER done!". So was the thought with these Thanksgiving aprons we made for the grandmothers. I thought it might be fun to try, and they really did turn out cute!! I can't wait for them to see them. The :"leaves" are made by painting their hands solidly with a color of fabric paint and pressing them (with fingers together) on the apron. I added the "stems" and painted the veins of the leaves on them. The turkeys are made by painting the palm brown and fingers different colors for the feathers. Then pressed on the apron and add eyes, legs and "gobbler". What is the techincal name for the red thing that hangs down off of turkey noses? I'll have to look it up.

Anyway, We pray that your Thanksgiving will be filled with fun, laughter, joy and blessings. We continue to be amazed at the Blessings the Lord gives us. We have a wonderful family, healthy children and tons of love and Joy. We are Thankful beyond words.

1 Little Monkey

"10 little monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and bumped his head. He went to the doctor and the doctor said 'That's what you get for jumping on the bed'"

Well, this little monkey did not jump on the bed, but jumped off of a chair at his daddy's office. It's not unusual for Micajah to jump off of things, it's in his blood, I guess. (Something he gets from his daddy) But, this time was different. He screamed and cried when he fell. It was one of those moments as a mom where they're crying so hard, you can't quite figure out what is wrong. Anyway, we settled him down, but he kept whimpering and telling me he thought he broke his leg. I decided he was either the MOST dramatic of my children, or I needed to go get it looked at. I tried to get him to walk a little, but he immediately crumpled into a screaming, crying pile on the floor.

After consulting with Jody and WebMD, I took him to the emergency room. Once we get into the exam room, he seemed fine. Joking and laughing with me as we waited for the nurse. I immediately thought "I can't believe we came down here, signed in and he is fine!!! I'm sure I will still get a bill for it." They took x-rays and said he had a hairline fracture down the tibia of his right leg. She said she would splint it up and schedule an appointment with an orthopedic Dr. the next morning. Even after that, he seemed fine. He was very excited about his new "boot" and wanted to know if he could go to school the next day. Once bed time rolled around, it was a different story. He was up almost ALL night crying. 3 doses (spaced out as prescribed) of pain medicine later (3 a.m.) he FINALLY fell asleep. Bless his sweet little heart. It was AWFUL!

Yesterday morning, Jody and I packed him up and took him to Valdosta. We took him to an old family friend, Brook Bearden, who has "grown up" to be a Orthopedic Doctor. It was fun catching up with him. He was very nice and was great to give us all of the options available and answer the questions we had. Anyway, they put Micajah in this ginormous cast, but hopefully he will only have to wear it 2-3 weeks. Last night, we didn't hear a whimper out of him, but he told me he didn't sleep all night long. Maybe it's time to adjust the meds! :)

It was back to school today. We sent a stroller to transport him to and from the lunchroom. During the time his classmates usually practice writing their names, the teacher allowed them to come and sign his cast instead. How exciting! I am sure he is the talk of the Pre-K. His teacher said he did wonderfully well. Whew!! Hopefully tonight will bring a better night's sleep.

When God Smiles

I am amazed over and over again at the precious, sweet spirits of my children. Sure, they have their moments when they fuss and fight with each other, but for the most part we are blessed with wonderful sweet children.

Last night after dinner, Micajah turned on his Veggie Tales worship CD while I was cleaning up the kitchen. The song "Blessed be Your Name" came on. Micajah looked at me and said "I think I am going to go sing this one to Jesus". So, he went and sat down in the kitchen window and looked waaayyy up in the sky and sang the song "To Jesus". Now, I can't for a moment imagine that I know what God thinks, but I have to believe that when He saw that, He smiled.

Be blessed today as you make God smile.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

William Burnet Maier

In the wee hours of August 30th, my 100% woman sister Katharine and her husband Mike welcomed William Burnet Maier into their family. He joins their ever adorable son James, who even though he presumed his mom might deliver a baby goat - like the one they see at the petting zoo, was apparently not dissappointed and immediately fell in love with his brother. O call my sister 100% woman who didn't miss out on her epidural like I did with Lindsey Kate and my sister Marilois did with Frances Faith - she CHOSE to have the baby au-natural at home. That is one AMAZING woman!!! We laughed at the thought of James going to sleep last night not even aware of the impending birth and waking up to find not only did mom deliver a living, breathing, baby doll brother, but they were home with it too! Only in the Netherlands! :) What an amazing way to keep the family together. That home birthin' stuff isn't such a bad idea - except for the pain, I mean! :)

I don't have pictures yet, just a link to their blog www.maierbaby.blogspot.com with a few photos. No really close-ups yet. I'm waiting..... :)

Anyway, my family joins me in welcoming your precious new member of the family. We're praying for a speedy recovery for Kat. and blessings on the beginning of this wonderful new life!! We love you!

Tea for Two (or 12)

Yesterday was Lindsey Kate's 8th Birthday. We decided to invite her friends over for a tea party. Here is a picture of the girls posing in their dress up clothes.

Lindsey Kate told my mom (Bami) that she wanted a tea cup collection for her birthday. That was the inspiration for the tea party. Bami found these adorable tea cups at TJ Maxx and they were reasonably priced enough that we were able to purchase one for every girl as their party favor. I ordered "feathery" crowns and crown rings from Oriental Trading Company for all the girls.

We provided extra dress-up clothes and makeup with a mirror for them to fix themselves up. I heard Heyward declare "WOW, I look GOOD!!". It was VERY hot but as she tied on her rabbit fur wrap, she declared "This is perfect to top it off!"

Here is our lovely tea-party table and the girls enjoying their "tea". We actually served sparkling grape juice instead of tea. One little girl remarked "This stuff is SO good - you will need to give my mom the recipe". FYI - the recipe is equal parts of grape juice and ginger ale. Makes a delicious punch!
My dad wore his tuxedo and served the tea party fare to our princesses. The girls enjoyed a lovely menu of Cupcakes, iced cookies, flower-shaped ham and cheese sandwiches, pickle sandwiches, dill pickle spears, grapes and strawberries. One "princess" commented "I've never been to a party where I didn't have to fix my own plate"
Poor brother wasn't feeling well and cuddled up in a chair with "Poochie" and slept through the WHOLE thing!
Here is a picture of the food table (minus one plate of sandwiches and the cupcakes). The white tulle and Christmas lights made such a lovely decorating tool. After the "tea party" was over, the tulle doubled as veils which we tied to the girls crowns. They were SO precious!!

Legos and Strawberry Shortcake

This was a multiple cake weekend. I baked two for parties on Saturday and then cupcakes for Lindsey Kate's party on Sunday.

The first is a Strawberry Shortcake cake for our friend Maddey's 2nd birthday.

The second is a lego cake for our friend Jack's 10th birthday.

First day of School

WOW! I was horrified when I logged into my blogger this morning and realized I did not blog ALL summer long! I guess that sums up in a nut-shell what kind of summer we had. No time for anything! We had a lovely vacation in South Carolina, Church camp, tennis camp and cheerleading camp plus a 3 week visit from Katharine and James. WOW - an event filled summer!

Anyway, today is the first day of school. Heyward in the 4th grade, Lindsey Kate in the 2nd and Micajah at pre-K. I am attaching pictures. How many of you wore Converse hi-tops as kids? We certainly did. I had a total trip down memory lane when Lindsey Kate wanted pink hi-tops for he school shoes! How funny!

My friend Tiffany's little boy Caleb is in Micajah's class at pre-K. She called to share this adorable story with me this morning: When she went to drop off Caleb, he was being a little clingy to her. She said Micajah came up to her and said "If he forgot his blanket for nap time, I can share my towel with him". She said thank you, but that Caleb brought his towel. He then said "I also brought school supplies I can share with him. I have 2 glue sticks, markers and paper if he wants to use them". How adorable, huh? I am glad to see he wants to share his stuff with his buddy.