In a Shoe

Textbooks are for Tables

2012-01-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

The kids have been getting up early and getting most of their school work done while I'm walking in the morning.

And that's fine with me. More than fine.
It gives us time to do the good stuff - like looking for caves and exploring old church ruins.

You Can't Put the Kids in the Fridge- because the shelves are too close together

2012-01-04T06:24:00.000-05:00

  Today we put the Christmas break behind us and started back to school. One of us was in a great mood - ready to actually learn/teach stuff.
  The kids....not so.
  I understand. Math is just dumb. Taking a two week break does not make the 7 times table any more appealing. And nobody loves underlining all the adjectives in the great, big, lovely, zippity dippity sentence.
But come on. Did they have to be so rotten and grumpy?
  Homeschooling could be so much more enjoyable if it weren't for the kids.

Don't Close Your Eyes

2011-12-11T08:05:00.000-05:00

Isaiah, our 14 year old, had an E.E.G. scheduled for 8:00a.m. yesterday morning and when I pulled out the instructions Thursday night I noticed he was only to have 3 hours sleep that night. I was a little worried about how he would stay awake because I was sure I wouldn't be helping him out with that! Luckily he has a bunch of brothers and sisters who were more than willing to pull an all night-er with him - watching movies and playing board games. By all reports and by gauging their moods (which were NOT good) - I would guess that the whole gang made it till the early morning hours.
His E.E.G. went well. The technician remarked how well he slept for the test. Results to follow.

Welcoming Jesus to Our House

2011-12-09T06:03:00.001-05:00

This month our family is celebrating Advent. Each Sunday evening we sit together and read verses that help us prepare our hearts to welcome - not just the new born baby of the manger - but more importantly the living Lord of today. It's a sweet time apart from the busyness of the season.
I believe that real advent candles are supposed to be white and purple and beautiful. Making due with what we have on hand, our four candles are actually 3 snowmen and a Christmas bear.
It works.

Make Mine Cookies and Cream

2011-12-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

  We had a goal this school year of having everyone memorize all the books of the Bible. (We tried last year but went brain stupid somewhere around Joel and Amos.) So I decided to up- the- ante with a promise of Chick- Fil -A milkshakes when everyone had all the books down perfectly.
  Between the lust for the highly desired and rarely purchased milkshakes and the shame of having Samuel, the baby of the family, memorizing the books effortlessly and reciting them just a hair slower than the speed of light, the competition became fierce.
  And today the last two boys were able to nail the list perfectly and off we headed to Chick-Fil-A where they enjoyed the rewards of their work.
  And yes, I memorized the books along with the kids but refrained from ordering a milkshake because I like the size jeans I'm wearing.

Leah Rose!

2011-10-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

One of the best thing about having 18 kids is the grandkids that follow along and today I had the joy of welcoming Leah Rose into the family. She's perfect and adorable.
Oh Leah - the things we're going to do together! I love you.

Your Grandma Loves You!

2011-10-09T21:51:00.002-05:00

This weekend was sleep-overs for the grandkids at our house.

Our house was blessed (and noisy) indeed.

Fireside Spelling

2011-10-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

Just when I was getting tired of folding the same 100 pair of shorts that my kids have been wearing since May, our season skip hopped right over to winter. The calendar says Fall - my frozen leg hairs say Winter.
So you can guess how completely lovely it was to find that James had a cozy fire going in the living room today. We gathered up all our books and plunked down on the floor for the rest of the school day.
Goodbye shorts - I'm done with you.

It's a Tea Party!

2011-09-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

  This school year we have taken a year off from making history our main focus and instead, it's all about geography. We're traveling the world, visiting 65 countries using Winter's Promise - Children Around the World curriculum. Not only are we learning the culture, but we talk about the needs of the kids in each place we visit and how we can be praying for them. Read aloud missionary stories are inspiring us all.
  We just finished our visit to the British Isles and celebrated with a "tea time" complete with homemade scones.
  Off to Ireland next!

Maybe I Kind of Like You

2011-09-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

  This picture is unbelievable. The two brothers wearing these self selected matching new shoes have NEVER been buddies. As a matter of fact their previous relationship could be characterized as simmering hostility.
  So no one was more shocked than I was when they went arm in arm through the shoe store and picked their new matching shoes together. The kind of thing you would do with your best buddy.
  And to what do I attribute this new liaison? I can only guess that this being their first year homeschooling together has worked some magic. They are together all day - learning together, playing together and just maybe becoming friends.

Summer Rides

2011-09-04T22:00:00.002-05:00

The last few weeks of summer are slowly ebbing away and I'm enjoying each precious minute. The skateboards, scooters and bikes are still getting a workout and Lauren caught a few rides down the driveway with Ezra. Layla learned to ride the scooter and I just sat on the porch loving the day.

Stay a little longer summer.

Shhhhhhhhh....She's Sleeping

2011-09-03T07:59:00.000-05:00

Little Madisyn is settling in here beautifully. There is nothing as calming (in the middle of a house full of people and noise and chaos) as holding a sweet newborn baby. I have fallen completely in love with Maddy and often spend time ignoring everyone around me to stare into her little face.
Her mother, on the other hand, is often tired from the expected night time feedings (that I happily miss) and was glad to set up this swing that rocks Madisyn off to sleep. Maddy loves the motion and her Uncle Ezra has become an expert at inserting the binky and restarting the swing.

Another Generation

2011-08-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

This weekend we celebrated at church with Kelly and Eugene as they dedicated their daughter Isabella.

It is an incredible privilege to stand with your grown children and agree to help them bring your grandchild up to know and love the Lord.

Isabella had her part in the whole affair, which was to look adorable and she did it exactly right.

Dodging Disaster Week

2011-08-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

  Last week we had an earthquake that shook the house and had everyone running around screaming. It was exciting and we talked about and studied earthquakes for days. Nothing was damaged including the cups on my open shelves that often fall off and break when you tiptoe through the kitchen
  And just a few days later hurricane Irene came through. We put all the pool stuff away and hunkered down ready for the high winds and rain. We had a day of drizzle.
  Again no damage. Here is Jeremiah with his Bob the Builder umbrella that looks like the winds tore it to shreds. No. Jeremiah rode his bike up and down the street during the hurricane (along with all the other kids) and had his umbrella open behind him until it turned inside out.
  It's all been a little of a let down and the umbrella went into the trash shortly after this picture was taken.

Always Our Little Girl

2011-08-28T05:48:00.000-05:00

AnnaClaire turned 19 this week and didn't like the feeling of being so solidly an adult. She's doing all the adult things - bought her own car, has a good job, going to college full time- but it's that growing up thing that scares her.

So, she ordered a "princess birthday" complete with crown and scepter and watched the movie Tangled with her brothers and sisters for the evening.
Who says kids are growing up too fast these days? Not around here!

Wishing Doesn't Make It Better

2011-08-26T22:39:00.001-05:00

School has started here - both the public school and at our homeschool. This year I have 5 kids home with me and I'm excited as you can only be at the beginning of the year when the kids haven't annoyed you even a little yet.

And I have one in public school and it feels sad. Sad that it's the best place for him and for the rest of us. Sad for the relief and peace that comes over the house as he waves good-bye from the bus window.

It must feel bad to him and yet he knows that we couldn't have a school day that included his rages and anger. He understands because he has some peace from us as well.

It's a sad thing.

You Just Have to Be Pink to be Cute

2011-08-25T18:55:00.002-05:00

After a long labor and an extended stay in the hospital, Miss Madisyn finally made her appearance here at home. She has basically slept every second since coming home, except after we all go to bed when her mom, Molly, reports that she hardly sleeps at all. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that she is held constantly.
All the cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents are completely captivated by her and she reigns supreme around here.

Eagerly Awaiting Grandchild #14. Maybe a little impatiently

2011-08-19T20:15:00.000-05:00

  At the hospital today with pregnant daughter #2 waiting for the second of three granddaughters due this year.
  I could be wrong but Molly looks way too happy on her bouncy ball to have this baby any time soon.
  Let's have a little pain here.

Homeschool Yearbook

2011-08-18T07:20:00.000-05:00

Our local homeschool support group is amazing. You couldn't possibly attend all the activities planned and still find time to homeschool the kids. One of the best things our group does is to produce a incredibly high quality yearbook at a reasonable price. The seniors get a three page spread for pictures and letters to them from the parents. All other grades get a full page, also in color. And I was smart enough to marry a man whose last name started with an "A", so my girls were first in the book this year!

Sending Off a Little at a Time

2011-08-17T07:52:00.001-05:00

We have had the completely chaotic joy of having my daughter, husband and five kids living right next door in our missionary house for the last year and a half. The path between our homes is as worn as an old Indian trail.
But now God has called them away again - not to Africa, France or Israel, but just down the way to Florida.
I won't have them running in and out the door hundreds of times a day. No early morning walks with Kirsten and no Pete the dog digging holes in the yard.
We've been saying our good-byes in little pieces over the last few weeks. The kids wanted their picture taken with their favorite niece or nephew for a frame and love notes have been written and exchanged.

"Sistas" at church

"camping out" in the basement

Saturday night Kirsten hosted a "sista sleep-over" and invited all 10 sisters. They did facials and watched movies and talked about babies and good-byes. Monday night Kirsten and I had a camp-out with all 13 kids in the basement ( it was raining and we weren't about to sleep in tents outside) and we watched movies and ate ice-cream and never mentioned good-byes.
Last night they packed their van and drove off into the night. The house is quiet and the grass will begin to grow back on the path. And I have loved every minute of our time together.
Good-bye McKenzies! I love you!

How to Do Old Right

2011-08-13T05:51:00.000-05:00

That's my mom there on the far right in the brown plaid shirt with some the neighborhood kids.

My mom's not normal. She's 88 years old and should be resting comfortably in her chair watching the Price is Right and taking little naps. Normal would mean she should be forgetting what she just talked about and repeating it every time you saw her. And she really should need some help getting things done around her house.
But no - not even a little. She not only knows what's going on - she makes goings on happen. Twice a week she volunteers at Meals on Wheels (because she likes to help the old people who can't still cook) and at the local hospital (because she gets bored staying home all the time) She still teaches pre-school Sunday School at church, complete with crafts and glue and potty breaks.
And every summer, much to the neighborhood kids delight, she holds a Backyard Bible Club. The kids run up each afternoon at 1:00 for Bible stories and cookies and games.
No, she' not normal and I'm so glad. (remind me to tell you about my Dad who keeps my wild mom going!)

Slipping Away

2011-08-09T21:51:00.000-05:00

As our local grocery store is featuring Candy Corn and Reese Cups with pumpkin - I'm not making this up -there really was a halloween display - we've been scheduling the last few events of summer. We still have a camping trip planned and the kids are finishing up the last of their five Vacation Bible Schools. (And I have zero guilt over sending all my kids to the local churches for VBS. They love it - I love it and it has to be better for them then wrestling each other.)
So, it's one more hamburger and nobody does it cuter than my granddaughter Lauren.

I Need Structure!

2011-08-02T21:53:00.000-05:00

I've noticed lately that my many kids have turned into an unruly mob. It's too hot to ride bikes and even the pool is losing it's appeal. And they're grumpy. Really grumpy - which makes me want to trade in my fly swatter for a kid swatter.
Today the boys were so bored that they broke out the dress up trunk and paraded around in some lovely authentic chinese finery.
Okay - I'm saying it. I'm ready to start homeschool back up.

Gasp.

Don't Tell the Kids

2011-07-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

Between my kids and the grandkids, our pool is not a safe place to swim. Any adult foolish enough to enter the water is jumped on, splashed, hung on and generally harassed. Which is why I spend most days sitting in a chair poolside, reading a book and pretending I'm watching every "look Mom".
  But there's a time, very early in the morning - 6:30 - that Kirsten and I have it all to ourselves. We walk a mile and then toss the shoes and slip into the beautiful, peaceful, un-kid-inhabited pool. The sun is just peaking through he trees and we swim our laps and talk and it's the best part of my day.

The Edge of the Nest

2011-07-25T21:59:00.001-05:00

  My two babies are stepping out....into adulthood. Grace and AnnaClaire are now grown up and the next part of their life is just ahead around the corner. Anna is headed to college and Grace into the working world.
I've run out of time.
They know what we believe and this is when we watch them take everything we've taught and modeled and make it their own.
It's exciting and it surprises me that we're here. Didn't we just see Grace for the first time in that crib at Children's Hospital? Wasn't it just yesterday that Anna walked through our door a scared little girl?
  These two daughters have brought me so much joy - they are part of my everything. I'm releasing them with just a little reluctance.
  And they've nailed the look for their 80's party haven't they?!

How Do You Do This Right?

2011-07-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

One of the most difficult parts of open adoptions, which most of ours are, is helping the kids walk through the land minds of emotions that visits often can be. Having a good partnership/relationship with the biological family is the healthiest for the kids, but not always easy to achieve. Most of the families request very little or no involvement regardless of our open policy, which makes the visits that do occur carry great weight. Although our kids are extremely excited to have mom come for a visit, the emotions of the past and the pull of two ,often very different lifestyles, can be confusing and hard. Some of our kids were too young to remember much about their "first family" but others carry a weight as heavy as themselves. And even for myself the visits can be tough. When the kids come to be mine, they are MINE. I have to share them with another mom who loves them too. Nothing easy about all this.
And yesterday we had one of those visits. Despite the awkward start and the roller coaster of emotions on everyone's part, it was a wonderful day. And if you look real close in this picture you can see some hearts healing.

Babies Again!

2011-07-22T05:25:00.001-05:00

This year is a grandmother's jackpot. I have three daughters who are each having a daughter. Pink is the go to color around here. A few days ago we had a baby shower for Molly and cuteness was everywhere. So if you have enough sons for a basketball team - what do you get with so many girls? (Besides the joy!)

Bordom Buster or What to do When You're Weird

2011-07-18T12:50:00.000-05:00

Some summer days get long and even swimming in the pool gets a little boring. What's there to do for fun? I caught Silas and Samuel checking for arm pit hair. Awkward.

Pool Side Baby

2011-07-13T19:43:00.000-05:00

Out by the pool there's always a bunch of splashing and jumping and loudness. But when Isabella comes to visit she just cuddles quietly in my arms so I can adore her.

Packed and Out of Here

2011-07-12T05:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday began summer camp for our oldest five and after a day of them being going I realize the impact.

*It is so so so much quieter here!.
*They eat a lot of food.
*I'm actually asleep before midnight with them away.
*It stinks doing all the house work yourself.
*They make up a large majority of my hugs and kisses each day.

I admit it - I miss them already but praying that they each come home refreshed, having heard from the Lord.

She's Here!

2011-07-10T22:22:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite kids ever has come to stay with us for the week. (I only had to beg her mom a little.) She walked into the house and started telling me all the things she remembered from when she lived with us and was silly- happy to find some of her art work still on the walls. Gabby is smart and beautiful and her family is one of the few success stories in our foster care journey. Her mom not only redeemed a tough situation that she found herself in, but has been gracious enough to allow us to continue to be in her kids' lives. Don't you love a happy ending?!

No One's Sleeping Tonight

2011-07-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

  My daughter lives right (I mean our yards touch and there's a path worn between) next door. Her five kids and my kids, who are the same ages and best friends (yes that would be their aunts and uncles) want to have sleepovers every single night. Kirsten and I have valiantly tried to put some sanity into the requests with "one a week" or "not if you act crabby" rules, but it all seems to get out of control. And because they're soon moving to Florida it gets harder and harder to say no. Kirsten's kids most often want to sleep here as she feeds them healthy (boring/disgusting) cereal and I buy cereal according to their color. Fruity Pebbles pleases everyone and Lucky Charms is off the charts pretty.
  And of course, no one sleeps until the next day when they quietly slip away for a short nap.
I'm going to miss all this.

This is What we Believe

2011-07-03T06:45:00.001-05:00

We stood at the river bank last night as my daughter and her husband baptized all five of their kids. One by one, each of them told what they knew about Jesus and how they wanted to follow after Him.
Four generations of our family were there to celebrate, each having carefully taught their children about our amazing God.

But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
Psalm 103:17

Baby Love

2011-07-01T06:39:00.000-05:00

Isabella, our newest granddaughter, invited some of the men in her life over yesterday. Her four uncles and her Poppa decided that she was the most adorable baby ever.
Her Aunt Grace and I already knew she was. We held and kissed her and told her how much she was loved.
Sweetness!

When Your Brother is a Playground

2011-06-30T06:16:00.000-05:00

Parenting a large family for a long time makes the parents ~~old~~ - sort of like antiques - valuable but fragile. And that's where older brothers come in handy. When the boys get together with David its full out wild. And David is up for the task, picking them up and throwing them down till the little boys want to cry, but of course never would, because that's how you get tough in boy world. Meanwhile, the girls and I sit and enjoy the spectacle wondering if the grass stains will ever come out of their knees and shirts.

Sent with Love

2011-06-28T09:02:00.003-05:00

Corinne chose the way she wanted to spend her last evening in America. She wanted chicken soup for dinner followed by a family walk around the neighborhood. We finished the night with a drive to the Cone Zone and Corinne treated everyone to ice-cream. One by one as the kids went to bed they came to her and hugged and said their final good-byes and this morning while we slept, James drove her to the airport for her flight back to China.
Last night we sat on her bed together talking and she said that she felt so different than the person who had arrived here a year ago. She talked about how her life had been driven by a single goal - to excel in academics. This year has opened her mind and heart to so much more. She learned how to spend time playing and being silly. She has put up with a huge family from anyone's perspective, let alone a citizen of a "one child policy" nation and that's been good. Corinne had the opportunity to travel and see so much of our country and most importantly she had the chance to meet God. It was no surprise to me that He had prepared her heart to be so open and her last prayer was that she would be able to be closer to God and tell China about Him.

There is a little piece of our family making it's way, right now, across the skies back to her world and we will miss Corinne.
If you get the opportunity, consider sponsoring an exchange student. Start your own missionary training school around your kitchen table!
We love you Corinne.

"There's this boy...in my class......"

2011-06-26T09:45:00.001-05:00

Sometimes the best conversations happen over breakfast. While my granddaughter Scarlett was enjoying her Fruit Loops this morning she told me about her best friend Benjamin at school and Julia at church. She also talked about the mean boy at school who called her a cry baby at recess. We agreed that it's hard when people call you names and how much we like our friends that make us laugh. Coffee and Scarlett were the perfect start to my day.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

2011-06-23T09:44:00.003-05:00

During the school year the kids have activities 3 or 4 nights of the week - sports practice, church groups and lessons. Dinner is often a "throw your food down your throat and out the door" affair. Not fun.
But things wind down here in the summer. I'm lucky to get dinner on the table by 7pm and we cancel all outside of our home activities. And way past bedtime the kids love to have a night swim. Somehow the pool becomes magic in the moonlight. And when they finally tumble into bed, the sleep is sweet and long and summer seems to last forever.
(when Isaiah saw this picture he remarked "See, I do walk on water!")

Mommy Will Be Back Later

2011-06-20T22:31:00.001-05:00

Our local historical society is presenting a three day workshop on the role our county played in the civil war- including walking tours of battlefields, museums visits and lectures by experts on the subject. We live in the Lower Shenandoah Valley of what was then Virginia and not only is this area beautiful but was a major border between the North and the South.
And I get to attend. Just me, without kids, sitting and listening and learning. It was nice to find that my brain hadn't completely died here under the pile of children.

Sweet Berries

2011-06-17T21:19:00.000-05:00

In our neighborhood, this is how many hand picked raspberries you can get for $3.

The price is determined by how many boys it takes to ride up and down the road on their bikes looking for wild raspberry bushes. Each boy wants a buck and I want the raspberries. It's a very agreeable business transaction for all. The boys unfortunately get very purple stained hands and knees, but a good long swim in the pool after finding them, takes care of that.
And I hide them in the back of the fridge until early in the morning, when I swirl their sweetness into my yogurt, while my little berry pickers sleep.

Isabella is Here!

2011-06-16T07:09:00.001-05:00

  In the middle of the night I got to welcome my newest granddaughter, Isabella Ann, into the world. Kelly made childbirth look amazingly easy and Eugene is already the perfect daddy!
  She is beautiful and sweet and I love her completely.

Beaten Path

2011-06-15T22:16:00.001-05:00

I'm trying not to get discouraged but I've been down this path before. Adopting kids from hard places means that they sometimes bring the bangs and bruises from those places with them. And you can't see the hurts - just the outward anger and sadness that they cause. Most of the kids let you love them and they heal little by little.
But not all. And here I am again feeling hopeless and tired. Maybe this time when I look down the path there will be a glimpse of sunlight. Maybe this time we won't get lost in the woods.

Time Off

2011-06-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

Back at home and the boys are doing what boys do when time is endless....lazy days at the river, not catching any fish, but then again, who cares? It's all about what you don't have to do. I like to watch them and let the calendar in my head float away with extravagance of summer.

One More Sand Castle

2011-06-10T05:59:00.002-05:00

Just another day or two at the beach and then we all head home. Cousins growing up with the same memories of our time together

.....a tiny perfect place in the middle of regular life.

Bat'er Up

2011-06-08T22:20:00.002-05:00

The kids have been anxiously waiting for Stephen to organize their favorite beach game - softball. Everyone can play - no matter that you're only 2- but Stephen doesn't bend the rules for any one. If you strike three times you're out, even if you're cute and you cry. The sand was super hot, which kept everyone moving around the bases and everyone cooled their feet in the ocean when the game ended.

"We're Here!"

2011-06-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

The beach scene has taken a serious commotion up- surge and I couldn't be happier. The adult kids - the good ones that have reproduced - have all arrived and brought with them some of my favorite people in the world...grandkids. The kids got busy digging holes, jumping waves and being cute.

A Girl Needs a Hat

2011-06-04T21:20:00.001-05:00

Yesterday afternoon we visited Roanoke Island, famous as the birthplace of the first English child born in America - little Miss Virginia Dare. The history was almost as interesting as the window shopping where Grace, AnnaClaire and Emma found some big hats to try on. I bought a new book for beach reading and the boys were excited to find some "real shark fossils inside a mud egg and the teeth glow in the dark!" History at it's finest.

Shark Boy

2011-06-03T19:40:00.000-05:00

  If anyone loves the beach, it's Isaiah. He owns everything that is shark and can quote all the lines from every Jaws movie ever made. But you have to listen carefully to know any of this about him because he is our quiet guy. Isaiah doesn't demand or complain and you won't hear him yell - he walks gently through this 10 ring circus.
  And here at the beach I often find him contentedly enjoying it all.

Cowabunga

2011-06-02T17:50:00.001-05:00

Today was all about boogie boards. The three littles have conquered the sea ....weren't they afraid of the waves last year? Nothing could stop them as they had one sweet ride after another into shore with their adoring mother cheering them on. I'm picturing surf boards in a few years!

First in Flight or in our case Fight

2011-06-01T21:17:00.011-05:00

We decided it was time to throw a little education into the vacation and headed down to the Wright Brothers Memorial. The kids were excited to find out that the first flight was right here at their favorite beach town. James pointed out to the kids that Orville and Wilbur worked together and were able to accomplish something remarkable.

Our boys, the "Wrong Brothers" argued and pushed each other coming down the hill from the monument and their only accomplishment was driving their very lovely sisters crazy.

It's Really Okay

2011-05-31T21:54:00.001-05:00

Most of the kids are settling into beach life, but all this unstructured time- up close and personal with everyone, isn't always easy for some. One of the kids has been bumping into everyones feelings with all his defensive weapons drawn and giving us all the opportunity to learn to love without expectations.
This is a good place to heal.

Nobody Was Bored

2011-05-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

  One of the reasons our family chooses to go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina is that there isn't a whole lot to do here. No amusement parks or water slides or a board walk with tons of shops.
  Just sand and water.
  Every day.
  Entertainment seems over-rated down here.

Doing Nothing on Purpose

2011-05-29T21:19:00.001-05:00

Waking up this morning to the sound of waves crashing. Watching the kids running up and down the beach - swimming, digging.

Peaceful and happy.
And nobody loves it more than Elijah with his half a conch shell treasure.

Real Life in the Rear View Mirror

2011-05-28T21:59:00.000-05:00

The countdown started 351 days ago....the day we left the beach last year. This morning, after plowing through the month of May, which had about four thousand events, we packed the van and headed out for the beach. Each mile closer to the ocean we got the more I could feel my worries and responsibilities flying out the window.
I'm ready for this vacation- starting with a night time sand crab hunt.

We Got You Covered

2011-05-27T22:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight was Kelly's baby shower and the "sistahs" turned out in full force to ooh and aahh over all the adorable baby outfits and to let Kelly know that her new baby had an army of aunts just waiting to spoil her. I loved listening to them laughing, remembering and reassuring her that they were but a phone call away.
There is a wonderful security in a group of sisters that stretches all the way around your joys and fears and needs.

Number 3 with a Cap and Gown

2011-05-23T22:08:00.000-05:00

And on Sunday our 3rd daughter graduated from High School. Molly lives in another part of the state and we traveled a few hours yesterday to celebrate her accomplishment. She hasn't lived with us for many years and her path both to our house and through and out of our home has been difficult for her. Although she hasn't lived with us, we have been behind her every step through her journey into adulthood. Life will not be easy for her and she often chooses paths that make it even more difficult, but yesterday was a testament to her tenacity. Despite moving more times then I can count, often in the middle of a school year, she did the work and accomplished this milestone. You're awesome Molly and we love you!

(Stay tuned when next week our oldest grandson graduates as well.)

The Finish Line

2011-05-21T22:24:00.001-05:00

  Today was amazing, inspiring and perfectly wonderful. We had 12 seniors in our homeschool community and today we had a full out graduation - complete with caps and gowns and "Pomp and Circumstance". Our guest speaker was Elizabeth Smith, wife of Mike Smith, President of H.S.L.D.A.
  As each family came up and shared a little about their graduate, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that choosing homeschool was the best thing we could have done for our girls.

AnnaClaire and Grace - we are so proud of you!

Everything Grows When it Rains Continuesly

2011-05-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

Tonight after dinner James and I took a walk out back to our garden/orchard and everything is looking green and zippy after about 30 straight days of rain.
Each of the kids has their own little garden square with one tomato plant, two ears of corn and another vegetable that they chose.

We checked the fruit trees and found our first small pears, apples and peaches.

All being happily pollinated by the bees.

Can I Freeze Them Right Here?

2011-05-18T22:07:00.001-05:00

  These are three of my favorite teens - Eleanor my granddaughter and Emma and Isaiah my twins by other mothers. They are a delight to homeschool - always wanting to know more about whatever we study and they are kindly enthusiastic about every dumb thing I think of to do.
  But the thing I love best of all, is their their innocence. They are thirteen and they don't have phones, dates or attitudes. A perfect day for them is to learn about the Vikings in school, write a play about them and act it out for the family that night.
  Being homeschooled means you can be your own kind of cool. And they are!

Full of Grace!

2011-05-17T05:31:00.000-05:00

This is Grace and Gracie - alike in more than their name.

Each had less than a perfect start in the world. Both were given life by a mom that couldn't care for them. God had a plan for both of these girls - and for the families He would entrust them to. He placed them as babies in the arms of moms who see past their difficulties and struggles and who love them beyond reason.

Are they hard sometimes? Yes! Wild? Absolutely!

They are also an incredible gift

and Leslie and I are blessed to be their moms.

Chain Gang of Love

2011-05-15T23:05:00.004-05:00

As often as having 9 sons and 5 son in laws can be overwhelming loud and annoying, when it's time to get some work done around the house, it's a whole lot of "man power". This weekend James needed to mix and shovel 14 tons of cement for the floor of his workshop and they showed up to do the job. I did my part by serving pizza and tons of water and telling them all how much I loved them.

I'll Meet You at the Check Out

2011-05-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

As much as I love going to Lowe's - the garden center is amazing- and I want every closet insert and organizer product they sell- going with the boys is not my favorite. Why do they all have to ride the cart and why was the cart designed to steer sideways instead of straight and why can I hear them from one end of the huge store to the other? Not amusing. But I did find just the thing I needed for my hanging plants and James and the boys found boring boy stuff.

Just Drop Her Off

2011-05-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

My daughter Lane and family are working on hiring a contractor to get their new house ready to move in to, which means well be seeing a lot more of them, as the house is right around the corner from us. My granddaughter Layla will be starting Kindergarden this fall and on the days her mom is working she'll get on and off the bus at our house. Can I just tell you how excited I am! I love when the grandkids are part of the every day life - its so much sweeter than just visiting.

Just the Way it Always Is

2011-05-08T19:46:00.000-05:00

It's Mother's Day and as much as I appreciate all the blessings and gifts from my children, my thoughts are mostly on my mom. She has given me the gift of living easily - no worries from my past, no regrets...just encouragement and joy for life and knowing that she approves of me fully and without reserve. In this picture from when I was two I see the same feelings between us that we shared today while we sat together on her porch. I love her and she loves me.

National Day of Prayer

2011-05-05T21:00:00.003-05:00

Our town celebrated National Day of Prayer on the steps of the courthouse today. A small number of people turned out-mostly homeschool families and the local Catholic priest. The Jr. R.O.T.C. group from the local high school raised the flag and we sang the Star Spangles Banner and said the pledge of allegiance. Together we prayed for the country - to return to God and to repent of our sins. We closed with a hymn. I liked our town a lot today.

Not Even Remotely Whipped Into Shape

2011-05-04T22:14:00.001-05:00

Life in a large family is often, at best, controlled chaos. I used to have much higher standards. Simple things like knowing for sure that everyone was wearing socks and had brushed their teeth in the last 24 hour period. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten to town and realized that not only did my boys not wash their face from dinner but had the entire menu printed on the front of their shirt. It's embarrassing the things I've had to let slide. They move in a wiggling writhing mass that I am unable to subdue. So when I say, "stand together for a picture", it's not a pretty sight.
Funny, but not pretty.

The Long Haul

2011-05-03T22:05:00.001-05:00

Homeschooling has been a checkered career around here. My two homemade daughters, Kirsten and Kara, attended public school -Kindergarden through High School. Another child was asked to leave public school (don't ask) and thus began our adventure into homeschooling. Some of the kids have been been half home educated and half through the schools. One year in October I woke up and decided that four of the kids would enroll back in school that day.

But AnnaClaire and Grace are our first two homeschool graduates. We hung in there together and made it through. Never once did public school look appealing (you know on those days when everyone hates math) or was considered for a moment as an option. The girls and I have read through World History, Eastern Hemisphere Countries and American History (thank you Sonlight!) and we talk about our favorite missionary stories and real life heros and heroines and never have I learned so much or loved so much. I know what my girls think and they know what I value and it has been good. I'm excited to launch these two wonderful girls into adulthood!

Up North

2011-04-30T21:01:00.001-05:00

Once a year we pack up all the kids and drive for 12 really long hours to New Hampshire so we can visit Auntie Weez -who makes being 96 seem like a cake walk- and Cousin Tony - the coolest uncle in the universe-just ask the kids-. Unbelievably there was a lot of sleeping and quietness on the ride and it wasn't horrible. I actually think I was the biggest whiner and I'm positive that I needed the most bathroom breaks.
  After a quick initial visit we headed to the hotel for the night and the kids swam while James and I slumped in chairs and pretended to watch.
  And the big event of the night - kids in beds with bags of candy and television till they fall asleep in their sugar drool.
  Can't wait for tomorrow!

Stay-Run-Finish-Quit

2011-04-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

  Our new puppy mill rescue dog, Maddie Lue, is settling in nicely. She quickly figured out that we like her to use the bathroom outside instead of on the couch cushion. She allows most people to pet her now and she loves me entirely, going wherever I go and happily sleeping in her cage at night.
  I'm not feeling as settled as Maddie. I can almost taste the end of the school year and it's all I can do to keep from leaping up and running out. We are on Unit 33 of 35 and I should be pouring on the coals to get done but instead I want to sit outside in the sun and plant flowers and.....play. I really do love homeschooling. Keep going. Keep going.

Pretending to Know Stuff is Risky

2011-04-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the second photography class that Lane and I signed up for. We had to choose between the beginner and advance class and we were sure we were more the latter. Ha! Wrong. Art, the teacher, knows pretty much everything there is to know about f-stops and shutter speed and depth of field and assumed we did too. We didn't. So I have to learn really really fast and it's like gulping down an entire mackerel without chewing.

So here's my depth of field shot. And don't ask me what the aperture was.

Eggs and Stuff

2011-04-24T22:05:00.000-05:00

Easter day was perfect with family, an egg hunt for the little grandkids, egg throws for the brave and a long walk to Lane's new house. And my boys once again allowed me to dress them in shirts and ties - lovely aren't they?

Just Be Here

2011-04-23T21:56:00.000-05:00

Having my daughter Kirsten and family next door for over a year now has been amazing. Sure, the other grandparents spoil the kids a lot more and can take them one at a time to special places and get them treats, but I have them right here. They have been part of the crazy fabric of every day life - in and out of the house, sleeping over, getting in trouble and waving goodbye to me each morning when they get on the bus. And once again, God has called them away back into ministry and they will be moving to Florida this summer.
I'd barely had time to get used to the idea of missing them when my daughter Lane and family bought a house in the neighborhood. And already Layla and Lauren are here, playing with the kids, swinging on the swings and just being part of the day. I'm sure they'll get in some trouble in no time and I'm happy like only a Grandma can be happy.

What We're Thinking About

2011-04-22T22:06:00.002-05:00

Between a communion fellowship at church on Maundy Thursday and waiting the celebration of Resurrection on Sunday we took some time to dye eggs.
The kids have so many questions. "Where did Jesus go during the 3 days before he came out of the grave and did He see Satan?" "Could Jesus have taken the thorns off his head?" "What kind of juice is in the communion cup and can I take the empty cup home?" "If Adam and Eve didn't sin would Jesus have to die for us?"
I love that our family's thoughts are so intensely on our Savior during Easter.

Looking Up

2011-04-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

  I have lived within an hour and a half of Washington D.C. for the majority of my life and have taken countless field trips there growing up and again with my kids. And every time I'm there it amazes me. Buildings and memorials honoring ideas and men whose legacies are larger even then the monuments themselves. Museums with floor after floor of carefully collected things that tell the story of our world. And people from every where doing everything. Energy and power and all that is America.

  Today we took Corinne, our exchange student, to see the sights before she heads back to China. Everyone's favorite was the Washington Monument. You can't help but wonder at it's magnitude. We have a great country - just ask Corinne.

Around the Rink

2011-04-20T22:14:00.005-05:00

This week is Spring Break for the public schoolers here so the homeschoolers invited them to join them for our twice a month roller skating day. Toby Mac blaring, wheels spinning, landing on your butt - what's better than that?

Tatts for Tots

2011-04-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

I'm not cool one little bit. I hate tattoos. And they're so in. Everyone has them including old ladies, young kids not to mention anyone reentering society from jail. I don't like the cute butterflies or understand the Indian symbols.
Just not cool at all.
My boys however dream of the day when they can permanently scar their bodies with black ink.
So what could be better than the package from Aunt Sonia with 2 packs/40 each of super hero tattoos?
And happily, they actually came off in the bathtub unlike the ones they brought home from school that lasted almost 4 months.
Doesn't everyone want a tattoo of Iron Man on their stomach?
Not me.

Sure - go ahead.

2011-04-18T22:01:00.001-05:00

Why do my children feel compelled to swim in the middle of April when the water is a brisk 47 degrees even though they know -
that the water is freezing
and it'll hurt when they jump in
and they won't be able to warm up for about an hour afterwards?

And what kind of mom am I that I let them swim-
pretty much whenever they ask
knowing that it's not normal
and expecting disapproval from the neighborhood moms?

I think the answer to all these questions is-
because why not?

Splash.

I Like You Better Today

2011-04-17T23:20:00.000-05:00

Having 9 girls and 9 boys you'd think I'd have a preference as to which of the two is easier to raise but I find that they are equally as delightful and equally not so. I appreciate that girls don't feel compelled to jump on-tear apart-break up and generally misuse every item in our home. Girls on the whole seem to talk more than boys but it generally stays under the harmful to your ears decibels. I love that girls are tuned in to how things are done around the house, so that in your absence the dog still gets fed, the milk is placed back into the refrigerator after being used and nobody is allowed to bring their bike inside for a tune up. On the other hand, boys have that sweet and extremely useful desire to help carry and lift and fix whatever I need and by the age of 14 are taller and stronger then I am. It's refreshing to have a boy get upset with his brother and after a quick punch or kick the air is cleared as opposed to the sisters that are still in a mood over something that happened between them 10 days before. Although my boys don't often sit still they are constantly thinking and inventing and scheming and amusing me. And in an instant the girls are grown and the boys are men and I really liked it all - or most of it.

Saturday Confessions

2011-04-16T07:13:00.001-05:00

I decided to link with Melissa this week because Saturday morning is as good a time as any to 'fess up.

#1 I missed taking a picture and posting yesterday for the first time since January 1st. I decided to not do it and it was both horrible and as good as forbidden food on a diet.

Haven't killed this one yet

#2 Last week my daughter Lane and I started our advanced photography class and realized within seconds that there's a reason you start at the beginning and not pretend you have a clue about the relationship between shutter speed and f-stops.

#3 I kill plants. Not on purpose - it just happens. Which is why my husband has full custody of the watering can.

Can You Read It On the Couch?

2011-04-14T23:05:00.001-05:00

Since coming from public school to home learning, Samuel's reading has been our priority and it's paying off. He has zoomed through 'Frog and Toad" and told me he knows why it's called a 'Treasury" - cause it's like a special book and it has good stories in it. When this little guy came to visit for the day, Samuel offered to read to him to make him happy. I know I'm thrilled!

Seeds to Grow

2011-04-13T22:46:00.001-05:00

Our rainy spring day project was planting wheat seeds in these brown egg shells we've been saving. We'll be waiting patiently for some sprouts. Our classroom needs some outside in.

Who Brought Them to North America? I'm mad at you.

2011-04-12T22:21:00.004-05:00

I don't know if you have America's newest pest in your neck of the neighborhood, but here in mine, the Stink Bug is invasive. They were around last summer but apparently spent the winter renewing their vow to take over the world and have come out strong already this spring.
  At first glance, they're not that bad. They don't sting or carry malaria or eat the wood boards holding up your house. Unlike ticks they don't cohort with deer and burrow under your skin and make your joints ache nor are they rude enough to steal your food or leave their excrement on the walls.
  They do have an odor - hence their name. But truthfully the smell isn't really all that "stink". It's not like a "your kid stepped in a pile of dog poop" smell. It's more like a strange mixture of mint toothpaste, hair dye and toilet bowel cleaner and they only employ their stink weapon when threatened, which unfortunately around here is often.
  They seem to have an extremely strong exoskeleton as evidenced by the fact that when you flick them as hard as you can and their body makes that satisfying crack when it hits the wall, they pause only a moment before they brush it off and walk away. And they're so stupid/docile that they don't have the sense to run from you.
  So what is it that makes people hate them so intensely? Could it be that horrific prehistoric body? If you enlarged them by about 1,000 percent you could easily superimpose them into a Jurassic Park scene and have people screaming and running from them as they advanced and devoured everything in their path. But could ugliness alone make them detestable?
  Maybe it's their sheer number. Apparently the only social networking the stink bug engages in is not on facebook but in the bedroom. If you have one today, you will have 100 tomorrow.
  I really don't know what I hate so much about this bug but I do. Really. Do you?

Less Junk

2011-04-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

One of my children is in the nymph stage of hoarding. Although he is young now, he is well on the way to collecting the kind of debris that will earn him a segment on "Hoarders-Buried Alive". This is a teensy portion of the broken, useless stuff that was cleaned out of his room. I hauled out three large garbage bags of this kind of junk stored in boxes and bags and cases. And it hasn't been so long since I did this once before.
Even before uncovering this crazy mess I had been thinking about the toys in our home. After a zillion years and a half a zillion kids there were a lot of them. More than half the toys were missing pieces and weren't played with. Some of them were just stupid - no real value.
Time to pare down. Throwing/giving away most of them. The only toys we will keep have to be sturdy, not from a
happy meal and will promote creative play. Legos and Playmobil will stay and the Connects get the nod. All the sports equipment are keepers along with the white erase/magnetic board with the paints and markers. I'm feeling some trips to Goodwill coming on!

The 7th Day

2011-04-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

Sunday afternoons were made for relaxing - literally.
But my busy weeks want to ooze out and run all over the weekend.
My family needs to do nothing at least once a week.
No visiting.
No cleaning.
No meetings - especially no meetings.
No accomplishing anything.
Just swinging and thinking and wasting time.
Perfect rest and I'm guarding it.

It's Such a Strange Coincidence

2011-04-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

On the left of this picture is Elijah James, my grandson, in the Christmas pajamas my daughter picked for him. On the right is Elijah James, my son, in the Christmas pajamas that I picked for him. Tonight they're having a sleepover like they do pretty much every weekend. They're names were chosen seven years before I adopted my Elijah and we didn't pick the pajamas to match and we didn't plan it so that this uncle and nephew would be best of friends. It was all just God arranged. - well maybe not the pajamas unless God has a deal going with the buyer for Kmart.

The Mom with the Big Yellow Hat

2011-04-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

Some of my kids have a hard time making it through the day without falling apart. Anger and attachment stuff spill out of them, starting first thing in the morning over their choice of cereal. Afternoons are often a series of fights with siblings, rage over being disciplined and thinking the whole world hates them.
Jeremiah had one of those days today and I was relieved to see it was almost bedtime. When I went in to tuck him he was sitting with his favorite Curious George book, waiting for me to read to him. I was tired and not delighted with him at the moment, but I had promised.

Amazing how a story and some snuggling in bed together can poke little holes in our hearts and let all the hardness out-his and mine.
And I can't help but love a child that looks like Curious George.

Safe at Home

2011-04-07T22:38:00.001-05:00

What do teenage homeschoolers do after their science class?

Jump rope.

Beats dope.

This Year's Fools

2011-04-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

Quite a few fools showed up for our annual "fools in the pool" day. There were goose bumps on all the white winter skin and on the countdown they all jumped in the very very very cold water.
And the biggest fools of all? (they insisted they were actually the winners) Eleanor, Emma and their friend Kullen stayed in the water for 25 minutes. Hypothermia is not for the faint of heart.

Warming Up to Ice Cream

2011-04-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

Going to our local Cone Zone for a treat seemed like such a good idea a few hot days ago when we planned it. Tonight we sat huddled on the picnic tables, frozen faces, eating our ice cream, our hair whipping and dipping in the chocolate, stubbornly refusing to waste one spoonful. Spring may have abandoned us, but are undaunted. Here's to hot sunny days ahead!

Stay a Little While

2011-04-04T21:51:00.019-05:00

Tomorrow is Emma and Samuel's birthday and I took a long look at them before I tucked them into bed. Growing them up is what we signed up for but it seems to be slipping by at an ever increasing speed. And for this last hurrah family, maybe I don't want it to go so fast. I find myself reluctant to correct Samuel's funny words and when I kissed Emma good night she was more happy than I for her to wake up a teen. Savoring them like a good cup of coffee.

I'm either late or early

2011-04-03T20:27:00.005-05:00

I realized today that something had to give.

The kids watched anxiously as James opened the pool for tomorrow's annual "fools in the pool" swim.

Meanwhile their snow pants were still
hanging in the mud room. And with this
fickle weather I don't know which of the
two is inappropriate.

Boots or bathing suits?-it's anyone's guess.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2011-04-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

While getting a first grader settled in at home, on the other end of the spectrum is AnnaClaire. Today in the mail she got her acceptance letter to college! Exciting! AnnaClaire has been homeschooled since 6th grade - shortly after she came to be our daughter and her academic progress has been remarkable. The biggest struggle we had was convincing her that she really could know stuff. And now she has an acceptance letter to prove it. So as Samuel begins - AnnaClaire is stepping out and I couldn't be more proud of her. And that is her graduation gown she was trying on when the letter arrived!

You Can Jump and Learn at the Same Time

2011-04-01T22:55:00.002-05:00

  I've never been a militant homeschooler. You know the kind that hates everything about public school. I've had kids that have started public school in Kindergarten and never missed a year through 12th. Some have spent most of their years learning at home. This year our three "littles" are in public schools and the other six are being educated at home. With two graduating this year I didn't think I could listen to three learning to sound out words while helping my oldest write their research paper. And it was all going so smoothly.
  But then I started getting reports from the teacher that Samuel wasn't sitting still and listening well enough. He wanted to play and move around. Imagine that from a six year old boy. She felt he wasn't learning to read as quickly as he should. And then last week he was sent to the principal's office because while walking down the hall, he jumped up and tried to touch the Cat in the Hat artwork that was hanging there. Here's the real truth. Samuel likes to jump. And he likes to play. And that's okay with me.
  After a few conversations with his, really great but under pressure to produce 6 year old boys that can pass the end of the year tests, teacher, I withdrew Samuel from public school.
  This is Samuel coming home from his last day of being educated before he's ready. He'll probably jump for joy.

Pull Out the Meat Loaf - Now!!

2011-03-31T23:50:00.000-05:00

Our stove is a commercial brand used in restaurants and it's perfect- mostly. One of things commercial stoves don't come with, are timers for the oven. Unlike the chef in a restaurant, I don't have time to sit and watch the food cook, and realized we had to purchase a timer or we would be eating charcoal for dinner. Our first timer was fairly adequate but was left under the heating lamp one day and it melted into a Salvador Dali looking thing. Our next few timers worked, but couldn't be heard more than 2 feet away from the stove. After a long search on the internet reading reviews and promises, I ordered this timer. It promised to be loud enough to do the job and it is. Better yet, it doesn't stop alarming until you physically turn it off. I thought the name was perfect and it fits right in around here.

Why Is It Always About Food?

2011-03-30T22:41:00.000-05:00

When we break for lunch from schooling it's each man for himself. Which means that if you want a grilled cheese sandwich you better learn how to make it. Isaiah has stepped up and has become the grill master, and on our big Vulcan stove that's stepping high. He'll make you a tuna melt, ham and cheese combo or a standard hand shaved sharp cheddar and serve it with a smile.
Some girl is going to thank me one day for teaching my boys home ec. during lunch and I get to "order up"!

The Balance

2011-03-29T22:01:00.001-05:00

James' Uncle Kevin sent a giant cooler a few days ago in the mail. Inside was an incredible dinner - enough for all of us and more. There was filet mignon (heavenly!) hamburgers (kid heaven), stuffed baked potatoes and for desert....carmel apple tartlets - voted the best part of all.

I liked Uncle Kevin a lot before but anyone who feeds me has won my heart forever. He said that when something bad happens to him he likes to make something good happen, which is why we were the lucky recipients of this awesome gift.
I hope we never have to get one again.

Take a Walk

2011-03-28T22:09:00.001-05:00

Tonight after dinner we took a family walk at Ezra's insistence. He loves to orchestrate events - I see a career as ringmaster of the Ringling Brother's Circus for him, complete with megaphone. We walk around the block like a parade gone mad. The boys toss a football over our heads while the dogs pull and poop into the neighbors' yards. Everyone has to kiss the cow when we pass and the noise rolls out from our group and through the windows on every street. Sisters carry sisters and we end our stroll with a stop at Grandmom's house. Ezra knows what he's talking about.

"Yes you can go play"

2011-03-27T22:08:00.001-05:00

After a busy weekend of weddings and dress shirts, ties and sitting still the boys were happy to get home from church, put on play shoes and head outside.
And where better to unwind then in your tree house?

Kelly and Eugene

2011-03-26T23:04:00.000-05:00

During the reception I asked my daughter Kelly if today was what she had thought her wedding would be like. She said it wasn't because she thought she would never get married. I looked at her new husband Eugene and saw in him an answer to many prayers we have lifted for Kelly over the years. Life hasn't been easy for Kelly and there were times I couldn't see the way ahead for her. But God is faithful and rescues us from difficulties and from ourselves sometimes. Eugene is funny, hard working and he loves our little girl!
Today Kelly and Eugene started a new family and we pray for God's continued blessings on them.

Night Before Jitters

2011-03-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

My daughter Kelly is getting married tomorrow and tonight we decorated the fire hall where the reception will be. We started late, after 9:30, to give the Bingo players time to collect their prizes and go home. Kelly's husband to be, Eugene, pulled the fire engines out of the way and we got down to business, setting up tables and chairs, placing tablecloths, candles and rose petals on them and imaging where the dancing would be. We were done quickly as Kelly had her sister squad in attendance. By 11:00 we were all a little tired/silly and the bride was down right giddy. I'm sure she won't sleep a wink tonight.