girlymama

help, internets! fashion emergency!

Okay. I just found out that the wedding I am going to in 2 weeks is black tie optional!

Ack!

This means my little sundress from Tar-Jay will not do. Now what?

I just ordered this online:

Its silk. But its charcoal grey. Is that okay? Any other suggestions where to look for something?

parting

Today we say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa as they return to India for a whole year. And goodbye to Husband as he heads to Turkey for over two weeks.
I'm pretending to be very brave and cheerful for the kids. Saying how wonderful it is to share our daddy with the people in Turkey. How important it is for him to go visit the church there. How exciting it is that we can pray for him on his trip. How special it is that Grandma and Grandpa share Jesus with people in India. How lucky we were they could come home and see us.
But the kids are not buying it.
They are crying.
They're old enough to realize how long the people they love will be gone.

splish splash!

There is something I have always had mommy-guilt about. Something I even lie to my pediatrician about, because I am so embarrassed.
My kids have never had swim lessons.
I KNOW!
Okay, its not a huge deal, but it seems like everyone else has had them. Except my kids.
But, today I get to check that off my list. While we are at my moms, I found someone to give them private lessons in my mom's pool. We're going with private lessons because I'm having trouble finding a beginner class for 5 year olds. (Again, the guilt!! Every 5-year-old except mine has had lessons!) I'm so excited.
Although yesterday Husband took them in the pool and Ellie was fuh-REAKING out.  Oh well. She's in for a shock today when this girl makes her get in without her usual accessories:

ta-da!

I now have professionally highlights. And lowlights.
Hannahumma will be so proud of me.

um... thanks.

As we're all changing into our bathing suits:
Grace: Mommy, your belly is just like mine. Our bellies stick out. We have big bellies. Ellie has a little bellies, but we have BIG bellies.

Me: Thanks, Grace.

made it!

We're still recovering from our first trip out to Ohio with all 3 children. Oh my word. What a trip.
We took 80 across Pennsylvania, which we've never taken before.
Did you know there was a town smack in the middle of PA called "Jersey Shore?"
And that there are approximately 3,769,934 bugs between Philly and Cleveland, most of which are plastered to our windshield?
And that you can still buy gas for under $4 in some places? 
And that there are only about 3 rest stops on that whole highway?
And most of the exits lead to a small road with no civilization in sight?
So when you need gas or food or - most importantly - a POTTY, there is nothing? Which is a problem when one of the children has four accidents that day. Four. FOUR! Twice we ended up pulled over on the side of the highway with her. Giving all of I-80 a nice show. She hasn't had any accidents in months. I guess she was saving it all up for one day. Naturally that one day had to be the one we were traveling hundreds of miles...
Anyway, Husband and I are exhausted after that! But we're enjoying our visit with family. We're here at my mom's house. Husband's parents and his sister and her family are staying here for the week. We all only see each other about once a year, so the talking has barely slowed down ;-)

In other news, I'm going to go get my haircut today. I haven't decided on a style yet. Probably should before I get there, huh?

bye, ya'll

Well its 9:04 on a Friday night.

And I'm going to bed.

I need a vacation after getting ready for vacation. I am seriously pooped. Wish us luck, as we drive 7 hours tomorrow. With three kids. One who is a nursing baby. Who has never been on a long car ride. After we've spent the morning and afternoon at an amusement park with friends! Pray for me!

what's not important. and what is.

The other night I was so annoyed. I had just made dinner. And naturally, Colin wanted to eat right as we all sat down to enjoy it. So I ended up having to feed him while everyone else ate.
Then I ate while everyone else chatted.
Then I cleaned up the kitchen while Husband talked with his parents.
Then I asked Husband to give the girls a bath, while I fed Colin and got him ready for bed.
Then I put Colin to bed.
Then I came downstairs and realized Husband had not moved at all. He was still sitting talking with his parents. (Grrrrrr)
Then I took the girls upstairs and put them in the tub, trying hard not be annoyed.
But, I was highly annoyed.
Then it hit me.
My husband was right. I was wrong.
His parents live on the other side of the world. We only see them for a few days out of the year. And instead of relaxing and enjoying time with them, I was stressing out about my kids having a bath.
The bath wasn't important. My little schedule wasn't important. The dirt behind their little ears wasn't important. I was sacrificing precious time with my in-laws - incredibly wise people who I love dearly and respect - so that my own little agenda could be fulfilled.

I'm so thankful I learned this lesson a few days before our family vacation. I think I will treasure that time so much more. And not stress out about the dirty dishes. And focus on what's important.

Does it bring this passage to mind in anyone else?
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-40

countdown... two days!

We're leaving for vacation the day after tomorrow. And the kiddies and I will be at my mom's for the next THREE weeks.

Needless to say, I have about eleventy jillion things to do before Saturday morning. Gah!

But, its all good. Let me introduce the newest member of the family:

I am no longer ipod-less. Life is good.

fast thinker, this one is....

Me: Stop stepping on your brother!

Grace: I'm NOT stepping on him! I'm just shoving him with my foot.

Oh, well in that case, by all means, please continue.