Friends

As I was taking the following pictures of the girls, I thought this would make a great post about friendship.  Little did I know at the time, I would receive a great lesson in friendship just a few short hours later…

For the first time in months, we had a beautiful, breezy afternoon in Charleston, perfect for being outdoors.  Alison and Caroline came down with their kiddos so we could enjoy this day together.  The kids were happy riding their bikes and playing.  The moms were happy rocking on the porch and talking.  Picture perfect until…

I somehow tripped going down the stairs and felt this excruciating POP in my ankle.  I kept waiting for the pain to lessen but it never did.  It wasn’t long before Alison and Caroline were by my side.  I began to feel funny and knew that I was about to pass out.  It seems this is something I do when injured, as I have now passed out three times after an injury.  I let them know and they quickly realized I meant it when my face turned completely white.  The next few minutes are a little fuzzy for me, as I did pass out.  I woke up in my foyer with a cushion under me and two little babies trying to make me feel better. 

I gradually came back around and began to process the fact that my ankle may be broken.  Of course, the first thing I think of is running.  For the past two months, I have begun to run regularly and I am actually enjoying it.  Just that morning, I ran 3.5 miles and was feeling so good about my progress.   Then I think about taking care of the girls, our beach vacation in two weeks, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, and the list goes on.  Caroline and Alison were sweetly trying to convince me that maybe it was nothing at all, as they were glaring down at my tennis-ball-sized ankle.     

James made it home and took me to the ER.   I was trying to think positive, but was completely convinced that my ankle was broken.  Two hours later we learn that it was NOT broken.  You have no idea how shocked and relieved I was to hear this news.  It was just a bad sprain.  I had no idea sprains could hurt or look so bad.  They put an ace bandage on me and set me free. 

On the way home, James and I were reflecting on the amazing friends we have in our lives.  I left my house without giving Alison or Caroline the first instruction.  I didn’t have to.  They know what my kids eat and their bedtime routines.  Caroline had gone back over to her house for a little bit while Alison came back to mine to finish up bedtime for the girls.  When Caroline got back to my house, she snuck upstairs to hear Cameron rocking Sarah Ellen and singing to her in Spanish and Alison snuggling with Lily and saying her prayers. 

Where would I be without my village?  When we got home both girls were fed, bathed, in bed and most importantly LOVED! 

Lily came out when she heard us and was excited to see us.   She then leaned over and said, “Ms. Alison, I finished reading my books.”  Think she was comfortable with the person who put her to bed? 

Just so everyone knows I’m not faking (I have a hang up about that), this is my ankle 24 hours later.  (And, I must say the picture really doesn’t do it justice.)

First Day of School

Oh my sweet girls, how is it possible that I have two babies in school?  This is a very bittersweet moment.  How many times have a longed for some quiet, peace, and time to myself?  Now that I have three mornings a week, I am not quite sure what to do with myself.  I am sure I will quickly fill up that time but I am not so sure that I like the quiet after all. 

Now back to you girls.  Lily, 4K is your year to shine.  You run right into your classroom with no problems.  I am excited for all the new things you get to learn this year.  I know you will soak in every bit of knowledge you can because you love to learn.  I am always amazed at the depth of questions you ask me, and I love that anytime you don’t know a word, you always ask me what it means.  I just hope I tell you the right thing, because once you hear it, you don’t forget it.     

Sarah Ellen, how is possible that you are old enough to be in school?  It seems that you just started walking and talking and now you will be a big girl sitting in circle time, playing in center time, and listening (hopefully) during story time.  Even though, I may not be ready for you to start school, you sure are.  You run right in your classroom and barely notice that Mommy is leaving.  I am very thankful that you love your teachers and classroom and are so comfortable with your surrounding.  Sarah Ellen, I just love the way you look at your big sister – so full of love.       As I mentioned, Sarah Ellen has no problems being left.  She jumped out the car and ran straight for the gate leading to her classroom.  She ran right in and got straight to business.  Once again, Lily is with her best buds this year.  I love that these three have each other to learn and grow with.   Lily gave me a quick hug and was off to play and learn.

I am thrilled for my girls this year.  They get to spend their mornings with loving teachers in a nurturing, Christian environment. 

Miller’s Story Time

Church Just Wore Her Out…

Whew, I did It

I still need to tweak a few things but, overall, I am happy with my new blog layout. I had no idea it would be so difficult. Believe me, putting those pictures in the banner was no easy task with my piddly free software. There are a few things I want to change but don't know how. I am afraid I might be getting the photoshop bug. Nancy, you may be hearing from me soon for a lesson...

YIKES

Okay, I have completely messed up my blog. Be patient with me while I try to repair it. If only there was an undo button!!!!!

Friends, Family, Food, and Fun

One of the beauties of vacation at the beach is that the children are usually so worn out after a full day of play they were ready to settle in and snuggle up during down times. Cameron eating up her little girl snuggles.  She rock rocked Sarah Ellen every night.Margaret Anne, I truly admire your ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere. 

We also discovered that our children are little vultures.  As soon as food was near, they were swarming and devouring. 

Mealtimes were always an adventure.  Morning, noon, and night – nine plates, nine milks, nine “What’s for dessert?”  We ate like kings the entire week:  BBQ, baked ziti, banana pudding, french toast, strawberry short cake, mexican casserole, country fried steak, chocolate cake and so much more.  I sure hope all the playing we did made up for all the eating we did.  Did I mention how much I liked communal living?

This was Sarah Ellen’s favorite spot for the week.  She loved the water spigot and bucket.  We finally had to barricade it just to keep her on the beach.  I believe we may owe the Gaddy’s a little on the water bill. Anyone who can do hair this cute sure needs a little girl.  Thank you Cameron for our beautiful hairdos. Pure cuteness    Nine cuties:  Austin, Lily, MA, Olivia, Abigail, Porter, SE, Matthew, and Bailey. Mr. Allan was our music coordinator for the week.  He brought shakers and a drum.  That’s right, a drum.  As if nine children weren’t loud enough.

Ahhh, bedtime.  With the children all snug in their beds, the adults enjoyed sunsets on the dock, games, laughing, laughing, and more laughing. 

I think that about sums up our amazing week.