A *Cup*le Observations...

I've recently become friends with some of Amy's preschool and homeschool moms on Facebook. Added to my own group of over 25, I've got to tell you - quite a few blantant cliche abuses of this beverage made popular by rebellion of the colonists against the tea tax. Now I'll give you that it is wonderful, I used to make myself two or three cups from leftover grounds and stay up all night. In addition, I just found out this week that I have strong genetic tendancies towards coffee, in my ancestor's country of Denmark - they consume more coffee per capita than anywhere else in the world.

But come on people, you can love it (just be cool about your habit) - these are some of the extreme quotes from moms I've heard...

1. Let's get the coffee IV started right now!
2. Aw, I feel like someone switched me to decaf.
3. I'm on my X cup of coffee today. (X>2)
4. Where's the nearest Starbucks? There would have been a time when this would have been a ridiculous question, they are actually fairly scarce these days.
5. I need more coffee! I always thought you just drank a cup, singular.
6. Enjoying my coffee by the Y. (Y=a place besides work that I would love to be)
7. Coffee, pajamas, good book = happy place. I know, I wouldn't mind myself.
8. Ew... Folgers! Yuck. (Kirkland's organic blend is the best from what I hear.)
9. Dunkin Donuts has the best coffee. (Why would you go to a donut place for coffee?)

And last but not least...

When you're swerving all over the road in your Chrysler minivan and the officer comes to your window.

10. Sorry officer, I've had a lot of coffee today. (Just kidding, that never happened)

And... Amy said I should have blogged this when it was freshly brewed in my mind.

It is finished

We went to this candlelight service the night before he graduated and I had a pretty good cry.

This is me and Wes while he was waiting for commencement.

Wes is just in the middle there.

He did so well for being as nervous as he was.

WoOoOoH! Look how fancy the Bo and Betty Pilgrim Chapel(below) is ! It only cost 21 million dollars.

Doesn't he look smart and well educated?

I asked Wes to wear his regalia for the drive home. :-)

It's been a long road. Phillipians 1:4-6

Happy Birthday, Will!

In keeping with the sappy theme this week, I am gathering some photos of my sweet little baby boy Will in celebration of his 2nd birthday. I love having a boy. It is very different from having a girl. He is strong, loving and is a gentleman. He loves to take the trash out and carry your bag. I love him. I cannot wait to see his God given plan unfold.

First steps

Look what I did when you weren't watching!

Will loves food

He also loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

This is him first thing in the morning

I love him.

Happy 5th Birthday, Annabelle!

As some of you may know, this is going to be a crazy week. We have 2 birthdays and a graduation. We have already celebrated the birthdays but there is something to be said for just enjoying the actual day, especially for mommies. So this week I will focus on my little two on this blog even though the fact that Wes is graduating is such a momentous occasion. I may write about that, as well. ;-)

Here are some of my favorite Annabelle moments and pictures:

Home from the hospital with her Daddy
Annabelle Hazel

Annabelle in the nursery singing the B-I-B-L-E

First snowFirst Vacation Bible SchoolSwimming with Daddy

First time ice skating

Annabelle with her toddler bed for the last time.

First dance recital

First real bike

Please excuse me, I am going to go cry now.

What it feels to be free

For some time now I have been struggling with my health. I have been tired, lethargic, cold, irritable, had insomnia, woke up tired, had muscle aches, depression, gained weight and had some strange wrist pain. It was making it almost impossible for me to function at my normal level (I do a lot of stuff y'all, so it was bad). I am so very good at self-diagnosing myself via Google and have decided that I have some sort of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). I could go to the doctor and spend several hundred dollars in tests and risk them not finding anything wrong with me (my husband is living proof that it happens). I decided that, since hypothyroidism is so common and it runs in my family, that I'd take a supplement and see if that helps first. So I went to the local (and very popular) health food store called Sprouts. They had about 4 different types of Thyroid support supplements. I chose the cheap-y ones (if you call 8$ cheap) that I would take 3 times a day. I am not fond of having to remember taking them and I am definitely not fond of having to chew them, I'd rather swallow a pill. But alas, I chose the cheap-y brand and they are chewables so I guess I got what I paid for. Anyway, I have not taken them 3 times a day. I have been taking it at least once a day for about 5 days and I cannot tell you how much better I feel. I have been getting very tired at bedtime (it's a good thing) and waking up earlier feeling refreshed like I haven't in a long time. I feel happy when I wake up and have more energy. I still have some wrist pain and weakness but it is infinitely better. All of these things lead to another...

Because I feel so much better, I am learning to let go. I am learning to get on the back of Wes' motorcycle and letting myself be free (albeit, only down the alley and the next street over). I am learning to get on that ridiculously high tree swing that Wes made and trust that the rope will hold. ;-) I am learning to take the opportunity to look at new zoo animals that I have never seen in the 3 years I have had a membership and taking time to explain to the kids all about them. I am feeling more free these days and it is the perfect time of year for me to let go. I love spring!