A Life in the Day

Grandpa

2009-06-07T16:18:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone! We had a small family reunion last week and had so much fun! My grandpa's main goal was to get a picture with him and all 9 of his great-grandkids. It was CRAZY!! Here are a couple of the pics...

2009-05-22T21:06:00.002-05:00

Zach graduated from Kindergarten tonight. I CAN'T believe. Eleanor is almost 2 and my world seems to be going way to fast right before my eyes. The graduation was precious. They sang Throne of God-- and then recited this monologue from Priscilla Shirer. The "told it! and it was UNbelievable that 5 and 6 year olds could not only remember this, but deliver it so beautifully! It rocked my world.

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was,
He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
and The leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,
and The people couldn't hold Him!

Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,
and Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging,
and His mind is on me.

He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!

I serve Him because
His bond is love,
His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because
He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers,
the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers,
and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you,
try this on for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me,
and never cancel my appointment in His
appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

2009-05-02T20:38:00.004-05:00

Eleanor's 1 year pictures

2008-09-29T16:00:00.008-05:00

I took Eleanor's one year pictures this week. I took the inside shots a few days ago and took the outside shots last night. MANY thanks To Gram and Papa for all the faces, silly noises and dance moves that they did while trying desperately not to get in the picture. She really is a tough audience. She really smiles and laughs all the time, but when the lens comes out, she is stoic.

I am completely ignoring the fact that she is 14 months old, dressing her in the clothes she wore all summer. Some may call it ridiculous, or even denial. I just call it busy.
In the past few weeks, she has fallen in love with baby signs, she signs "please", "milk", cookie, apple, more, eat, new diaper, and her all time favorite, "book." She has started climbing on things and showing her "personality"...it is really cute.

I find it funny to think that when I do pictures for people, I can give them advice and tell them - hands down- which picture is the better one, or whatever. With my boys, I just close the few that looked ok... She has given me many favorites and I am stumped on the ones that are better and what to do with them!

GO HOGS!!

2008-09-27T11:16:00.005-05:00

Go Hogs! TRY to not get killed by Texas.

Beach Pictures

2008-09-25T09:52:00.005-05:00

Here are my favorite pics from our last trip to Gulf Shores---in June. :) We went with my sister Jamie and so Eleanor is in some pics with her cousin Eva...they are two weeks apart.

The Z's lost tooth

2008-08-06T23:07:00.004-05:00

I love my Z. He is so loving, so tender-hearted, so kind. He is also very tenacious...maybe even competitive. Ever since C4 lost his first tooth, Z has wanted to do the same. A couple of weeks ago, he bit on a hard piece of plastic and said, "wow, I think I have a loose tooth." The hand entered the mouth and he proceeded to wiggle it. TEN hours later, the tooth was pulled.
I did not have time to prepare... I didn't get a pre-hole picture, I didn't get to make him a tooth-fairy pillow.
Ironically, he had the same response as Charlie. HORRIFIED at first, then he thought the blood was cool. He was proud.

the UH-OHHH game

2008-08-06T15:26:00.002-05:00

Little E has learned this new game. She drops something...anything...and looks up at you with a very dramatic expression and says, "UH-ohhh." For instance, she throws her sippy across the kitchen after EVERY sip. It was so very cute---the first week.

The Z came running in last night with a horrified look on his face. He says, "Mom, I really didn't mean to, but I peed on her head." WWHHHAAAT?!
E's baby doll, she threw it into potty while I was going pee....I tried, but I couldn't stop and I peed on the baby's head.

uh-ooohhh.

so pretty!

2008-08-03T21:35:00.003-05:00

My sweet baby is one year old. I can not even begin to express my emotions. Where did it go?

I will write on that soon, as I AM going to blog again. I also have to blog her bday party...which is already such a wonderful memory to me.

But until then, here is my beautiful, sweet mess!

I was doing some work in the kitchen and little Miss E disappeared and was VERY quiet. I heard the boys in our bathroom taking a shower and cutting up, so I figured she was in there hanging out with them. Was I wrong!
She came out looking like this:

She had"made up" her face...lips, eyes, nose, hair...along with our carpet, several diapers, and our bathroom rug. She ATE the evidence before she came to see me.
She was SO proud of herself.

...Oh so pleased!

Mobile kids...overrated.

1000

2008-04-03T22:47:00.003-05:00

C4 had a project to do at school. He procrastinated starting it for a long time. While our ENTIRE family had the flu (LittleE had both flu and RSV) and were quarantined for two full weeks, I thought it was a perfect time to work on it. You see, little boys feel better WAY before they are better. Both boys had 105 fever for a couple days and were miserable, so once it dropped down to 101, they felt great and were bouncing off the walls. We played, did puzzles, legos and everything else. I finally called his teacher and begged for school work. This is the project she sent home...to START on. Well, once he got started, he LOVED it and finished in in about 4 hours over a 2 day period. On a long roll of addition tape, he wrote from 1 to 1000. He did it perfectly~except at first, he wrote his 2's backwards occasionally. Once he wrote his 200's, he had fixed his problem. He was excited because it went all the way through the house.

Meet my new friend...

2008-04-03T22:37:00.004-05:00

This was the FUNNIEST thing. Little Miss E found herself in the mirror. She was amazed, humored, and VERY sociable. She checked herself out from head to toe, talked to herself, and then proceeded to give sugar. It was the sweetest moment to watch her. This was on February 28th, so she had just turned 7 months. At 7 months, she is sitting up, and standing while holding on to stuff. She shrieks and squeals and is very outgoing. I hope this is how she will always be because she is a joy.

Hi...have you met my friend here?

Wow-she looks like me.

Boo! Want some sugar?

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T21:39:00.009-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

The boys decided that they wanted to make Valentine's like that for their friends, so I made a blank slate and taught them how to make a card. C4 made his own polka-dots, the Z filled in his own stripes. They picked their own pictures (I set that up) and then they typed their own message, requesting help with spelling. We made them 2"x4" and taped them to a box of candy hearts. They LOVED them. They could not wait to give them to each of their friends, they were so excited. I loved that they each chose pictures of himself laughing and that they also made it from little E, aka "big stuff."

We were all ready for the party, we had even gotten decorations for school, etc. We weren't even running around crazy! The Z starts to not feel well yesterday, he has a cough and so he stays home so he won't miss the party today. Not only does Z have to miss it, they sent C4 home sick before the party, too. They were so sick, they didn't even care about missing it. They were sad, however, about not being able to pass out their valentines. By the time we got to the doctor at 2 pm, BOTH boys had 105 fever (ok, C4 was 104.9) and were diagnosed with the flu. UNBELIEVABLE. Happy Valentine's Day.

By the way, I think the Z needs a haircut. Their was a lady from the DEEP country in the waiting room with us. Z looked really bad and was all nappy headed. He staggered by this lady to get a drink of water. The lady said, "wow, SHE looks really sick." I try to nicely correct her and say, "uummm, yes, HE is feeling bad." But she corrected me. She nodded over to C4 and said, "no, not HIM" and then nodded over to Z and said, "HER." I pulled Z into my lap and whispered "I think it's time for a haircut." Happy Valentine's Day.

I just read this and noticed errors all the way through--I'm too tired, too frazzled, and WAY too over it to care. Truly, I hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day.

(Let the record show that along with our motrin and soup that we had for dinner, we DID fondue with chocolate and strawberries. I tried to make it special.)

WOW!

2008-02-12T12:27:00.001-06:00

Look who captivated me last night! I was playing with my new white backdrop and asked them to be models. These guys are my favorite subject in the whole world. Could they love her any more??

I am going to HAVE to frame this one. You tell me, which is your fav?

My boys are getting so big... it is so surreal at how long the days are, but how quickly the years pass by.

I could REALLY eat her up. Have I mentioned that I IMMENSELY enjoy having a girl?

Side note-- Speaking of swear: at school the other day, C4 solemnly had a prayer request. He wanted all his friends to pray for his mom, because she SWEARS. (when I say, "I swear.") Love it!

You're never too old. . .

2008-02-06T21:34:00.001-06:00

. . . to do something estupido. This is C3. Last Saturday I got a chance to do some odd jobs around the house. Number one was repairing a Razor scooter that got backed over and was damaged, presumed dead. By the time I had transformed into handyman fixit mode, we had already replaced it (not unreasonable since it was Yukon vs. Razor), but after closer inspection, I had a feeling that maybe I could still make it work. So I got out me hammer and started swinging away. In no time at all, I had straightened out the front wheel and it worked! No wobble or anything!

So then I started scooting with the boys. I used my "new" scooter since it was resurrected and could ignore the fact that I exceed the weight limit by about 40 pounds. I always feel bad for taking a few turns with their scooters and running the risk of breaking it but now I have one that was previously deceased. Just a little bit of scooting, up and down our driveway which has a fair slope but is not too steep. I began playing chase and race and even handed out a few reckless driving tickets during traffic stops with the boys, "I'll need to see your license sir." We graduated to different leg positions during the downhill runs: leg forward, backward, sideways, even hooked up front around the post for 'leg across'. So I'm feeling kinda full of myself and decide to head down the steeper side drive and do a little jump. Not a big one off the 2 and 1/2 foot drop-that would be crazy-but just about 6 inches or so with a bunnyhop so I can clear the back wheel. Witness the results:

It's MUCH worse than it looks. What you can't see is the 2nd scrape above my kneecap. During the crash, I remember thinking "I hope I make it to the grass." After 2 concrete hits, I made it to the grass. I tore my jeans over the left knee, at the left pocket near the grine, and scraped my belt in 4 places-metal and leather. No other trauma except the 2 sets of deep gouges at the palm and 2 scrapes on my knee. And pain, no scrapes, to the right knee that made it hard to stand and walk. Oh yeah, and the severe bruising to my pride, made worse by my neighbor witnessing the whole thing and (classically) calling out, "are you ok? Looks like that hurt." or something like that. He at least had the decency not to laugh out loud.

So, inspired by Ralphie and my own boys, I worked up a few tears and went in to see Momma. Ok, actually she is my wife but she makes some great hot chocolate and is great at comforting. And I was needing some comfort (if you know what I mean.) Her response, "did you forget that you're almost 40?" was followed soon after with laughter and a reminder to "buck up" as we had a birthday party to attend that afternoon, a kiddie birthday party at a roller skating rink. A ROLLER SKATING RINK. Very high chance of falling down trauma which might make crash #3 where #1 was a slip on the ice the day before. Fortuantely no falls at the rink but I did discover some severely degraded balance. Or maybe it was the skates. As an added bonus the next day scab juice oozed through my church pants, but just a little bit.

Here is a bonus pic of those in the house who enjoy sweet potatoes or possibly carrots followed with a club cracker. 1st tooth has now come through at the bottom.

Zach and I played in the snow

2008-01-31T11:20:00.000-06:00

this is charlie. me and zach played in the snow. we had fun. we playd with doc, we playd with snow bolls, we slid down the slide, and we drunk hot choklit. it was cold owt side.

Me and My Dad

2008-01-21T22:06:00.002-06:00

Hi--guess who?! Thanks to all the faithful readers out there who daily check this to see if there are new posts. C3 came home from work and told me he was being harassed and that I HAD to post today. Life is so busy, boys are great, I am doing some pictures still (look at www.stacymcclainphotography.com in "sessions" to prove I have stayed busy! :) Most importantly, little Miss E is SIX MONTHS OLD! (in 3 days) I plan to do a big photo shoot of her this week, but last week C3 was off and I had the studio set up for a shoot so we did a quick "me and my dad" shoot since he won't be around this week. It was very fun. He is her favorite thing in the WHOLE world. Their worlds revolve around each other...it is so amazing to see. so--here it is, a few pics with dad.

She is up on her hands trying hard to get places. She usually just rolls over, but surprises herself sometimes and scoots. The other day, she was on a shaggy rug and by grabbing pieces, pulled herself about 18 inches to her Daddy. She was very proud.

The famous boody shot...I have never gotten one on any of my kids, and have taken many for others. I forgot for her newborn shots, so I was glad to remember.

She loves being in her Daddy's arms...and could stay here all day.

See my feet?? This is a favorite, she loves her feet. They are often in her mouth, but she was really interested in all the lights.

lots of kisses...back and forth

Playing footsies...(her hands are ALWAYS in her mouth)

She is fearless! She loves to rough-house with C3 and the boys. She sits up in his hands, loves to "fly" and hang upside down. This would freak me out, but C3 did the same with the boys and they turned out fine. (I think)

I PROMISE to post again very soon--I am hoping to get some really cool shots for her 6 month shoot. Again, thanks for reading!

First Friends, Best Friends

2007-12-04T11:42:00.001-06:00

I got to see A, one of my dearest friends, yesterday. These are pics of Awith E and K, and her three kids, A, S, and K.

We were friends when we lived in Little Rock--there were three of us who were very close (A, J and myself). Through God's grace and a LOT of crazy things that life has thrown each of us in the past 7 years, we have become closer and closer. The three of us became even closer (via daily phone conversations) when C and I moved to Nashville and then on to B'ville. A's now lives in Texas, J's family is north of LR, and it seems no matter where we move, life draws us closer together. A's little girl, A and C were born 3 weeks apart, so we experienced everything together- from nausea to post-partum. Z and S are 8 months apart, J's baby, M, came along soon after them and we were able to experience pregnancy again with her. Then our third babies, E and K, were born 6 weeks apart.
Since we still talk all the time, it feels like there is really no need to get together to catch up--we stay caught up. BUT, J had never met K and A and I had never met each other's babies. A's family was in LR for the weekend and my precious friend, J, tried and tried to get everyone together. With three families and so many busy schedules, it didn't look so easy. In the end, we were able to meet up, but then J couldn't come! I really missed all three of us being together. However, as I said earlier, it doesn't take a lunch date to keep friends close. It takes being there for one another during the junk that life throws at you from day to day. SSOOO, this post is dedicated to two of the best friends that I have ever had. It is not often that God gives you a forever friend, drawing you closer with each day. I thank God for each of you. I love you!

little boy jokes

2007-11-17T00:12:00.001-06:00

C4 and the Z have learned new jokes...how long has it been since you have heard kindergarten jokes? we can't help but crack up at them cracking up!

Who is Peter Pans worst-smelling friend?
Stinkerbell

Why did Tigger have his head in toilet?
He was looking for Pooh. (get it, poo?)

Why does Batman have his legs crossed?
He had to go to the batroom. (get it, bathroom?)

What does lighting wear under his clothes?
Thunderpants (get it, underpants?) --this is what they say everytime.

here are some pics just for kicks... These are my favorite polka-dotted tights for E.

random thoughts...

2007-11-16T23:58:00.001-06:00

This is my favorite outfit of E's. It is her "rhumba" outfit...very fun. See her standing?! She is getting very strong. She is proud of being upright.

During her 3rd month, this is what she is doing (I am documenting this for her scrapbook)...
sleeping 10 hours every night
rolling over occasionally
suck her thumb, religiously
standing up with help
when on her belly, propping herself with her elbows.
laughing out loud
following us with her eyes
initiating games (usually the tongue sticking out game)
making BUBBLES! She is so proud of this.

OK--here is another thought...I went in for a haircut. It had been SEVERAL months and my hair was out of control and stayed in a ponytail. I told Crystal that I needed a new do--one that took off 40 pounds and was sassy and easy. I told her I wanted it right below my shoulders. She said ok--and the for kicks, measured it. She told me it was over 8 inches, so we kicked it up a little bit more to a 10 inch cut and I donated my hair to locks of love. I am really excited about it. I like my haircut, although I have decided that I am not a short hair person. I just don't think it is me...BUT it went to a good cause and I am glad I did it. Funny thing, the next day on Oprah, Hillary Swank cut her hair. She only needed 8 inches! On well, such is life.

Going Going Gone, part 2

2007-10-26T09:06:00.002-05:00

E rolled over last night...BOTH WAYS. She was laying on her back and we looked over at her and she had rolled to her tummy and had her arm stuck. So we fixed her upright on her tummy and she immediately rolled over to her back--3 times! I remember watching C4 for HOURS to catch him and she found it fun! Of course she had four other people cheering her on. It was so fun.

She was 3 months , 1 day...I think she is brilliant. BUT I am biased and I realize this. But according to babycenter.com, she shouldn't do it for another 4 weeks. OK, no more boasting. (sshhh, but I am proud of her...)

Going going GONE

2007-10-26T08:22:00.001-05:00

C4 lost his first tooth 2 weeks ago today.

He was SO funny about it. He was determined that the dentist was going to pull it, not him. Soooo, we went to the dentist who said that HE needed to keep wiggling it and if it was not out by the next full moon, he would pull it.

He bit into a chip and BAM, it fell out.

It freaked him out for a minute, with all the blood and then he thought it was really cool.

His smile looks SO different. He looks so grown up. I had to hurry up and finish the tooth fairy pillow that I had started making him. It is VERY homegrown, but hey, his mom made it.

He wanted to write the tooth fairy a note. Here is what it said, "Wirs yor casle?" She wrote back on the same piece of paper in teeny tiny writing...My castle is located at the top of tooth mountain at the end of Enamel Lane. Thank you for your tooth, it will be a glorious addition to my castle. Love, tooth fairy. He got a dollar--he was so excited. He found the note a 1:30 am and we had to read it and talk about it.

He has a friend whose family doesn't believe in the tooth fairy or Santa. It makes me sad because if he tells his friends then there is no magic. I have been really thinking hard about what to say and here is what I came up with...I am sad for him because when you DON'T believe, Santa (or TF) can't come to your house anymore and your parents have to do it...but as long as you believe, he will keep coming. What do you think? Does this sound good? I would love input, as I haven't yet had to share it with him.

Eva and Jacob

2007-10-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

My sister's family visited this weekend and I got to meet my PRECIOUS new neice Eva. She is 2 weeks younger than Eleanor and without planning it, they have the exact same initials, EBM. We had the most wonderful weekend. Eva is such a beautiful baby and my 2 year old nephew, Jacob, is adorable. He loves his Charlie and Zach and they had a gerat time together. We celebrated Zach's birthday (which is a whole different blog) and also did a photo shoot because I already had my stuff set up. For a Christmas present, we got the girls matching dresses monogrammed with their matching initials. OH MY GOODNESS. Here are my favs...

This is my all time favorite. Look at how much fun Jacob is having! His Daddy was being silly.

Which do you like better? I can't decide.

Jamie thinks they look conjoined inthis one.

I think Eleanor looks scared in this one.

Look at these BEAUTIFUL eyes!

I also took some of my own kids for Christmas, probably for our card...It's DONE!

My FAVORITE is Eleanor up on her elbows. I could eat her up. She is my precious bundle of sweetness.

Merry Christmas early!

Little Miss E at 3 months

2007-10-18T23:09:00.001-05:00

Tell me, isn't she sweet?

My favorite pic--I had to play with it.

She smiles, she giggles, she'll steal your heart away! She sleeps well, she's got VERY blue eyes, she still has her hair...for now...she has the boys SO wrapped around her finger...all three of them! she sucks her thumb WHILE she twirls her hair, ALREADY. She LOVES her Daddy...and oh the bows, how we enjoy the bows. ...Did I mention she loves to wear boots?! ok, maybe I love it.

Speedboat to Asia

2007-10-09T23:00:00.001-05:00

We took our first family trip this past week (times 2, actually) We went to Branson for 3 days and then on to San Diego for 5 days. Everyone did great and this will be my next blog, I promise. But in the wee hours of the night on the trip to Branson, I heard this from my Charlie:

Mom, we need to go to the Barnes' house. (Why?) We need to borrow their speedboat and drive it down to Florida. We need to put it in the water and drive it to Asia. (That's right, a speedboat to Asia.)
Once we get there I want to find the Garden of Eden. I am going to take a hatchet and chop down the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Then, I am gonna hunt for Satan. He's going to be hiding in a snakehole. I am going to shoot him dead with my BB gun. I am going to take 3,000 BBs so that I can be sure to kill him and I am going to kill him. Then there will be no evil and no sin in the world and everyone can go to heaven. Then I can go tell Brother Gary that he doesn't have to preach anymore because everyone is going to heaven.
Z, you need to call Buddy and ask him for a BB gun for your birthday. You also need to ask him for 3000 BBs. (To which Z replied, "I'll only need one.")

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2007-09-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

Charlie isn't playing soccer this year, but Zach is. When one of Charlie's friends on the 5 year old team invited him over to kick the ball, he replied, "No thanks, I retired last year.""

A girl named Ellen at the kid's school was praying as they do every morning...Dear Lord, thank you for Charlie and Zach's mom and please help them grow to respect her.

Charlie: "I farfed" (giggle giggle) I farfed again (giggle giggle)
Me: ok, the word is "farted" f-a-r-t-e-d "farted" it's not a nice word and now you know what the real word is, I don't want you saying it. You can say poot, pass gas, toot, whatever...but you can not say fart OR farf.

Zach: "I pooped the 'big kahuna'".

Today when I checked on Charlie in the shower (like I ALWAYS do) to see if he was getting clean he actually told me that he was doing fine and to "go mind your own business." I couldn't believe it. He would have been in SO much trouble if I hadn't been so stunned.

Charlie was in big church with the youth--WE WEREN'T THERE--(our small group meets and there is no child care for kids older than kindergarten.) So, the youth takes care of them in Sunday night church. In the MIDDLE of Brother Gary's sermon (where he had asked a question about losing your passion) Charlie raises him hand to add a comment. Zach Smith, the teenager responsible for Charlie repeatedly had him put him hand down. Mason and Wesley (two other youth) said "Man, don't squelch the spirit!" "Yeah man, don't be a jerk." So Charlie's hand stayed up and Brother Gary called on him..."God made me and all my body parts."

Every day I ask the boys to tell me their 3 favorite things about school and Zach always says, "My favorite part of school was when you picked me up because you are beautiful." LOVE IT.

We were learning about how Jesus healed the sick. We talked about how Charlie used to be very sick. He asked, "Oh yeah. Did I have the coxsackievirus?" "...uuuummmm...no."

For Christmas, Charlie has requested full scuba gear, size 5 slim. If anyone know where Santa could find this, Santa would be most appreciative.

Dedicated to God

2007-09-08T15:22:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Eleanor's dedication. I am so excited because to Chuck and me, it is a time where we give her to the Lord...to commit to raise her with the Lord's guidance, tons of prayer, in church. My grandmother, Eleanor Fletcher was one of the most Godly women I have ever known...and I pray our little Eleanor grows to have her character and her faith. I hope and pray that she grow to have a tender heart and a loving spirit. I hope she finds Jesus at an early age and allows the Holy Spirit to guide her through her life...

The most special part of it will definitely be when Charles, her Papa, sings a song to her. Here are the lyrics...

Little hands, may they reach
to help the hurting
Little eyes, may they see
only the good in all
Little heart, may it beat
for Your will and no other
Little ears, may they hear
the still small voice of the Lord

CHORUS
Lord keep Your hands upon our little Eleanor
love and guide her, Jesus walk beside her
Lord keep Your hands upon our little baby
Our precious gift from above.

Little feet, may they walk
on the straight and narrow path
Little mouth, may it proclaim,
the goodness of the Lord (to chorus)

BRIDGE
And when she's grown, and we are gone,
we pray Your name she carries on
And by Your will, Oh Lord let it be
that she'll live with us for eternity.

Baby Song
From the album "Zion Sing!"
Words and music by: Melissa Champlion
©1998 All rights reserved

www.soulkeepermusic.com (go to this website to ehar the song if you want)

By the way, I had a lot of fun picking a gown for her to wear. I wanted something long and elegant, Chuck wanted something very simple. I think this dress is both...almost 3 ft long, silk, with only the braid across the front. I am hoping to pass it down to her children. I also love the headband that a lady made to match it (warmingtheheart.com to give credit where it is due...) She made it like she did when her own baby was dedicated...she called it a "crown of flowers" around her head. My special friend Wendy is making her a beautiful pearl bracelet for tomorrow. I will post pictures of it with the pics of the day.

Me and My Girl

2007-09-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

Sweet Eleanor...

First Captured Smile (She just started smiling this past weekend--5 1/2 weeks)
It lights up a room!

Charlie in the Spotlight

2007-09-05T21:50:00.000-05:00

Talent...

Me and my sis...

So, do you think she looks like me?

Wrestling with Uncle J.

My favorite picture that I took of Zach

Charlie has been a mess since Eleanor was born. He ADORES her. He is sweet, gentle, kind...and if you ask him, above the law. The other day at church, he left the potluck dinner in the fellowship hall BY HIMSELF (HUGE rule broken) and walked accoss the street to the church. He caught my friend Melissa and asked if he could sit with her. No, he didn't know where his mom was. His mom was FRANTIC, that's where she was. I took him into the bathroom and the conversation went like this...

Me: Charlie, I was so worried. You could have been hit by a car, kidnapped, or lost. If any of those happen, I would cry forever. I was so worried about you. You CANNOT go across the street by yourself...

Him: But Mom, GOD was with me...

Me: ...(silence) ... ... ...

In My Daddy's Arms

2007-08-17T10:08:00.000-05:00

My favorite place to be...

World's Sleepiest Hog Fan

2007-08-10T14:40:00.000-05:00

I'm tired of pre-season hype. Let the games begin.

I'm Big Stuff!

2007-08-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

I'm two weeks old!

I went to see my favorite friend--Dr. Moody--today and she told me tht I have gotten BIG! I weigh 8 pounds 4 oz (I was 6 lb 8 oz 2 weeks ago today--that's almost 2 pounds in 2 weeks!) and I have grown 1 1/2 inches! See my chins?

Well, I've been awake for 2 minutes, I'm done.

I LOVE taking a bath--see all my hair? It gets curly when it's wet. Daddy calls it "Papaw hair"

I have been working on holding my head up. I think I'm really big when I do this...

...but hate it when this happens. Hey! Someone help a sister out! My head is out of control!

OK-interview over. Get the camera out of my face!

The Arrival of Eleanor...

2007-08-07T19:59:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!
She's here and following is her story!!

Eleanor was two weeks old yesterday and I can NOT believe it has gone that quickly. I have been intending to write the story of her arrival, but am having a hard time sitting upright in a hard chair for any period of time to do so. BUT Chuck goes back to work tomorrow and who knows what the days will hold after that. SO...I am forcing myself to sit and write. It has been a GODSEND that Chuck has had two weeks off...I have truly needed EVERY day of it, physically and emotionally. He has been King-Daddy with the boys, taking them places and making them feel included and important, especially when I didn't have the strength or energy to do so. I think it would have been really hard on them both if he wasn't at home.

I got a phone call yesterday from my friend named Kim from when I worked (6 years ago) claiming that they were all keeping up through my blog and were wanting to hear the rest of the story and see more pics. Thanks, Kim, for the motivation! Love to everyone at JP!!

So here's the story...Eleanor was scheduled to be induced on Thursday, July 27th and I was going to deliver her VBAC...I had a C-section with Charlie and then delivered Zach without a hitch and Eleanor was supposed to be the same. But my OB had mentioned that he wanted me to come in on Monday, July 23rd instead of Thursday to "strip my membranes"...so I obsessivey packed and got ready for Monday. From what I read, it worked pretty well and I was really excited. However, when I got to the doctor, he told me she was still too high and he couldn't strip my membranes...just to go back to Batesville and wait till Thursday. I was heartbroken. The boys and I were packed for the week, my house was spotless, my mom could keep them, and I was geared for Monday. I was NOT going home. Those of you who know me know that I am a little hard-headed...

So I spent the night with my mom...we went walking over the Arkansas River on the new walking bridge and I jogged a little...ok, about 1/2 mile. I looked ridiculous...my mom's biking shorts, Chuck's hanes t-shirt (skin tight with a hole in the belly) and a little too much bounce in my step.

My water broke at midnight and contractions started immediately--two mintures apart. I called Chuck in Batesville and told him to drive on down, quickly. He hit the road at about 90+ and after being pulled over, made it to LR in a little over an hour. My mom was keeping the boys, my dad came and picked me up and took me to the hospital. I was at a 4 (cm) when I got to the hospital. They got me in a room and started working toward getting me an epidural...I had to have blood drawn to check platelet and liver levels before I got my epidural. Soooo, as soon as that came back, I could get it. At 3 am, they got results and started putting in the epidural. The first one hit a vein, so I got TWO epidurals. At this point, I was READY for an epidural. they wouldn't check me until after I got my epidural...it was a good thing because as soon as I got it, they checked and I was at a 10 and she was right there.

So at this point there was a baby to be delivered next door and they wanted me to wait about 1/2 an hour. This was fine, because I was feeling no pain for the first time all night. I never thought that I could go from a 2 to a 10 with no drugs whatsoever in 3 hours. But I did...I attribute it to my half-marathon training...NOT that I was in shape, but I had previously had to make myself do hard things, focus, and just push through pain...so I really think it helped.

OK--so when it was time to push, things were going great...at about the 7th contraction, the baby's heart rate dropped to 80...so they didn't fool around. They had her out in less than 4 minutes. It was a good thing because when they cut me open, they saw her umbilical cord and lots of blood...my uterus had ruptured from my c-section scar with Charlie. That could be a really bad thing--mortality rates high, rates for a compromised baby higher, rates for hysterectomy really high...none of that happened. They were able to get her out in time, and stop my bleeding in time and everything was fine.

One who knows the Chuck McClain's know that we never do anything without an adventure...

Eleanor Brooks fits right into our family because she came into the world with her own wild adventure.
July 24th, 4:52 am, 6 lb, 12 oz, 19 3/4 inches and a full head of hair!!

Following are pics from the hospital...she is so precious...the boys ADORE her. We do too.

The boys got to be the very first to meet her.

I got to hold her THREE HOURS after she was born. I was fit to be tied and could NOT wait to count toes. By the way, right after she was born, the anesthesiologist claimed, "It's the prettiest boy I have ever seen!" I about came off the table! Those who have seen her room know that we would have been HOSED!

Chuck is smitten by her...he is a so different around her compared to when the boys were born. It melts my heart to see this big man so gentle with her...he can't get enough of her either.

Three of my favorite pics...

A pic of the boys in the "big brother" and "bigger brother" shirts. They were great!...I refused to buy Zach the t-shirt that said "I'm in the middle"...hopefully this gives everyone a very important role!

Zach and "Ellie" (That is his name for her) He is the "big" brother.

Charlie and Eleanor-his name for her...Charlie is the "bigger" brother and he take his job very seriously.

Tomorrow my intentions are posting pics of friends and family that visited...a pic of Aunt Jennie changing her diaper, and pics of coming home...Those are my INTENTIONS...stay tuned.

Welcome, Eleanor Brooks

2007-07-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

My sweet sweet baby girl..

Welcome to our home, welcome to our family. We adore you already! You've captured our hearts and rocked our world. We love you so much!

Born Tuesday morning, July 24th...4:52 am
Weighing in at 6 lbs, 12 oz and 19 3/4 inches long...
She is a bundle of preciousness.

I will write and post the ENTIRE story from the hospital in the next day or so...but for now, we are LOVING being at home with her...and for now, pictures in the fruit bowl are fun...

I am having so much fun with her full head of hair!!

Almost here!

2007-07-21T23:04:00.000-05:00

My due date for baby Eleanor is August 8th. Because I am delivering her after having a c-section with C4 (I delivered Z, too) they want to induce me around 10 days early...that will be this Thursday. BUT, the dr wants to "strip my membranes" on Monday...so that if she is ready, she will come on her own...If not, it should make Thursday that much easier...hopefully. I am a little nervous because Chuck is working until Thursday...unless she is on her way, but it is up to me to determine if she is...scary!

I am SO much bigger than I was with both boys---it seems my belly sticks out all the way to Egypt! I feel ready...so ready. Yet, I keep having the feeling of "jsut one more day." I have completely cleaned out my closet, the office, pantry, utility closet and under the kitchen sink...since yesterday. I have inputed over 200 addresses in a new address book on my apple AND printed envelopes for announcements...that was a few days ago. This was in addtition to being at VBS 3 hours a day, helping throw a surprise party for over 100, driving to LR on Monday, having meetings and Chuck work the busiest week ever.
I have sewn around 15 burpclothes and a couple blankets, last weekend. I have cooked 13 meals and 2 loaves of banana bread that are organized and frozen...that took only 2 hours (with Chuck's help)...I guess I can't count all the sewing and repainting of rooms that was done back at 20 weeks. I lay down in bed to rest because I am exhausted...but my mind won't stop. My bags have been packed for 3 weeks, in the car since last Sunday. Yet tomorrow, I must get them out, recheck, repack, and reload...just to make sure. I also must clean and make sure everything is spotless...

I feel crazy...do I sound it? So yes, I guess I am ready.

The boys are so ready...but nervous. C asked me if he would still be able to cuddle. Z told me that, "Mom, you are my favorite place to be..." Z also toldme he was praying for pink eyes, since she was a girl...blue OR green would be nice. C wants her to have one of each. Yikes!

I will miss it being just the 2 boys, I will miss chasing her feet around my belly at night or in church, I will miss 6 am zerberts given by the boys while I am still asleep. I can NOT wait to see my feet again...OR touch my feet...or sleep on my belly...or have some resemblance of a lap in which to hold boys on ...but she is the last and I am a bit sad.

So crazy?? yes.

Wish us luck!

In Passing...

2007-07-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

Pun intended. We were passing a church marquee late last night. I have always thought they were a little redneck, but can't help but reading them and even enjoy them sometimes.

This one took the cake:

Rest in Peace
Sister Ida

We loved you.

Early Morning News

2007-07-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

Chuck came out from the bedroom the other morning before 7:00--he was getting ready for work. This is what he found at the table...Zach, reading the newspaper aloud (funnies section, of course). He was engrossed in his story. He looks up and asks his dad, "Can I have a cup of cappucino?"
Chuck melted. Of COURSE he can have a cappucino. It goes perfectly with Beetle Bailey.

Contentment

2007-07-08T21:51:00.001-05:00

Today during naptime, Zach and I were cuddled up. He suddenly got choked up and asked, "Mom, can I keep on having birthdays and adding numbers, but never grow up? I want to be a kid forever." I couldn't believe he was emotional about it, I think I said, "But Zach, by the time you are a grown up, I think you will be ready to be one." He starts to cry and he says, "But I don't ever want to grow up." When I probed deeper, this is what he said: "I really like me just the way I am and I don't want to change. I don't want to get older or bigger, I want to be just like I am forever."

THAT is true contentment.

I remember always wanting to be older than I was--or bigger--or something...until I was a certain age, then I wanted to be younger. (I think it might have been 25??) We still strive to be better than we are, in a different place in life, or just different somehow.

THIS boy is content. He loves his little simple 4 year old life life so much, he does not want to ever change. Why can't we all have the presence of mind to be like that? Today, he is my hero. He taught me more in one sentence than I have learned for quite a long time.

Belly Pics...on black

2007-06-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

You may not want to see these...if not, that is fine. But it was very fun to be on the other end of the camera. That NEVER happens, and will not happen again for a long, long time. BUT, I have always wanted pics of my baby-filled belly and have never gotten them. This is my last, so I wanted to try to do it. Chuck was so resistant until it was time to take the pics and then he really had a good time. I LOVED it that he acted so natural and this sweet child will know how much her mom, dad and brothers adored her before she was born. My dear friend Monica took the pictures and did a really good job. She was sweet, fun and I loved how the pictures turned out. Tomorrow I will put up the outside pictures. I have NO idea what I will do with them.

While I long to see my feet again, I will miss feeling her feet kick and move. It is this little secret that I share with just her...the most special part of carrying a child. I know I only have six more weeks of feeling her...and then never again. The thought makes me sad. While I can not wait to meet this sweet baby, I now have to share her with the world.

Baby's Room

2007-06-01T10:11:00.000-05:00

Her room is almost finished! I have worked and worked on the baby's room and I am so excited because it is so different than BOY stuff. It is pink and brown...brown walls, a pink ceiling with one wall that is striped. There are 2 chandeliers and 2 sconces and fun little rugs and pillows.

You see that the shelf needs to be hung and she has 18" letters coming that will hang over the dresser, under the shelf. See the little sitting room on the right?

Here is the little room...Chuck and our friend Tim Pitts made her the white shelves in the closet. He is going to sign his name and date it under one of the shelves. I just love the stripes and polka dots on the walls...and the chandelier matches the bigger one in the room...

I made the pad for the seat...it is reversible! one side elegant, one side fun. This took a week because I didn't know what I was doing.

I am so excited. A week ago, the bedding came in and it is just what I wanted--which is good because I decorated this whole room around it.

I sewed the drapes, shower curtain, and seat on the chest. Here is the shower curtain. You'll have to turn your head to the left :)

This is where the chair will sit. It should be ready next week. It is a brown chair with toile piping and the cushion is toile with brown piping...my sister in law Carey gave me that idea. I think it will turn out really fun.

My friend Anna Martin painted her the beauiful painting that I LOVE. I love it that it says "bless this child" on it. It is such an amazing gift and one I will always cherish.

So--here it is. This is what has consumed me for so many weeks...But I am SO glad that I am almost done. I can notimagine sewing that stuff now. Now all we need is a baby. We'll wait a little longer for her.

Last day of School

2007-05-25T18:54:00.000-05:00

OK...just 3 blogs and 9 months ago, Zach started school. Here is a picture of his LAST day of school. It makes me want to cry. They grow up so fast. By the way. He is into muscles. He would like for you to notice them.

HOMERUN!!

2007-05-25T18:37:00.000-05:00

Charlie is playing tee-ball and it is HILARIOUS! He LOVES playing, loves his outfit, loves his bat, glove, and helmet...he loves all of it. He even likes to play...sort of. He has really good intentions. The first game, he made snow angels...correction: DIRTangels at 2nd base. We have worked through that. He loves to run and slide in the dirt aNYTIME the ball is hit, just to have something to do. He was running from 1st to 2nd the other day and stopped to hug his friend who was playing 2nd. Needless to say, he missed his opportunity to make it to 3rd.

His coach has tried and tried, even said, "Here is an X, stand here" He bent over, fixed it, and said, "NOW it is a star."

This last game was different. (a little)
Charlie hit a home run! It went like this. He hit a good solid hit off the T. It went somewhere past the short stop...he quickly threw it to first and Charlie would have been out, but he over-threw it. Charlie ran to 2nd, just slow enough that they thought that they could FOR SURE get him out. They over threw at 2nd (BADLY) and Charlie made it home. He slid into home plate and stood up, looked at the crowd and gave everyone a double thumbs-up for a LONG TIME. It was precious. It will NEVER happen again quite like that.

He also had a great hit from a pitch AND got to play pitcher, which means that he worked VERY hard to keep the mound clean. We haven't gotten the idea that it is SO important because you field most of the slow balls AND have to know where to throw it. It was short lived, and we were also winning 18-5.

Here is the best part...Charlie got the game ball which means he was MVP for that game. Again, it was priceless.

Excuses...

2007-05-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Hello...

I have taken a vacation from posting and got then got stuck coming back to it. Embarrassing. Actually, the last post was the first day of school...the LAST day of school is in a couple of weeks and I was tempted not to write until then...

I know that there is ABSOLUTELY no excuse for not posting for EIGHT MONTHS. But allow me to try...

>
Her name is Eleanor...she will be born around the first week in August. She is 27 weeks, 2 pounds, over 14 inches long and already she's so loved!

Does that fly?

First day of school...

2006-09-21T22:50:00.000-05:00

Here are pics from Zach's first day at school. Where it seemed that Charlie was never quite ready to go, Zach has been ready for a year.

School is uneventful, easy, and fun. He really likes making new friends and has fun with the little projects and songs that they do.

I LOVE the time that we get to spend together. Every moment is precious. It is imperative that we "cuddle up" every day until he falls asleep. He didn't get a nap today, so he was SO tired tonight. He ask that I cuddle him up, since I didn't during the day. I did...then after a while I told him 2 more minutes...to which he replied. "Please cuddle me up forever." You got it little man. How can I EVER say no to that?

He too is learning piano. He now has a lesson of his OWN and has learned around 10 songs. He is most excited about "Old McDonald

This is the funniest pic. He had to go poop and an hour later, we couldn't find him. You see where he was. Priceless.
"

Redneck tooth

2006-09-07T17:57:00.001-05:00

One more pic. Know why I took it? Look closely at the front tooth...it was (and still is) turning black. I HAD to take a picture before his smile as I have always known it is gone FOREVER. Once their teeth start falling out, they will never have the same sweet smile. Their sweet little teeth will be replaced with MONSTER chunks of ivory.

HOW in the WORLD did he turn his tooth black? Check this out. Box in the mail--10 inches by 10 inches and 4 ft tall. They are having a BALL crawling in and out of it. Somehow Charlie got it over his head while he was standing up. Hands are pinned by his side, it's dark, and he can hardly breathe. His brother decides to knock him down.

Face down he falls...like a tree in the forest. NOTHING to break his fall to hard wood floors except a thin piece of cardboard. Then he is stuck face down when we hear the muffled cries. We come running and his eyes are rolling back, he can tell us his name, he is sweating all over and the BACK of his head hurts (he hit the front)...we thank the good Lord that he didn't have a brain bleed. But we DO have this nice, redneck tooth.

He is VERY proud of his tooth because how, it is MUCH darker. He can NOT wait for it to fall out. Unfortunately, it's not very loose.

My little poser

2006-09-06T22:55:00.000-05:00

See my big muscles?? Their HUGE--because I eat my PROTEIN. (I hear this DAILY! Isn't he cute??)

Kindergarten

2006-09-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

ok ok--it has been a week since Charlie started school...and I am JUST now able to talk about it (sniffsniff). He was SO excited that he could NOT stand it! Armed with a big boy backpack (camo, of course) and a Batman alarm clock, he has been quite the student!

Every morning, they get up fill their sticker chart. They make their beds (recommended by Pat), eat breakfast, clear the table, get dressed, brush teeth, wet hair, put on socks and shoes and get backpacks. For each of these, they get a sticker and if they get all their stickers, they get a quarter for the day. This allows for 6 quarters a week (if you do it on Sunday too)...they tithe one and save one and get to spend the rest. It has been great.

Zach exclaimed on the first day at school...CHARLIE--I will miss you, but I WON'T be sad! Then they embraced. It was really sweet.

Charlie loved school SO much that he got up at 5:05 for THREE days! We finally told him he wasn't allowed to get up until the first number said 6.

Charlie is stubborn, but has an incredible teacher. He is really doing well. (This does a worried mama's heart a LOT of good) The 2nd day during story time, he rolled over onto his back and threw his legs up in the air over his head. He said, "I'm an armadillo and I've been hit by a truck. You can call me roadkill."

He has learned to eat with one hand in his lap (WOW!) He has filled out a calendar to 31 and a bunch of other stuff. His friend Ellen LOVES him and pretends to make him salmon at recess every day because it is his favorite. He has the sweetest friends.

He is in a class of THREE! Actually he is in a SCHOOL of THREE! It is amazing...perfect for him. Hmmm...Zach starts tomorrow. I will have to write again soon...

New Website

2006-08-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

OK, it's up...

After DAYS of working on it, I have a very primitive, and somewhat finished website up. There are pages not finished, BUT you Can go to "sessions" and see all those pics of jake!

stacymcclainphotography.com

May I present??...

2006-08-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

...the latest and greatest of Jake!!

I had the honor of taking pics of Jake last week and LOVED it! He is so precious. I am working of setting up a website, but until then...I will share here!

Piano Man

2006-07-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Charlie has started taking piano lessons. He has taken for about a month...and loves it. He definitely has a gift...same as his dad and sweet aunt Jennie, well really, all the McClains. It was incredible to watch him with his teacher...she says, "Wow...does he come from a family that plays?" Yes, on his DAD's side. "I can tell" she says...Charlie beams with pride.

He LOVES it and is learning so much so fast. This week he learned to play Mary Had a Little Lamb. He learned it with 4 other songs. He learned 2 more than he was supposed to because he really wanted to learn "Old MacDonald" for this next week.

It is exciting to see your kid in something that he was meant to do. We have done soccer, kindermusic, gymnastics...he has does them, even likes them. But had not yet excelled. But this...THIS he loves, THIS he craves, THIS he keeps coming back to so he can play again and again....

Wow.

His wonderful loyal brother spends hours listening to him play, sings along with him, AND counts all the notes. It is precious to hear Zach tap out and say "quarter quarter half-note, whole-note-hold-it."

Little Rock (1/4) marathon

2006-07-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

OKOK...another post from MARCH.

The McClains and the Stanfields ran the Little Rock marathon together. We each ran 1/4 of it...and it was a blast.

Here we are at the beginning...

Wendy ran into Mike Huckabee...he used to be her pastor.

Bright eyed at the beginning of the race...

Running hard, going strong...

We ran as fast as we could. You could take a bus from each point to the other, but we thought it would be MUCH more fun if we drove the truck to each point and cheered for each other...and took pics. Each of us has the post-run "I think I am REALLY gonna DIE right now" look.

The finish line. Our time is WAY off because our plan to drive to each check point was blown when they blocked the roads (so we thought) to the 3rd point. Chuck had to run 2 extra miles to reach Brian to tag...Brian had to wait 30 + minutes. It was a mess. NEXT YEAR, we will do it.

Amazing pics...

2006-07-18T01:59:00.000-05:00

No, I DIDN'T take them.

We actually had a photo shoot...with Lisa Felts. She is the photographer who did Jennie's wedding. Check out her website

www.lisafeltsphotography.com

and look at "recent sessions." She captured the essence of my two boys. She caught their "spunk", appreciated their "all boy" and made me remember how precious they are. She is so talented...and my gosh, I could EAT THEM UP!!

The finished road...

2006-07-18T00:43:00.000-05:00

TERRIBLE TERRIBLE BLOGGER!!

This is an entry from MAY that I never sent. We finished the road about a month after it started...it looks much different that when we started.
The plans are coming along to start building in the late fall/winter. scary...

Here are a couple of fun pics that I edited and tried to make interesting...

This one is my favorite.

Solved...

2006-06-11T00:55:00.000-05:00

The mystery is solved. We found Whitey, the white hamster.

Eight days ago, his cage was left open and he jumped off the dryer. We have put out food, looked everywhere, and set traps (large buckets with food in the bottom and stairs going up) He never showed up. I first thought he was really sweet...and dumb. However, he evaded all our traps...I was beginning to think he was smarter than we thought....

I was wrong...

I was wrapping a present yesterday...I had a few spools of ribbon to choose from. I chose yellow. I was unwrapping a lot of it and BAM! He flew out the end of the spool. Needless to say, he had gotten stuck and had died SEVERAL days before inside my ribbon.

I nearly messed my pants. AAhhh, being the mom of boys.

Our friends Johnny and Anna were coming for the weekend...we had about an hour of family time before they got there to have a burial.

Chuck is such an amazing dad...he cared so much about how the boys would feel, how to explain it, etc...

Charlie wasn't even sad. He figures that we will just get another one. How terrible is that!? You can't kill one pet and just go get another!! How I pray for the right words.

The burial was the first of many, I am sure. Charlie will tell you..."I have a hamster named Whitey...he is dead and dirty."

At Large...

2006-06-04T23:15:00.000-05:00

It's been a bad week.

Did you know we have a hamster? Cute thing, it is. It is small, about as big as a toddler's closed fist, and so soft. This is our 2nd hamster. The first hamster was named Charlie and it was a spaz. Go figure. It was up every morning at 4 am to exercise...and ran so fast we couldn't hold it. I GLADLY traded him in when he bit Charlie.

The second hamster is as dossile as they come. She is so SO sweet. She LOVES to ride in the front cabs of toy trucks, the buckets of front loaders, she is truly a keeper. Her name is Whitey. Guess what color she is...

On Thursday the boys were playing with her in the laundry room. Why there? Because this is where she stays. She lives on the dryer and due to what Charlie calls her "pooping problem", she doesn't leave the area. He has become quite efficient, in fact, at wiping her bottom on a towel as soon as a poop emerged. OKOK. Enough, I know. I just HAD to convey all this so you would know how upset I was when they went BACK to play an hour later to find her GONE. Someone had left the door open and she must have decided that she was tired of the dryer. She bolted.

I frantically called the pet store. They said to put peanut butter out on a plate. I did this right before I got in the shower...and before I was done, both boys came in COVERED in peanut butter. I have NO idea what gave them the idea that they could finger paint in it.

Three days and counting. She showed up Friday night for some food...We have seen no other evidence of her.

It freaks me out to think of where she has created a nest...chewed clothes, books, pooped, peed.....uuuuggggh.

New happenings...

2006-05-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

Ok ok...I have beeen a bad blogger. I owe you the Little Rock Marathon relay on March 5th, Charlie's Astronaut party and the latest happenings. (Although I am pretty proud of myself for doing Jennie's wedding so fast!) I will start with what's been going down lately because it's the freshest on my mind.

We bought some land and are going to build at some point...not sure when. But in the past few weeks, we have been making road. It has been great fun!! The "home spot" is on the top of a big hill and the best way to get to it is to wind through the forest. Gram and Papa have been wonderful to let us meander through some of their woods so that it wouldn't be steep...what an adventure!!

The most amazing part of all of it is that we share a fence line with Papa and Gram. Our boys will grow up being able to jst walk to their Grandparents house and we can hang out--and yet keep personal space. We are so excited about it.

We have loved going to visit every day because there is usually something really cool going on--bulldozers, backhoes (that they have been able to drive) fires, etc. Mr. Gillmore is an artist. He saw my vision and made it happen. I just love it.

This is the "first cut"--what it looked like when they started.

With a little bit of progress...

Here is the road from the top of the hill--see how it just disappears into the forest? The the boys SO little on the side of the road?

Here is one of the fires deep in the woods. There is always a canopy of trees about 100 ft up letting just a little sunshine in.

One of my favorite images is the huge backhoe knocking down a tree that is 3 times its size.

Here are the boys helping drive the backhoe.

Jennie's Wedding

2006-05-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Jennie and Jay. I have never been to a more perfect wedding...full of laughter, love and fun. Jennie, you were the MOST beautiful bride and it is so evident that you are crazy about each other. I am so glad that you are now starting your life together. Thank you for letting us be a part of the celebration.

We love you!

Hoppy Easter

2006-05-08T22:35:00.000-05:00

Easter Pics

2006-04-05T22:52:00.000-05:00

I did the cheesy mom thing today and took pictures of the boys. My WONDERFUL and SO patient friend Monica (and her puppet) went with me to make them smile. No lie, I took over 400 pictures. I figured that I take pictures of everyone else, but NEVER posed of my boys. I secretly think I was terrified. I think your own kids are the absolute hardest to take pictures of. It was cloudy so there wasn't a lot of light in their eyes and it was next to impossible to get them to smile together. But as I look through them I am so humbled and amazed at how MUCH love they have for each other.

Looking at these...I could just eat them up.

I am on a search for a pic worthy of 16 x 20.

I think the "toe grabbing" on the bridge is my fav so far...What is your vote??

My Amazing Charlie

2006-03-29T18:30:00.000-06:00

My gosh, how time flies. Charlie, you are FIVE today. The days are long, but the years too short. Joyful, full of life, quirky, energetic, funny, smart...so smart, so grown up in our house and yet so young everywhere else. You are my entertainer...a leader, NOT a follower. Every day you teach me...I am constantly stumped by you and the amazing things you do. You teach me over and over that you, I can not control... nor can I control your world.

You woke up today refusing to turn five because you haven't had your party. Nope, not five until your friends, family, cake AND rocket ship were all present. What do you do with that?? Everyone that called got a "thank you" and an "I'm ALMOST FIVE."

Yesterday you told me if you ever had another brother, you would name him "Slim."

You can never get enough "Papa" and want to visit all the time...usually asking to ride Herbie or the Kabota.

You crave contact...you still love to be held, hugged, cuddled, and kissed. I hope this never goes away!

You love your brother more than anything else in the world. You'll tell anyone that bugs him--"LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!!"
You are the typical bossy big brother...but special in that you fight for him to be "all mine!", you are the best at making him laugh...you both are inseperable. You love him and he adores you.

Your strength amazes me...you have overcome SO much and come so far. I feel that together you and I with God's help, healing, and direction, have overcome so many of the roadblocks placed in front of us. It seems that they keep coming, though. Your life has been and will continue to be a constant testimony.

I have cherished every moment of our five years together and I pray for you. I pray for your salvation..that God will touch your heart in a very special way, for your health...that I may watch you grow into a man with a family of your own, and for your happiness...that you will find peace and contentment wherever you may go.

I love you love you love you...each day more than the last.

The First Wedding

2006-03-15T21:10:00.000-06:00

You may remember the blog entitled "Ring Bearers"...where I was TERRIFIED of the top hats they got to wear AND even more, the bench they would be sitting on.

Nutshell...The wedding was incredible and the boys were amazing. A wise person gave me the idea to buy them something they REALLY want. Let them pick it out and buy it. So we did that. They were dying for rockets...so that's what they got. Full size, 500 ft in the air rockets. They were thrilled. We then took a picture of each rocket, taped it to the park bench. We then told them that if their bottoms stayed on the park bench through the ENTIRE wedding, we would go shoot their rockets. If they did NOT, we would return them to the local Walmart.

OKOK, some might call it bribery...I like to think of it as setting goals and getting rewards. C'mon child experts, what do you think?? Is it bribery?? No...I don't want to know.

Here is a pic in their suits...

and their hats...

and with Ben, the groom...

When they saw Sarah, who was BEAUTIFUL...they thought she was a princess. They couldn't speak. it was so sweet...

Here they are posed with Sarah

Their were NUTS before the wedding. They raced down the aisle at rehearsal, they played chase before the wedding. I stayed on them and tried EVERYTHING and felt like this huge loser mom who couldn't control her kids. We gave them their hats only half an hour before the wedding so that they would not be messed up. They pulled them down over their eyes, threw them in the air...total hooligans.

I thought I would puke as they started down the aisle.

But it was priceless...Charlie, who my sister calls "the entertainer," hit that aisle and stopped to bow and tip his hat at everyone. Zach, the "Repeat" of "Pete and Repeat" started doing the exact same thing. It took them minutes to get down the aisle because they stopped so many times to bow and tip their hats. It was unplanned, unrehearsed, and perfect.
These pics are a play by play...

They did well on the benches (we sat 2 inches behind them) and got to shoot off their rockets a few days later. (That will be the next blog!)

pee in the nose

2006-03-12T18:38:00.000-06:00

Zach peed up his nose Friday night. yes, it's true.
He was on a potty at a restaurant so instead of getting COMPLETELY naked to pee (like we do at home), we just pulled his pants down to his knees. He leaned down to check to see how everything was going and came up snorting! He had forgotten to "tuck" it down and so his pee went straight out about the time he checked on it. never have I laughed so hard.

Alien Abduction

2006-03-07T21:21:00.000-06:00

I think Chuck was abducted by aliens last night . He disappeared for a few hours...when he returned, he was covered with these.

ALIEN HICKIES!!!

Seriously...if you are ever face down getting a massage and someone mentions "Chinese suction cups"...run like hell! We got a massage last night and BOTH of us returned home with these. Chuck's are worse than mine...but I was planning on wearing a low-back blouse to a wedding this weekend. I will NOT pull a Gwenyth Paltrow.

The lady massaging me was determined that I needed these...but even worse, she also kept pooting. NOT a poot that can be dismissed, but she "ripped it"...and then would say something like "boy, I sure am musical tonight" or "wow, there I go again." I was mortified, disgusted, and amazed. I was NOT relaxed.

What a funny picture, unbelievable story... not to be forgotten.
By the way--why a massage?? Chuck ran in his first marathon!!! To be continued...

BIG fun, Texas style...a tribute to YQ

2006-03-01T21:03:00.000-06:00

We went to Austin, TX on the weekend of January 28th for my 2nd half-marathon. Actually, that was a farce. It was a great excuse to go see our friend Yvonne.

Yvonne Queralt is an amazing person, one of the dearest friends that Chuck and I together have shared.. An individual like her is a gem, a rarity. She comes from an amazing family, steeped in tradition and faith, and wisdom. Oh man, the wisdom that each member of her family contains is astounding.

She walked into our lives SOON after we were married and demanded attendance at THE Texas/ Arkansas football game that had been schedulesd 6 years from then. "no matter where you are in life or how many kids you have." Being married for 3 months, Chuck went pale at the plural "kids." Of course, she was right.

You will NEVER find a better host. She opens her home and her life and makes you a part of her family. Chuck and I adore her mom, Mrs. Delia (or mama Q), and have really enjoyed getting to know her brother Mark's family.

She has always said, "Your closest friends are the ones that you waste the most time with." That was never truer that this weekend. We did SO much with her while we did lots of nothing. Does that make any sense? Not to those who have never been busy doing nothing. We loved every minute with her.

She and Chuck share so much history...for 4 years they worked together (or wasted time together?!)...but they shared so much more than that. There were so SO SO many laughs. Chuck says that Yvonne has the lowest threshold for laughter that he has ever known, making it a blessing just to be around her. Life in residency wasn't always fun, it wasn't always easy, it wasn't always good even...but there was a bond that you could always count on-a constancy on a crazy world. She and Chuck share many many more medical memories and actually are good at making me feel a part of THEIR medical family. :)

We were able to catch up, pick up where we left off...and continue. The food was amazing, the margaritas to die for, and the weather was perfect (including the rainstorm that killed the power the first morning so we HAD to sleep in!) We loved it.

The first full day there was the rainstorm and we stayed in our pj's visiting until AFTER NOON! We then went and got my race packet and drove the course so I could see it. THEN we went to Town Lake in downtown Austin. Yvonne is the most athletic person we've ever known (she's a runner, biker, swimmer, and has been know to do a triathalon per week)...and she has recently taken up CREW. To us rednecks, it is rowing. She took us kayaking on the lake where we enjoyed the peace and watched the sunset. Wow.

This is a pic of the 3 of us. Do you know how hard it is for 3 people IN kayaks to lean together for a self portrait?! Tricky.

Chuck and I with downtown Austin in the background.

Yvonne and the sunset...

THE sunset. Wow.

Chuck and I before the race started. Yes, it was still dark!

The bikes that Chuck and Yvonne rode.

It was the coolest ever...Yvonne had the idea for her and Chuck to ride the race course backwards until they found me. It was brilliant! It kept me running and gave me something to do.

The race...where I set a personal record. Think it might be because it was all downhill??

They found me at mile 7 where Chuck RAN with me. They found me again at 9 and mile 10. He ran up the biggest hill of the race with me. It made the mile 10 WALL seem ok.

The man with THREE kids in a jogging stroller. Ages 7, 5, and 3. If that wasn't enough, he also had a CASE of Coors LIGHT in the bottom.

I LOVED the race. the most amazing part is that Yvonne surprised both Chuck and me with a full body massage at her gym. We were completely shocked...and it was incredible. It actually prevented me from being sore.

This is the view from our post race dinner. I could never have imagined a prettier view...better company, or a more fun trip.

I have yet to mention Rose...another highlight of the trip. Rose (short for Rose Bowl, since TX won) is YQ's new puppy. She is beautiful, sweet, and FULL of energy. A true puppy--we had so much fun with her.

Lastly...when Charlie was born, Yvonne claimed that he would play linebacker for TX. She may be right...but it may be Zach.

CANADA!!!

2006-02-27T21:36:00.000-06:00

Whistler, British Columbia
It was the most amazing ski adventure EVER!

We FLED to Dallas, barely missing Arkansas' ice storm where all the flights were shut down.
It STILL took us 22 hours to get there! The boys were angels. They sat in their car seats most of those hours either in a car, 12 person van, or plane.

Charlie and Zach are HUGE into volcanos-- This is a picture of a REAL volcano from the air and we flew right past it. Mt. Saint Helens. They absolutely could NOT contain themselves.

A pic of the boys waiting patiently in the airport for 2 hours to meet Jamie and Jay...aren't they sweet?

Travel crisis #1--Boys had to pee in stand still traffic at the Canadian border. Solution: We opened the van doors and had them go between lanes.
Travel crisis #2--had to pee in stand still traffic in downtown Vancouver. Solution: don't drink out of the coffee mugs...they are no longer full of coffee. But they ARE full...

First day --we rode COOL MIGHTY snowmobiles and looked like Power Rangers! Check out Zach--he is asleep.

Charlie and I rode together. He had fun "driving" our snowmobile.

Zach fell asleep 5 minutes into it and woke up when we parked. "Wow! That was fun!!" he said.

For the next 4 days, both Charlie and Zach went to ski school from 8:30 to 3:30. They LOVED it and learned to "ski" (ok, stand up, slide, and occasionally stop!) They loved EVERY minute of it and learned a lot too. Bonus--it allowed us to get GREAT skiing in!

Zach with his teacher, Carolyn--whom he adored.
Zach in his favorite position---flat.

My favorite picture of Charlie in his ski garb.

Charlie skiing down a little bunny hill with me. He never learned to stop--simply because he didn 't want to stop. He is truly my child.

Here is Chuck and me at the top of the world--literally. It was a place called 7th heaven. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Another picture of 7th Heaven--we were on TOP of a cloud--see the cloud below us??

This is what it looked like as we skiied down INTO the cloud. You could not see your feet! You couldn't tell if there was a jump, a bump, or a cliff...it was really freaky. Scary when the people around you got 2-3 feet away. They disappeared.

This is Franz's Run--probably the best run I have ever been on. It is the site of the women's downhill in the Olympics 2010. It was over 3 miles long...we raced down it and pretended to be Olympic athletes! It took us 9 minutes 45 seconds. Can you believe they do in in a minute something? It was fun being in Whistler and watching the winter Olympics, knowing that the next Olympics would be right where we were!

This is a Jamie Sue, Jay and I in a picture of the village 1/2 way down the mountain. It seems so far away...

Change of subject: here is the most amazing pile of nachos known to man!

A pictue of the whole crew but me. My mom, Jamie, Jay, baby Jacob, Chuck and the boys.

A pic of Charlie and Jacob having a good laugh. All three boys had the best time together. They played with Jacob and at times were the BEST at getting him to giggle. They all three love each other so much.

A pic of baby Jacob, whom I adore...

The two MOST AMAZING gourmet chefs who came TO OUR CONDO and cooked the most delicious 3 course meal I have ever had. It was incredible food, great wine, in our PAJAMAS, with boys watching a MOVIE! They even did our dishes before they left. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Here are the chefs at work...

Course #1...asparagus blanched and wrapped in panchetta, roasted portabella mushroom with herbed goat cheese. mmmmm.....

Course #2...beef tenderloin, herb/green peppercorn (which is soaked in brine and looks like capers for those of us who did not know it existed) encrusted...on a bed of risotto, and gorgonzola mashed potatoes and roasted red peppers...oh man....
and did I mention the maple syrup demi-glace???

Course #3...Look closely-2 layered creme brulee (dark and white chocolate) in the making...the boys were fascinated.

One of the last pictures, but the last to be forgotten. Jamie had a BEAUTIFUL fall. She came FLYING (literally) over a hill that was more of a cliff. It was ski, knee, shoulder, head...in that respective order. It would have been a 10, but she got hurt. She dislocated her shoulder, tearing all the connective tissues. She actually skiied down part of the mountain before riding down. We got to experience the Canadian medical system first hand...it was realy nicely done. But she still "broke her wing." If there is a positive, it WAS on the last day and she DID have a fall to be proud of!

Finally--a pic of the family after a long day of skiing...one that makes you happy-tired. The boys adored every moment of the trip--we all did. We are already reminiscing and making plans for the next ski trip.

Ring Bears

2006-02-08T16:25:00.000-06:00

Will they be bearers or bears?

Charlie and Zach are in their very first wedding this spring...actually, they will be in two. Their Sweet Aunt Jennie (yes, sweet IS part of her name!) is marrying J. in May. Our great friend and babysitter, Sarah is also getting married. She is marrying her high school sweetheart...they found each other again after their college years--it's really sweet.

The boys are going to walk down the aisle in March and again in May...so I am posting pictures of the boys during their fittings. They are SO cute! Sarah is having the boys wear top hats. They are absolutely adorable in them...however I am terrified of what will happen to the hats DURING the ceremony. They will being sitting in the front on a miniature park bench during the whole ceremony.
EGADS! Somebody get me drugs.

These are the adorable pics...

Here's what I am AFRAID will happen...

Here is a pic of Sarah, Ben, and Sarah's mom...

The Great Ski Adventure

2006-01-26T07:59:00.000-06:00

I have had SUCH a hard time blogging lately. Why?? Well, we have picked up a new hobby..."homeschooling." Kidding...it is not a hobby, but a new practice in our house that is so consuming of time and energy. There are many many reasons...another blog in itself, but bottom line, it is amazing and for now, exactly what we need to be doing.

In addition, I have been doing last minute training for my 2nd half-marathon. It was last weekend in Austin, TX and it was amazing. This too is its own post....to be posted soon.

But for all who wanted to know...St. Louis (as the boys call it... "ST. LOOLISS")

Here is a great picture of us on our first ski trip! THIS is the picture I will scrapbook. But alas...Do not be fooled. It was staged. It's a farce, a lie, NOT as it appears. Here is the REAL story.
Skiing was an adventure...a disaster...the funniest and maybe most taxxing thing we have ever done! We left at 6:30 when Chuck got off work and didn't check into the hotel until well after midnight. But the next morning, we were SO excited! We went and had a good breakfast, ran back to the room and spent the next HOUR putting on ONE MILLION articles of clothing...socks, long johns, sweats, bibs, shirts, coats, neck gaitors, etc. We then left for the slopes. We arrived at 10:30 and all we had to do was put on helmets, buy lift ticket and get skis/boots. Not too hard, right?

WRONG. an HOUR and a HALF later we reach the top of the bunny slope with our skis on. Chuck and I gaze out to assess the slopes, meanwhile Zach and Charlie fall to the ground and assume "snow angel position" Maybe we should've stopped there- they would have been perfectly content. Hindsight is 20/20...unfortunately, we were suffering from snow-blindness.

Charlie immediately starts sliding uncontrollably toward an injured skiier on a gurney. We get him and bring him back and meanwhile Zach has lost both skis. We get Zachs skis back on and someone had to pee. We go pee and then are REALLY ready and we hold them by the shoulders and slowly slide down the mountain.

THAT WAS OUR BEST RUN OF THE DAY.

Charlie decides he MUST go on the ski lift ---our reply: NO WAY!!!, Zach decides he's tired and "falls"...that's about it.

Charlie is crying, Zach is laying down. So we decide we ARE skiing some more. We look up the hill and realize we must get up there by tow rope. The ONLY way to get up the hill is to hold on the the rope with BOTH hands (it does NOT slow down for you!) This leaves you to hold kids BETWEEN THE KNEES AND THIGHS. WE are hunkered over them, their skiis are flopping behind us. Charlie learned to ski--with a little leash like harness around his shoulders...it was the ONLY way to keep him with us. It was GREAT! Here's a great pic of Charlie and Chuck with the harness....

This is Chuck and Charlie coming down the mountain...

We had to HOLD Zach up by the jacket as we skiied him down.
This is me and Zach. I am simply standing trying to get him to stand up. Just lock his knees for a moment. Look at the leg on the right. Notice it's backwards. Do you know how long it takes to get a TODDLER ski turned around? You must first lift your own ski up high far to the side...now while standing one one leg...correction, ski...you must then bend over and grab his ski and turn it around withOUT losing your balance OR sliding down the mountain. This is ASSUMING that the child will put ANY weight on his legs at ALL
I am actually skiing slowly with Zach--notice the skis are BEHIND him.

The whole ski adventure lasted around 45 minutes.

Storm Troopers

2006-01-20T14:39:00.000-06:00

We are taking the boys on their first real ski trip in February. We are going to ATTEMPT (key word) to ski in Canada at Whistler, British Columbia. Chuck and I are a little apprehensive at how the boys will do in ski school in 20 below weather with all the garb they have to wear. So, we are taking them to "practice" skiing this weekend in St. Louis where they have fake snow.

We have been practicing wearing our bibs, mittens, coats, long johns, neck gaitors, and finally, helmets and goggles. I was most worried about that. I was afraid that they would boycott, but they think they are the coolest baddest beings on the planet! They call themselves Rescue Heroes, but secretly, I think they look just like storm troopers!

Don't they look like they could save the planet???

To Jail

2006-01-13T20:24:00.000-06:00

Today we went to Little Rock to go to the childrens museum...Even though I raced to get home across the bridge before traffic, I got stuck. It took us 45 minutes to cross...and there was an ambulance that passed. I thought both boys would be fascinated by the sirens, but instead they said, "WHOA...there's a policeman!...and he's taking someone to JAIL!" Sure enough, next to us in standstill traffic was a police car taking someone to jail.

The conversation went something like this (as I tried not to goon and said thanks that the back windows were tinted.)

Why mom?? Why is he going to jail?

Well, I guess he must have done something really bad.

Really bad, Mom? He did something really bad?

Yeah, it's got to be really bad to take someone to jail.

Long pause, and then a VERY serious voice..."He must have hit his brother."

Thank you, God, for the precious (and hysterical) innocence of my children.

Thought I would add a sweet pic with their Dad.

A little (different) perspective

2006-01-10T16:44:00.000-06:00

A little perspective, a different perspective...in this case, they are one in the same. Charlie and Zach got a camera for Christmas so their photographer/teacher mom could teach them to take pictures. I know, probably crazy...BUT Charlie has really gotten into it and LOVES taking pictures! Actually, he is pretty good. (especially for a 4 year old!)

What amazes me more than anything is the different perspective from which a 4-year old takes pictures. First of all, from waist level, secondly...he takes them of EVERYTHING! (go digital!). The most amazing, though, is the reaction of composed adults when a 4 year old says "say cheese!" It is so different. I only wish we ALWAYS lived our lives without as much composure.

This is "peace out" Papa. Jes.
And from a different perspective. I don't think anyone knew the picture was taken.

Gram in her crazy mode. Who knew?

Hamming it up for the camera!!

Aunt Julie who always poses for a picture.

Me trying to get on his level.

The Dinosaur

Chuck being "The Dinosaur." This is a game played every night.

Aunt Lori being "The Dinosaur" (This animal has made quite the impact!)

This is my favorite picture that he has taken. I think it is really nice. Nice composition, nice perspective. Maybe a little talent there! I think I am a biased mom.

Challenge to everyone out there...have FUN in front of a camera! Aren't the pictures more entertaining?!

Gram's birthday party

2006-01-09T07:56:00.000-06:00

FINALLY---I have downloaded my pictures from Gram's 60th party. Here are most of my favorites...

Here's a picture of ALL the family members who attended the party... I think technically it is a TERRIBLE picure-- look how the people in front are SO BIG!! and you can hardly see the people in the back.
But I LOVE that we have everyone in one picture.

This is my all time favorite picture from the evening.

It was CRAZY trying to get a picture of all the kids...ok of my boys, Jake was very good about it.

Finally--after 14 shots, I got one that was pretty good...or is it that our expectations are lower because we were EXHAUSTED from trying to get everyone to look!

Happy Birthday, Gram

2006-01-05T00:29:00.000-06:00

Today is the birthday of my wonderful mother-in-law. She is 60 years old!...and you would NEVER know it. We threw a huge party for her last Thursday...with magnificant decorations (from Lori and Carey), food, a slideshow, and a scrapbook full of pictures and letters sent in to her from her friends and loved ones. Tomorrow I will blog the pictures from the party. Today---my tribute to Gram. ...for an AMAZING blog of the party, see www.jem.squarespace.com

Practical Pat, Medical Pat, mother, mother-in-law, friend, Gram. These are the hats you wear. They may be what you do, but they certainly don't define you completely. Inner strength, grace, beauty, a pillar in your family, a source of stability, a constant. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Pat McClain.

I love the way you love our boys. I am grateful for the way you have accepted me into your family as one of your children. More than all these, you have given me a gift... a gift far more amazing than anything I could have ever dreamed of.

You have given me the gift of my husband. For over 20 years, you fed, cared for, loved, prayed for, and carefully molded your little boy into the man he is today. I couldn't ask for a more perfect husband ...one that honors his Lord, respects those around him, adores his boys, and cherishes me. You and Papa have instilled patience, humor, work ethic, tenderness, and the same quiet inner strength that you have.
He is perfect for me. He is my best friend and the love of my life...and I give you credit. Thank you.

I love living close to you and Papa and I have grown to treasure our relationship. As I said, you are a constant...you rarely miss an opportunity to be there for your family. For us, that means sharing with you nearly every game, performance, birthday, or Thursday night dinner. As our boys grow into men, they will not be able to think of a memory not shared with you. I can't think of anything more special in a child's life.

So...a tribute to Pat McClain. I love you...for who you are and for what you mean to all those around you. May God bless you with the same peace, hope, and love that you bring into the lives of others.

Happy 60th Birthday...
Love- Stacy

Diaper days

2005-12-29T03:14:00.000-06:00

This is Zach. Zach is having fun with his pull ups. I think he is bored with the whole potty training thing. Looks like it, huh?

Cheaper by the dozen? Not when it comes to pull-ups!! Zach came out into a room full of guests thinking he was really funny. Know what? He was. He could hardly "shimmy" from one place to another.

Are they ready to be potty trained when they can not only tell you that they peed,
get their own pull up,
but put on 12 by themselveas AND COUNT them for you??

Yep, it's time.

Basketcase

2005-12-20T11:23:00.000-06:00

Would you call them a basketcase?

How about a barrel full of monkeys?

The Stinky Box

2005-12-19T11:10:00.000-06:00

The Adventures of the Male race---they never cease to amaze me.

I'm in the closet off my bathroom the other day...I hear the boys coming. They are on their usual adventure of flying pretend planes or killing dinosaurs and monsters---I can't remember which. Anyway, they come into the bathroom and I hear them stop abruptly and Charlie whispers to Zach, "Hey, wanna smell the stinky box?" "YEAH!" comes the whispered reply. From the sound of their voices, this is the most daring thing ever.

I peek out to see them looking carefully down at Chuck's retainer box...

Charlie opens it slowly...

They both bend down and sniff...

EEEEEWWWWWWW!!

and run off.

It was hysterical. It proves the point that I have always made that a 15 year old retainer IS nasty!

A REAL date!

2005-12-18T23:25:00.000-06:00

We went on a date the other night. A REAL date...it was the most amazing time we have had in a long forever. We hired a babysitter...my FAVORITE babysitter ever (and good friend---are you out there Sarah??) We drove to Little Rock and had a progressive dinner. We went to PF Changs for appetizers, Tias for queso and margaritas, a really good restaurant that I can NOT remember the name of, and we went to NU for dessert. It took four hours to eat plus another 3 to drive there and back. there was no work stress, no kid stress, only us. It was so relaxing, so enjoyable, and I felt renewed as a person (instead of a mom) and renewed in our relationship. It is so much fun getting dressed up and being romantic all night. Made me think we were dating again! (oh wait, we WERE dating!)

One of the benefits of living in Batesville is that when we actually get to do something like this, I appreciate it so much!
Maybe we will get to repeat the date next year.

Brothers

2005-12-17T22:58:00.000-06:00

"There is a destiny that makes us brothers
No one goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own."

Here are my boys on a typical morning before we get ready for school.
I feel so blessed that they love each other so much.

This was unposed--
They truly love to just cuddle up and watch TV.
Isn't that amazing?
They protect each other, they fight for each other...
I hope that they always have that kind of a bond.

A tribute to Nathan

2005-12-13T11:38:00.000-06:00

Little man...how amazing you are.

Three years ago this past week, Nathan Stanfield entered this world at 1 pound, 11 ounces. His diaper was 4 inches tall and was too large.

He has beaten the odds and today is a healthy, happy, sweet boy. God made him a fighter...whether it is for his favorite cookie...or for his life. He captures my heart every time he yells, "I love you Stacy!" or "God made me."

Yes, Nathan...He DID make you...with a strength that not only saved your life, but will take you anywhere you want to go...with a sweetness tht every mama wants her boy to have, and with love. Oh yes, He blessed you with love.

You are God's child...he has carried you and your family again and again. Always remember that. There is a special purpose...a reason that God made you. Always fight for Him with the strength that He gave you, always share with others that sweet spirit, and love Him...fiercely.

Happy 3rd birthday, my sweet little friend. I am blessed to have you in my life, teaching me how to live. And yes, I love you too!

The Stanfields: Garrett (7), Nathan (3), Brian, Wendy, Amber (5) A wonderful family...I am honored to know each of them.

Happy Birthday, Jamie Sue

2005-12-12T12:03:00.000-06:00

We were fortunate to grow up in a family home with two parents who loved and valued us. Our childhood was fairly ordinary, interlaced with the usual ups and downs that life bestows. We fussed, we fought, and many days, could not agree on anything...but when times were tough, one was always there for the other.

Jamie is the youngest and probably the sanest in the family. I truly believe that this is a result of her watching and learning from others' mistakes. Her common sense and insightful approach to life never ceases to amaze me. She has the uncanny ability to see the reality of a situation. More than once, she has brought me back to earth with her straight forward and sound advice.

Jamie is a rock. I have loved watching my little sister grow into the amazing woman she is. Her days are filled with keeping people alive (literally) while raising a new baby and maintaining a busy home that also includes husband Jay and two big dogs. Through it all, she stays grounded...she stays real. I respect her more than anyone. Though sometimes I may not like what she may say, I always listen to her wisdom...and although I hate to admit it, I usually follow her advice.

She is an incredible mom...laid back and so very in love with her little man. She doesn't freak out or fret over the little things that consume and exhaust most first time mothers...she simply enjoys the moment. How refreshing.

God has (literally) placed us together to endure some of the most difficult moments in each others lives...in times when we didn't know if we could survive...In times when death seemed to be at the door. Those times drew us closer. As sisters, we have clung tighter in the past 18 months than ever. In a situation that could have destroyed our relationship, we vowed to make it stronger. We have...and I am so glad.

Happy birthday, my precious sister. You are my angel.

Fisher of men

2005-12-10T01:15:00.000-06:00

Give a man a fish
and you have fed him for a day...

Teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime.

A tribute to Chuck McClain...amazing father. Thank you for teaching our little men not only how to fish, but how to live.

Sweet boys

2005-12-08T02:44:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned??

I don't think I have.

I have two of the most beautiful nephews in the world. I LOVE being an aunt! It is up there with being a mom, with MUCH less responsibility! My two nephews are Jacob Morrison and Jake McClain.

Jake was born November 10th. He was adopted by Carey and David and he already has my heart. The most amazing thing is that his hair color is the same as Carey's. He's incredible. I just can not wait to get to know him.

Jacob was born I THINK May 28th (Jamie will kill me!) He is 6 months now and will capture your heart with his giggles and smiles. We love to visit. The boys get in his face and talk to him and sing to him, kiss his toes and just love him to pieces. Look at this cutie! I could just eat him up!

My First Half-Marathon

2005-12-06T16:38:00.000-06:00

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I ran, I finished, I survived. I loved every minute of it.

In a nutshell, it took 2 hrs, 16 min, 8 seconds which is 10:24 minute per mile. It isn't great, it isn't fast...but it is complete. It is 11 months of hard training coming to fruition.

I loved having Chuck and the boys there to blow kisses at the start...it made my heart swell. It meant the world that they were there to cheer and wave at the finish line. I sobbed when I saw them because they have cheered for me the entire 11 months...on the treadmill they would yell--GO FASTER! In the stroller, they would shout--TIME TO RUN!

I also LOVED seeing the patients at St. Jude at mile 10 cheering and thanking us for running for them. Wow. How humbling. We cried for the next mile.

I ran the whole race with my friend Jessica Fagan. That was amazing...and I was SO glad to be done at mile 13---SHE ran 26!

There were 5211 people in the race...of the 3680 that ran the 1/2, I was finished #2081...that is pretty slow. But Zach will tell anyone who will listen that I won the race. I DID win the race...I was #1 to him and I met my goal of finishing!

I do not hesitate in saying that ANYONE can run . But no matter what you do, find something that you love, that is yours alone...and stay committed to it. It is so rewarding.

Race Day

2005-12-02T00:02:00.000-06:00

Last January, I took up running. My parents had filed for divorce, Chuck was working a lot, the boys were crazy and so was I. I found it to be a GREAT stress reliever and quickly become addicted. I remember running with a friend in our neighborhood and after what seemed like forever, I was DYING. "How far have we been?" I panted. She looks at her fancy GPS. "About 1/3 of a mile." Humbling. After 3 months, I had built my distance up to 1.5 miles, which made me an official "beginner runner." In April, I drove to Nashville to visit my sister. I rode with a friend who was running a half-marathon and she challenged me to do the same. December 3rd was to be the St. Jude Marathon and half-marathon. I set my goal for then.

In August, I ran my first race. It was the 4 mile classic in Batesville. That was the farthest I had ever run and was SO nervous. I had an ingrown toenail and Chuck had shot it with lidocaine so it wouldn't hurt. I ran faster than I ever had on a DEAD toe. It about KILLED me...but I won 3rd place in my division. (I truly think there were only 4 participants)

So here it is. The race is this Saturday. I have worked my BUTT off since January. 11 months...and I am ready.

Why so far??

I am doing it for my boys. Oh my gosh, I love them so much! I wasn't being the mom I wanted to be. I was stressed and frazzled. Running has given me perspective, patience, and that endorphin "feel good" happiness that makes me a better mom.

I am doing it for Chuck--I feel more attractive, more self-confident of my post-partum body, and more mellow. It also gives me goal and the satisfaction when I meet them.

Most of all...I am doing it for me.

When Charlie was born, I lost all sense of perspective. I gave EVERYTHING to my kids. A colleague once told me, "Never stop being involved in the things that interest you...always keep your own stuff going on or you will lose sight of who you are." I did just that. Running has allowed me QUIET TIME to reflect and think, it has allowed me to blow off steam. Most of all, I have regained a sense of me. I feel like I have some crazy new found strength enables my body do what my mind wants it to do. With it I have found a peace. I love it.

This past week, I have fought a cold, fought yet another ingrown toenail, AND tripped onver a TONKA bulldozer and busted my knee. It was discolored and swollen. (so were my spirits)

You know what? I am still running. I think I would run blind and one-legged if I had to. I have worked too long and too hard to let anything get in the way. 8:00 on Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes...

Attempt at Broadway

2005-11-30T23:39:00.000-06:00

I try to expose my kids to culture. After living in big cities that offer huge shows, museums, and art...I never fail to jump at the opportunity to take the family to a show. I excitedly call Chuck at work, "GUESS WHO IS COMING IN CONCERT!!" He can only gues someone huge...to him this would be Van Halen. No--the Wiggles!, or Bob the Builder, or Monsters on ice, or Dora, or the circus...the list goes on. He is never excited, but always willing. This alone makes him the ideal husband.

So when I get my Ticketmaster email, I was so excited about the opportunity to see Beauty and the Beast. They were having children's night at the Orpheum in Memphis. There is not a more perfect way to expose young children to the arts than take then to CHILDRENS night (a little more forgiving) at a Broadway show. New York here we come!--sorta. We got 3rd row tickets.

So everyone got all slicked up with moussed hair, christmas outfits, and "fancy manners." We drove (like a bat out of ----) the two hours to Memphis. Our plan to eat at a nice restaurant downtown ended up at the West Memphis Cracker Barrel (I am NOT digging on the CB...we were just overdressed.) By the way, the boys' manners were superb at the "fancy" restaurant that we had talked about.

I did not read the information closely. The BROADWAY musical was really the BIRMINGHAM CHILDRENS THEATER. When the curtain opened, we experienced a very obscure rendition of the book...if you REALLY used your imagination you could tell who the characters were. It lasted all of 35 minutes.

We had a nice desert downtown and then headed home. The boys LOVED the show and were perfect for every brief moment of it. Do you know what their favorite part was?? Chicken Poppers at a Sonic on the drive home.

Halloween

2005-11-07T15:19:00.000-06:00

Charlie and Zach were dinosaurs for Halloween this year. For those who know them, I am sure this comes as no surprise. Specifically, Charlie was a T-Rex (a nice one) and Zach was a Pteradactyl bird. It was very rainy, so we spent a lot of time opening the door and passing out candy. We went to the Fall Festival at church and caught 3-4 houses of friends on the way home. All in all...a good night. They have been DYING for Halloween ever since they got their costumes in September...so it was fun.

Say no to crack

2005-11-03T10:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday at school, Charlie mooned his class. He has had a little trouble sitting during circle time but today, he pulled his pants down and "wagged his tail" at his friends. AAAHHH! What do you do?? I would LOVE to hear from you veteran parents.

My biggest beef?? He saw Spongebob do it! Now it would be one thing if he saw a show which he is NOT allowed to do, but it was on a commercial when he was watching Dora. Why must they impose rotten values on commercials of a TODDLER show??

He had to go to the hospital and tell his daddy what happened. That was a big deal. We feel so new and unexperienced at this parent thing! But I guess that is what a first child would do. It really i pretty funny, I guess. I would NEVER tell him that. I actually vaguely remember stories of his Daddy doing the same thing in HIGH SCHOOL?!

I welcome any comments or suggestions!

Happy Birthday Zachary

2005-10-31T14:14:00.000-06:00

Dear Sweet Zach...Three years ago this morning in the 10 hour, you claimed my heart. Everything about you from the first moment has been perfect. God created you and made you into this precious little man...a perfect fit into our family. You are a McClain, there is never any doubt in those beautiful blue McClain eyes and your Gram's face. You are amazing.

I have enjoyed every moment of your little life. I love watching you and Charlie play together. You adore your older brother, saying EVERY single thing that he says, mimicking every move. You want to be like him in every way, but you are your own. You have your own heart...sweeter, more thoughtful, more giving than anyone I have ever met. You will give ANYTHING to anyone, they just have to say please. When you get a treat, you always say, "I need one for my Charlie too, please." You love the people around you fiercely and you are verbal about it. "I need a hug from you...you are my good friend...I love you..." Never lose that quality...ALWAYS share with those around you how you care about them.

I love how shy you are sometimes...making me realize that we are so lucky to receive your affection. I love how, like your father, you always do the nice thing. You are the word police, "Mom, WE don't say stupid (or but or hate or ugly)" You dream these huge elaborate dreams. Just last night you yelled out, "I don't WANT to slide down the elephant's trunk!" In your dreams, you always fight the bad guys and you always save the day. Little man, you will do that when you grow up, too. I adore your passion for food. I love how you are convinced that you are a BIG boy and I am a little lady, so you need to take care of me. I love how you squeeze your eyes shut and talk so freely to your God. May you always look to Him and lean on Him. I love that you talk incessantly. I love all your phrases, "Ooots, I so sorry...I am a BIG boy, see my muscles?...I hurt my tum (tongue)...I am a pteradactyl dinosaur bird, fap fap fap...But MMOMMM!...Mom, WE don't spank bottoms!...Dad is at the HOS-TI-PITAL, he's saving the day..."

This has been a hard year of growing up...your older brother started school, soccer and was in Cubbies. You wanted to do all this so badly. But instead you stood on the sidelines of all his events (usually in shinguards and cleats) yelling, "Whoooooo, go Charlie!" You are his biggest fan...and I am yours.

I love you love you love you, my sweet boy. May your third year be full of happiness and wonder. May you never lose your precious spirit.

Mom

Soccer Days

2005-10-22T21:47:00.001-05:00

3-4 year old soccer is a sport like none other. You laugh until you cry, you pull your hair out. It is nothing short of wonderful.

It has been a lesson in FOCUS for Charlie. It has been so hard for him to learn to care about the game. It has been precious! Today, he KICKED the ball. No, not scored, but ran fast enough to catch the "pack" and make contact with the ball! This is HUGE for him! I have never seen him so proud! We have been working all season to stay focused on the game and today was the day. He really got the idea. Thought I would share a few pics from the season. While he hasn't been "into" the game, he is so happy and truly enjoys himself out on the field. These are all pictures taken DURING games.

Here are some common things you might see:
Someone kicking the wrong direction.
Scoring for the other team!
Throwing dirt on each other
Needing a kiss from mom when you fall down.
Running right out of your pants because they are too big.
Running with a shirt over your head to hide from the others.

Pretending to be a dinosaur and roaring at the kids, the ref, and the coach (this was NOT my favorite)
Oh no! Don't pee on the field!
Kids climbing the goal net.
Picking pretty blades of grass.
Crying when someone kicks YOUR ball.

By far--this is my favorite thing to see. My child LOVING the game...with his dad.

Pickin Pumpkins

2005-10-18T20:55:00.000-05:00

We took our playgroup to the pumpkin patch last week. It is amazing how much it has grown in the past year! It started with 4 or 5 moms and has more than doubled. What a blessing!

Playgroup is a time that my boys have really grown to love. It is wonderful to see them develop relationships with their friends. Having moved a lot, I never had a friend that I grew up with. Chuck is always saying, "I have known him since 1st grade"...it is a really special feeling to see my boys connect with these kids and know that they could very well be in each others weddings. We will blink and be sending them to Kindergarten, high school, and then college.

I hope that they realize that in a world that can be so cruel, a good friend makes all the difference. I want for them to learn that a friend worth keeping is the one who builds you up and makes you feel good. It's not the cool, the good-looking, or the popular kids. I want them to not only seek good friends, but BE that good friend. I love all these little kids. They have such amazing personalities already. Is it because I love their families so much...bacause I KNOW that these moms want their kids to grow up to be Godly, no to mention share, not hit, spit or cuss... and all the other important things? Is it that easy to pick your kids friends?? Surely I am still in the sheltered world of a toddler. I don't want them to grow up.

Zach made sure that he got the PERFECT pumpkin. He was so proud. He kept saying, "Mom...this is SO heavy! But I am strong. See my muscles?" It is here that he would drop his pumpkin to the ground from a waist high level to show his biceps.

Charlie loves picking up 3 or 4 before he gets the perfect one.

I was so grateful that a friend took a picture of me with the boys. I realized that from 3600 pictures in my photo file, this may be the only one of me with the boys. Sad--but I'm always the one snapping the pics.

All in all, it was a wonderful day. Lots of laughs, not too many catastrophes. Beautiful fall weather, even prettier scenery.

Here we go.

2005-10-18T19:25:00.000-05:00

Well here we are. The McClains. That is, the Chuck McClains. The Chuck, the Stacy, the Charlie, and the Zach. 36, 32, 4, and 2. I, Stacy, am the author of this thing. Chuck is my amazing husband of 7 years, boyfriend of 10. He is my friend and my life. He is also the most incredible dad I have ever encountered...In our house, he is the man. While he is so very funny--it took me YEARS to learn when he was kidding--he is also very compassionate. He puts everyone before himself. He has a life rule: "Always do the nice thing." He follows it religiously. I will blog about his life rules sometime, they are impressive. When he talks to someone, he looks INTO his or her life to see how they are...Not just at the surface. It was once said of Chuck, "Still waters run deep." He is my deep. He is insightful, calm, and balanced. He is steady. I am most definitely the turbulence: running fast (from one thing to the next), always changing (my mind, it seems)...I often wonder if it is my personality or my stage of life. Are they one in the same? Regardless, we balance each other perfectly.

We have two beautiful boys. 99% of this blog will be about them...They keep me so busy, so humored, so frustrated, yet so happy. They are inseparable and are best friends. I pray this will never change.

Charlie is actually Charles Morris McClain IV. He is one incredible little guy already. A fighter since before he was born, his daily journey through life inspires (and exhausts) me. He has the sweetest spirit. It is never broken by life's tough trials. One of my hopes is that he grows up with many traits from Charles the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. They are all remarkable men.

Zach, or Zachary Marshall McClain is named after two of his great-grandparents. He will be three on Halloween and is a little man who is daily "coming into his own" with this growing up thing. He is precious precious precious...And is daily changing before my eyes. He is sensitive, emotional, and VERBAL about both. I can never get enough of him.

I don't know a thing about this blogging stuff except that I LOVE to read other peoples stuff. I have loved catching glimpses into the crazy days of people very much like myself. I reminds me that this life that seems so out of control is really quite normal. My sister-in-law, Sweet Jennie is an avid blogger and I have been so inspired by her insight to life.

So I am going to blog. Why? More than anything, I have come to realize that I will NEVER remember all the sweet, crazy, unbelievable moments that flood every day. How can I let them pass by? Fair warning: I am in no way a writer. I know this is not what is important. What matters is that a certain memory is saved forever.

So, here we go. Here is our life.
Thanks for being a part of it.