Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Ever had one of those days where you think it's going to be complete drama and then everything seems to just perfectly fall into place? After Eric left for work this morning, and Abby headed to school, I had to get ready to head to my office for some client meetings. With almost everyone enjoying holiday luncheons today, the twins were going to have to sit at my office with me - until I found out that Jess (an all A student I might add - ha!) didn't have to go to school today and was able to sit with the twins! After getting several good hours of work under my belt, I picked up Reagan and Blaire and headed over to Abby's school where it was time for her class Christmas party. Abby is in her 4th year at Enterprise First United Methodist Church Stepping Stones and Preschool. Her favorite teachers, Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Jennifer, planned a great party and she had a ball with her friends, including Emma Riley, Libby, Nick, Arrabella, Sylvia and a few more! There was a yummy pizza lunch, Christmas cookies, crafts, games and presents! It was a fun day for all the kiddos...including Blaire and Reagan who go to watch a bunch of crazy three year olds celebrate one of their favorite parties of the season!

Lucky Number 7

HAPPY SEVEN MONTH BIRTHDAY TO THE TWINS, REAGAN AND BLAIRE! Yep, today they turned seven months old. It is weird to me that they have now been out of the womb for longer than they were in the womb! If you read last week's post from their doctor's appointment, you already know that they are gaining weight and doing great! Although they should be in the developmental stages of a four month old (for their corrected age) they are doing a bit more than the average four month old - and we are glad to see that since it tells us they are slowly catching up to their birth age. We celebrated their big day by heading out with one of my BFFs, Veda, to Florida for a photo session that was better than words can describe! The birthday girls were all smiles today and I couldn't have been prouder of them! Love love love girls!

Signs of Christmas

Last night the Children's Choir of Providence Baptist Church put on their annual Christmas performance. This year's play, "The Signs of Christmas," was a great reminder that while the signs of Christmas are everywhere, the important thing we must do for our children at this time is to make sure that all these signs point to Jesus. Jesus, who came to earth a baby in a manger, to Christ who died for us on the cross. And as wonderful as the performance was, the only signs we seemed to notice were the signs of one very unruly toddler doing everything BUT the peformance. Abby managed to sit through an hour of practice, stand for the opening song and then from there on out - for the next 15 minutes - it was, well, embarrassing. While everyone in the congregation seemed to think it was cute, there were two people that didn't find it too funny. But, all in all the children's choir did a great performance and we were proud to be members of a church that has had a wonderful year in both worship and fellowship - for all ages.

Merry Christmas To All

The Wade Family
(Eric, Reagan, Abigail, Blaire, Barbara)
December 2010

Aged to perfection

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Abraham Lincoln

Today was the day...the big day...the day that one of us looks forward to for the past 364 days...ever since last year's December 11th when she's already looking forward to the next year's December 11th! BARBARA'S BIRTHDAY!!!!! Yep, happy happy happy birthday! And what a great day it was! The morning started with lots of *early* morning loving from my three favorite girls. Then, when getting ready for the day, Eric and Abby went to get the birthday breakfast from McDonalds. And by 9 AM, we were on the road...to our church's children's Christmas party. And as much as the kiddos were having fun with their reindeer games, crafts and scavenger hunt, they took the time out to sing Happy Birthday to me and join me in a yummy birthday cake surprise from Aunt Julia and Uncle Lomax. After the party ended, we all headed back home for much needed naps. The girls slept soundly for a couple of hours while I ended up enjoying my afternoon reading all of my birthday emails, Facebook messages and comments, cards, letters and also listening to my phone messages as well as getting some phone calls. It was the perfect afternoon which ended when we all got dressed up for a birthday dinner and celebration. We headed out to one of my favorite restaurants and I was treated like royalty...or at least like the people all around us in formals and princess attire (including Abby who happened to fit right in since she was wearing her Snow White princess dress). After the restaurant staff sang Happy Birthday (including singing and drums!), we headed back home for a great evening including sleep for the twins but for the rest of us - cupcakes, coffee and presents! It was a great night!!!! Thanks to everyone that remembered the day and helped me celebrate in some form or fashion!

Flying north for the winter?

With the sun shining all day, and the cold weather on a bit of a hiatus, it felt like the south once again. We got an extra bit of the south today when Gramercy and Papa Doc (Barbara's parents) came up from the Florida coastline to spend the day with us. After some good snuggle time, play time, arts and crafts with the Big Sister, yummy lunch salads, giggles and grins, they headed back to Florida - but not before getting lots of holiday hugs.

It's SNOW joke!

As we close out the year, we tend to look back on the things that we remember the most during the past 12 months. One memory that sticks out was in February - when Enterprise, AL was covered in a blanket of snow! Sure enough, snow in south Alabama! That is so rare (although there was a random Sunday afternoon in 2009 with a few flurries) that we all went outside making snowmen, snowballs and enjoying an entire day of snow! So imagine our surprise when this morning, about 10 AM, the snow started falling...and continued to fall for a couple of hours! Snow again in south Alabama...twice in one year!!! Wow! The flurries were rather pretty to watch and so we did - from inside. With two of the three girls still recouping from not feeling so well, we watched the snow accumulate in the back yard and all over the girls playground....and if you thought it was hard to drive, walk or ski in snow - try keeping a 3 year old inside and telling her she can't go outside to play in the snow because she is/was sick!!!

Wade Infirmary: Limp In, Leap Out

After such great visits with Dr. Mac on Monday, everything went a bit downhill. With the twins receiving their 6 months shots, we expected some "post shot" symptoms (i.e. fever, chills, etc.). However, what we didn't expect was for Blaire to also show symptoms that she was getting a winter cold. And to top that off, Abby was sick with cold symptoms and an upset stomach. All three girls went to bed around 3 PM that afternoon and we didn't hear a peep from Abby until about 11:30 PM and nothing from the twins until about 4 AM. But...we loaded up on Vitamin C, prescriptions and cans of Lysol. By late Monday night, it was obvious that a bug had gotten into our home. By Tuesday morning the twins were kept upstairs and Abby was kept downstairs. There was lot of coughing, sneezing, nose blowing and vomiting to make 2 cans of Lysol disappear within 2 days. And miraculously, Reagan never even got a sniffle from her two sisters!

Grow little grow worm

Before Eric even took Abby to school this morning, Barbara and the twins were headed off to the Doctor's office for their monthly Synergist shot. Since last month's 6 month check up was a few days before the girls officially turned 6 months, they weren't able to get their 6 months shots...so that was on today's agenda as well. Because the waiting room was jammed packed with sick kiddos, our favorite doc's office let us go back right away into our exam room. Our fav nurse, Leigh, came in ASAP and we got the exam started. The girls passed the check up to see if they were OK for their big shot...and the "torture" got underway - ha! Just kidding...the girls really tolerate shots well. They cry (of course) but it only lasts a few minutes. Within 3 minutes of the shots being given, both got lots of loving, and were sound asleep in their car seats. No kidding - 3 minutes. We timed it - ha! And although it was only an appointment for shots, they still get weighed...here are the latest numbers on our growing girls:
Reagan - 13 pounds, 10 ounces
Blaire - 14 pounds, 9.5 ounces
When Dr. Mac came in to give the girls a once over before their shots, we mentioned they were a bit congested in the mornings. She gave us a prescription to get them started on so in case it is something, it doesn't turn into something major. Seems the cold weather is getting to the girls...but clearly isn't stopping their growing spurts! Grow on girls, grow on!

To be a part of His Providence

Today our church (Providence Baptist Church, Clayhatchee, AL) headed out to a local trailer park in Daleville, AL to entertain the children and families with a "backyard Bible study" with a Christmas nativity theme. It was a complete joy to be a part of! Although the weather was cold, tons of folks from PBC showed up and welcomed a bunch of local families into our hearts. We had hot chocolate and food, games, great fellowship, a live nativity and even presents galore! To see the look on the children's face was wonderful - and to join hugs with the parents was even more touching! PBC has a very strong emphasis on missions...Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, Kathleen Mallory, etc. Today was another way where those of us that can't travel on missions could do so close at home. I was very proud to be a part of today's celebration!

www.hisprovidence.org

Whirling around like the winter wind

Boy oh boy are we exhausted around here! Today was a wonderfully jam packed day full of absolute fun and craziness! After a whirlwind morning at the house, we all got dressed up and headed out to our church for the Children's Choir Christmas party. All of the kiddos and their choir leaders were there for fun, pizza, pictures and a little bit of singing (of course!). The kiddos are practicing for their big performance - "The Signs of Christmas" - which will be performed on December 12th during one of our church worship services. Although Abby's so confused about all the songs she is singing (school Thanksgiving program, school Christmas program, church Christmas program) she's doing fairly well with the words when we practice them in the car. By far, her favorite song on the program is Deck the Halls...and I wish you could hear the words she sings...usually not the right ones but it is priceless to hear! Anyhoo...after the party, the kiddos choir was heading up to the Nursing Home to perform for them...but we headed in a different direction and went to the Bryant home to celebrate cousin Khloe's 2nd birthday! It was awesome!! The kiddos played, ran around outside, drove the Barbie Jeep and even sat still for some Sponge Bob birthday cake! Happy Birthday, Khloe! We love you!!!! After the party, we rushed home because it was Daddy's big date night. While Barbara and the youth headed off to the Third Day concert, Eric stayed at home with his girls having a pizza party! It truly was a day where everything went by so fast...but it was all sooo much fun!

Moms Unite

On the first Friday of each month, I (Barbara) go and join a bunch of my friends in our monthly Mom's Club meeting. This month, in lieu of our meeting, we all gathered together and enjoyed our Christmas luncheon....which was yummy yummy Mellow Mushroom! It was a great time where some mom's were solo because their kiddos were still in school and some mom's (like me) were able to bring their kiddos to play in the Kiddo Room during the luncheon....but regardless, I was able to laugh and enjoy some great company from some close friends! It was an absolute blast and I love our local Mom's Club!



Mother's Dictionary of Meanings

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.

Full Name: What you call your child when you're mad at him.

Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.

Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.

Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.

Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.

Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.

Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

Two-Minute Warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises.

Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

(Copied from http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com)

Wordless Wednesday

All tangled up

Ever since Abby went to her first movie in the theater this summer (Toy Story 3 - where she saw the trailer for "Tangled") she's been wanting to go back to the movies. When I heard the Drive In was playing the movie, we set the plan into action! Although the original plan was to go on Thanksgiving night, we all zonked out and fell asleep early...so planned another night instead. And what a night it was! While Eric stayed home with the twins, on a cold and somewhat -rainy night, I took Abby to see the movie. It was great! The rain stopped as we pulled into the Drive In and we turned on the radio, turned on the heat, settled in and enjoyed the show! Although she started off in the passenger seat (in her booster so she could see - ha!), she eventually made it over to my lap and we snuggled under the blanket laughing all night long! What a GREAT Mommy and Daughter date night!

All you need is love

The Christmas holiday season has begun! It is now officially the time where people start decking the halls, going home for the holidays, jingling their bells and rockin' around their Christmas trees. You will see signs all over for holiday sales, signs for parties being held and signs for Christmas cheer. But in all this hustle and bustle, in all of the signs of Christmas, look for the true meaning.

Fir Tree - The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of our thought turning toward heaven.

Bright Star - The traditional tree topper is the heavenly sign of promises long ago...God promised a Savior for the world, and the star is the sign of fulfillment of His promise.

Candle - The candles we light around the holidays symbolize that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

Wreath - The wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

Santa Claus - A symbol of the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.

Holly - The leaf represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berry represents the blood shed by Him.

Christmas gift - God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift.

Candy cane - This represents the shepards' crooks. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

Bell - The lost sheep are also found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. It symbolizes guidance and return.

Angel - It was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.

After seeing the signs, you can't help but realize that the true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. The real Christmas story is the story of God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself. Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate. The true meaning of Christmas is love...and yes, Virgina, Jesus loves you.

"Iron"ing out the wrinkles

Well, as the news reports claimed, this year's 2010 Iron Bowl was a good game...sort of! It was a hard fought back-and-forth battle that ended with Auburn's comeback to win. Auburn might not have made the most plays, but they made the biggest...and they won the game 28-27. The best part of the night...hanging out with the family and the twins getting to watch their first Iron Bowl! Thankfully, they were napping in the final minutes of the 4th quarter, so they didn't see Alabama lose, but it was fun to watch them trying to hold their pompoms and cheer on with their Daddy and Big Sister! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!! See you again in Florida on New Years Day at the Capital One Bowl!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Wades

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night,
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around,
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!

Sleep is for the weak

For the first time every, Abby had a slumber party at our house - and it was awesome! After getting the A-OK from her Mommy and Daddy, she called her BFF cousin, Whitney, and asked her to come to a slumber party at our house. After Whitney said "Wait one minute, are you asking me to spend the night at your house? OF COURSE!" it was nothing but drama for these two girls to wait until Monday night. When the big night got here, there were sooo many things that kept them happy - taco dinner, tummy buster sundaes, Tinkerbell movie, books, toys, games, and tons more! And no kidding, there was actually some prank calling unbeknownst to any adult in the house!! Ha! But both girls were asleep by 9 PM and had a great night...and then a great day playing together when morning came! So for those keeping score - Abby's 1st slumber party: ONE, Mommy's fear that a ton more will happen and is scared to death about when all three want friends over: HUNDRED.

And what a week it was...

A week's gone by since the last post - shocker, I know, ha ha! And because soooo many wonderful and crazy things happened in this last week, I thought I'd hit a highlight of the top 5...or maybe 11...

NUMBER ONE
Quote: The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.
Activity: Unloading all of Barbara's maternity clothes on someone that is much in need because we will be welcoming a new little niece or nephew into our family next year! Congrats again to Heather and her crew! Love yall!

NUMBER TWO
Quote: People who love sausage and people who believe in justice should never watch either of them being made.
Activity: Barbara prosecuting speeders in the big Hatch of south Alabama...and a huge shout out to Aunt Jerry and Justin for helping me be able to go and not worry about daughters! Thanks and much love!

NUMBER THREE
Quote: Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye?
Activity: Saying goodbye to a family icon.

NUMBER FOUR
Quote: There is always one moment in childhood where the door opens and lets the future in.

Activity: One of Abby's BFFs has started hanging out with us at our home on Wednesdays...she came this past week and the two of them tackled everything from painting, playing, running outside, dress up, doll weddings, movies, and most of all - TONS of laughing!

NUMBER FIVE
Quote: The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.
Activity: A scare with a heart condition by one of our closest loved ones...we are still keeping him in our thoughts and prayers - and there's nothing sweeter than hearing your 3 1/2 year old ask to call this person (while they are still in the hospital) to tell him that she loves him and is sorry his heart hurts.

NUMBER SIX
Quote: Sports is the toy department for human life.
Activity: 63-7....speaks for itself.

NUMBER SEVEN
Quote: Gobble til you wobble.
Activity: Sitting with the twins while watching Abby perform at her school's Thanksgiving Program. And eating the feast afterward - should I have chosen the sweet potato pie or the salad? (Wink, wink!)

NUMBER EIGHT
Quote: Would you like some cheese with your whine?
Activity: Having the most fun at an adult only party where one of our own turned the big 4-0! Happy Birthday dear friend, we love you!

NUMBER NINE
Quote: Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
Activity: Abby's 1st official real-deal pedicure and manicure...for her, it was love at first sight and feel!

NUMBER TEN
Quote: Let's not just go to church, let's be the church.
Activity: Another gorgeous morning and evening at Providence Baptist Church!

NUMBER ELEVEN
Quote: Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts.
Activity: Having three of the most fun relatives come over for a Sunday afternoon visit that had Eric and Barbara laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes! What a great day - love to all of you!

Half time

Today, November 14th, Reagan and Blaire turn 1/2 a year old! Six months ago they came into our world....and today we celebrated that day! Happy "1/2" Birthday girls! We love you!

Happy Veteran's Day

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
-John F. Kennedy

Beach bums...or should I say beauties?

If you have children, and you're the one responsible for clothing them, you know how frustrating of a job that can be. I believe it was Mark Twain that said "Clothes make the man..." but it's Mommy Wade that says "Buying children's clothes is the most frustrating thing with the exception of losing baby weight." Here's why it's a problem....you'd think a 3 is a 3 in any language, right? Wrong. In some stores a 3 really means a 6; or a 3 can mean a 0; or, glory of all glories - a 3 can mean a 3! I basically have a list of each store and know before going in, what size to look for. You think that's a joke? Nope...all of these stores carry sizes that aren't the same as the next store/brand: Faded Glory, Circo, GAP Baby, Okie Dokie (JCP), Children's Place, Sara Togs, Gerber and my all time favorite Carters. And on top of that, stores put out their cute holiday stuff early and rarely have 2 of the same sizes when trying to outfit twins...or get matching outfits for twins AND a big sister! So, what's a Mommy to do? Go shopping at all the stores. And what's a worn out Mommy of three to do? Send a personal shopper out first to do a lookey-loo (and pre-purchase) to limit my, eh hem, window shopping! Ha! "Aunt Kelly" is still in Florida - only a mile or so away from a string of stores providing outlet prices. She headed out earlier this week and scored big on all of the holiday clothing I needed! No lie, when I headed out (with all three girls) this morning to spend the day shopping, all that I apparently had to do was meet Kelly and swap my money for the clothes she bought. It really was like a miracle on 34th Street, or should I say Highway 98! After "shopping", and a little Bass Pro Shop mishap (which put the Grinch right back into my shopping experience), we headed to lunch...on the beach of course! Beautiful weather, gorgeous sunshine...and "Uncle Matt", Kelly's husband, getting to meet the twins for the first time! We ate some good seafood, played in the gulf, built sandcastles, turned Abby into a mermaid, and snuggled with some babies! We ended the day with a safe trip back home and honestly couldn't have asked for more! Maybe I do like shopping...I said "maybe."

Memoires from the kitchen...

Abby: Mommy, did you forget that I wanted to eat breakfast this morning?

Mommy: No, I didn't forget. What do you want? Grits, butter toast, cheese toast?

Abby: Um, let me check the pantry. Oh, yes, chips. I want chips.

Mommy: (For the thousandth time this month already) No, you are not having chips for breakfast.

Abby: Wait, what's this?

Mommy: Rice Krispies

Abby: Oh yeah, I'll have some Rice Krispie treats for breakfast.

Mommy: It's cereal. You put it in a bowl and add some milk.

Abby: Soooooo, what? No marshmallows?

Mommy: Nope. Not today. Here, try some. When I add the milk, you'll hear the snap, crackle and pop.

Abby: (After the milk was poured) I hear it, I hear it! Now can we add the marshmallows because they may snap, crackle and pop too!

Mommy: Nope, no marshmallows this morning.

Abby: Well, then I guess we'll never know if they snap crackle and pop.



(And that's another typical Tuesday morning in our house - HA HA HA!)

Picture pages

We are only ONE WEEK away from two of our girls turning 1/2 a year old! Wow...times flies....they are getting so big and I'm in such shock each time I take another picture. And speaking of pictures, with the time difference this morning, we were all up and dressed early enough to take a few more pictures of our favorite subjects!

A gorgeous day

The weather might be a bit chilly, the babies might be a bit fussy from their shots, but the sun is shining and the outdoor activities are happening all around...we love fall!

Our sweet babies

Today Reagan and Blaire had an appointment with their pediatrician, Dr. Mac. Technically, it was for their 2nd (out of 6) Synergis shot, but Dr. Mac combined it with their 6 months check up...and since they aren't technically 6 months, they won't get their 6 months shots until their appointment next month. But with all those technicalities out of the way, the appointment was picture perfect. Both girls are doing great in their physical growth as well as their skills (motor, cognitive, etc.). Reagan now weighs in at 12 pounds 3.5 ounces, and Blaire is at 13 pounds 6 ounces. (For their age, they are in the 5th-10th percentile for weight, but for their corrected age, they are in the 50th percentile.) Blaire's hemangioma has gotten out of the proliferation stage and has entered the rest stage. It'll stay in this stage for at least a year or so before diminishing and disappearing. The girls tolerated their shot extremely well and we were in and out of the appointment with time to spare to run a couple of errands before heading home. And one of those errands was a quick run to the grocery store to pick up some vegetables for the girls to start eating! Yes, Dr. Mac said that it was time to add veggies to their daily diet. They are going to follow the footsteps of their big sister, Abby, and start with Sweet Potatoes. And what a start it was! The girls were both a bit tired of their big day (and the medicine didn't help much) but they both ate over 1/2 a jar of the veggies...and ended the night in all smiles!

Time is ticking away

Reagan Nichole Wade
5 months, 19 days, 10 hours and 5 minutes

Blaire Elizabeth Wade
5 months, 19 days, 10 hours and 6 minutes

My Mommy Moment

The one question I get every week is "How do you do it?" I come up with lots of silly little answers ("Prozac helps." "Do what?" etc.) but the truth is, I've got the biggest supporter out there. And, yes, Eric is my biggest fan (especially when he's the one that asks "How do you do it?" Ha!) but there's someone else out there that gets me through every minute, every hour, every day. He reminds me constantly that "“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When I'm weak, injured, in need, being persecuted, in distress...He's there, He's strong, He's in His glory. At least once a day (especially on days like Wednesday when I'm home alone with all three girls from morning til night), when I feel like I need a little Mommy Time, I find myself saying a prayer and no kidding, something always comes through. Some days it's a neighbor, some days it's a visitor, some days it's extra patience I find deep down, some days it's a phone call from a friend, some days it's just a realization that all three are napping at the same time, and some times it's God showing His power through funny and crazy ways. That's my Mommy Moment for today that I want to share with you...it just happened minutes ago. All three girls are up from their naps and have all had their afternoon snack (there was milk and grits going around...I'll let you guess who got what, ha!). Both Blaire and Reagan are basically outgrowing their baby bouncy seats, but aren't quite old enough to sit up in our play station activity center. They were both sitting propped up in the big leather living room chair and were doing fine. Abby was coloring at her play table a few feet away. There was peace in the house. Then the cries started. And wouldn't stop. Both babies were fed, clean and comfy so I wasn't sure what was going on. They aren't lap babies so that wasn't the problem. But something was wrong. After trying everything, I was at my wits end. The twins kept screaming and Abby kept yelling "What's wrong?" I thought, "I'm going to put them in the bouncy seats, buckle them in and just go into the other room for a minute to clear my head." And that's exactly what I did - and headed into the bathroom praying for some peace. I was gone for not even 2 minutes when I realized there was no crying. All I heard was laughing. I snuck my head back into the living room and saw Abby sitting in front of both girls putting on a "stuffed animal" show with her turtle (Turtle...named by Abby), Blaire's dog (Ah-choo....named by Blaire) and Reagan's giraffe (Ah-gee...named by Reagan). The twins were spellbound - watching Abby and the animals while giggling, cooing and smiling at their Big Sister. I thought "What in the world!" Then it hit me like a ton of bricks...I prayed - He answered. I was weak and in need - He provided. My Mommy Moment for today - remembering that God shows himself in lots of forms...but today, He was in a Big Sister and three stuffed animals.

Peanut, Peanut Butter, Jelly!

This week The National Peanut Festival is in Dothan, Alabama and it is one of our all time favorite family fun events! If you don't already know, approximately half of the peanuts grown in the U.S. are grown within a 100-mile radius of our Wiregrass area. The National Peanut Festival (which by the way is the nation's largest peanut festival) is held each fall to honor peanut growers and to celebrate the harvest season....and to give us some super fun as well! We decided this year to make it a girls night and it was awesome! Since Eric had to "work" late (can anyone say "Fore!" Ha ha!), and it was the perfect night to take kiddos (no crazy concerts, events, etc.) I packed up and took Abby to her 4th NPF...but we weren't alone!!!! Blaire and Reagan got to go to their very 1st NPF...and we had another first timer as well - Aunt Kelly (Barbara's sister). Aunt Kelly has been around town for the past week or so visiting with her favorite nieces, ha! The five of us headed to Dothan (making a pit stop at the voting polls first) where we spent over three hours enjoying the crazy rides (Bear Affair, Dizzy Dragons, Fire Chief, Free Fall, Merry-Go-Round, etc), our favorite fair foods (seriously - people will fry anything in the deep south, ha!), and of course checking out the live stock (Moooooo! Ha!). To make a very long story short, we all had a great night and it was a ton of fun....once again, the NPF was a great event and we love going and are already looking forward to next year's "festibull."