Proud to be a Theta Mom

We will return to regularly scheduled posting tomorrow with some hilarious stories from my trip, but today The McGlothin Family Nest is linking up with Theta Mom.  What, you've never heard of Heather at Theta Mom?  Shame on you.  Go check her out and come right back!
 
She is celebrating her first blogoversarry, and said "So to begin the festivities, I am going to draft one of the BEST posts I’ve ever written and I challenge you to do the same by answering one simple question… What makes you a Theta Mom?"

I want to tell you about the day I became a Theta Mom, or maybe when I realized I was a Theta Mom?  Well, that's easy.  June 16, 2007.  My wedding day.

I can tell you that my life changed when I became a mom.  And I wasn't her "real" mom.  The day I married Luke, I began to have nightmares about leaving Bella at the mall or giving her something she was allergic to.  I didn't carry this child for nine months.  I did not bring her into this world.  Yet, somehow I was going to play the mother figure to her while she was with her Dad and I.

I was always good with kids, I was a camp counselor, a swim teach coach and even a nanny.  But this was different.  I wouldn't be giving this kid back to her parents, I was her parent, even if I am a step-parent.  (Have I mentioned how much I hate the word step-parent or half-sister?  Family is family is family. Period.) 

And as scared as I was (and if you know me, you are nodding your head because I was terrified), something clicked.  I suddenly had this calm around me (aka God, although at the time I didn't know it) and everything came so naturally.  The over-controlling person inside my body suddenly gave sprinkles to a three year little girl and told her to "go to town."  What?  Who is that person and where is Gini?  Well, Gini was gone and Momma Gigi stood in her place.

I was different.  My life was different.  I had new priorities and they did not include cocktails or slinky shirts.  I found that it's only necessary to see 3 o'clock once a day, and that's when it's light outside.  And I knew that I never wanted to change again.  This new person, this mom, is who I was meant to be.

Saying good-bye to her that first summer (when I was home with her by myself during the day for six weeks in between graduation and my first real job) was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I felt like a kid that had been playing house, and my parents were here to pick me up from daycare, and my imaginary babies would have to wait in their plastic highchairs until I returned the following day.  I felt like someone had ripped my heart out.

Our table of three had now become a table of two.  We were newlyweds sleeping together for the first time without our girl in between.  Our bed felt empty.  Our apartment felt empty.  Our lives felt empty.  We had to accept that this was reality, and that we would feel empty for six months until she returned for Christmas.

That summer, I knew I was a Theta Mom.  I knew I wasn't like any type of mom in particular.  I knew I had to juggle life with and without my sweet Bella.  At the time, I figured Luke and I would have children of our own, but that didn't matter right away.  My focus was on being the best Momma Gigi I could be.  The most kind, loving, generous, compassionate, thoughtful Momma Gigi I could be. 

I also know that I will never be Bella's "real mom," and that's okay with me.  She is someone that I do not agree with and rarely get along with, but she is also someone that I thank God for every day.  Because without her, I wouldn't have this...

And Claire wouldn't have this...

That's my story of when I knew I was a Theta Mom.  Be sure to visit Theta Mom and see all of the other great posts this week!

I'm Back! Sort of...

Here's a quick rundown of what's been happening in our lives... So I got back to Birmingham from North Dakota last Friday after two layovers and arriving to Luke's car in the airport garage only to find it wouldn't start.  Got my battery jumped, and headed home.  (And I'll write more about my trip North when I can find some time.  It really was beautiful!)

I unpacked, repacked, grabbed Claire and headed to Atlanta.  Met up with Jay, Grace and Mom.  Had a fab dinner at Houston's (love love that Spinach Dip!) and put a tired baby to bed.  Saturday morning was Grace's Bridal Shower at Einsteins (not the bagel place).  It was beautiful, and I promise to post pictures soon.  We lounged by the pool that afternoon and then got ready for the big bachelorette party! 

Dinner at One Midtown Kitchen was amazing, as were the frozen concoctions at Flip Flops (a bar owned by the guy Ace from Real World Paris).  When the hour approached 11, which in my world is bedtime, we went across the street to Opera and hence my first club experience.  Now I've been to plenty of bars in my life, but this was my first time in a club.  I'm talking $20 cover (which we didn't have to pay thank you Jenny!), pat downs by a big bouncer, VIP tables, professional dancers on platforms throughout the place.  It was interesting to say the least.

I pooped out by midnight and took a cab back to the hotel and back to my mom, who was taking care of Claire for me.  Sunday, it was time to get back in the car and finally see my husband for the first time in a week.  This long drive was followed by a few loads of laundry, dishes, unpacking and repacking for the Smokies. 

Yes, we are on the go quite a bit, but this is just a busy time in our lives, and we know "this too shall pass."  But until it does pass, we are just soaking it all in and making the best of what life gives us.

And then on top of all of that, I was offered a promotion at work, which management wants me to transition into right away.  So I'm doing my current job, training for my new job and trying to please everyone at the same time.  So while I am back, it's not for long. 

I'll be working alot until our vacation starts Thursday, then we'll get home from the mountains next Monday.  Probably won't be much blogging for while, but hopefully you'll stick around for the coming "pot luck."  That's going to be my post of anything and everything that's been going on in our lives.  Pictures, stories, probably a video or two, everything.  Again, coming as soon as I find the time.

So I hope you all are well, and I can't wait to get back to "normal," whatever that is...

Still Thankful, Just Absent

Sorry I won't be having Thankful on a Thursday this week.  I'm off in North Dakota on business with not much time to blog.  Please forgive me!  I promise to do my best and read all of your linked posts, but it may be a while before I can comment.  But know that you are all so special to me!

Next week I'll be back with Thankful on a Thursday from the road as our family travels to the Smoky Mountains for the Fourth of July.  (And you know good family vacations means good family pictures!  :::squees in delight:::)

Here's the badge and code for your post...




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And here's where you can link up!  Love you all!

Dear Time,

I have a bone to pick with you.

I would really appreciate it if you would get it together here. My girls are growing up waaaay to fast. Why do you always seem to speed up when I am trying to savor every moment of these little angels' existence, but you have no problem hitting your brakes on during a meeting when I am dying to bolt for an afternoon of fun in the sun?

What's this?  You're called "Father" Time?  Doubt it.  If you were a parent you would fly through those first few sleepless months and leave teething in the dust.  Then you would draw out those evenings of playtime in the floor and hold out for bedtime as long as possible.  You are obviously not a father.

The weekend flew by crazy fast and Bella is already back with her mom for ten days.  Do you know what that means, Mister?  That means one-third of our Summer visit with my angel is over!  But I bet you'll have no problem dragging out the next five days away while I'm away from Luke and Claire and then five more days until my family is together again. 

And if I know you, which I do, you'll speed up for the last four weeks with my sweet Bella, but slow to a screeching halt for five months until she comes back for Christmas, won't you?  Maybe that's just how you roll, but I don't like it very much!

Right now I am in nowhere North Dakota waiting for my connecting flight on a puddle jumper plane to an even smaller town where the only hotel is a Super 8.  Think you could speed up a bit?  There isn't even a McDonald's in this airport and the creepy guy sitting next to me could have come straight from Deliverance.

But no, you're probably chuckling right now at my situation, ready to throw it in high gear when you very well please, likely when I get home from this business trip and want to soak in the weekend.  You are now on my bad side, and for very good reason.

I think you need to check yourself.

Thanks,
Gini

Happy Father's Day Luke!

I know it's not until Sunday, but we have a really busy weekend and won't be posting.  I have a business trip next week and Bella goes back to her mom for ten days starting Sunday, so I will celebrate Father's Day on the blog today.  (But Bella is painting something- and helping Claire paint something- for Luke so I'll post pictures of that when I can.)

I can't even begin to tell you how Luke is everything I ever wanted in a husband, but moreso in the father of my children.  He is a godly man, a kind and loving nurturer and a simply amazing father.

To Claire he is the don't let go because I can't stand by myself yet and tossing me in the air makes me laugh really hard and the I love your silly songs more than you know kind of dad.  He relishes his alone time with her, talking to her about boys who are going to want to date her (as if she understands right now), and letting her play in the bath way longer than I do.

To Bella he is the teach me about Jesus and tell me stories about when you were a little boy in Africa and a let me ride on your shoulders because you're the only one who can still hold me kind of dad.  He lets her lick the brownie batter bowl when I'm not looking, but then tells her it's ok if I find out because it's never ok to lie.

To me he is the partner I always prayed for to raise the girls.  He helps out more than not and picks up my slack when I am running on fumes.  He is the pay the dishes and wash the bills- or wait- is it wash the dishes and pay the bills because I can't seem to get it right kind of partner.  He continues to tell me how beautiful I am despite the fact I birthed a child less than a year ago.  He always cheers me on as I try to navigate the whole working-mom race.  He knows when I need some time to myself, time to pray, time to sleep and he gives it to me.

Luke, you are an amazing dad, and I wish I could remember to celebrate you more often rather than just on Father's Day.  But here is my best attempt.  Your girls and I love you with everything we have!  Happy Father's Day!

PS. I am leaving Monday for a business trip.  I won't have much time to blog, but I have a few things set to publish while I'm gone.  I'll be back for good Monday, June 28th which is the blogovesary for Theta Mom.  So we'll have something for that and then back to the good ole' Nest.  Blessings to each of you!

Thankful on a Thursday

It's Thursday again?  Where did last week go?  Yeah Father Time, we need to have a talk!

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36.  Bella's Salvation.  This is one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life.  Knowing that Bella only goes to church eight weeks out of the year (aka: when she is with us), and that God is still powerful enough to fill her heart during that short time.  I am so thankful for her salvation!

37. For Little's Reading Bibles.  Bella picked out the NIV Adventure Bible.  It makes my heart happy to see Bella just throw herself into her Bible.  And when she gets to something she doesn't understand (which is a lot of words in the Old Testament) she is not afraid to ask.  And she told me earlier this week, "Momma Gigi, it makes God really happy when I read my Bible."  Yes, my angel it does!

38. For Grandbarry.  This week was his sixtieth brithday, and we really just want to celebrate him.  He is such a Godly man, a great father and grandfather, and I am thankful for the influence he had on Luke growing up and that he is in the lives of my girls.

He is known for his corny jokes and jumping on the trampoline with his grandkids.  Here he is with Camille (my neice) and Bella and the picture framed they made for his birthday!

39.  New e-friends. This blogging community thing is crazy! Really. I have met so many wonderful women on the same journey of faith, motherhood and life that I am on, and they are incredible. I am so thankful that they allow little ole' me to guest post on their blog and link up with me.  And I am even more thankful for the support they have given me (even over the interwebz) during this difficult time for my family.

40. Peace.  I am thankful that I am finally at peace with Grammie's death.  Romans 5:1 says "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Don't forget to link up with us beacuse I truly love reading your Thankful on a Thursday posts.  It may be next week before I can comment, but I promise I will.

Three Years Ago Today...

I walked down the aisle...

Met this man and became his wife...

And the step-mother to this angel...

We had our first dance...

There was cake...

And a lot more dancing...

I really feel like these few pictures doesn't do our wedding any justice.  It was the most thoughtful, beautiful, fun and generous gift my parents could have ever given Luke and I as we began our journey as husband and wife.  This has me a bit nostalgic, so I'm thinking about tapping our story.  How we met, got engaged and started our lives together.  Maybe when I find some time.

I can honestly say that I love him now more than ever.  Happy Anniversary Luke!

The Worst Day & The Best Day

This is a little long-winded, but please bear with me.  The ending is wonderful!

So Friday was really emotional.  Grammie passed away.  I was thinking about being strong and not breaking down at work.  (You know how awkward it is when people you kinda know come up and ask if you're ok?  No, I'm not ok, my Grammie just died and I don't want to be here anymore.)

I was thinking about all of my training classes I have scheduled next week and who will teach them when I am gone.  I was thinking about how much I hate funerals.  I was thinking about how much I love the 23rd Psalm, but would I feel differently about it once I read it at Grammie's funeral?  All of these thoughts and emotions were flooding my mind.  I was thinking about all of the things I had to take care of.  Who would take care of me?

I busted up a meeting my boss was having (really I just knocked on the door, but it still felt rude) and told her what had happened.  I had been keeping my boss up to date on what was happening with Grammie and that she may be passing sometime soon.  She told me to go home early, be with my family, and not to worry about a thing.  I felt so blessed to be with a company who cares about people and takes care of their own.  I really felt taken care of.

So, while driving home, I call my in-laws (oh, they are so wonderful) and they agreed to keep Claire Friday night so that I could go to the movies with Luke and Bella rather than be stuck at home with the baby.  I just didn't want to be a home.  I didn't want to be alone.  I wasn't sure what the night had in store but, my in-laws took care of me, like they always do.

I arrive home and took a shower.  It just felt like the right thing to do.  To wash away all of those tears, or at least to stand in the shower and cry where it didn't matter because my face was already soaking wet.  But it did make me feel better.  I watched a few minutes of last week's episode of The Bachelorette (it's a guilty pleasure of mine although this season is a bit disappointing), folded a load of clean clothes and got dressed.

Luke called and said Bella's friend couldn't join us at the movies so we would meet at McDonald's, grab a bite to eat and all go to the movies together.  When we arrived at the Golden Arches, Bella asked me if we could go next door to LifeWay and get her a new Bible. 

Of course, was my first thought.  New Bibles are amazing!  Feeling the crisp pages, waiting to be christened with notes and late nights with flashlights under the covers because the story is just that good.  New Bible it is.  Let's throw down these chicken nuggets, set the correct time on Bella's new Shrek watch from her Happy Mean, and head next door to LifeWay and get this girl a Bible.

And then Bella says, "Well Momma Gigi.  Don't you want to know why I want a new Bible?"  And I reply, "Because the Bible you have has little lambs on it and it's really for babies."  And with her sweet smile she says "Nope."  "Well then, why?" I asked.  And then she gets real shy and tells Luke that he needs to tell me.  Ok, the suspense is killing me.  Did Claire color in her Bible?  Did she lose it?  What?

And Luke utters the best words I could ever imagine.  "Momma Gigi, Bella asked Jesus to come into her heart because she wants to live with Him and be a Christian!"  I started to cry.  My sweet girl had been saved.  She got real uncomfortable, but I reassured her that these were the happiest of tears.

Because every night I pray.  Not for a pay raise or a bigger house.  I have full faith that He will take care of us.  I pray nightly that Luke and I will raise Godly children.  That they will know the Lord and His great love.  For my oldest, this prayer had just been answered.

Luke later explained to me how this had come about.  He was telling her that I may be sad because my Grammie had died and gone to Heaven.  She wanted to know more about Heaven and why Jesus came to Earth.  And her questions just kept coming, so Luke sat with her for about half an hour and answered them.  He told her that Grammie went to Heaven because she was a Christian, and that only Christians go to Heaven. 

To make a long story short, she asked her Daddy how she could become a Christian so that she would go to Heaven too.  And so, in the middle of a parking lot, he led her in a prayer to ask Jesus to come into her heart.  My worst day had just become my best day. 

I can't tell you the joy I feel right now, knowing that Bella had found the Lord.  I'm almost crying as I write this.  And I know Grammie would be elated that her death had brought one of her great-grandchildren to salvation.

We may be sparse on posts this week as Claire and I travel to Huntsville for the services.  And then next week, Bella will be with her mom and I will be travelling for work in North Dakota, so probably not much time to write then either. 

But I cannot express how deeply appreciative I am for all of your thoughts and prayers.  They mean the world to me.  You are not strangers whom I have never met that live in far away cities, you are now my friends, and I am so thankful for the support you have provided my family and I.  Really, you will never know the depths of my gratitude.

And as my friend Alysha so perfectly quoted, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Home With Jesus

Today, my sweet Grammie went home.  I knew this was coming, but it still hurts.  I hate that my girls won't know her, her sweet smile, her amazing banana bread, her witty attitude and love of life.  I hate that my mom and dad are in such pain right now, and I just pray for peace over them.

We all know she is resting now and no longer in pain.  We all know that she is in Heaven with my Grandfather and with the Lord.  But it still hurts.  I am so thankful for three days of bereavment leave at work, since I've only been at my job for four months and have barely any vacation time built up.

It looks like the wake will be Wednesday night and the funeral on Thursday.  Claire and I will go to Huntsville, but Luke will stay here with Bella.

But something wonderful did happen today, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.  As soon as I can type more clearly through the tears.  Please keep my whole family in your prayers during this really difficult time.

Eight Months

Oh my, I can't believe Claire is really eight months old already!  She is really coming into her personality and learning already how to get her way.  This also means we are a mere four months from her first birthday! 

:::runs off to start the planning because four months is not neraly enough time to arrange a proper first birthday party:::

Oh, hi!  I'm back.  So we have decided on a ladybug theme and I found some cute invitations, drafted the guest list and started brewing some fab party ideas.  But back to the present... eight months!

Things she is amazing me with...
* Crawling forwards.  Yes, last month she was only crawling backwards but now she has the hang of going forward!
* Six teeth.  All I can say about this is teething really stinks.  I hate it!  She was fussy and running a low grade fever for days, but we finally saw two more top teeth poke through last week. 
* She looks like a little person.  Maybe it's more teeth, but she doesn't look like an infant anymore.
* She is a toddler!  I can't get over how fast time has gone by.  I feel like I just write the Seven Months post earlier this week.
* Pulling up.  She was kinda doing this last month, but now she is pulling up on everything and trying to stand.  While it makes me think she is growing up too fast, she so darn cute doing it!  I think it's time to lower the matress.

Things she loves...
* Lots and lots of puffs.  Apple-strawberry, blueberry, cheddar, peach-mango and sweet potato are her faves.
* Apple juice.  We had been offering 1/2 water and 1/2 apple juice in a sippy cup for a few weeks, but she just recently began to really drink it.  Now she wants everyone's cup.
* Bedtime stories from sissy. (And I just love watching them together!)

So tonight Luke is taking Bella and her friend Hadyn to the movies while Claire and I meet up with some other moms from church.  Tomorrow we'll head to Tuscaloosa to celebrate Grandbarry's birthday and to see Aunt Benna and Uncle Michael, Haley and Thomas, and then go to a wedding shower for Matt and Kendall Saturday night.  Another jam packed weekend, but one I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

Happy Friday!

Thankful on a Thursday

I am so glad you have stopped by for Thankful on a Thursday!  Also stop by to see Nish at The Outdoor Wife and Alysha at The Tarr Pit and one of my new favorite blogs, Living on Love and Cents!  Don't forget to link up with us at the bottom so I can find your always beautiful Thankful on a Thursday posts!  And you can grab the code for your sidebar to the left, and the code for your post below.

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31. For Small Groups.  I was thankful a few weeks ago that Small Group time at church was approaching.  Now that it is here, I am doubly thankful, maybe triply (is that a word?).  This group is called Grillin' & Chillin' and I posted about it yesterday.  It's such a great time to connect with friends and we really loved it!

32. For these girls.  And they way they love each other!  I am so blessed beyond words and can't describe the feeling I have when they are together.


33. For Fellow Thankful on a Thursday Bloggers.  I can't tell you how much I so look forward to Thursday now.  Admit it, Thursdays got the raw end of the deal stuck between Hump-Day and Friday, but now I love Thursdays!  I love waking up to find other Thankful on a Thursday posts linked here, seeing our Thankful on a Thursday badge all over the place and reading your amazing and inspiring posts.  I love that you are praising God, and know that I am so thankful for you!

34. One Prayer.  This is our Summer series at church as we join nearly one million believers from around the globe praying one prayer over the church body.  Check out the 2010 One Prayer website here.  Their motto is basically that when the church unites it is unstoppable!  All I can say is that I am so thankful to be a part of something so incredible and for this incredible message.

35. I am not alone.  I know that He is with me, and that He will never leave me.  I am so thankful that I know the Lord and can take peace in His comfort.  Especially with two kids and work and keeping up the house and cooking (etc, etc, etc, you get my drift) I sometimes feel so overwhelmed.  But I am not alone, and for that I will always be thankful.

Be sure to link up with us so we can find you!  Happy Thursday!

Grillin' & Chillin'

This is the name of our new Small Group at church.  With something like 14,000 members, it's easier to get to know people through small groups.  (I have a post brewing- if only in my head- about the whole mega-church thing.  Wait and see.)  There are small groups ranging from basketball to basket weaving to Bible study.  We found the perfect group for us- because we are all about both grilling and chilling.

But some of the people we have met through small groups have no doubt changed our life.  They have welcomed us into their homes as we have opened our home as well.  These people have supported us, prayed for us, even calling at 6:00am to check on me before Claire's tubes surgery.  They love us and we love them more than we could ever express.

We are creatures of habit, so it's pretty predictable that we are in Blake and Lindsey Lindsey's small group again.  (Yes, her name is Lindsey Lindsey- spelled the same way both times.  She laughs it off as God's way of telling her who she was supposed to marry.  I called her Lindsey Squared.  But I digress.) 

Blake is the campus pastor of our church.  (We have six, going on seven, campuses throughout Alabama.  Our "home campus" is in Riverchase but we do go to Wednesday night services at the main campus, which is about 20 minutes away.  Again, post on mega-churches coming soon.)

Their oldest daughter Hadyn is eleven months younger than Bella, and even though she only sees her once or twice a year, Hadyn always makes Bella feel like she is her best friend.  And that is something I will be forever grateful for in this tiny little blond five-year old.  She makes my girl feel like she does have friends in Alabama, and friends are hard to make when you're only in the state less than eight weeks a year. 

And their youngest, Liam, is three months older than Claire, and I am pushing for an arranged marriage between the two.  They love playing & stealing toys from one another in the church nursery (and since Lindsey serves in the Nursery/ Preschool with me, they spend a lot of time in there together).  And there's also sweet Harper, and she'll be three next month.  But again, I digress.

So we've been out of small groups since last Summer since we had Claire in the Fall and were adjusting to my life as a working wife and mom in the Spring, we are more than pumped about this season of small groups.  We were back with our old gang from last Summer.  This is Luke's "why are you taking this picture of me" face...

It was the perfect combination of great grilling, great desserts (as you can see we demolished all of the brownies and left only a sliver of red velvet cake) and great friends (who brought these beautiful hydrangeas from their garden).

While we missed the girls during their slumber party at Grandmomma's, we were able to reconnect and enjoy some adult time.  And every parent needs some adult time, right?  You should be nodding your head yes.  After I pick up the girls from Alabama Adventure this afternoon, we'll grab a quick bite to eat and head to the Wednesday night service. 

Bella loves going to the main campus- as she calls it "the big church"- (I mean, they have an indoor play place, who wouldn't love that kind of church) and is really excited about being in Highlands Kids for the first time.  See you tomorrow!

Life is Good!

I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to come home to my girls, who are exhausted from a long day of playing in the sun, ready for me to make dinner, partake in some dancing and snuggle up after a bath for a good movie. 
That is living.

With a little prep work Sunday night and some help from my wonderful mother-in-law, I pulled off dinner before 8:00 at night.  And it was even tasty!

And then for some dancing (with Claire in her new outfit that big sister brought from Hawaii).

And lots of laughing...

And now Claire is tired and Bella is telling me that she is thirsty!

And while I'm usually wary of bathtime pictures, this one was pretty safe.

After Claire went down and I won a round of Wii bowling, we packed our new backpacks for two days at Grandmomma's house and it was off to bed to watch Marley & Me.  While I am exhausted as well, I could get used to this.  Just my girls being together and my family complete.

My Family is Together Again

I love when my girls, Luke and I are all together.  It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  I feel like all is right with the world.  I feel whole.  Luke has his daughter.  Claire has her sister.  I have my family, and nothing can compare to this feeling.

Bella brought Claire some gifts from Hawaii but she was more interested in the paper than the bath time book!

And Bella got her big surprise... a cell phone.  Yes, she's only six-and-a-half and we bought her a cell phone, but don't judge unless the only visitation you have with a child is over the phone for more than forty-four weeks out of the year.  And now she looks sixteen laying on her bedroom floor, talking on the cell phone.

And after Claire's bath, it was time for a bedtime story.  Bella is an excellent reader and loves bedtime stories.  Claire, on the other hand, is not so sure.

We are gearing up for a busy week.  Jessica (my sister-in-law and nanny), her daughter Camille (who is two), Bella and Claire have lots of fun things planned for today.  Tomorrow the girls will go to Tuscaloosa to spend Tuesday with Grandmomma, Grandbarry, Auntie Bethany, Unclue Joshua and cousin Liam (who is one).  I am so excited that my girls will have time with cousins, aunts and uncles.  I grew up so far from any extended family and always felt that those who lived closer to each other had a special bond that I simply didn't share in.

A slumber party is in store at my in-laws for Tuesday night, and then Wendesday after work I'll pick up the girls (we do a meet in the middle thing).  We'll grab a quick dinner and then head to church.  Bella loves Highlands, and she is really excited that since promotion Sunday (when the kids move to the next grade level) was last week, she in no longer in the Clubhouse (Kindergarten) but now she is in Highlands Kids (1st-5th grade).  And who wouldn't be pumped about going from a Bible Adventure cartoon to a live teen worship band and being with "the big kids" ??

Hope you had a great weekend, and check back with us later in the week for more fun times with the girls!

If Seven is a Lucky Number...

Then I feel a lucky weekend coming on.  Remember when I posted this?  Yeah, well a few more miles have been driven since then so on my way home from work yesterday I saw this...

And I think I remember from my sixth-grade superstition that if you stepped on a crack it would break your momma's back, MASH would determine who you would marry and if you'd live in a shack or a mansion, wishes made at 11:11 came true and that seven was a lucky number.

I sure hope so because the 27 year-old version of myself with a slammed work schedule, sick grandparents and a teething baby could use a little luck these days.  (This is the first time I've actually said the words "I'm 27 years old" and I don't like how it feels.  It's no longer mid-20's.  Now I'm in my late-20's and all I can say to that is eeww.)  And while I know it's all in God's hands and there is no such thing as luck or coincidence, I hope you'll play along.

I do know this weekend will bring one good thing.  My sweet Bella.  Even just seeing her picture makes me smile.  Here she is with her Daddy last Fall at the State Fair.

Luke, Claire and I will pick her up Sunday night and have the whole Summer to make memories, "teach" Claire to crawl, have an amazing vacation in the Smokies, watch outdoor movies on a blanket at the park and take more than a few trips down the Lazy River at Alabama Adventure (aka Bella's favorite place second only to Chuck-E-Cheese). 

I will happily get beat in ski ball and air hockey, play princess dress up, bake perfectly imperfect cakes- both in the real and play kitchens- and relish in the time that my girls are together.  That, my friend, is no luck at all.  That is me leaving the housework behind (and hopefully getting a maid to pick it up) and enjoying every minute of the time God has given (and the court has mandated her mother allow) us with our sweet girl. 

I hope you have a lot of love and even a little luck this weekend.  And thank goodness I didn't marry the pimply-faced red head MASH predicted I would, although I would take the mansion!

Thankful on a Thursday

So glad you've joined me for Thankful on a Thursday.  I first got the idea from Nish at The Outdoor Wife.  She is awesome (and also in the middle of moving) so be sure to check her out.  And of course, my new e-friend Alysha at The Tarr Pit are now linking up to bring glory to God for all that He has given us.

I've also added the Thankful on a Thursday badge to my sidebar, so you can grab it for your page (sidebar size) or below is the badge (the size above) for your post!  (Somebody tell me if this doesn't work, ok?) 

<a href="http://themcglothinfamily.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="McGlothin Family Nest" src="http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab30/ginimcglothin/TOATBadge3.jpg " /></a>

But on with it...

26. Babies.  They are simply God's gift.  Here is Claire and Luke with his good friend and old roomate Matt with his new baby girl Taylor Cate.  Matt's oldest daughter Kensley and Bella are 18 months apart and these babies are only seven months apart.

27.  The McGlothin & Bobo Families.  While I didn't get to make the trip to Knoxville for Luke's Grandmother's funeral, I am thankful that the entire family was there to support Grandjerry and allowed to re-enter his life.  Since Grandmother's Altzhimers was so bad at the end, she didn't recognize anyone and was paranoid of almost everyone.  Now that she is in Heaven, I am so thankful that Grandjerry can be with this loving, caring and amazing family he has created and longed to be with for so much time.

28.  Webcast Church.  Because when I am feeling exhausted from cleaning and Mother Nature is throwing you a mad storm on what is supposed to be the first morning of Summer, I am so thankful I can curl up with my pop-tarts (aka the breakfast of champions) and Belgian chocolate coffee and watch the service online.  Luke took Claire downstairs so I could have some peace since they were going to the 6pm service while I served in the Highlands Preschool that night.  It's not like the real thing, but I still felt re-energized and ready to face the week.

29. Only three days until my family is whole again.  I have been counting down the months and weeks until Bella comes, the sisters would be together, and the Summer can officially get underway.  It is almost here & I simply cannot wait!

30. For a clean house.  Yes, this is being thankful for me, since I'm the one who cleaned it from top to bottom, but I am just thankful that it is clean.   I feel like a wieght is lifted from my shoulders and now I can relax without picturing the cabinets that need to be wiped down or the fridge that needs to be cleaned out.  It's all done, and that gives me a sense of peace.

And don't forget to link up with us so I can find your Thankful on a Thursday posts as well!

"Love Like Crazy"

I love country music.  There.  I said it.  I love country music.  It's all "my dog died," "my wife left me," "fishin' and huntin' all day," but I love it.  And the other day, I ran across this song that really hit me.  Claire was sleeping soundly in the back seat so I zoned in on the words, and they were amazing.

It was Lee Brice's new single, "Love Like Crazy."  Listen to it here, or  read the lyrics...

They called them crazy when they started out
Said seventeen's too young to know what loves about
They've been together fifty-eight years now
That's crazy

He brought home sixty-seven bucks a week
He bought a little 2 bedroom house on Maple Street
Where she blessed him with six more mouths to feed
Yea that's crazy

Just ask him how he did it, he'll say pull up a seat
It'll only take a minute, to tell you everything
Be a best friend, tell the truth, and over use I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy
And love like crazy

They called him crazy when he quit his job
Said them home computers, boy they'll never take off
He sold his one man shop to Microsoft
They paid like crazy

Just ask him how he made it
He'll tell you faith and sweat
And the heart of a faithful woman,
Who never let him forget

Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy
And love like crazy

Always treat your woman like a lady
Never get too old to call her baby
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy
And love like crazy

They called him crazy when they started out
They've been together fifty-eight years now

Ain't that crazy?

Isnt' that awesome?  I love it.  I love the part about overusing "I love you."  I tell Luke that all. the. time.  He usually responds with "I love you too," but every now and then he says, "I know honey.  You told me two minutes ago."  I just never want him to forget how blessed I feel to have him as my husband and the father of our girls.  I love him.  So I tell him.  Maybe it's too much- but I make no apologies.

While he is no Luke McGlothin, Lee Brice is a hotty, no?

(photo from http://www.leebrice.com/)

And here is an article about the Microsoft CEO hearing the song for the first time.  Pretty neat. 

And after Luke's Grandmother and Grandjerry were married for so many years, I am keeping him in my prayers today as he adjusts to life without his beautiful wife. I pray the peace of the Lord be with him, and that he will have wisdom from Heaven in making important decisions about their house and where he goes from here.

Anything speaking to you lately?  What songs are loving right now?

PS.  I attacked the guest bathroom and my bedroom after work yesterday and I am lovin' that feeling like crazy!

Well, that didn't go as planned...

So I had dreams of spending my long weekend full of playtime with my little bear (Claire) and my big bear (Luke), but things just didn't turn out that way.  First I got hit by the cleaning bug.  Now you may think that this is a good thing- the whole spring cleaning thing.  But really, it just took over. 

I'll get back to that in just a sec, because more importantly, Luke's grandmother passed away Sunday.  She has had Alzheimer's for more than five years now and has been living from a feeding tube for more than four.  She is no longer in pain and is now in Heaven with Luke's cousin Timmy.  We are at peace with God's timing to bring her home.

Luke took Claire to Knoxville yesterday (since I couldn't get off work on such short notice) and is coming home tonight.  The service is this morning, and I am so grateful that his entire family is there to support his father and grandfather.

It's a little blurry, but here we are when Grandmother and Grandjerry came to our cabin in the Smokies last summer.

Sylvia was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and while we are sad that our children won't remember her, we will let the stories of her great love live on for years to come. 

So Sunday I did squeeze a little play time in with my little bear...

And Monday I packed her up and sent them on their way.

Back to the cleaning... I realized that my house hadn't been totally deep cleaned since Claire was born and my mom hired Merry Maids, and then my Granny (Pop's mom) came for the week after Claire's arrival and cleaned what Merry Maids missed.  (And y'all, she cleaned out my garage.  Yes, I know she is a saint and I love her very much.)

So needless to say the impending arrival of my middle bear (Bella- I don't know where all the bear references are coming from today, but I'll just go with it.) I got the urge to clean my house.  Not play on the living room floor with the Busy Ball Popper and V-Tech Crawling Ball.  Not stroll down the block with baby and dog.  Nope, clean.  And clean hard core.  (This is my biggest justification to get a maid.  I hate that cleaning was more important to me than spending time with my family.)

Saturday, I cleaned out the pantry and took care of the kitchen.  Then Sunday... stop.  Yes, the kitchen took me all day Saturday.  Don't judge.  Where was I?  Oh, then Sunday I attacked Bella's room.  My sister-in-law and niece often play in here with Claire while I'm at work.  But some of this stuff hasn't been touched since she was here in March.

And while part of me is so embarrassed to show this, I do want to encourage women and let moms know, they are not alone.  So, if your little's bookshelf and play kitchen gets a wipe down and the disinfectant wipe looks like this...

you are not alone!

And then Monday, after Luke and Claire left for Knoxville I cleaned Claire's nursery and my bathroom.  And while my hands still smell like bleach and my muscles are so sore from bending over into the tub and toilet and my knees are bruised from scrubbing tile grout, the finished product made it worth it.

Are you digging my pink bow wallpaper?  It's the last room in the house left to be redone!  I still have the guest bedroom and bathroom and my bedroom to get to this week, and then the living and dining rooms this Saturday before Bella comes on Sunday.  I do feel better knowing that things are clean, but I wish I knew we could keep it this clean!

Anyway, I hope your Memorial Day went a bit better than mine.  Oh, and if you haven't been by The Pioneer Woman to check out her Coming Home series of pictures, go over there right this very minute!  It is a beautiful tribute to the reason for Memorial Day and thanking the troops who serve and protect our freedoms.  And then come back to leave a comment about your Memorial Day weekend, ok?