I'm going to need drugs

Have I mentioned that Alli Claire doesn't sleep well??? I could probably count on one hand how many solid nights of sleep we've gotten since she arrived. In the middle of the night she will wake up (actually I think she does this in her sleep) and scream at the top of her lungs for approx 30 seconds to 2 minutes. (There was the one occasion where she screamed for 62 minutes but that was an exception.) Normally it's a very short amount of time, but it jolts you from your deep sleep and it's so startling that you can't go back to sleep for a while. And some nights she'll do it 2-3 times! Nights at our home are not very relaxing... or quiet. And poor Graisi's room is right across from Alli Claire's.

Last night, I'd had just about all I could take when Martin got home. When we get home in the afternoons, I can't do ANYTHING without Alli Claire. And you think I jest... Not only does she want me to hold her at all times, (TMI: she also requires being held while one sits on the potty...)if I'm not holding her she wants me right there watching whatever she's doing. Graisi isn't good enough. AND not only that, she wants to do whatever she's doing while STANDING on MY feet. If I move my feet, you'll see her little foot/leg trying to feel around to find them.... Have you any idea how mentally draining this is?

Anyway, back to the sleeping thing. I finally got back to sleep after her second round of screaming and when I woke up this morning, I looked at Martin and said, "She's going to require me to have to get a prescription for drugs". He laughed. I'm serious.

I know that all kids are different, but I really don't think I'm going to survive her.

Graisi's heart for her friends

Graisi, Alli Claire and I are wondering what in the world will be for dinner. Martin informed me that tonight would be his late night. Oh joy, it looks like more pasta or cereal tonight... and neither sounds appetizing at this point.

Alli Claire is running around screaming and whining like a banshee because Graisi won't give her something or another. This is the picture you'll get any given afternoon if you just walk through our front door. It will drive you just about insane! And you people wonder why I'm like I am... HUM.

As I try type, I'm having Leap Frog refrigerator magnets dropped on the keyboard because one
cannot hear enough of the alphabet song. Alli Claire has also just discovered the backspce and delete keys....lskdjlskdf and also just learned how to turn the computer off..... Thank goodness for auto backups!

It's always something with this one! However, I'm told she is quiet the little helper for her teachers at school. But be forewarned, if you are missing something and Alli Claire has recently visited your house, be sure to look in the garbage can for the missing item. She loves to throw things away these days.

The heart of my daughter: Graisi is taking the last of her tests for the gifted program this week. and has come home every afternoon telling me about what they'd done. She thought it was pretty fun! This is not my child... Anyway, one of her best friends at school didn't get chosen to test and Emilee was a little confused as to why not. Last night Graisi prayed for Emilee that she wouldn't be sad anymore about this. Her prayers are always interesting because you just never know what she's going to pray about. It is such a blessing to watch her relationship with Christ grow. Her prayers have matured greatly but are still sometimes childlike. She humbles me. There have been times where she's prayed for the animals outside :o)

It's official: The Queen is in the House

Don't say I didn't warn you.... Isn't it pretty?

Graisi and I spent yesterday morning at the Birmingham Museum of Art to see the Pompeii exhibit before it leaves for Dallas tomorrow. And might I add if you didn't get a chance to see it, you missed a great historical sight. The human molds from where the ash and lava had encapsulated the citizens of Pompeii was sobering. I just can't imagine that the beauty and population of Pompeii was destroyed by Mt Vesuvius in a matter of hours. The architecture and culture was something to have been seen in person. I couldn't help but wish I had lived during their time. I'm so glad I got to share it with Graisi.

After we left the museum we ate lunch at Edgar's Bakery. This seems to be our special place to eat when we're out by ourselves. We get to sit there and catch up on on each other and enjoy just being together. It's kinda nice.

Then... we went shopping :o) We patroned a local accessory store at Patton Creek and that's when we saw them. It was as if the clouds parted and the angels sang. (Can you hear them?) There was quiet a selection to choose from and I think I tried them all on to make sure "the tiara fit". Yeah, it's cheesy, but it was fun. Graisi also got another one because the one she has now doesn't fit her well and her new one does :o) A princess can never have too many tiaras right? So, when we got to the car, we removed them from the bag and placed them upon our heads and exited the premises like royalty (in my dented up Maxima). Do you have the mental picture, yet. It's not the title, it's the attitude. And, boy, did we have it going on. We occasionally gave the royal wave to passer-bys as we toured I-65 on the way home. I love being silly with Graisi and not caring what anyone thinks. We have such a good time when we're together. These are the memories I want her to remember from her childhood.

I haven't mentioned that I'm having my teeth bleached, but I am. A friend of mine works at a local dentist office and finally encouraged me to do it. I've wanted to do it for a very long time but just never have. I wasn't prepared for my teeth to throb and be so sensitive that I can't breath out of my mouth. I'm only doing it every other day, so the days that I don't do it they don't hurt. So that's a good thing. I'm just giving you a FYI in case you ever decide to do it too.

Alli Claire has become obsessed with jibber jabbering and turning around in circles. She also really likes to do things over and over and over again. She spent 30-45 minutes Friday night getting up on one side of the ottoman and sliding down the other side. Over and over and was very content doing it. She's sooo funny!

I pulled another "Shelli"...

When I got off work yesterday, I put together my grocery list for Martin's birthday dinner, complete with a cake. The girls and I braved the grocery store and got back home without very much damage done. I got the spaghetti sauce put together, the cake in the oven and was right on track to have dinner prepared when Martin got home. Martin got home and Graisi and I were getting everything finished up in the kitchen when she asked if we could go ahead and put the candles in the cake. I said, "Sure"... and this is when the "mishap" happened. She'd picked out these really REALLY thin sparkly candles that would be special for her Daddy. Well, when we put the candles in the cake, they all started falling over. I stood there perplexed and then it dawned on me. They were melting inside the cake!!! You know it's been well documented that I usually don't or can't cook. I failed to realize that even though the cake had somewhat cooled on the outside, the inside was still pretty hot and it quickly melted the very thin candles. Graisi looked at me, giggled and said, "Are we going to tell Daddy?" to which my response was, "Umm, well, no!". I mean, those little candles couldn't have put that much wax into the cake, right? And I can assure you that they are non-toxic. I mean, I've eaten enough of them to know... (for my friends: when the white crayons were gone, there was always wax candles :o) And what do you know... he didn't even realize there was a slight incident that happened with his cake :o) I consider this a win-win situation. Sorry, Honey, but I hope you still enjoyed your cake last night... I do love you, but you knew I couldn't cook when you met me. I guess, some things just never change, huh?

Happy Birthday Darlin'

Today is my Martin's birthday! Thirty-eight years today his mom brought him into the world. What a wonderful gift she gave to his family and friends. Before she passed away, I got the opportunity to thank her for raising such a respectable and honorable son. Not knowing she wouldn't live to see much of our lives, I'm so glad she knew what a wonderful man her son had grown to be.

If you see or talk to him today, be sure to wish him a happy day!

Mart, I hope you have a wonderful day and we'll see you when you get home. You are more handsome today than the day I we met! You just get better looking the older we get. I love you lots!

A Father's Heart by Rick Burgess

If you were not able to attend Bronner's service yesterday or hear the recording this morning on the radio, please go to www.rickandbubba.com. Scroll down and click on "A Father's Heart by Rick Burgess". I pray your life will never be the same. Mine will not.

Struggling today...

Friday, I got an email from a friend that Jennifer T. (one of the kindergarten teachers at church) delivered her baby at 24 weeks and Baby John Mark didn't survive the night. His funeral was Sunday afternoon. Saturday night, Sherri and Rick lost Bronner in a drowning tragedy. Today was his funeral and Celebration of Life service. I tried to be strong all day at work today and was in prayer for most of the day. But when I got into my car, the flood gates opened and my prayers became audible and full of questions. By the end of my "interrogation", my heart was quietened and my questions were answered. They were the answers I received almost 6 years ago when the Lord pulled me out of my 'I can do it myself" hole and restored my soul. Although we may not understand why things happen, they all work together for the glory of God for those who love Him. Our children are not ours. They are His children for us to care for and love until they are called home. For those of us who have children, we tend to forget that. Our children are not ours.... Though we may not like it and it hurts beyond belief, sometimes we have to let them go earlier than most. We were created to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Our time here is so short but our eternity is forever. I think our daily activities draw us away from this truth. Grant, John Mark and Bronner are with the Father Jesus right now praising him and rejoicing in His presence. How I long for that day when I can be with them. I'm still in tears and my heart is still heavy, but I am not discouraged. I will not be discouraged.

If you have not given your life to Christ and don't have the peace of knowing where your eternity lies, I ask you to take a minute and examine where your life is right now. Are you tired of "doing it by yourself"? Are you lonely for something that you can't find? Are you tired of pretending or playing "church"? Your rest and savior are in Christ Jesus. He's waiting for you to lay your burdens down at His feet and longing for you to worship. He died for your sins on a cross so that you can live together forever with Him. What an awesome gift!! You don't have to be alone any longer. You can rest in his arms and he will restore your soul. All you have to do is ask.

Our children's lives were not in vain. They had meaning and purpose. Through their deaths, many will live, thanks to our risen King who provided the way. The only way. Let all of the glory go to Him who is worthy. Amen

My weekly recap

Recap: Alli Claire woke up last Wednesday morning with a fever. Thursday I took her to work with me and she stayed at the Caring Corner (sick daycare). This is also the morning, the Tahoe
decided to do the "reduced engine power" thing again. So at lunch Martin and I took it to Firestone to find out what exactly was wrong and to fix my windshield wipers. In a nutshell, they didn't have a clue what was wrong but were going to try a few things in hopes to fix it. And it wasn't going to be cheap... When we heard approx $600-$700, we decided to get a second opinion. Midas discovered we didn't need new brakes nor did we need a new windshield wiper switch... only the box. Whatever that is. Needless to say the only visits Firestone will get from now on will be oil changes and tires.

Alli Claire finally got over her fever by Friday and has been good to go since. Although, she screamed for 62 minutes Saturday night between 1:55am and 2:57am. (I know the times because when you're awaken from a deep sleep like she did us, you immediately look at the clock and then wait until the screaming commences... it took 62 minutes.) Martin got up and rocked her for about 40 minutes, but every time he would lay her down, she would howl again. It was a nightmare...literally. But she slept fine last night. It's the first night in over two weeks, that we've had a quiet night.

Graisi spent all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon at Mallory's. She spent the night with her last night and all day today. So I can't really give you much of an update on her right now, because I haven't seen her enough for a debriefing.

Please keep our friends John and Syble in your prayers. They should have a date this week to go to Guatemala to bring baby Sarah home. Also, please keep Rick and Sherri Burgess in your prayers as they deal with the accidental drowning of their two year old, Bronner.

Our "not so" Alabama snow

Daddy and Alli Claire reading a book after thawing out from the snow

Martin socializing with the neighbors as the snow started to fall.

Dylan driving Miss Daisy

The classic kid picture - trying to catch a snow flake

I came out of the kitchen to find her like this. She'd found Alli Claire's Halloween

Holly Hobby hat and was wearing it. Funny part about it is, she is reading a

Little House on the Prairie book.

A little bit of everything - pictures

Graisi helped Alli Claire decorate herself...

My crazy husband. I'm not sure if Alli Claire helped with this or if it was all his idea. But it's pretty funny none the less.

Alli Claire's first curl

"I want my mullet back"

Alli Claire is playing Patty Cake with Baby Muffin in the backseat on the way home.

Graisi and Maggie on the way to the American Girl Boutique in Georgia.

Notice the dolls strapped in between them. Their arms are over the top of their

heads to ensure I got them in the picture.

Our typical Alli Claire picture. Notice me stuggling to hold her still to get a picture?

A day at the playground

Daddy sneaking a kiss in the tunnel

Arch enemies: Heidi and Lucy Jane

A day in my life

This morning started out as usual with Alli Claire screaming for someone to come get her from her bed. When Martin brought her downstairs as I was getting into the shower, the infamous sentence was uttered... "She feels warm. Can you feel?". I knew at that moment that my day was determined to take a different direction than that I had originally planned. So we took her temperature and sure enough, it was 100.5. I got some Motrin in her and she slept until 11:45am! When she woke up, she was fine. She felt a little warm around 4pm and I gave her another dose of Motrin just to be on the safe side. We've played with the AuqaDoodle, the babies, the puppets, we've eaten lunch and had a snack. I bet you're day wasn't as fun as mine :o)

Martin just got home with McDonald's for the kids. We're both going for Parent of the Year in 2008. We're off to a good start with junk food for supper. I feel bad when we do this, but sometime it's just unavoidable.

Graisi brought home a certificate yesterday for the highest AR test in her class so far. She was so proud of herself as were we. Last week we also got her permission letter to have her tested for the gifted program next year. We won't find out until April or May whether or not she makes it. I think we'll both be very disappointed if she doesn't but I wouldn't want her to be in there if that's really not where she's supposed to be. I'll let you know when we find out.

Martin has a new helper/associate at work this week. He's a little stressed at having to train someone, but I'm sure once it's done, she'll be a big help for him. Hopefully, once she's set and ready to go, he'll only have to work 1 to 2 late nights a week. YEA!

Oh yeah, Alli Claire has a new dance move now. Not only does she bounce and twist when dancing, she now directs the orchestra with her arms. It's very entertaining to watch especially in the backseat of the truck! She's such a funny baby girl.

Meet Baby Kendall

We were able to visit last night and Graisi and I concluded that she is small enough to put her in my purse and take her home :o) She is beautiful!! Kevin is a nervous wreck and Tonya is taking all of his antics in stride... as usual. They are precious new parents! What a blessing this baby girl is.

Happy Birthday Baby Kendall!

Our friends Kevin and Tonya welcomed their first-born daughter into the world today! Happy Birthday Kendall Alexis! She arrived 3 weeks early, but she and mom are doing great. She was 5lb 8oz and is 19 inches long. I can't wait to meet her :o)

Kendall, you are so loved and have two of the best parents a girl can ask for! We are so glad you arrived safely and look forward to many happy memories to share with you. We love you already!! May God bless you and keep you in His hands all the days of your life!

Congratulations Kevin and Tonya! We love you too!!

Baby Copeland's Mommy

I've been reading Boothe's blog for several months now and have been in awe at her strength and faith. Her daughter Copeland died on Sept 26, 2007, from Trisomy-18. They had her for 12 wonderful days before she went Home. I would encourage each one of you who are struggling for faith and understanding to read Boothe's story. I have no doubt she will encourage and inspire you. Even if you aren't struggling, she is a beautiful example of what our faith and walk with Christ is supposed to look like. I am ashamed to say, this is not what my example looked like 4 months after Grant died.

http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com

Our little Wii Champion

Well, Martin called and left a message for the vice-principle at Graisi's school Friday but we haven't heard back from her, yet. I'll let you know how it goes...

Saturday, we were able to have a baby shower for my friend Tonya who is expecting in the next month. I can't wait to finally meet Baby! They didn't find out the sex, so Baby's arrival will be a complete surprise to everyone. It's exciting! Kevin and Tonya are going to be such great parents!

Saturday afternoon I achieved success. I finally got ALL of the Christmas decorations down and Martin took them to storage yesterday. Graisi and I went door-to-door selling Girl Scout cookies and did a pretty good job. BYW: If anyone would like to order some, please let me know! I will be happy to get the order form to you. They're $3 a box. I'm hoping we can sell enough, so that Graisi can go to camp for free. How wonderful would that be??

Yesterday was filled with the Holy Spirit in the morning and rest in the afternoon. We're doing an 8 week session on marriage in our adult Bible study class. It's really nice to have a refresher course on what our marriages are supposed to be and what God's will is for them. After church, Alli Claire and I took a much needed nap while Martin made the storage run and he and Graisi played boxing on the Wii. I understand, he got his "rear-end" handed to him and had to hear about it :o) TWICE. Poor Daddy... NOT.

Alli Claire has discovered that pushing her potty around the house is fun. I bet she made 30 circles between our kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath. Most of the time she had Baby Muffin sitting on the potty while she pushed. I also have pictures of her wearing the red and white tree skirt as a coat. It was a no-holds-barred" day yesterday afternoon. Whatever they wanted to do, they did. Including sticking Curious George stickers all over each other including me and Martin. I have a pictures of that too :o) It was a nice weekend at home with the kiddos.

The dreaded TRUANCY note

Every night as part of our normal routine, we look through Graisi's daily folder to see what activities, homework or correspondence have come home. Well, tonight the correspondence was a little different than we're accustomed to. The title of the document tonight was, "TRUANCY". In BIG letters, too, of all things! I guess they were afraid we wouldn't see it if the title were in normal lettering? Guess, they think we're all in 2nd grade. I think I'm a little more calm than Martin. Does this tell you anything? He is H.O.T! I know he good-looking, but this is different. We now have a mandatory conference to schedule with the assistant principal to discuss why our daughter has had 3 unexcused absences. Albeit, she has 2, but that's beside the point. Martin is determined to schedule this mandatory meeting on MLK day when we're off work. He said it's about time they work around our schedule since we have to work around theirs with their 45 "teacher work days". I can bet you that he really does ask for this day. I'll let you know what day is decided upon.

Our youngest is sporting a nice blue bruise on the top of her head tonight. Tonight was muffin and sausage/cheese balls for supper. When I went to pull the skillets out from under the cabinet, the smaller one slid off of another one of the same size and hit her on the forehead. It immediately made a mark and the breathless screaming commenced. You know the one where their mouths are wide open and their face is red but no sound is coming out yet. Yea, that's the one.

We also had some pretty nasty weather come through and knock the power off for about 10 minutes. Graisi started to freak out, but I got her calmed down and then Alli Claire started it. I finally found some candles and flashlights and all was well with the world. The girls and I did venture into the closet with our pillows right before Martin got home. I wasn't real concerned, but it made Graisi feel better if we were all in there. She kept praying all afternoon that our house wouldn't blow away and our "precious possessions" wouldn't be gone. I tried to explain that none of that stuff matters and as long as we've got each other we'd be ok. Then she explained that if we didn't have a house we'd have to live on the streets and be homeless. Then she wanted to know how we'd eat if we were homeless. Bless her heart, she worries so much...

Baby Carli

This is not a new picture, but I found it in Ed's 2007 album from Graisi's baptism. I'd never seen it before and thought it was precious, so I stole it and posted it on mine :o) I think it might quiet possibly be one of my favorites of the two of them. Graisi has a picture from her baby dedication that has the exact same expression as Alli Claire has.

I didn't tell many people that Santa brought Alli Claire a baby doll that was much too big for her. It was cute, but very big and very heavy.... So, after Christmas I ordered her another one that is just her size. She is a Gotz Precious Collection doll (Maxi Muffin) with red hair. Anyway, Alli Claire LOVES her! She took her yesterday to pick up one of Graisi's friends from school. She's taken her today to school and wasn't real happy with me when I "put her down for a nap" in AC's cubby. There was an attempt to pull her out, but the attempt was futile. It's funny, because she's never been really attached to very many things, but this one may stick. Her name is Baby Carli, just in case you were wondering. And yes, it's spelled with an "i", would you expect any less of me?

Duct Tape. The next miracle drug??

Graisi has contracted her first wart on the heel of her foot where your shoes rub blisters. I'm pretty sure she got it from Mallory since she's the only one who's had them that we know of. So I went straight to Kerri for her wart removal therapy. After reading the information below, I think Kerri and I have both wasted our money on over-the-counter remedies. I have, now, heard it all.... It REALLY can fix EVERYTHING!

Duct tape: Duck tape is considered an alternative treatment compared with more traditional wart therapies. In October 2002, a well-publicized study, suggests duct tape was more effective in killing warts than Cryotherapy. Study members using duct tape covered their warts with duct tape for six days. After duck tape removal, participants soaked their warts in water and scrubbed warts with an emery board or pumice stone. The process was repeated for two months or until their warts disappeared. Medical researchers suggest that duck tape therapy may work by irritating the wart and surrounding skin tissue causing the body's auto immune system to kick in and attack the wart virus. Duct tape therapy may become a mainstream treatment option as it is pain free inexpensive home-based treatment. This treatment option may prove beneficial in treating children.

My favorite new blog

I could sit and listen to Tim teach for hours because he's so full of information, history and knowledge. So, when I got the email this morning, I was so excited!

I'm so proud to call him a friend! Tim has started a new blog to look at our culture with Biblical insight. I can attest that you will be challenged and inspired over the coming months and years.

Go to: http://www.notthunder.com/

Hidden Talents and a New Do

I think the night was Saturday when we sat down for dinner at the table. Graisi and I had to go out to the grocery store for some key ingredients for the meal (one of which she nor Alli Claire will eat - so it was just for Martin and I - hotdogs for the kiddos). Anyway, as we were out Graisi started reciting lines from the Dukes of Hazzard. Primarily Ennis's lines. And can I tell you that she's pretty good at it. She had me laughing at her all the way through the store and to the car. For example: "That's pretty hair ya got there sheriff" or "Those are nice shoes you got there sheriff". You get the picture. It was over and over and over and it was funny. So after we got home, dinner fixed and we were half way through the meal, I asked her to do it for her daddy. Then she started reciting scenes from one of the episodes. I'm talking all of the characters. And she was pretty good at those too, especially Boss Hogg. So the next time you see her, get her to do her impressions for you. A hidden talent none of us knew she had!

I don't have the pictures downloaded yet, but Alli Claire had her first haircut Sunday afternoon. It was a bit sad as I put her hair (mullet) in a ponytail and whacked it off. I only cut the back because there's still not enough on top or sides to trim them yet. But she looks really cute and it looks much thicker in the back. I'll get pictures up this week, I hope.

No more American made vehicles!

We bought our 2003 Tahoe in 2004. It has been downhill since. We've had one problem after another with the thing. Between the instrument panel that they know is defective but won't fix it because I drive more than 10K miles a year, or the fuel pump, the windshield wipers that won't turn off (so I pulled the fuse on them and pray it doesn't rain), the back door and hatch locks that work haphazardly or don't work at all or the engine reducing power on you spontaneously as you drive down the road and can't go over 35 miles per hour. I AM SICK OF IT I TELL YOU!! I just got off the phone with the THIRD person at GM/Chevrolet. And I am FIRED UP! They KNOW the instrument panel is defective and we even got a letter on it, but they refuse to pay to have it fixed because I'm over 70K miles. However, I'm well within the 7 year time period. You tell me... besides the little old lady that only goes to the grocery store and church once a week, WHO puts 10k miles or less a year on a vehicle????? ONCE the Tahoe is fixed and it's outlived it's use, I will NEVER buy another American made vehicle. They're not made well and the "American" company will not stand behind their products.

Martin's Geo Storm was 14 when the clutch finally went out. Granted it was made in America, but with Japanese parts from Toyota. My Nissan Maxima is 12 now and still is great shape. The Tahoe is 4 years old and we've already had more problems with it than with the other two foreign cars in 26 years combined. But you can come to your own conclusions.

I, for one, will never own another one.

A Graisi Funny

Some of you may know, I make my spaghetti sauce from scratch. When I say from "scratch" I mean I can my own tomatoes too. It's literally from scratch. Well... this year because of the drought, the tomatoes didn't make in abundance and I didn't get to can last summer. We haven't had sauce in what seems like FOREVER! So I picked up a jar of Ragu garden sauce at the grocery store thinking I could "doctor" it and make it taste ok. I was WRONG! I warned Martin before he tried it but he went ahead and ate it anyway. I guess he was really hungry from not eating lunch or something. So last night, we headed to Olive Garden. It's better than nothin'.

Martin was going to meet us there, so I loaded the kids in the car and headed to the restaurant. When we got there, there wasn't a parking space to be had. So, I sent Graisi in to see how long the wait was going to be. I knew something interesting was going to happen, when she stopped at the door, looked back at the car and said, "How am I going to get through all of these people?" I said, "Graisi, say, Excuse Me...".

She came back to the car and here is the conversation:

Shelli: "So what did they say?"
Graisi: "15 Mintues"
Shelli: "Really?"
Graisi: "Uh Huh. She asked how many was in the party and I told her 'Oh, there isn't a party' and she said it would be 15 minutes."

I started chuckling and I had to explain to Graisi what a "party" was in restaurant terms. It was funny, but it also really warmed my heart. It let me realize she is still my baby girl.

A very sad moment

Sallie and I have been emailing this morning about how big our girls have gotten. She got sad last night as she hung Brantley's personalized-signed High School Musical pictures on her wall and I realized how big Graisi had gotten.

I was playing with Alli Claire in the jumpy thingy in the livingroom last night and Graisi wanted me to do some of the same stuff to her. Like pushing her backwards or making her do a flip. I couldn't because she's gotten so big. In the middle of playing, she declared that big kids want to act like babies sometimes and be loved on like babies, too. So after we were done playing, Graisi climbed up in my lap and layed down for me to love on her (Alli Claire put up quiet the protest!). Her head was under my chin. Her feet were hanging off of mine and her legs were intertwined with mine. Then it hit me. She got big and I missed it. I missed it! How could I miss something so important?? I mean, I'm there with the camera every time they turn around and Martin video tapes every event they've ever been in. So, how I ask, could I have missed this?

I know yesterday I said I don't make New Years Resolutions, but I'm going to make and exception, because I can. I'm Shelli. It's my blog and I make up my own rules as I go :o) So here goes...

I resolve to not let my day-to-day activities distract me from watching my babies grow.
I resolve to cuddle and love on Graisi more and not make her feel like I'm loving on Alli Claire more than her.
I resolve to read more to the girls.
I resolve to go to the park more - even when it's cold.
I resolve to not miss my kids grow.

Graisi and Alli Claire,
Years from now when you're reading this, always know I love you very much! Unconditionally. Without boundaries. As you grow older, I want to you remember me playing with you and watching your favorite movies with you. I want you to remember beating me in Uno :o) OVER and OVER. I want you to remember how much I love the Lord Jesus and hold firm in your faith. Graisi, I believe you can be anything you want to be - even if it's a movie star who plays a veterinarian on tv (because you can't make up your mind whether or not you want to be a movie star or a veterinarian - so you combined them!) or the "pumper girl" at Wal-Mart. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters! I want you to remember our afternoons at the park playing or feeding the ducks that nibble our fingers. I want you to remember how much your mom and dad love each other. Unconditionally. Without boundaries. Remember our Sunday's at church and our afternoon naps. Remember our nightly devotions. Remember making candy with Daddy and waiting for Daddy to come home every afternoon to get your kiss and hug from him. Remember our lazy Saturday's where we all pile up in our bed and watch tv and snuggle. Remember our Christmas traditions of putting the Night Before Christmas balls on the tree, reading The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve and hiding the Christmas pickle. Remember our trips to the zoo and museums. There are so many things I want you to remember, but most of all I always want you to feel the love that your mom and dad have for each of you. We want to be there to support and enjoy all of your adventures! May they take you far....

Your very honored and blessed parents,
Mommy and Daddy

Happy New Year!

2008 was rang in at Andy and Paula's annual New Year's Eve Bash. We had so much fun watching Auburn (win in overtime) on the television, listening to the kids run circles around the house and the occasional scream from one of them getting hurt. The food and desserts couldn't be rivaled by the Iron Chefs even if they tried. It just doesn't get any better being with friends (family) at the beginning of each new year.



Alli Claire called it quits after she and Anna Beth ran into each other with their heads. Alli Claire didn't fair as well as Anna Beth did and there seemed to be some emotional trauma. I mean, it was 10 o'clock - well past her bedtime. Graisi declared on the way home that she was tired, but continued to talk and keep herself awake. She finally gave it up about half way there. I finally finished watching Gods and Generals on the way home. I started watching it Saturday on the way back from Georgia, but had to finish watching it in the car in bits and pieces. I though it was a really good movie, but if you're not a history person, don't bother.


Yesterday was filled with kitchen cleaning, laundry, Wii and High School Musical games. Graisi and Alli Claire had baths, but Martin and I refrained. And it was great!! PJ's all day.... Graisi sat in the bathroom and played with Alli Claire while she soaked. She called for Martin to come look and when he got to the bathroom, Alli Claire had colored her boobies/chest with the tub crayons :o) It was kinda funny. I don't think Martin would have thought it cute if I'd done it, though. Or maybe he would :o) Anyway, this morning my hair decided to revolt and was so tangled that I slightly regreted not washing it the day before. But only slightly... It was still worth it.


No resolutions will be made this year, so don't ask. I'm not one of those people. I do things in the middle of the year if I feel it necessary. The beginning of the year holds no merit as to whether or not I better myself. But I do like that fresh-start feeling :o)