Sorry, no pictures for this one!
Hannah had a particularly difficult afternoon - nothing seemed to make her happy. At one point we were in her room cooking when she had a total melt down. She kept repeating something, but I honestly have no clue what she was saying. As she's crying and repeating this jumbled phrase, Hunter comes running over to her, kneels down beside her, kisses her forehead, and says, "It's okay Sissy; I'm right here." I was speechless - what a sweet, loving act on his part. He wanted to comfort her in her time of distress. Of course, she wanted nothing to do with him, but it was still the sweetest thing that I have witnessed between these two. Just had to share!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Military Moment
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas our Sunday School class collected donations to assemble five care packages for service members currently deployed. We also mentioned the collection to the church at large (It's a very small church, not quite 100 members.). We were overwhelmingly surprised with the incredible outpouring of gifts from everyone. We sent five extra large care packages just in time for Christmas. Over the last few weeks we have received several emails expressing gratitude for these gifts.
Today Pete and I participated in a brief recognition moment in which we shared some of these kind words with the congregation. Below is a brief excerpt of one of the emails we shared.
We passed out clothes, shoes, coal (for cooking) and anything else we had from donations. The items we get from the US are really making a difference and I personally put these things into the hands of people desperately trying to survive. It was heart wrenching. The picture of the girl was a special moment during the visit to the refugee camp: There were children everywhere begging for anything, crying, hungry... And in the middle of the shoe distrubution was this 12-13 year old girl. She clearly didn't belong in the camp and yet there she was living in horrible conditions with everyone else. No telling what had happened to her family to place them in this refugee camp. Instead of shouting and fighting to get anything she could she just stood quietly in line hoping to get a pair of shoes. She was shivering, bare footed and had her hands in her jacket pocket trying to keep warm. If anyone in uniform stuck their hand in their pockets the children came running. No matter what came out of that pocket, candy, a small stuffed toy, whatever it was they wanted it. It was a mob-scene and the children were like animals at times fighting each other for anything. One time I made the mistake of kneeling down to give a piece of candy to a little boy that was just standing there crying and I was instantly mobbed, it was horribly hard: children crying and fighting to get anything you had in your hand. I had a little zip-lock bag filled with candy in my pocket that I hadn't given away yet. This little girl just looked at me and smiled so sweetly.... there in the middle of the freezing mud, sewage, and horrible conditions she just smiled quietly. I stepped next to her and she looked right into my eyes. I pulled the plastic bag out of my pocket in such a way that even she didn't see it and I stuffed it into her hand in her jacket pocket. At that moment she turned sideways, never taking her eyes off me... Most people were giving out food and candy one piece at a time and I had just filled her pocket with one motion. She didn't dare take it out to look at it because it would have been instantly taken from her by all the other children but she knew what I had done. She got her shoes and I never saw her after that. The crowd got violent and we had to depart before we gave all the shoes away but we did give away hundreds of items of clothing, hygiene products, socks, blankets.. you name it and we handed it out. There was still not enough for everyone and some people didn't get anything. That was hard too. We will be back when we get enough to hand out again. Last night that little girl slept on the frozen muddy ground under a sheet of plastic...
We never stopped to realize the magnitude of a care package. Sure, we knew the recepients would share with others, but we never pictured moments like the one above. I can't put into words the true emotions in the sanctuary today. People sat so still - some just listening, others wiping tears (not mentioning any names), others nodding in agreement.
At the end of the service, one of the members requested that we all sing God Bless America. That had to be one of the most incredible, impromptu happenings that I have ever witnessed. I always enjoy those special Sundays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran's Day) where we recognize men/women in uniform, but to see these people recognize the sacrifices of our military on what seemed to be just an ordinary Sunday warmed my heart.
Immediately after the service, people wanted to know when we were sending the next boxes and exactly what they could bring. In a time when negativity seems to be the predominant tone, how refreshing and empowering to see geniune love, care, and concern. We are blessed to be surrounded by such phenomenal people. For that, we are sincerely thankful!!
Today Pete and I participated in a brief recognition moment in which we shared some of these kind words with the congregation. Below is a brief excerpt of one of the emails we shared.
We passed out clothes, shoes, coal (for cooking) and anything else we had from donations. The items we get from the US are really making a difference and I personally put these things into the hands of people desperately trying to survive. It was heart wrenching. The picture of the girl was a special moment during the visit to the refugee camp: There were children everywhere begging for anything, crying, hungry... And in the middle of the shoe distrubution was this 12-13 year old girl. She clearly didn't belong in the camp and yet there she was living in horrible conditions with everyone else. No telling what had happened to her family to place them in this refugee camp. Instead of shouting and fighting to get anything she could she just stood quietly in line hoping to get a pair of shoes. She was shivering, bare footed and had her hands in her jacket pocket trying to keep warm. If anyone in uniform stuck their hand in their pockets the children came running. No matter what came out of that pocket, candy, a small stuffed toy, whatever it was they wanted it. It was a mob-scene and the children were like animals at times fighting each other for anything. One time I made the mistake of kneeling down to give a piece of candy to a little boy that was just standing there crying and I was instantly mobbed, it was horribly hard: children crying and fighting to get anything you had in your hand. I had a little zip-lock bag filled with candy in my pocket that I hadn't given away yet. This little girl just looked at me and smiled so sweetly.... there in the middle of the freezing mud, sewage, and horrible conditions she just smiled quietly. I stepped next to her and she looked right into my eyes. I pulled the plastic bag out of my pocket in such a way that even she didn't see it and I stuffed it into her hand in her jacket pocket. At that moment she turned sideways, never taking her eyes off me... Most people were giving out food and candy one piece at a time and I had just filled her pocket with one motion. She didn't dare take it out to look at it because it would have been instantly taken from her by all the other children but she knew what I had done. She got her shoes and I never saw her after that. The crowd got violent and we had to depart before we gave all the shoes away but we did give away hundreds of items of clothing, hygiene products, socks, blankets.. you name it and we handed it out. There was still not enough for everyone and some people didn't get anything. That was hard too. We will be back when we get enough to hand out again. Last night that little girl slept on the frozen muddy ground under a sheet of plastic...
We never stopped to realize the magnitude of a care package. Sure, we knew the recepients would share with others, but we never pictured moments like the one above. I can't put into words the true emotions in the sanctuary today. People sat so still - some just listening, others wiping tears (not mentioning any names), others nodding in agreement.
At the end of the service, one of the members requested that we all sing God Bless America. That had to be one of the most incredible, impromptu happenings that I have ever witnessed. I always enjoy those special Sundays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran's Day) where we recognize men/women in uniform, but to see these people recognize the sacrifices of our military on what seemed to be just an ordinary Sunday warmed my heart.
Immediately after the service, people wanted to know when we were sending the next boxes and exactly what they could bring. In a time when negativity seems to be the predominant tone, how refreshing and empowering to see geniune love, care, and concern. We are blessed to be surrounded by such phenomenal people. For that, we are sincerely thankful!!
Crayons, Glitter, and Glue!
While we were running errands with my mom, I found these neat Valentine's cards that the kids could decorate themselves. I wanted to do homemade cards; however, I decided that was probably a little more than I could handle, so I compromised and got pre-made cards that needed decorations. Both kids thoroughly enjoyed their time with crayons, glue, and glitter - what kids wouldn't love that! I'm sure we'll still be finding specks of glitter from today's fun for years to come. Perhaps Hannah said it best when I took her out of her chair; she looked at the floor, looked at me, and simply said, "MESS!" I couldn't agree more, but it sure was fun making that mess!
Friday, January 25, 2008
More Company
Camy (my friend since junior high) and her two precious little ones were passing through our area this week, and we were fortunate enough to have them spend a night with us. Hunter LOVED playing with Will and Hannah tolerated Sarah Catherine. Hannah takes a little while to warm up to new faces and she's still not too sure about sharing her things. She did pretty well though!
Since it was getting late and already past almost everyone's bedtime, including mine, we herded all the kids into the tub for a quick dunk before sending them to dreamland. Once again, everyone had a ball except my sweet, cautious little Hannah - she preferred standing on the edge watching everyone else rather than risk playing with anyone. On the positive side, Hannah was the only child to go to bed without incident; everyone else had an incredibly difficult time settling down.
Camy and I had a blast catching up on things. Even though we talk on the phone, we haven't seen each other in four years - a lot has changed in four years!
Hunter cried when he came home from school and realized Will wasn't here anymore. Looks like we need to plan a trip to Florida now.
Since it was getting late and already past almost everyone's bedtime, including mine, we herded all the kids into the tub for a quick dunk before sending them to dreamland. Once again, everyone had a ball except my sweet, cautious little Hannah - she preferred standing on the edge watching everyone else rather than risk playing with anyone. On the positive side, Hannah was the only child to go to bed without incident; everyone else had an incredibly difficult time settling down.
Camy and I had a blast catching up on things. Even though we talk on the phone, we haven't seen each other in four years - a lot has changed in four years!
Hunter cried when he came home from school and realized Will wasn't here anymore. Looks like we need to plan a trip to Florida now.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Hannah's New Trick
The other day while Hunter was napping, Hannah and I were working on laundry. (Okay, I was folding laundry and she was unfolding, but we were technically both working on it!) When she grew tired of "helping" me, she wandered into the other room. When I couldn't see her anymore, I called for her and she didn't answer. I got a little concerned because quiet with a nineteen-month-old generally means trouble. I called her name again and she answered, but I couldn't quite figure out where she was.
No wonder! She crawled under the bed to catch a cat. Our poor cats desperately try to hide during the day when little feet equal unwanted attention, but their hiding places never remain secret for very long. I have no doubt that she learned this trick from her big brother. I am constantly amazed at how quickly she learns to imitate the things he does. It makes me smile but it also breaks my heart - she's just growing up too fast.
No wonder! She crawled under the bed to catch a cat. Our poor cats desperately try to hide during the day when little feet equal unwanted attention, but their hiding places never remain secret for very long. I have no doubt that she learned this trick from her big brother. I am constantly amazed at how quickly she learns to imitate the things he does. It makes me smile but it also breaks my heart - she's just growing up too fast.
Back to Dee Dee's House
Last week the kids and I drove back up to my mom's to spend a little time with her and my sister. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time!! We even had a chance to visit the local children's museum.
I love my Aunt Steph!!
I love my Aunt Steph!! 
'Nise, thanks for the fun art set!
At the musuem brushing teeth inside a giant mouth
The battle over who gets to drive the police car - they eventually took turns!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
On the Town
My friend Julie (we've been friends since the second grade) and her fiance' drove down for the weekend. Early Saturday morning we headed to the French Quarter for coffee and beignets followed by some sightseeing. The weather was gorgeous and we had so much fun; the kids even took great naps that afternoon! Thanks for coming you two - we hope to see you again soon!
Yummy! 
She's serious about her food!
Taking it all in!
Best Buddies
He's real and incredibly entertaining!
Entertainment around every corner!
Balloon creations
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