S Club Mama

Yesterday I was going to Facetime with my big sister, Amber, around 1:30 - sometime after church. We were all sitting at our kitchen counter, eating lunch, when I saw a couple of people coming up our driveway. I'm thinking "who is that? Were we expecting someone and I forgot?" The girl was looking down when I looked out and it looked like this gal we go to church with so I thought 'huh, she changed out of her dress..." Then she looked up and I freaked out. I don't think I freaked out that much but Big A says it sounded like someone got hit by a car outside...so I freaked out. I ran to our front door, unlocked it, opened it, and ran barefooted to the open arms of.... my big sister! All the way from England. She flew across the "pond" to surprise her husband (who's working back home for the summer), her in-laws, our parents, our other sister, and me. And probably some other of her various family members. like how we match? yeah we planned ...

Moose,  I remember the day we got your moose in the mail. Auntie Amber sent it to you from Hawaii where she was stationed. He came with surfer shorts, a Surf's Up shirt, and his own surf board. He also came bearing a button to be pushed that played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. He was almost bigger than you! He also came with pictures: at the beach and at Arby's (your auntie's favorite place to eat).  Now, 3 years later, you are MUCH bigger than your moose. He now wears overalls (he has shoes but they are long gone) over his Surfs Up shirt. His appendages now bear 2 more buttons: Jesus Loves Me and Take Me Out to the Ball Game.  Where has the time gone?? I will tell you that one thing hasn't changed: how much your Auntie Amber loves you. Although we won't get to see her for awhile, I hope you and Squirt know how much she loves you! Mama PS Happy belated Veteran's Day, Amber - wherever you are today! Be safe and know that we're praying for you and love ...

A pavilion mall across town had a Christmas tree lighting festivities on Saturday, so we thought we'd stop by and take the boys to see Santa. We got there and the parking lot was FULL. We found a spot fairly easily and went "inside" to the center pavilion. There were so many people and kids and lots of talking, you could hardly hear what was being said. And I of course, being of my small height, couldn't see a thing except the tip of Santa's hat. It was boring, I'm not gonna lie. Then I saw a sign "Santa's Workshop" (or something to that extent) with an arrow. I suggested we see what was there. It was a small line. We only waited maybe 45 minutes to see Santa (after his tree lighting stuff). Big A had to walk with Moose for awhile and change his diaper (wouldn't want to leak on Santa's lap). I held a sleeping Squirt and talked to another mom in line (whose son was a chunky monkey! but so adorable). Big A took Moose up to see Rudolph and F...

Ok, I know my name sounds super dumb like that but I am very excited to announce the birth of my niece - and nephew! That's right, twins. My brother-in-law & his fiance (whom I adore!) had their babies today (I didn't get a good picture of Mama F so I'll wait to post one of her & the kids). But here's Papa J with the kids - he really is so proud you can just tell! Mr. W came first weighing 7lbs 5oz and 20.5 in Miss S was 6lbs 9oz and 19.25 in. Aren't those good-sized twins? She came out all wrong - backwards and upside down but apparently she only needed a little oxygen and was doing great. No time in the NICU, thank God. He is the spitting image of his daddy, and she is the spitting image of their older sister, Miss T and their mommy. It's adorable. I am happy as a clam. We went to see them tonight. I held both of them as did Big A. Even Moose got in on it and held Miss S. Squirt got in on some pictures himself. Grandma P stopped by on her way home from...