Spring Birthdays Take 2

 

M3 around the azaleas

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of M3 and M4. It’s hard to believe that it has been twelve years since you guys came into our lives. Before I could even get used to the idea of having twins, you guys were born. Those first few weeks were quite rocky largely due to you guys arriving 3 months early, but also because we quickly went from 2 kids to 4.  I barely caught my breath in those early days. Here at 12 years out, I can truly say it’s be a fantastic voyage. I am excited about watching you become men; yet I’m anxious about it at the same time. It seems like I was just teaching you to walk, talk, potty train.  

M4 around the azaleas

With each passing day I learn more of who you are and you guys are getting to the stage where you talk less to me. So after all my complaining about the mundane…I now long to know about the mundane happenings of your days. Now we talk about more mature subjects like, your future aspirations, not judging a book by the cover, and why Daddy and I chose to educate you guys at home. Time has really flown by, I hope the next few years s-l-o-w down a bit. I’m not quite ready for the next leg of this journey…...the one where I’ll have to let you spread your wings and leave the nest….*heavy sigh*** tear,tear.

Seriously…….

Why send a post partum woman a packet on PPD and urge  her to call if she feels like she needs to; yet when she calls, the person answering the phone,  Can “assure you that it’s all in your head.” Uhmmm yeah..right, I kinda knew that. That is why I called!!!! DUHHH!!!!!! This is more than “baby blues” lady. Something is really ROTTEN in Denmark.  Or would you prefer that I call you back AFTER something crazy happens?Don’t pee on my tulips and tell me it’s raining. I’m just sayin’

Things I learned so far this year….

Womanhood aint for sissies.  I’d like to think that I‘ve gotten better with age. In many ways I have. But, I’m afraid ashamed to admit that after the birth of M8, I’ve learned lots of new things about myself.

1. I’m slowly becoming my Mother. (Which in and of itself is a call for MORE therapy)

2. I really have a give a darn damn attitude.

3. I really don’t care who knows about #2.

4. I’m at WAR with my teenage daughter and I see no cease fire…within the next 8 years or so.

5. Having 7 kids did not seem so bad, having 8 …well I might need to call in reinforcements 

6. The skinny chick ..well that ship has sailed.

7. It’s ALL small stuff.

8. MUST E-X-C-E-R-C-I-S-E daiiilllyyy.

9. Need WATER…not COKE/Sweet Tea.

10. When nothing else seems to be ok, refer back to #1 and call the therapist to book 10 more sessions.

Ahhhh Spring

The "friend" we found in the flower bed.. yes, it is  was a copperhead

My flip flop lovin' feet are STOKED that Spring has arrived. We have been busy getting the homestead ready for the season by weeding flower beds, tilling, mixing manure and compost in the garden. Late last month the whole family went with me to conference in NOLA.  Rah and the kids visited our favorite sites around the city. Sorry for the quality of the pics...we have a budding photographer who experimented quite  a bit while we were away with his camera. The best thing about this excursion was my hubby FINALLY  got why everyone needs a vacay every now and again. These few days away gave us a recharge and a much needed distraction from some things that are going on with my health.( more on that next post) Growing up my family always took 2 vacays a year, his family took "staycations" when he was a kid.  Despite my suggestions over the years,  he could not be convinced that everyone needs a change of scenery. Now, he totally gets it, Thank God! There will be a vacation this summer. YIPPEE!!

Daddy and the littles in a tree @ Audubon Park

Our own resident Steve Irwin wrestles the gator!!!

The older two take a stab at Gator nabbing!

The Whole Gang enjoyingthe Audubon Zoo

Happening around here...



Baby Girl ponders the lens



Our 11 year old

 Spring is peeking out around here!!!! YAY!!! That makes my heart  and feet (which seem to prefer perpetual flip-flops ;-) happy! Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated the 11th birthday of our Y2K baby boy, the baby turned 2 months old and I went back to work. Whew!!! Some days, I barely can catch my breath. I have "written" several posts in my mind and when I sit down, and try to put pen to paper, it does'nt seem to come out right. KWIM??? But today I decided that I should just "free write" here. Stop comparing my blog to others I follow, and just be myself. Easier said than done. Have a Happy Thursday!!!

Some Inspiration

Poetry is one of my favorite forms of writing. After scripture, it's my favorite type of literature to read. Recently a friend gave me a copy of Footprints of a Pilgrim, by Ruth Bell Graham and it has quickly become one of my favorites. The book is not  just poetry, it's an auto biography of sorts of her life as a MK and preachers wife and mother. I have found myself in recent months struggling with my identity as a Mom and Christ follower. I feel so alone and and some days quite doubtful if I really am making the "right" decisions.
This piece of prose sums it up for me quite well. I hope you enjoy it as well.

For all these smallnesses

 I thank You, Lord:

small children

and small needs;

small meals to cook,

small talk to heed,

and a small book

from which to read

small stories;

small hurts to heal,

small disappointments, too,

as real

as ours;

small glories

to discover

in bugs,

pebbles,

flowers.

When day is through

my mind is small,

my strength is gone;

and as I gather

each dear one

I pray, "Bless each

for Jesus sake----

such angels sleeping, imps awake!"

What wears me out

are little things:

angels minus

shining wings.

Forgive me Lord,

if I have whined---

it takes so much

to keep them shined;

yet each small rub

has it's reward,

for they have blessed me.

Thank you Lord.

-Ruth Bell Graham

Hey There.....

It has been a loooonnnng time . Too long. I need to wish you guys a Happy Harvest, Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and last but not least, Happy New Year!!!! We have been busy around these parts getting ready for a few BIG events. No that the holidays are over, I feel like I can breathe again. And guess what...the little sticky bean that I told you about last spring is now here. We welcomed this little blessing to our family 12 days ago. I'll blog about the detlails of her delivery in the coming days....I hope ;0) . For now here she is.....
Meredith Grace Roberson 1/6/11 @ 3:25 p.m. 6 lbs 3oz 18"