Has it really been that long since I posted???

So much has happened....so much.

I will try to catch up this weekend.

The best part?

I have a precious new niece...born on Memorial Day. I got to be there for the entire thing and it was the most special thing ever!!!

I will try to post pictures very soon...

We are all well. So much going on. Good. Bad. Everything in between.

65 photos....

When I got home from work this morning, I found my EMPTY camera case on the dining room table. When I asked Eric where it was, he told me that the camera was by the kitchen sink.

WHAT?????

I found the camera by the sink....and proceeded to go through the photos on it. Allison has discovered how to take a photo and she thinks that the camera is just as much her's to use as it is mine. Um....no way, kiddo. But, apparently, daddy was preoccupied with another task and Allison went to town, snapping up photos of our home.

But not pretty photos, but pics that a 4yo would love to see...her toy area, the kitchen trash can, the pile of laundry that needs to be put away in mom and dad's room....

and her left hand.

Yes, her left hand. When asked why there we so many pics of her hand, Allison let me know that she took pictures of her hand so I would know what her hand looked like while she was at school. Yes, sweetie. Momma often forgets what your sweet, chubby hand looks like for the 2.5hrs that you are gone in the morning....3 days a week. NOT!!!!!

Allison is a right-handed photographer. And she loves self portraits.

Here are a few, for posterity's sake.

And then Daddy said..."here, let's get a picture of YOU. Apparently, he hadn't checked the photos already taken.

Random kiddo photos....

Just because I haven't posted some pics of the monkeys....

Servant

Last night, as I was getting all of the girls in bed, I was feeling sorry for myself. I was doing all of the work. Eric stepped in for prayers (he had just gotten home from work a few minutes before). But I was the one that did the baths, checked homework, did the snuggles, got the umpteen cups of water....

And I felt a little put-upon. But then I had to remember that this is what I had always wanted. This was my life as a momma. My husband is a wonderful father. He is a good hubby to me. But his focus is on the outside of the house (work, etc.). But, even while I am at work, my heart and mind are here...in this house....on this family.

I realized that that is the way it is for me. That is the way that I wanted it. And I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe a little bit more "Ami" time. Just a little.

Then, this morning, an online "friend" Stephanie Howell posted this and it spoke to me. So I am sharing it.

An essay by Roy Lessin

A woman once fretted over the usefulnesss of her life. She was fearful she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.

At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.

"Is it worth it?" she often wondered.

"Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of those moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart.

You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice.

Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward.

Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.

Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

You may never be in the public spotlight. But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me.

2 days post-op.....Allison

Today has been a pretty good day. We started out rough. Allison had a rough night - with a fever of 103.6 (2nd night in a row). She is taking fluids ok....just not moving too much. I wouldn't be either.

She took a 4hr nap on the couch this morning and woke up like a new kid.

She has played on and off throughout the day. She even sat at the table for dinner. She didn't eat much. Just half of a crescent roll with her beloved butter on it.

I have found that she loves Sprite and will drink it with no problems. That is what I have been giving her most of the day. She isn't quite sure how to take it. She asks and I jump. I am just happy to have her drinking.

Right after coming out of surgery. Poor girl. She had an ice pack to her neck and was "snuggling" her Get Better Buddy that her sisters got for her. GBB and her blankie both accompanied her to the OR.

Her first popsicle, in the recovery room. She ended up having 3 popsicles and 2 ice cream cups in the 3hrs that we were there after surgery. Very reassuring.

2 days later...looking better...acting better...

Keep the prayers for a speedy recovery for our girl!!!!

What a week....

Poor Allison had her tonsils and adenoids out on Friday...She also got new ear tubes. She is doing well, but not like I expected. She refuses to sleep, even though she is fighting through the narcotic pain meds that she is getting every 4-5hrs.

But we know that this is temporary. She will be breathing so much better. She already is. And when the swelling, in her airway, goes down, she will be just like a new girl. Right now? She looks worse for the wear.

Soooo....we are spending our time encouraging PO fluids and keeping her still and comfy. And she is taking it all in.

Poor girl...

And...oh,yeah....I turned 40 yrs old on Thursday...meh.

Scrapbook Nook blog hop....please check it out!!!

Updated....1/19/10...I won!!!! I won!!!! All that hard work paid off and I won some free scrapbooking stuff....awesome scrapbooking stuff!!! YAY!!!!

If you are a scrapbooker and are challenged to find the newest stuff....every month....please check out the Scrapbook Nook. http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hstrial-myscrapbookno/StoreFront.bok

Their kits are always lovely.

And you can check out this blog...http://lifeaslou.blogsome.com/2010/01/08/my-scrapbook-nook-blog-hop/ to try to win one of these fabulous...or as my 12yo daughter says...prettiful kits.

If you sign up now...you get a $20.10 store credit....and they have the cutest stuff!