Rocks in My Wagon

7 x 70

2011-02-12T15:39:00.002-05:00

To my children: I am so sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I love you.

Hello my Long Lost Blog

2010-06-07T09:47:00.004-04:00

[I found this in my Saved box from June. Never posted it, so I'll just post it now. Better late than never.]

Goodness it's been a while since I've done this blogging thing. Been a little busy. Just wanted to document a few randoms . . .

Eli's knock-knock joke telling:

Eli: Knock knock.
Mommy: Who's there?
Eli: E-y
Mommy: E-y who? (Thought he was gonna say E-y Nard - ie Eli Dennard)
Eli: E-y-e-y-o!!
;)

Eve's learning lessons:

Mommy: Eve, wanna watch TV?
Eve: I can't watch TV.
Mommy: Why not?
Eve: I lied to Daddy.
Mommy: Oh yeah?
Eve: But . . . it was a LOOOOONG time ago . . . in FIRST grade.
Mommy: Uh, wasn't last day of First Grade yesterday?? (Sheesh.)

Random Thoughts After A Long Day

2010-03-25T22:06:00.004-04:00

Boy, 6 seconds seems soooo freakin' long when a newborn doesn't have a heart rate.
That was stressful - I want a milkshake - Dang! Only drinking water.
That was stressful - I need to go run some stress off.
How did I get home? Did I just drive home?
I'm tired . . . only 9 more hours of call to go.
I want to see my kids. Glad they are still awake.
God, why am I so lucky? Life is so precious. Thank you for blessing me so much.
Dang! Why isn't Facebook working?

Good night! (Hopefully no more trips to Aiken tonight.) ;)

"Daddy No Ha Heart"

2010-03-10T22:34:00.007-05:00

Shilo might kill me for sharing this one, but I love it too much! It is a well-known fact around here that Eli is a through-and-through Mama's boy (woohoo!) which makes Daddy completely and utterly jealous. (I'm enjoying it while it lasts.) Anyway, every night Eli wants Mommy to "lay down me." So after the family says prayers together, Eli and I go talk. Tonight this was our conversation:

Did you go to Chick-Fil-A today Eli?
Yes
Who else went?
Sissy
And?
Daddy. No you go Chick-Uh-A Mommy.
No. Where was Mommy?
You go at work Mommy.
Where does Mommy work Eli?
Go wunning? (running)
No Eli, Mommy works at the hospital.
Hah-i-ull?
Yes, Mommy is a doctor.
I doc-er too Mommy. I ha heart.
That's right. You have a heart.
Sissy ha heart. You ha heart. Daddy no ha heart.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! I LOVE IT!! Maybe he'll be a Mama's boy for awhile after all! :)

Snickers Goes to School

2010-03-07T14:20:00.002-05:00

Ok - so here are some pics from our adventures in baby-sitting the neighbor's guinea pig a few weeks ago . . . at least he didn't bite me this time!!

Only one guess as to who's idea it was to put the guinea pig in the school bus . . . sometimes I think I have FOUR children! :)

Let It Snow - The Live Version

2010-02-13T15:00:00.001-05:00

Here are Eve and Mary Reagan - notice one of the twins throwing a snow ball at 'em mid course . . . Ha!

And here are the twins - I love the slowly tip over to the side ending.

Let It Snow . . . Somewhere Else :)

2010-02-13T14:10:00.001-05:00

Personally, I believe snow is only good for 2 things: skiing and getting one out of work. Since neither of those things are possible for me (even when it does snow) since I live in Georgia and work in an ER, then snow is usually pretty useless here. But since we actually got a good 4-5 inches (CRAZY!) and it only lasted about 24 hours (PERFECT!) - it was kind of nice. Everything was GORGEOUS!! An instant Narnia . . .

And the kids' faces were the BEST! Eve said "This is the BEST DAY EVER!!!" (Although winter clothing apparel was much to be desired. She was soaked instantly in her blue jeans and tennis shoes - she didn't mind too much though.)

We went with Pops and the older cousins up to Augusta State University and found a decent hill to go sledding on . . . It was a blast!

(The little ones much preferred to stay warm inside at GGs - can't say I blame 'em.)

Just a Few More . . .

2010-01-26T18:40:00.003-05:00

Possibly Eli's longest (understandable) sentence ever just last night: "I wan Sissy to c-ean uh my toys." (I want Sissy to clean up my toys.) Again, glad he is honest. :)

And yesterday, Daddy turns on the TV for Eden to watch and Eden says (dressed in the appropriate attire) "Princesses don't watch TV."

And today while Eden dressed again in her pink princess dress, Mommy says "Bye Princess Eden and Prince Eli." Eli says "I wan be pin-ess too Mommy." The dangers of having 2 older sisters - Daddy 'bout had a cow!

And tonight after dropping Eve off for basketball practice, Mommy says "Eden, look at the sunset. Isn't it pretty?" Eden says: "Mommy, can we go catch the sunset sometimes?" Well, I certainly hope so. :) Gotta love 'em.

Sunday Sillies

2010-01-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

I wish I just had a tape recorder for everything they say - it is just too funny (or maybe I just think so 'cuz they are my kids!) Guess we'll dedicate this blog episode to Eli . . .

First off, I just wanted to document how recently every time you say "I love you" to Eli and expect him to repeat it - instead he says "I love ME!" (At least he's honest.)

And then the other day Eli and Mommy are looking at a family picture that included Eli's twin 9 year old cousins. Eli is naming all the people in the picture: "Dat Mommy. Dat Daddy. Dat Ash-on (Ashton). Dat mor-we Ash-on" (That's more Ashton.) But it was actually Peyton - his twin. Too cute!

And then Eli is drawing on a piece of paper with a pen. Eden starts to take the pen from Eli, but Mommy says "No Eden, Eli was using that." So Eden gets pouty and stomps to the little rocking chair, crosses her legs and arms and pokes her lip out. Eli looks at me and says "Sissy maa (mad) - dat funny Mommy!" Guess he didn't get Mommy's compassion gene. :)

And a teenage friend has taught Eli how to say "How yoooou doin?" in the style of Joey from Friends - even recorded Eli saying it and made it his ring tone on his phone. So now Eli likes to ask EVERYBODY how they are doing . . .

On a recent trip back from Lexington I was told of this conversation:

Round 1
Eli: "How you doin Pops?"
Pops: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin GG?"
GG: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin Sissy?"
Eden: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin Eee?"
Eve: "Fine."

Round 2
Eli: "How you doin Pops?"
Pops: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin GG?"
GG: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin Sissy?"
Eden: "Eli! I already TELLED you."
Eve: "Eden! It's TOLD!"

Round 3
Eli: "How you doin Pops?"
Pops: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin GG?"
GG: "Fine."
Eli: "How you doin Sissy?"
Eden: "Eli! I already TELLED you."
Eve: "Eden! It's TOLD!"

Oh my! - I think some synapses may have gotten stuck! And I think I'm very glad I wasn't in the car!!

And my sweet boy- one night putting Eli to bed - he climbs in bed, sees his stuffed monkey, grabs him, hugs him, and talking to his monkey says "I wuv yoo - OO-OO-Ah-Ah!" (That's his monkey's name OO-OO-Ah-Ah.) :)

And one last story, I heard Eli crying in the middle of the night so Mommy got up to check on him. He was fine, but Mommy was so tired I laid down next to him in his bed. I think we both fell back asleep. When I was getting up who knows how much later, Eli half-asleep made that kissy-noise with his mouth and told me "Nite-Nite Mommy." (I was just so happy he didn't start crying again since I was leaving.) Nite-nite my sweet boy - I love you very very much.

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Lights of the South

2009-12-13T22:08:00.003-05:00

So we made it to Lights of the South tonight, and it was AWESOME!! Shilo even said "That was fantastic!" probably mainly because it wasn't crowded - woohoo! (Everyone else must have decided not to brave the slightly damp 40 degree weather on a school night.) But we didn't have to wait in line to see this guy . . . well worth just that. (Although my 2 youngest children couldn't seem to think of what they wanted for Christmas - good, at least they aren't picky. Except we've been hearing about a certain "pink pewter" (ie pink computer) for a while from Eden. Guess the pressure got to her and her mind went blank.)

And then we did the tractor-pulled hayride through the Christmas lights - (Mommy's favorite part of that was when Eli said "Sit by me Mommy." SURE BUDDY!)

And then a train ride for the kiddos . . .

Eli said his favorite part was the "arsh-ell-ohs" and I'm pretty sure Eden's favorite was playing in the gingerbread house since we could hardly get her out of there. She told everyone to 'retend wash their hands - my sweet little germaphobe.

And Eve said her favorite part was spending time together with the family - I'm gonna have to agree with her on that one.

Snickers

2009-12-08T09:58:00.003-05:00

No, not the candy bar . . . the guinea pig! We baby-sat our neighbor's pet over Thanksgiving. The kids loved it! (But he did bite Mommy TWICE!) Anyway, I'm dead set against getting a dog (which the kids keep asking for - been there, done that - uggg). But I'm liking this small animal in a large cage idea - contains the mess. AND I did promise Eve a guinea pig when she turned six (which was last April -oops.) That was one of those Mommy mistakes - when she was 3 years old, six seemed very far away and I can't believe she remembered. Well, somehow I got out of that situation, but I still feel a little guilty. Now I'm thinking maybe a bunny for the seventh birthday- they don't bite do they? Sssh! Don't tell Eve.

Here she is with her friend S and Snickers! (And by the way, Shilo acted like he didn't like him, but then I'd be in the bedroom at night and I would hear him talking to Snickers - Ha! A grown man talking to a guinea pig - it was really cute!)

The GASPING Gobbler

2009-12-07T21:30:00.024-05:00

So, I think this all started when Mommy decided to try to do the Couch to 5K running plan. It's supposed to get you from being a couch potato to running a 5K in 9 weeks. The former description suited me perfect, so I thought it sounded good and might actually work. And besides the minor detail that it took me 6 months instead of 9 weeks to finish the plan, I did it! And so did Shilo! - he got recruited as my running coach/partner. And not surprisingly, it turned into a little friendly competition (and a little side bet) as to who could finish first. (We "tied" by the way - he had mercy and ran with me.) Anyway, The Gasping Gobbler 5K was November 21st. It was a blast! I won't mention our finishing times though - it's a little embarassing . . . BUT we finished, and we RAN 3.1 miles!! (I figured out where they got the name of the race from because the whole time I'm GASPING to Shilo - how much FARTHER? we have to go up THAT hill?!)

Anyway, there was a 1/4 mile Fun Run for the kids beforehand, and Eve got FIRST PLACE for her age group (6 and under). I just realized by looking at these pictures that she was WAY AHEAD of all the others too (probably encouraged by the fact that Daddy bribed her when she was in the lead by telling her he'd buy her a doughnut if she won - a little boost of motivation and energy. . . probably not a good example of a healthy living as practiced by all these other running-type folks but it worked nonetheless.) She was so much taller than all the other kids that I wasn't sure they would really believe she was SIX! Anyway, we were very proud of her! Here are the pics:

Lining up . . .

Last minute advice from Mommy . . . (I was telling her 'Please be careful and don't trip and fall.' All I could envision was multiple knee abrasions.)

And we're off . . . Mommy ran with the little ones . . .

And she can see the doughnut in her near future! Go Evie Go!

And Jessica our neighbor did a great job too!

A victory hug!

"Look Mommy! I got a medal!"

You Go Girls! Good Job!

And the older kids' race - Go Nicholas!!

And Mr. Family Y - I first thought he was a tooth or something . . .

Not sure if this picture will actually turn out (I tried to swipe it off Facebook) but that's me and Nassab (my colleague Dr. Ahmadie's wife). She did great (code for she finished WAY before I did!)

So that's it - our first 5K. (Well, since we got out of college and old, that is.) Hopefully in the next one, our time will be at least publishable to the public. :)

A Whole Lot of Turkeys . . . Oops! I Mean Pilgrims and Indians!

2009-12-07T21:13:00.002-05:00

We had lots of pre-school and 1st grade Thanksgiving festivities to attend. I think they were supposed to be pilgrims and Indians, but they sure look like turkeys to me!! :)

Too Cute!

2009-11-14T23:58:00.000-05:00

Ok - here's my goofy boy that thinks HE should go in the toy box instead of all the toys!!
I think I only looked away for about 5 seconds and all those toys were out of there.

And other cuteness - a card I made for a friend's baby shower - you have to remember I am creativity-challenged so I am quite proud of me! (Oh - all images copyright Stampin' Up!)

And a few Dennard family notable quotables:

Eden says after falling: "I think I broke my ankle to my elbow." (That's a lot of bones to break!)

Eden says at dinner out: "Can I have a piece of Coke?" (As long as you mean Coca-Cola . . . )

Eve says to Mommy in the car: "Well, if you had your brain working you would have known . . . " (if you kids hadn't sucked away all my brain cells during pregnancy . . .)

Eli (ok- so he can hardly talk - we get to play the guess-what-consonant-sound-is-supposed-to-be-in-those-vowels-he-just-said game frequently) BUT the other day when Mommy and Daddy were driving home separately from dinner and Mommy pulled in the driveway first he said (quite clearly): "Beat Dada home." (Competitive already at the age of 2?! Guess he got a double-dose of that gene!)

And during the day (arms up-stretched): "Hol' me." And bedtime: "Lay down me." (Who could resist such cuteness?! Gets me every time!)

And the Results!!

2009-10-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

Can you guess which one Mommy did? Eve did hers all by herself - I was impressed! And Eden and Eli did the fingerpainting. :)

Pumpkin Carving (and Painting) 2009

2009-10-27T22:02:00.000-04:00

A Big Boy Bed and a Breakdown

2009-10-26T23:43:00.001-04:00

Tonight we had a monumental occasion in the Dennard family . . . Eli moved into his big boy bed, and the breakdown was not Eli's - rather Mommy's. (Ok - maybe not a breakdown, but definitely a sad moment.) It's the first time in 6 years we haven't had a crib up in our home, and not just any crib - this crib. (OK - I'm just gonna go ahead and get nostalgic.)

This crib - the one I can remember Daddy working on in the garage at our house in Greenville - cutting, sanding, and painting himself. The crib that was so clean and ready- carefully prepared, adorned in gender-neutral Noah's ark bedding, head-positioner precisely in place (like THAT thing was actually going to get used!), waiting for that first baby on the way . . . then baby Eve sleeping soundly, easily in it . . . then months and months later getting disinfected because she decided to smear poop all over it.

Then getting moved back to Augusta and decorated to the hilt for a GIRL on the way - pink and flowers all around. Then baby Eden in the middle of it buckled snugly in her car seat because that was the only way she would stop SCREAMING!

Then waiting on baby three - leaving the pink just in case but YAY! A BOY! - getting to decorate in blue and cars and trucks. And then all those times since . . . Eden climbing in there to be with her baby brother and Eve dragging, I mean helping, him out in the morning. And most recently, Eli running in there to "climb" in by himself.

My goodness, so many naps, so many 'Nite-nite - I love you's.' So many times Mommy sneaking in there to check on her babies late at night . . .

Well, at least that part will stay the same . . . just new memories in a new bed - it already has a good start I suppose. Mommy's Uncle Chris hand-crafted it for Mommy's cousins when they were little boys almost 20 years ago and now it's passed down to the next generation. (Daddy still has to put the top bunk up - tomorrow's to-do list.)

And as some friends pointed out, there is another way to get that crib back in use . . . I think I'll hang onto it . . . just in case. :)

Eli Did It!

2009-10-26T23:15:00.000-04:00

I guess Eli thinks you learn to read by osmosis. If that's the case, he should be a genius very soon!

2009-10-15T23:50:00.001-04:00

Wow!! That was soooo COOL - and FAST!!

2009-10-15T23:48:00.002-04:00

Testing out blogging from my phone . . .

Playhouse Disney Live!

2009-10-12T17:19:00.001-04:00

Last weekend Mommy and the kids went to see Playhouse Disney Live! It was fun - especially watching Eli 'pat, pat, pat' and then blast-off! (Any mother with little ones knows this is from Little Einsteins.) Eden's favorite (no surprise) was Mickey Mouse. Anyway, we had a blast! (No pun intended.) :)

Trying to do some blog catching-up . . . only 2 more relatively big events to blog about now - our trip up to Ashville last month for the Apple Festival and our trip to Kackleberry Farm yesterday. Hopefully can post the pics soon - they are CUTE!!

Miscellaneous October

2009-10-12T17:08:00.000-04:00

So I never got Ei's BD pictures posted, I told you I have trouble with the big events! So here are just a few random pictures.
If you can't read the shirt, it says "Genius in the making." He's taking after his mother - ha!

And our beautiful ballerina - she's taking lessons (and LOVES to twirl) but says it's soccer next time!

Oh No!

2009-10-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, we were all home and heard a big BOOM! We went outside to see this . . . 2 doors down the house was on fire! Thankfully, the family of 4 wasn't home at the time. Their Golden Retriever Scout was though but eventually made it out safe - after he bit the fireman! It was an awful thing to watch - tragic, all possessions and a home lost . . . yet at the same time thankful that life was spared. It definitely puts things in perspective. The first words out of Eve's mouth "Mommy, what if our house burned down?" And the answer "If that happened, then God would take care of us." My Beth Moore Bible study on the book of Esther was just talking about that same thing: If anything (fill in your own worst nightmare), then God. We can't live in fear of what might happen - instead TRUST HIM if (or when) it does!

Eli's reaction pretty much sums it all up. Thoughts and prayers and community-wide help continue for this family.

Eli Turns Two!!

2009-09-01T19:15:00.006-04:00

Here is Eli at his little birthday party at his school. Mommy brought M&Ms for a snack. We had the BIG birthday party the day before at Jump City. I'll get pictures from that up soon . . . well, as soon as I can.

.

Here is one of Eli's friends Sarabeth.

And Sawyer.

"Happy Birthday to You . . ." (It's hard to get 2 year olds to sing!)

Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy!! I love you!!

First Day Continued . . .

2009-09-01T18:44:00.000-04:00

Showing off the lunch boxes

Eden and one of her teachers Mrs. Hope :)

And the BFF Rachel - thank goodness they are back together - it was a long summer apart!!

First Day of Grace Baptist Pre-school!!

2009-09-01T18:38:00.000-04:00

Ok - so we had a little internet malfunction which delayed the posting of first day of pre-school for Eden and Eli, but we are back up and running now!! So August 17th Eden started in the 3yo class and Eli started in the 2yo class at Grace Baptist Pre-school. Eli was soooo excited to wear his "pack-pack." And they didn't cry at all - in fact, it was maybe a little too easy to leave Mom. Just kidding - I'm glad they love it!! Mommy and Daddy were just a little excited to have 4 hours without children too - we went on a lunch date!! Woo hoo!! Anyway, here are the pics . . . .

Rain, Rain Go Away . . .

2009-08-19T17:15:00.000-04:00

Sorpresas!

2009-08-19T16:57:00.001-04:00

Last week we went to Sorpresas! (which is apparently Spanish for Surprise!). It was a fun play date day before pre-school started. Here are a few pics . . .

I probably shouldn't mention that Mommy's legs were sore the next day from the teeter-totter. So out of shape it's embarrassing! But Mommy (re-) started Couch to 5K this week. Hopefully I'll make it past week 2 this time. Stay tuned for first day of pre-school pictures - yay!!

Firsts and Forty-firsts!

2009-08-10T16:41:00.004-04:00

Ok - here is Eve today on her first day of First Grade!! Mommy was still nervous but didn't cry this year - so getting better . . . Eve was sooo excited!! (She did tell me she didn't want me to walk her to class - so I swallowed hard and said "Ok" like it was no big deal. Sniff . . . but the up-side was I didn't have to put make-up on this morning!)

Her teacher this year is Mrs. Lillis. I heard she used to be a high school English teacher, so I'll have to pay attention to my grammar and punctuation when I send a note to school - pressure!) When I picked Eve up this afternoon, she was all BIG smiles and said she had a great day! Hope the rest of the year goes as well!

And look what I got done while she was there!!! It's an anniversary card for my Mom and Dad . . .

41 years!! Wow! Congrats! Love you guys!!

(Oh wait - stamp images are copy-right Stampin' Up! and I got the flower pot card idea from Andrea Walford - think that covers it.)

And a Few Sunday Sillies

2009-08-02T22:32:00.004-04:00

All of these just today . . .

Eve (to Eden): You've got your panties on backwards.
Eden: No I don't.
Eve: Yes you do. Ask Mom.
Eden: Mom, do I have my panties on backwards?
Mom: Yes Eden, you do.
Eden: Oh dang it. Not again.
(It's rough being 3!!)

And at dinner discussing boyfriends and kissing:
Eve: I don't do that alot anymore.
(What?!! She's only 6!!)

And going potty with Eden in the WalMart bathroom she tells me (very loudly) that I have a "big bootie." Thanks honey - I love you too!

Gotta love 'em!!

I'm a Little Worried About Her . . .

2009-08-02T21:49:00.004-04:00

Eli at The Family Y

2009-08-02T21:43:00.001-04:00

We spent our summer Thursdays at The Family Y water park - they loved it!!

Well, except for when Eli got "cold"

Greenbrier High Tennis Camp

2009-08-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ok and here is Eve at tennis camp . . . I'm getting faster at posting these things . . . practice makes perfect - oops . . . I mean practice makes permanent . . .

Riverbanks Zoo Part 2

2009-08-02T21:18:00.004-04:00

Here are the pictures from the zoo . . . we went with friends Emrie and Drew . . . I'm trying to resist my perfectionist tendency to actually spend alot of time on this post . . . so here goes . . . I'm just posting . . . ok . . . go . . .

Riverbanks Zoo Part 1

2009-08-02T21:12:00.005-04:00

Friday Funnies

2009-07-29T13:13:00.003-04:00

Just documenting for blog world a few recent happenings . . . (I'll go ahead and post this now and be early instead of late for once in my life!)

Last week I opened the cable bill to discover Eve (at 6 years old) apparently has figured out how to order movies off On Demand. Thankfully, they were PG (Ice Age etc. . . ) I got my first clue that she was the culprit from the times 8am . . . 8:06 am . . . when Mommy and Daddy are occasionally still asleep - or more likely Mommy is still asleep and Daddy is out playing an early morning round of disc golf (his new addiction).

Then, last night after Mommy was attempting to play Eve's V-Smile video game, Eve thought it necessarily to console me: "It's OK Mom - it was just your first time. You'll get better if you keep practicing."

And I love Eden's vocabulary - visiting Pops while working on his "repartment" and wondering if the "beta-sitter" is coming.

Eli has recently become enamored with Eden's pink crocs. I couldn't believe Daddy let him out the door with them on but Daddy says "Shoot - he plays with dolls and wears make-up - why shouldn't he wear pink crocs!?" I say Eli is secure in his masculinity despite the influence of his older sisters.

Other goings-on in the Dennard family (i.e. brief summer recap)- both girls taking gymnastics at the Y - soo cute to watch! - and usually accompanied by swimming at the water park there. Eve did quite well for a newbie at tennis camp a few weeks ago and now doing VBS at Journey Community Church this week. Oh - and squeezed in a trip to Riverbanks zoo last Friday with Emrie and Drew (will try to post the pictures). Can't believe summer is almost over! Hope everyone else is having a great one too!

I'm a FLY baby!!

2009-07-28T19:37:00.006-04:00

I just discovered that I am a FLY baby - I found http://www.flylady.net/ and I like it. Although at this point, I am still skeptical that I can actually do it. I think I've grown accustomed to the CHAOS - isn't that normal with 3 kids 6 and under?? I'm sharing her Shiny Sink video . . .

I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry . . . if you see my sink most of the time it would be closer to the crying side. Anyway, we'll see how it goes or if it goes at all . . .

I LOVE BOOKS!

2009-07-26T22:55:00.007-04:00

So I think blogging has been most recently replaced by reading - my long lost love! I am proud of myself for recently finishing FOUR whole books - I know I haven't done that since at least before medical school (not counting textbooks of course). I've begun reading LOTS of books but actually finishing them is an entirely different story. Anyway, I just wanted to share - they were all REALLY good.

The first one was Mommy Grace - Erasing Your Mommy Guilt. Enough said but boy did I need that one!

And then Richest Man in Babylon - good simple financial advice and entertaining too. I started talking to Shilo in "thees and thous" for a little while.

Then the book Shilo got me for Mother's Day. . .

This one was good but maybe a little too close to reality - it stressed me out and made me kind of sad- maybe I'll read it again when I'm retired.

Then last but best of all was Pride and Prejudice (somehow I missed reading this one in high school English classes). I saw the movie but couldn't understand half of what they said because of those darn British accents. I think it's my all-time favorite, and I'm ready to watch the movie again . . . and again . . . and again . . .

So now that I have returned from Derbyshire and Pemberley, I am trying to resist the urge of becoming lost in Harry Potter and Twilight . . . although I'm not sure I can resist forever. If you don't hear from me for a few weeks, you'll know why!

The Twitter Irony of our Trip to Asheville

2009-07-14T15:18:00.004-04:00

So this past weekend we left Eve and Eden with a friend (THANK YOU TINA!) and headed up to Asheville for Chris and MaryAnn's daughter's wedding . . . yes, we have already commented that we must really be getting old if it's not our friends getting married but our friends' children getting married . . . ANYWAY,

I'm pretty sure I had just sent out a twitter that said something about how easy it was to take care of just one child . . . I think that was right before we stopped at Zaxby's for a potty-break and lunch. I was just innocently (and also relatively quickly) washing my hands in the bathroom when I turned around to see that Eli had crawled under the nearby OCCUPIED stall! I was so embarrassed! I just stood there saying (rather loudly) "Eli, get out of there! Eli! No sir!" Thankfully, the nice young girl (and Eli) came out soon after that and I apologized profusely before getting out of there as fast as I could! Guess I need to eat my twitter words!

Anyway, here are some pictures from the trip. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding up in the mountains. And then we met Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Mike for breakfast the next morning and headed back home. It was a fun quick trip. Can't wait to head back in the Fall for apple picking!

Slacker Solution

2009-07-14T14:37:00.005-04:00

Ok - so I admit I've been a total blog slacker. I've figured out I get overwhelmed with the big events (and resulting hundreds of pictures) which explains why there is still no blog proof that we did actually go to Disney World and most recently Hilton Head . . . BUT a good friend that came to visit today suggested I use the Picasa photo collage (thanks Christy Lynn!) so I'm gonna try that next.

But first, here's a quick picture from today of all the kids together (Emma Tucker is almost 3 and the twins Will and Walker are almost 2). Quite a group!

I think they have changed a little since last time . . .

Stay tuned for more . . .

My Right Brain Hurts!

2009-06-25T15:41:00.005-04:00

Ok - so not really . . . my right brain doesn't hurt, but I don't think it gets used very often. Creativity is NOT my forte. That is why I am sooo proud of myself for making these cards. And by the way, the images are copyright Stampin' Up! (Hope that keeps me out of trouble!) And also just for official blog documentation sake - Mommy is now a Stampin Up! demonstrator (honestly just for the sole purpose of receiving a discount on my purchases that support my stamping addiction BUT if you do want to buy anything off the website www.stampinup.com - let me know.) :)

Anyway, the one on the left was for a friend that just had a baby, and the one on the right was for Shilo for Father's Day.

And speaking of Father's Day, I took the kids to the Dollar Tree store to pick out gifts for Daddy, Pops, and Papa (all by themselves). Hmmm . . . it was very interesting to say the least. Daddy made out alright with fireworks, water balloons, and a new pool noodle from Eve/Eli. Eden however seemed to think that Daddy really wanted a baby doll - hmmm . . . a little suspicious for actual 3yo self-interest.

Anyway, poor Papa got clear glass rocks (from Eve) and toilet deodorizer from Eden - (I really tried to talk her out of that one!) Pops received a bottle of ketchup, a decorative orange, and badminton rackets. It's the thought that counts right?

Ok - so Daddy did also get a gift card to his favorite restaurant Shane's BBQ, Pops got a flag T-shirt, and Papa got new golf balls, so all-in-all they did pretty well. Happy Belated Father's Day!

(Still trying to get the beach pictures posted - hopefully soon . . . )

Some For You . . . Some For Me

2009-06-04T21:50:00.009-04:00

So I cannot WAIT to see the pictures that Mary Beth aka http://www.marybethsphotographyforless.com/ took of the kids. We went to Westover Cemetery (which by the way Shilo thought was a little -ok actually very - weird setting for picture taking), but it was awesome! We fed the ducks there beforehand (which Mommy actually has fond memories of doing when she was little) and note to self - fun activity prior to attempting professional pictures = good idea.

They loved it!

Can you tell?

Apparently Eli thought they should share though . . .

Practicing that pretty smile . . .

The pictures went well except for the part where Eli fell in the little stream -ha! - but thank goodness Mommy thought to bring an extra set of shorts.

Headed to the beach soon - supposed to go to my 15 year high school reunion Friday but . . . reunion vs. Hilton Head . . . hmmmm . . .

Eve's Kindergarten Graduation

2009-05-29T21:38:00.015-04:00

Congratulations! We're on our way to 1st Grade!!! Can't believe it - May 22nd was Eve's Kindergarten Graduation. And Mommy survived her first year of public school - only needing one pep talk from the guidance counselor.

I cannot even describe how much Eve LOVES her teacher Mrs. Johnson. I would find pictures and notes around the house with "I love you" etc. and I just KNEW they were for ME - but then Eve would say "Umm - Mommy - I made that for my teacher . . . " (and as an afterthought) "but I'll make one for you too." (I'm OK - really.)

Lots of good friends - Maggie

Braden (looks thrilled to be taking a picture with a GIRL!)

Summer - I think they were twins separated at birth - couldn't believe Eve had someone taller than her in her class.

The good ole family

Last hugs and words of encouragement - so sweet.

What a great year!!

And I was wondering why I kept thinking the rest of the day 'Ain't No Mountain . . . higher than my laundry pile.' (Eve's the one in the back doing the mad finger-waving - and please excuse the not-so-high-quality video . . .we forgot the video camera so the digital camera had to suffice - oops.)

Hope the rest of the Riverside school years are as good as this one was!!

Letting Go

2009-05-23T12:09:00.005-04:00

This was written by the third place finisher Danny Gokey in this year's American Idol. Amazing. I found it on the website http://www.sophiasheart.org/ (and I admit I voted for him LOTS!)

One lesson I’ve learned from children that has had tremendous power in my life is “letting go”. If you have ever had to intervene in a bout between two children fighting over a toy, you'll notice the emotions running high, tears streaming down each child's face, and their precious hearts torn from what was perceived in their eyes as a huge conflict. After you correct them and settle the situation, within five minutes they have already restored their relationship between their former foe and are having even more fun than previously before the fight. Their hearts have not yet accepted or entertained the idea of depositing the seeds of bitterness or anger.

A child exercises the ability to let go of the hurtful situation and they move forward in their relationship with one another in life (notice how they always enjoy life because they don't harbor harmful emotions). I've noticed in my life that when my heart has gripped around a certain hurtful situation from the past, it hinders me from being able to move forward and fully enjoy living.

The most relevant situation that I can share with you is when my wife passed away. The emotions from losing my spouse were overwhelming, not to mention all the previous years of doctors visits, hospital stays, and the hardest thing of all having to watch my wife cry at times because of the pain. This all led up to the final outcome. Doctors told me she only had a 10% chance of dying during this operation and I felt we exhausted our options financially, spiritually, physically, and medically yet nothing worked. I was shocked from the sudden loss and left with the hounding questions: “why me” and “why her”, with an overwhelming pit of despair. Through that situation I became vulnerable to emotions I didn't want but barely resisted because of my analytical mind trying to reason every little detail. Bitterness, anger and resentment began to fill my mind and started to take root in my heart, which launched me into a 3 month deep depression. You see, I know many people would say that is normal. I do believe this is true within a certain balance, but I know in my heart of hearts what I was going through was not normal. I felt like I had to put on a face for everybody to cover what was really going on inside. Deep down inside, I felt there was not hope for me and I really wanted to die. If I had not dealt with this, it probably could have somehow or someway took me out. So, I began pray and cry out to God for help and I believe I found the answer.

The answer I found was exactly this; "let go" or "cause yourself to let go". I admit that answer was not appealing to me because I found no justice in it, and most of all it didn't instantly remove any pain. But I knew that if I continued down this road it would have a price that I could never afford to pay. You see, the cost of hanging on to the bitterness and anger was actually much greater than the cost of simply letting go. I was very reluctant to do it. At times it was hard and I literally had to cause myself (force myself) to let go. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting about Sophia but does mean releasing the toxic emotions tied to the situation. However, I can tell you today that I am able to enjoy life more and I'm grabbing hold of new opportunities that would have otherwise been lost. I’m not buried in my bed under my sheets at home being angry at the world and God, but I’m in the stages of healing because my heart is not bound by resentment. I’m able to see how her life and heart can touch countless others through this foundation and other avenues in her honor.

I’m an advocate of protecting the heart. Your heart is your real set of eyes. What I mean by that is that if your heart has become evil through seeds of anger and hate, you will interpret life and every person’s actions through those negative eyes. A person might come shake your hand and compliment you at work, and your heart might analyze what they have done as having some kind of hidden motive or agenda. You might spend countless hours wondering why they’re out to get you. On the other hand, if you have a pure heart you would shake your co-workers hand, accept their compliment and be touched by their kindness.

When I let go, that is when I was able move forward. The doorway to your future and destiny is only big enough for you to walk through, not you and your past. Past and future don't mix. It’s either one or the other. If you hold on to your past, your future will only be revisiting that past over and over again. I know it seems hard and it’s not the answer you might want to hear, but take it from someone who has been there. I can tell you, it has been 1,000 times better to just let go than it was to hang on and demand answers and justice. So many families are torn apart because of people’s unwillingness to let go by forgiving and forgetting. Many people tend to think that terrible situations and terrible relationships will somehow fix themselves. They think that emotions of anger and unforgiveness will bring about justice; yet scientific studies link those emotions to many harmful diseases, which often lead to an early death.

I've made a choice to be free. I've made a choice to cherish and be thankful for the wonderful times I shared with Sophia. It’s not easy. Some mornings I'll wake up and be plagued with anger and sadness, yet I CHOOSE to release those emotions and I CHOOSE to exercise gratefulness, which always makes for a better day. With that powerful principal, I was able to remove from my heart the roots and growth planted by the seeds of bitterness, and I allowed the seeds of thankfulness and joy take its place. Soon, I believe it won’t be as much of a battle because my heart will only harvest and cultivate those attributes.

I strongly urge you to examine your life, release and let go once and for all those things that have held you back. It could be a harmful self-image, disappointments, setbacks, wrong relationships or anything else that hold you in the pit of your past and keeps you from embracing your present and future. Become like a child and don't let your heart hang on to those things, but let it always bounce back with new hopes and second chances. The best is yet to come for you! Believe it, it’s yours for the taking!

Grace Baptist Preschool End-of-the-Year Program for Eden (AKA I Couldn't Think of a Clever Title)

2009-05-22T22:16:00.020-04:00

This is our family's fourth consecutive year at Grace Baptist Pre-school, and we love it! Eden ADORED her 2 year old class this year, and her teachers Mrs. Leila and Mrs. Linda were AWESOME! Eden learned to recognize her name and her colors. (She can count too but only if she thinks you aren't listening.) She always got treasure box for good behavior (invariably she picked a Dum-Dum pop), and her teachers said she was a BIG helper. Most importantly she learned her blessing 'God Our Father, we thank you . . .' and that Jesus loves her! We are very proud of our baby girl.

Every day I'd say, "Eden, what did you do at school today?" And every day the first thing I heard was "Play Rachel and Max." That's him below - the first one - wavy blond hair. (She must have the hots for him or something.) And down the line Taylor, Eden, Bryant, ? (sorry I don't know her name), and Reagan. (I did also hear about 'play gym,' 'play playground,' 'sing songs,' 'draw,' and 'chapel.')

Here they are in their end-of-the-year program. (She's not quite as LOUD a singer as her older sister always was - ha! - but a good clapper nonetheless.)

Proud Momma . . .

Face painting afterwards . . .

The BFF Rachel . . .

GG and Pops . . .

Fishing . . .

Still a Daddy's girl . . .

Eli getting in on the action too . . .

It's a "buh" he says, ie bug.

So, Eden moves up to the 3s class, and Eli will start 2s in the Fall. I won't deny that I am EXCITED about that!! :) Excited that summer is here too! Woo hoo!

Friday Funnies

2009-05-22T17:01:00.004-04:00

Here are a recent few:

While riding in the car with Eve and Mommy, Eden (3yo) says "I'm not talking to you Eve. I'm talking to Eden's self." (Well . . . of course . . . excuse us.)

And after accidentally letting the air out of a balloon Eden says "Look Mom! I blowed it down."

And classic Eden is "Buckle me out pease." Oh and don't forget about when she fell down on the 'com-cwepe' (that's like concrete but harder I guess).

Eli (21 months) must have learned his spatial relationships from her because he constantly says "Down" which means 'Pick me up please.' And now he says "juuu" which you might think means 'juice' but actually means 'May I have some chocolate milk please?'

Which to Eve (6yo) is so funny she is "laughing at the top of her lungs."

I love it!!!!!!!!! (And the spell-checker doesn't like this post very much! Ha!)

Dedications and Graduations Oh My!

2009-05-22T14:25:00.008-04:00

So last Sunday, May 17th Eli got dedicated to the Lord at TrueNorth Church . . . thank goodness he was feeling better because he threw up on Mommy the night before. :)

Uncle Bart, Cousin Bryton, Pops, and GG were there for the big day.

I hope we don't have TWO sets of kissing cousins . . . ahem.

Hangin' out with GG . . .

It was also the last day of our Columbia County campus so a day of mixed emotions :(

With our great buddies David and Gayle . . .

and awesome Abbie!

Only missing 3 others in this gang . . .

And then yesterday we had Eden's 2yo Pre-school End-of-the-Year Program and today Eve's Kindergarten graduation . . . a big week! More pictures coming soon . . .

Can't Compete with Oreos

2009-05-16T14:56:00.007-04:00

This is take 2 - the first version of this got deleted accidentally. . .uuuggghh.

So yesterday Eve declared "This is the best day of my whole life ever!" Although Mommy would like to think it was because I came up to her school to eat lunch with her, I think it really had more to do with this . . .

That is Oreo. He (she? but we'll just say he) is the school mascot. He lives in the school courtyard, and most of our previous lunch time visits included futile attempts to get Oreo to come out of his little home in the middle of a big bush. But today Oreo hopped out all on his own! And Mommy was the hero when I actually got him in my lap. (Photo courtesy of Eve Dennard - future professional photographer)

So Oreo got lots of attention and a really good back rub. Mommy really likes soft furry animals (i.e. NOT dogs - sorry), so I did have a moment of temporary insanity when I thought 'Maybe we should get a bunny for home.' Thankfully, I came to my senses before the question was actually asked by Eve. 'Well, maybe when you are in high school.' So clever, I know. I learned my lesson the hard way when I told her a few years ago she could have a guinea pig when she turned six. (Time sure flies - and a friend recently commented that Eve probably remembers being born! - Elephants got nothin' on her.) Thankfully, Eve opted for the book bag birthday present instead. Go figure. It was close though, and Mommy was a little worried.

Anyway, here she is in the courtyard next to the fish pond.

And here we are - my last school lunch with Eve as a kindergartner. Sniff.

Have a good summer Oreo!! Don't eat too many carrots! Hope to see you again next year!

Taken For Granted

2009-05-13T14:01:00.003-04:00

How do you really live not taking things for granted? How do you treasure every moment you have of your life? with your spouse? with your children? with your parents? with your health? How do you constantly appreciate having a home? a job? food? clothes?

I don't know how.
I know I don't do it.
I know I should.
I know I try.
I know I sometimes do.
I know I've lost things.
I know I see other people lose things.
I know I could lose any one or all of those things that are so important to me at any time . . .

But I also know I can't live in fear of those things being gone. Things change. I KNOW God will carry me through ANYTHING that happens or that He allows, but how do I really take full advantage of every gift I'm given now? Right now. Today. Every day.

How do I live that truly thankful life? I say that I'm thankful. I say the blessing before I eat. But do I really mean it? Honestly, don't I take it for granted? And how can I be thankful for the dishes and the laundry and the sweeping and the vacuuming and the homework and the discipline and the shredded cheese all over the table and the stamps on the walls and the vaseline all over the place?

I guess what I'm really asking is how do I have the fullest most abundant life I possibly can. How? Hmm . . . wait a minute. That sounds sort of familiar.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I know who said that. So is that the answer to all my questions? Is He the answer to all my questions? The 'how' is actually a 'who'? Jesus? I think so. I know so. Jesus. Jesus every day. Jesus every moment. More of him - less of me. More of Him in me. Change my thinking. Change my focus. Die to self. Pick up my cross. Every day. Every moment. Thankful. Not taken for granted.

I'll keep trying. I know I'll fail. I'm not perfect. But He is. Jesus.

The Price of Peace and Quiet

2009-05-09T20:22:00.002-04:00

So sometimes peace and quiet is priceless . . . and sometimes it is verrrry expensive. Take today for example. The kids were so good all morning while Mommy and Daddy were getting ready to have a friend's baby shower at our house (which went very well I might add - Mommy actually COOKED!)

But then, Mommy and Daddy were REALLY tired afterwards, and Daddy's allergies were killing him. So Daddy laid down for a nap in the bedroom, and Mommy thought 'I'll just lay right here on the couch. They can't get in too much trouble right?' Well . . .

Part 1: Mommy suddenly wakes up from the couch thinking 'Did I tell Eve she could get cheese?' And in fact, I was correct because the evidence showed 3 children at the table and shredded cheese everywhere.

Part 2: Mommy locks herself in the office, so she won't kill the children. And then, a knock at the door and little Eden's voice 'Mommy, Eli's stepping on the walls.' To which Mommy replies, 'What? Eli's stepping on the walls?' To which Eden says, 'No! Eli's STAMPING on the walls!' Mommy jumps up to find not only walls covered in pink princess stamps but hands, arms, faces, legs and every other inch not covered in clothes.

So at this point, Mommy goes in to wake up Daddy . . . 'Sorry to wake you up, but if you don't help me I might kill the children.'

Part 3: After dinner, Mommy walking around the kitchen in her bare feet thinks 'What is that? I just cleaned the floor this morning.' And then discovers a trail of laundry detergent from the laundry room to the kitchen sink. So if our dishes smell like Tide and our laundry smells like Cascade - you'll know why.

Part 4: Mommy doing dishes and Daddy reading books to Eden and Eve on the couch. Mommy thinks 'Hmmm . . . I just saw Eli with his toothbrush - uh oh - that means he's been in the bathroom.' And correct again - Eli walks out covered in vaseline (AFTER his bath to get off all the stamps I might add).

So that was our evening from 5-8pm. I think they are in bed, and we are safe now . . . until morning and we can start all over again. Ahhh, the price of peace and quiet.

This Is Only a Test

2009-05-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

Ok - so I am still testing out Picasa and Blogger.

This is Eli climbing up to the top of the ladder (by himself - my fearless son - Daddy followed because Mommy doesn't like to go to the ER on her days off!)

This is what happens when you leave Eli alone with a bowl of lasagna.

He's quite proud of himeself I think - and he also has no problem with his masculinity since he is sporting his sister's 'Cute as a Button' bib.

And hangin' with Daddy on the couch.

Ok - that's all for now. Thought I would try something easy before I tackle the thousands of pictures I took at DISNEY WORLD . . .

The Big Switch?

2009-04-14T16:34:00.008-04:00

Still trying to decide if I'm gonna switch to blogspot from wordpress. It's soooo hard to change!! I want a personal blogspot tutor to help me learn how it all works over here. (Do I hear any friends volunteering?!!) :) Anyway, I've really been wanting to have cute backgrounds and music on my blog (and couldn't ever quite figure out that part on wordpress) so here goes. I already can't figure out how to get the blog title in that nice little white box up there. Arrrggg. So I will now go spend more precious hours of my life trying to re-figure out how to post pictures and videos etc. on my blog. Wish me luck (and patience)!!

And PS Can someone PLEASE tell me why it is changing 2 spaces to 1 after every sentence?? That is going to drive me CRAZY!!

And PS Part 2 If you want to check out the old blog it was/is http://dennardfamily.wordpress.com