A time for change

It has been a really long times since I've opened this blog up.  I typically write cute stories about my kids so I have them to remember in the future.  Today, I have an urge to write about something different.  I typically avoid anything controversial online because online rants and arguments do not tend to get very far, but today I am feeling otherwise.  Let me start off with a couple of stories....

Those of you who know me know that I have a horrible iced coffee addiction.  I came to Strarbucks on my lunch break last week to read, have a cup of java, and enjoy a few minutes of silence.  There was an African American boy who sat outside with a box of chips and candy to try and sell.  Now, I do not carry cash on me and never buy random things like this.  He sat outside the door and just asked each person as they walked in if they wanted to buy a bag a chips.  Time and time again he was rejected.  I sat and watched for a few minutes and felt myself beginning to feel frustrated for this kid.  It wasn't the fact that no one would buy his chips, it was how no one even would stop and listen to the kid or even look him in the eyes as they said no.  Finally, one man stopped and bought a bag of chips...an African American male.  I couldn't help but wonder what went through his head as each white person walked by and totally ignored him, and literally the only person who stopped was one who "looked like him."  As I was leaving I bought him a soda and told him I hope he stayed cool in this heat and good luck with his chip sale.  Do I say this to boast, absolutely not.  Just hoping to encourage people to open their eyes to the change that still needs to happen.

Second story....

My youngest daughter had a birthday party to go to for a little girl in her class.  Most the people who were in her pre-k class were wealthier white people.  We rushed to Target to pick out a Barbie doll for the little girl.  Rylee (my daughter) grabbed an African American swimming barbie.  My immediate reaction was to grab a white one because I wasn't sure if the girls family would like this.  This is a probem! Thoughts like this shouldn't even cross our minds.  Shame on me for even thinking this.  I hate that we still have thoughts like this and in some families it is a problem.  So what did we do?  Bought the cute little black Barbie doll.

Third story,

Driving home from church today and noticed an African women standing by the bus stop in the rain.  She was wearing what looked like to be a golden African dress and holding a purple umbrella.   I noticed she began to walk towards the church and assumed that was where she was headed.  I rushed home to grab something and about five minutes later I was headed back out the door.  As I drove back down the street I noticed the same women was about a block from where I previously saw her walking.  Car after car drove past this poor women without stopping.  I was a bit nervous to offer her a ride with my youngest in the car, but it was raining too hard to ignore her.  I pulled over and asked if she would like a ride somewhere and she gladly accepted.  She stated she attended church and her husband was suppose to pick her up and never showed up.  She told me how she moved here from African two years ago and really missed her family.  It was an awkward ride, but I didn't want to be another person who drove by and did nothing.  Once again, not sharing this to boast, but as hopefully a form of encouragement.  It is time to get out of our comfort zones and stand up for issues we like to pretend are not happening.  There are opportunities all around us!

My heart breaks the way there are issues right in front of us, but we would rather stay quiet and pretend they are not happening (preaching to myself).  I want to be the change I desire and encourage you to do the same.  It's not hard to offer a ride, buy a bag of chips, and even go much farther to truly love someone who is different then you.  It's time to stop pretending that these issues do not exist.  It's time for change.

I'm ending this with my current favorite picture right now.  It is a picture of my youngest daughter and my sweet niece. In most situations, people are not born racist, it is taught. Oh to have the hearts like these kids who don't even notice skin, just family.

Tis the Season

It's that time again.  Beautiful lights, tacky sweaters, and many pounds to be gained.  Just like any other child in America, our kids are so excited about Christmas.  This year we are doing things  a bit different and will most likely stick with this new plan.  First off, our kids do not believe in Santa.  Ok...go on with your huge gasp and think of us as one of those super religious families who are robbing our children of something magical.  Done yet?  Good...keep reading.  We could care less if other parents teach their children about Santa, but we have just kind of made him a fun fictional character.  We will still do cookies for Santa, and all that, but they know it is for fun.
This year we have told our girls that they are getting one present each and then will have an amazing day planned for us.  We plan on getting them a couple of extra things for fun and as a good surprise, but they don't know that yet.  I recently asked both girls:


Me: "Emma, this year we are only doing one present each. If you have to pick ONE thing that you really want, what is it?"

Emma: "OOO an Ipad that plays games!"

Me: "Ummm, ok what's your second?"

Emma: "A cinderella dress."

Me: "What about you Rylee, what do you want?"

Rylee: "Lipstick, oh and Cheetos, I weelly like Cheetos."

I was entertained by their answers, but more shocked about how content they were with the one present.  Even Emma tonight said: "I cant wait to open my one gift!"  I don't remember many of the gifts I received as a child on Christmas but more of the fun times I had with my cousins, the hidden chocolates all over Grandma Roller's house, and laughing to the point of tears.  Thats what I want for my kids.  Our plan this Christmas is to simply enjoy each other.  We will play games, read scripture, sing songs, decorate christmas cookies, watch Elf, paint ornaments, and of course our gifts.  The girls are so excited about the crafts and cookie making.  I'm not saying you can't do all of this and have the fun part of Santa as well. My fear is that my kids will one day think they were not good enough that year to receive the present we most likely could not afford....like an iPad. ;)

Of course, I cant have a blog without quotes:

* Rylee: "Dad, you wanna see my boobies?"

Macon: "RYLEE! Inappropriate" 

(Rylee laughs and rips open her onsie"

Macon: "RYLEE!! No ma'am (trying not to laugh). Where did you learn that?"

Rylee: "At church, in Sunday school."

* We were running late one Sunday for church.  I was fixing Rylee's hair in the car and she ended up with this silly looking bun on her head. As we were getting out of the car I was teasing Rylee about her silly bun. Emma leans over and whispers to Macon "It looks like a big piece of poop on her head."


* Eating dinner and Emma and Rylee were arguing with each other. Rylee made some random comment Emma did not like.

Emma replied: "YOUR LYING!!!"

I responded: "Emma! That is not nice, she's not lying."

Emma: "Well I don't know if she is ever telling the truth!!"

Me: "Thats not very nice either." 

Emma: "Well isn't that what you told me?! If I lie sometimes then you wont know when I am telling the truth?". 

I had no response. Subject change.


* Emma kept singing "Heeeyyyy pretty lady....op op Oppan Gangnam style" (Macon told her they were saying pretty lady)

Me: "Emma I think they say some inappropriate things in that song."

Emma: "No they dont, besides you dont even know Chinese."

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Two week meal challenge

As most of you have seen, I have decided to do a two week meal challenge for myself.

Macon and I are what I like to call "Ballin on a Budget"....aka....were broke most of the time.  We live pay check to pay check and towards the ends of our two weeks, we are normally just making it by and I hate coming up with meals at that time.  I decided this time to plan and budget for two weeks out so we will not have any hick-ups or surprises.

The first thing you will need is time.  It took me about an hour to two to make my menu and grocery list.  Second, you will need caffeine, and third....good music (makes it easier to prepare when you have something fun to listen to).

Most of the recipes I chose for the next two weeks were from Pinterest (shocker).  When I originally started cooking my goal became how to cook good, healthy, and cheap.  We are normally not huge beef eaters, but these next few weeks menu consisted of a bit more then normal.  I am also trying two new recipes (which both happen to be my bagged crockpot meals).  What made me so excited about these two meals was that when you prepare them in advance, you prepare two of them.  So when I prepare for my next two weeks, I will already have two meals prepared in the freezer.   Our budget was about $200 for two weeks and then an extra $35ish set aside to restock on fruits/milks.  We are trying not to spend anymore then that and thankfully we dont eat out much, so it shouldn't be too hard.  The $200 includes all meals.  We typically do cereal, eggs, or oatmeal for breakfast.  Our lunches consist of sandwiches, tuna, and salads so that will all stay the same.  We do most of our shopping at Aldi (because we are cheap) and then Kroger for some other things like produce, brown rice, and seasons.  Ok...now to the menu for the next two weeks:

Starting tomorrow:
(10/8) Monday - Shrimp Tacos with black beans, chips, and homemade salsa.  I prepared the salsa on Sunday so it shouldn't take too long to make.  I have made these tacos before and am still making some adjustments to the cilantro sauce, but over all it is pretty good.  I changed the salsa recipe up a little but not much (like using fresh tomatoes over canned).  I also doubled this recipe so we could snack on it through out the week and it also tastes great on eggs. 
(http://cleananddelicious.com/2011/01/22/shrimp_tacos-2/) - tacos
(http://www.mountainmamacooks.com/2012/01/quick-and-easy-salsa/) - salsa
Tuesday & Wednesday - (thats right people, we eat left-overs) Savory Vegetable Beef Soup
I am not a huge vegetable soup person at all, but my husband loves it, so I figure I'll beef it up and add corn bread to it.  I also changed it up a LITTLE.  Like added a little corn, and so on. This happens to be one of the meals I made two of and prepared for it on Saturday.  All I will have to do is pull it out the night before then let it cook in the crock pot.  Badda Bing Badda Boom.
(http://melissafallistestkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/freezer-cooking-slow-cooker-meals.html)
Thursday - Hamburgers and Sweet Potato Fries - One rule in our house is that Macon cooks at least one night a week to give me a break.  I let him pick whatever he wants (try not to complain about it) and he normally grills that night.  I happen to be off work on Thursday so I am gonna make a batch of pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing (one of the few recipes I can call my own).
Friday & Saturday - Teriyaki Chicken served over Brown Rice.  Another bagged double crock pot recipe.  I have not tried this one just yet, and must say...its driving me crazy.  Forgot to buy teriyaki sauce then realized I grabbed crushed pineapple verses pineapple chuncks.  Also invested in the nicest looking teriyaki sauce jar Kroger had to offer.
(http://melissafallistestkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/freezer-cooking-slow-cooker-meals.html)
Sunday & Monday - Roast with Potatoes, Carrots, and a Salad.  Also prepared and bagged in advance.  Who doesn't love a good roast.  The secret to a good roast is adding a package of Lipton Onion Beef Soup (dry package, not canned)
Tuesday & Wednesday - Spaghetti and a Salad.  My kids LOVE spaghetti.  Of course we choose the whole wheat noodles.
Thursday - Healthy Parmesan Chicken with Fresh Green Beans and Red Potatoes
This is Macon's favorite meal.  Always a good healthy hit in our house.
(http://www.momswhothink.com/chicken-recipes/baked-parmesan-garlic-chicken.html)
Friday & Saturday: Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry. 
This is another easy meal for me.  I buy the huge back of frozen stir fry vegetables, add shrimp, season, and serve over angel hair pasta or brown rice.

And there you have it.  I think it took me longer to type all this out then to actually prepare for it ;).

And...just for your entertainment.  Question of the week from my three year old:

"Mom, why cant we say holy cwap?"

Happy Anniversary

It has been a REALLY long time since I have blogged.  I have fallen off a bit so I'll probably spend this blog updating about our anniversary and the next one with all the funny things the girls have said in the past few months (most of which were posted to Facebook).

We have officially made it six years.  At times it has been good and at times it has been bad.  We have had our ups and downs but we are here and happy to be here. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

This year I thought it would be fun to surprise Macon with a date.  Everyone (including myself) always expects the guys to do something, but hey, us women are just as much in this marriage.

We spent the night eating Mexican food, hanging out at our favorite Starbucks, and playing Scrabble.  (I kicked his butt).

Today is our actual anniversary and I worked all day and Macon and the girls had church.  The highlight of my day was when they dressed up as "delivery men" and surprised me with flowers.  When they walked in, I couldn't help but laugh.   At first I didn't even notice the girls because I couldn't stop staring at Macon's mustache and was wondering why the heck he would grow that out knowing I HATE it.  Once I saw the girls, I couldn't help but laugh.  Emma was immediately upset that I recognized her. She really was convinced that they had her fooled

"Bill" and "Ted" did make the cutest "delivery men" I've ever seen.  They even tried to talk in a deep voice the whole time.  Not to mention, the absolute prettiest flowers I've ever seen.

Beautiful huh?! 

Then after work/church Emma was convinced she had to make us a "romantic" dinner.  She creates a picnic in our reading room.  Candle, dim lights, and music.  She "makes" us gold fish, a banana, an orange, one graham cracker, and old stale carmel popcorn.  She was SO excited so we sat there and ate every bite.  It was very thoughtful, and gross.

A lot has happened in the past 6-8 months.  We moved to a crappy little rent house that we are enjoying, Emma starts school this month (NOOO), and Macon has started working at a church.  He has also started up back in flight school and I am working my life away.  God is good.

Here are a few quotes from the girls in the past few months:

Rylee and Emma laying in bed talking and giggling.  

Rylee: "Wanna know whats funny?  When I was a grown up..."

Emma interrupts: "Ryleeeee, you were never a grown up." 

Me: "Emma: Where do you wanna go for vacation?"

Emma: "Galveston, London, New York City, and then Italy.  Ohhh....and Australia, I almost forgot about Australia."

Me: "Emma, what are you thankful for from today?"

Emma: "The cool breeze blowing through my hair."

(What is she talking about?!)

and last...which I posted on Facebook.

Emma: "Mom, does this cereal have weed in it?"

Me: "What?!"

Emma: "Weed, in the cereal?"

Me: "Like weeds from outside."

Emma: "No, I heard this cereal has weed in it"

Me: "I'm not sure what your talking about." (started to get worried)

Emma : "The tv said it was full of weed"

Me: "Oh, wheat, its wheat Emma"

Annddd.....one last picture:

Well this will be another random blog.  Not a lot is going on in The Hatton home except for everyday life. Rylee is potty training (which is gross) and Emma is loving school.  She will be an angel in her school play next week.  She only has one line but I am strongly trying to convince her to say her line with a British accent.  We will see what she does.


Like I stated before, this will be random.  Below are the goofy things the girls have done over the past few weeks:


I made some homemade chicken noodle soup. It takes Emma about ten years to finish (like always because she is talking so dang much).  Macon and I finish so we get tired of waiting on her and finally leave the table.  Emma gets upset and yells "Don't leave me with that baby!!!" (obviously talking about Rylee).  So Rylee then finishes and gets up.  Rylee mentions that she thinks she needs to pee but too not sure.  Rylee ends up peeing (which surprises herself) and comes out of the bathroom all excited.  We start clapping and telling her what a good job she did. Emma gets mad and says "Your not cheering for me?!"  So Emma finishes eating and puts her dish in the sink.  Macon and I then say GOOOOOOO EMMA and begin to clap at the same time. We thought she would stop being so jealous now that we cheered for her too.  She turns off the sink and in anger yells "Your not really cheering for me, your faking!!" Macon laughs and replies: "Well what do you want?!" She replies "I don't know, maybe that Barbie I want at the store"


On another random day we are driving down the road and the weather was beautiful.  Macon decides to roll down the window and right as he does Emma says: "Good thing you rolled that down cause I just tooted".  She is an incredibly gassy kid....and I think that is an understatement. 


Macon has had a lot of time off lately.  He went to put Rylee down for a nap one afternoon and does the same ol routine we always do.  After praying with her, he kisses her, and shuts the door.  At about 4:00 he realizes its time to wake her up.  He goes in her room and she is still asleep in her bed.  Before he wakes her up he notices she was wearing different clothes.  He then looks around and sees that there is baby powder EVERYWHERE.  Apparently after he walked out of the room - she crawled out of her bed, poured baby powder all over the carpet and dressers, put on about six layers of clothes, then crawled back in her crib and went to bed.  I have no idea how this girl got six pairs of pants on and about five shirts, and then slept in all those clothes on top of that.


Emma Comments:

• "I met a new girl at church today, she was really cool like me"
  
  
  "I've got two favorite songs, I like them more then ANYTHING else, oh...except for you, Daddy, and Jesus.....are Glorious Day and Only the Blood"
  
  
  Emma has been debating with her friend Logan about "who is the coolest kid ever" . His argument is that he's a boy so he automatically wins. After he left our place Emma and I were cleaning her room. She insists that she has to wear this shirt to prove she is in fact the coolest kid ever. I explain to her that clothes do not make you cool....she responds "I know mom....but that IS a really cool shirt" I knew my speech went in one ear and out the other
  
  
  .....aannnddddd as I am typing this post Emma is explaining to Rylee that they have to hurry in get to bed because they have to wake up early.  Rylee's response: spit toothpaste all over Emma.  Great

RANDOM PICS: (I even may have posted some of these already)

"A Baby Changes Everything"

On the new Johnson&Johnson commercials it ends with a statement that says "A baby changes everything".  I have actually been thinking about this exact same thing recently before I ever even saw the commercial.  EVERYTHING is different with kids.  For example: alone time.  Macon always knows I'm at my breaking point when he hears the bath running.  Its my way of getting away for just thirty minutes, taking a deep breath, and convincing myself that drowning is not an option.  Just about every-time I'm in there Emma come rushing in "I HAVE TO PEE I HAVE TO PEE" then once she is finished she begs me for about ten minutes if she can get in.  I of course say no and then Macon typically comes and gets her out.  Of course a few minutes after that Rylee sneaks in.  She always walks in and stairs at me, sticks her hand in the water and says "you cold?" I respond "No Rylee, get out this is mommy time".  She usually looks me up and down and then says "you wash yo boobies?" This always makes me laugh but it shows you cant even get away for a few deep breaths.  


A LOT has happened in the past few weeks.  We have traveled a ton!!! We ended up taking a trip to Oklahoma because my sweet grandmother (mamo) passed away.  It was heart breaking trying to explain death to a 4 year old.  She couldn't understand why she didn't get to say bye before Mamo passed.  It was also at times entertaining watching the girls try and wrap the concept of death around their little minds.  We do love going to Oklahoma because we always have such a great time staying with my Uncle Lee and Aunt Jetta.  It feels like a second home and we always enjoy the time with them.  One night after we left my grandmothers house and was headed back to my Aunt's house Emma began to tear up.  I knew at this point she was more emotional because she was tired then the actual death. I ask her "Emma, what is wrong?"  She tearfully responds "I miss Mamo" about that same time Rylee begins to tear up and sniffle and so I then say "Well whats wrong with you Rylee?"  She sweetly responds "I just miss Aunt Jetta" Emma then responds "Aunt Jettta's not DEAD!!"  We both started cracking up.  


Later when we got back we begin having conversations about heaven. We were eating dinner and talking about what it will be like to eat with Jesus in heaven. Emma says " Maybe when we get to heaven god will say (she makes a deep voice) you were bad, and I took your punishment" We both begin to laugh and  she then responds "but Jesus probably wont talk like a monster" 


After we got home from Oklahoma I did not have much time to make really good Halloween costumes.  Emma mentioned she wanted to be a Ninja so I took that and made her just about the cheapest looking Halloween costume.  We didn't get a chance to take them out on Halloween night since we had just gotten back in town.  We took them out the next night in their costumes and had "Family Halloween Party Night"  this basically consisted of dressing up and going for ice cream.  We thought it was so funny how we made Rylee the princess and Emma the ninja because knowing there personalities, it probably should have been switched.  Emma stayed in Ninja character ALL night and Rylee....well she was Rylee.  She walked around in her princess dress walking like a man and spitting huge spit wads on the side walk whenever she got the chance.  


On another night this week I asked Emma what she wanted for dinner.  She responds "I will take a bowl of Cheerios and a side of chips, oh and I want to wear my sassy dress"  We agree to let her have her sassy dress and also gave her cheerios for dinner (minus the chips).  After dinner she was getting ready for bed so I told her to go brush her teeth.  She later comes back in the room and swaying her hips from side to side about as big as she can (still wearing the "sassy" dress).  I drop my glasses and just give her a look, she then whispers "Inappropriate??"  while shaking her head yes.  I knew I didn't even need to tell her.

Here are some pics of the girls in their Halloween Costumes, Emma eating her cereal in her sassy dress, and one from Aunt Mal Mal's wedding where the girls were flower girls....

The things my children say.

I have been home a lot more then normal lately. I took a little bit of time off of work (which ended up being sick most of the time) but I'm about to work eight days in a row starting tomorrow. Lord help me.

I've spent a lot of time in bed trying to feel better but loved spending time with my girls. They have drove me crazy, made me mad, made me want to kiss them all over, but most of all...made me laugh. This post will not have much of a story behind it, just silly things the girls have done lately.

This morning I fed Emma the rest of the Cheerios and she wanted more. I explained to her that we were all out.  She decided she would check the cabinets to find out what else she wanted to eat. After searching for a minute or so, she slams the door and says "THERE'S NOTHING GOOD TO EAT, WE ARE SO POOR!" Well we had PLENTY of food to eat, just nothing she wanted. Plus...this kid has no idea what poor is....I think it's time to teach her a lesson in what it really means to be "poor".

Also she is now saying she cant take bath's becauce it makes her sea sick. Ha!

Later that day we were sitting on the couch looking at pictures and one pops up of four sisters. I said to Emma: "Could you immagine having four sisters!!" Emma responds: "That would be great." I say: "Sorry but your not getting four sisters" She responds: "I'm going to pray for it! Dear Jesus, thank you for today, please give me four sisters one day, in Jesus name, Amen." I say: "Emma what if God tells you no?" She replays: "What if God tells me yes?". I thought....touche...and decided to drop it. Smart kid.

Later it is nap time. After I tell them to lay down they both come running in and laughing. I say "Are you going to obey mommy?" Rylee looks at me and says: "Nope!" and keeps running. Had to remind her who was boss.

I emailed myself the next few conversations/events. I cant remember if I have already blogged some of this so sorry if you are reading this twice:

**
Emma: "Dad, I wish my tounge, nose, and teeth were made out of fabric."
Macon: "What kind of fabric?"
Emma: "Vanilla"

**
Rylees new fav thing is that she "pooped" She will wait till we lay down for bed then scream "I did the poop!!"  We annoyingly get out of bed to check....and of course....no poop....she did this and it worked out three nights in a row.  On the fourth - we realized theres no point in checking.

**
Emma: "Mom, Rylee is not listening to you, she keeps closing her eyes every time you call her name."
Me: "How about you smack her in the face"
Emma gets excited and responds: "OK!!"
Me: "Emma you know I'm kidding, you never smack your sister"
Emma: "But I REALLY want to"
MACON: "Emma, your not going to smack your sister"
Emma: "I'm just trying to obey mom."

**
Emma reminds Macon (or me...cant remember who she said this to)
"Remember, you made a promise to God not to marry other people"

Well....apparently I'm not the best at keeping up with my blog....but it's time for a few updates.

The girls have been pretty entertaining lately....here are a few examples:

We went to Oklahoma this past weekend to visit family and go the Jeremy Martin Memorial Frisbee Golf Tournament.  Do I know anything about frisbee golf...nope...but the memorial is in honor of my cousin who passed away about five years ago.  I miss him and his mom (my aunt) so so much.  It was a lot of fun getting away for the weekend and spending time with family.

We stayed with my Aunt Jetta and Uncle Lee.  They have a beautiful house, the food is always good, and you just feel loved while you are there.  We LOVE going to see them.  I feel at home when I'm with them.  On one of the days while we were there I realized the afternoon was getting pretty late and it was past Rylee's nap time.  I yell at her to come down stairs and grab me a diaper.  She giggles and walks away.  About fifteen minutes later I realize she has still not brought me a diaper.  I yell at Macon and ask if he has seen Rylee and he says no.  I kind of start to get nervous and begin yelling for her.  Macon and my brother in law Philip also start looking for her as well and we all begin to scream her name and frantically look around.  Finally Macon comes down stairs and yells at me to go check their swimming pool (back track, Rylee had a major drowning scare not to long ago where Macon had to perform CPR and we spent the night in the hospital, it was VERY scary)  I begin to panic, run out to the pool and start searching.  Thankfully she was not there.  I go back inside and start searching all the rooms. I go into the room we were sleeping in, open the closet door and there she was hiding her head under-neath a towel giggling.  We about had a heart-attack while she thought she pulled off the best hiding place ever.  

On the way home from Oklahoma, Macon and I were having a hard time staying awake.  We decide to make a quick Starbucks stop.  We pull up to the drive-thru window and Macon orders me a Pumpkin Spice Latte. As soon as he finishes ordering, Rylee pops her head out the window and yells in the cutest/meaning two year old voice "GIVE ME A LATTE".  We laugh and roll up her window.  Then Emma responds..."oh, and get me a latte and make in non-fat".  Macon replies: "I'm not getting you a latte"  Emma then says "But I need a Latte or I will be DOOMED!!"  Well we are pretty sure our coffee addiction will be one thing that both of our girls inherit.

Emma did have show and tell last week.  I had a great idea to take her picture in front of one of her Dad's work airplanes and take that to school.  I knew all the kids would think she was cool with a picture in front of an airplane.  I take one, edit it, print it off, and buy a nice frame for it.  I was really excited to show it to her and for her to see it in the cool frame.  I decided to give it to her the night before show and tell and couldn't wait to see her expression.  I hand it to her, she looks at it and says: "that's cool, but I would rather take that sea-shell"  I explained about how much cooler an airplane was the a sea-shell but she was not buying it.  The stupid shell was way cooler in her eyes.  She ended up taking both to show and tell.  Hey, you win some you lose some.  Oh well. I'm glad she has her own opinion....cool or not.  

Random thoughts....

So I went to Starbucks the other day with Christina (and the girls) to talk and catch up.  Much needed girl time.  As we were in Starbucks enjoying our iced coffee a family of four comes in.  They were all dressed up in clothing that showed they were clearly not american but that they had come from something formal. It was a Dad, Mom, and two boys.  The two boys wore clothing that draped to their feet and the parents did as well. 

As they order their coffee one of the little boys loses it (I'm guessing he was about five so pretty old to throw such a tantrum).  He begins crying incredibly loud and would not stop.  The Dad begins to loudly yell at the wife (not in English) and she quietly sits their and doesn't say a word.  After much yelling he throws the pastries on the table, walks outside, and sits at a table leaving her to deal with them.  The little boy still loudly crying through all of this.  At one point, a Starbucks worker tries to give the little boy something to quiet him down but it was rejected. 

I felt sooo bad for this women.  To be yelled at in front of everyone and left to take care of the upset child by herself.  It did make me realize a few things....one....I would be murdered in their culture in a heart beat with my mouthy self.... two..I drink WAY too much iced coffee....and three.... how thankful I am that the bible teaches husbands to be gentle servants to their family. 

Macon would NEVER yell at me in public like that and is always so helpful with the girls.  I am so thankful that he loves the Lord and serves us girls daily.  I mean seriously....Emma wants basically nothing to do with me because she LOVES her daddy's attention that he gives her non-stop.  Made me thankful for my husband and the example Jesus gave us to love one another with compassion and gentleness.

Update on the girls....

Emma had a doctor appointment yesterday to get her shots updated for school (starts next Wednesday....AHHHH)    As the doctor was talking Emma randomly says "Excuse me"  the doctor stops and responds "Why yes?" Emma replies: "Oh I didn't need to talk, I just tooted". Ha!  Gross I know, but Macon and I couldn't help but laugh.

Rylee is still in her terrible two's stage (I have a feeling it WILL last much longer then two).  This girl is strong willed. I Spent about fifteen minutes with her in time out and told her she couldn't get up until she said "I'll behave".....I mean for a two year old to hold out for fifteen minutes just so she doesn't have to obey shows her stubbornness. 

She is talking a ton and starting to say all the silly things children say when they began to talk.  It is very cute.

Another Exciting thing that happened last weekend was that my sweet niece was born.  Rylee for some reason kept saying new sister....she'll get it down one day.

Now time for a weekend of relaxing and spending time with friends and family

I've Got My Luch Packed Up, My Boots Tied Tight, I Hope I Don't Get In A Fight

Me: "Emma what were your books about when you went to book club?"
Emma: "Books about school?"
Me: "Did you like it?"
Emma: "No, I don't like school"
Me: "I actually talked to a school today about you"
Emma "Your so mean!"
Me: "School is fun, and there are lots of little girls"
Emma :"what about boys?"
Me: "I'm sure there are some little boys"
Emma: "I don't like boys"
Me:"but you always say your gonna get married, how are you gonna get married if you don't like boys?"
Emma "Well if I marry him then I will love him"


This was a conversations Emma and I had earlier this week.  Every time we have mentioned school to Emma, she has always stressed how she does NOT like school and will never go!  For Example....Macon was having her count out the blueberries for her cereal the other day...in the middle of her counting she stopped and says "Your not tricking me trying to get me ready for school are you?!" Macon starts laughing and responds "No"....she replies "That's it, I'm not counting anymore"  I signed Emma up on a waiting list a couple of months ago for a pre-k that is held at a Methodist Church.  I've been praying that if she is suppose to be in it that a spot would open up and everything would fall into place, if not then that we would just not hear from the school.

Well the school called this week and it seems like everything has worked out perfect.  We had an awesome tour of the school, it is very small, and they awarded us a scholarship to make it affordable.  After touring the school, she is beyond excited!  And of course she is THRILLED about having to pick out a few outfits for school.  Lord help us now. 

I am kind of sad about her starting school.  She will now be in school for the next 14 years, then college or marriage and maybe babies.  I feel like she will start pre-k in two weeks, then I will wake up a grandma.  I'm also worried how Rylee will do having time away from Emma....they fight like crazy....but keep each other entertained all day.  At least Emma wont get beat up so much.

Macon and I are still trucking along. It was a tough month financially but of course, we have what we need.  We are still working on finding a cheap car since we wrecked our other one.  Macon and Ben have also been playing more lately.  They are sounding awesome and Macon is enjoying it....just kind of hard working late hours and having early mornings. 

Now we are off to recover from a late night last night, listening to Rylee tell Emma to "Go to timeout"  hearing Emma respond "You are not the boss of me, I don't have to listen".  Hoping we can make it through the night without Rylee peeing all over the floor and keeping her big girl panties dry.

"he refreshes my soul "

This morning I write feeling refreshed and just flat out filled with joy (which is such much deeper then happiness).  We recently found out that their was a guy that Macon and I went to college with who found out he had a large cancerous brain tumor.  We heard about it through facebook and began to pray for him and his wife (along with many other people).  This week he went to the doctor to schedule his surgery and in his most recent MRI, his tumor was completely gone! How cool is that!?  It so awesome how God still performs miracles today and heals....not only emotionally (like me) but physically (like JD).  Just brings so much joy to my heart to know The Lord answers prayers.  So thankful to serve a God who cares. 

Back to our family... 

The girls did get in a VERY entertaining fight this week.  Emma has about "ten" imaginary kids.  She will walk around the house and say things like "come on kids, its time to clean our room".  Well  Rylee thought it would be funny to take her kids (yes imaginary) so she runs over acts like she is grabs something out of the air and in her little sweet (yet mean) voice and yells "I've got yo kids" (she is still learning to talk some).  Well Emma freaks! "GIVE ME BACK MY KIDS!!" So she runs over and acts like she takes them back. Now Rylee freaks out and responds "NO MINE!" and then once again, acts like she snatches them back up....they eventually get in a hitting fight about who has the "kids'.  It was hard to break it up because it was sooo oddly entertaining. HA

We did have a rough morning before church with Emma.  She is in this odd stage of throwing annoying little screaming fits.  She is currently grounded from dresses (which is like killing a puppy to her).  She cried about it all morning.  After breakfast she had finally calmed down.  We told her to take her dishes to the sink and she replied "I'm not in the mood"....she ended up obeying anyways.

Now for Macon and I....

Macon and I took our first tennis lessons last night. Our good friend Jordan is a tennis coach and is teaching us....because he is cool...but.... it was sooo much fun. Yes, I am sore, mostly because I'm out of shape, but excited to start something Macon and I can do together. The girls had a blast too. Rylee mostly ate ice out of the ice bend and Emma ran around thinking she was playing, but mostly just picking up the balls. ha.

Tickle Me Emma....

Macon went out of town for a few days this week so it was just me and the little ladies.  We were sitting around the table and Emma says "Mommy, why don't you tickle me as much as Daddy?" I asked "What do you mean?" she responds: "Like play with us much and laugh?"....well lets just say I felt like a pretty terrible mother at that point.  I do realize Macon has the energy of a five year old....and does things I would NEVER do with the girls.  For example: a couple of days ago for play time, he put bike helmets on them and chased them around beating them on the heads with wooden spoons.  They loved it, but I would never "play" like that. 

I had to remind myself that our roles are just different.  I am more of a nurturer and would prefer to cuddle with them, or read stories, and Macon is the wild and playful one. 

It did make me realize that I needed to make more time to "tickle", so that's what I am doing.  After nap today instead of cuddling, we cuddled and tickled.  We played a lot more today.  It also helped me realize at the end of the day the girls don't care about bills, debt, or stress....they just like to be tickled. 

On another note...our kids are still cracking us up. 

At dinner Emma was telling her dad about why she was grounded.  She explained "Mommy wouldn't let me watch another movie, so instead of sitting in my room quietly, I just laid in my bed and screamed BLOODY MURDER!"

Rylee scratched Emma and made her bleed some, she told her dad "Rylee scratched the bloodiness out of me!"

and....even as I am typing this....Rylee is looking in a mirror flipping her eye lids out and laughing at herself. 

Its a blog...

So we have decided to start a blog.  I have been reading many blogs for awhile and thought it would be fun to capture all of our memories as well.  I am sure I (Liz) will be the one mostly "blogging" but I'm going to encourage Macon to join in on this as well.  I'm sure most of these posts will be random and all over the place, but hey.... thats kind of how our lives work.

Untill next time.....

I will continue to wrestle my two year old to sleep .....