Back at It...

I know, I know.  I'm terrible at blogging.  I have every good intention, really.  Then I forget, or don't take the time, and all of a sudden it's been weeks, and I don't know what to say.  I've lost the words.  I'm hoping to do better in the new year, even if it's just Daybooks and Quick Takes.  At least it would be a start.

Anywho...our Christmas was lovely.  The kids were enamored with their gifts.  There are two things that happen each year concerning gifts.  The first is that we know our children better and better and find the gifts that best suit them...that is a joy.  The second is that I see the areas of virtue that need work....that one's not such a joy, but I'm grateful that we see the need and will hopefully find ways to teach them.

I love the beginning of a new year.  I especially love it this year because I still had a not-sleeping newborn at this time last year, so I didn't really get to enjoy it like I usually do.  I like setting new goals, kicking school into gear once again, beginning to pray about the next school year and what it might entail, and reflecting on this past year and what it's taught me.

I think that I learned so very much this past year about myself.  I am learning more what drives me, what things I am passionate about (and the things I desire to be more passionate about), how to find more joy in the day to day, how to serve God and my family to my fullest potential.  That's a lot of learning.  I believe that 2011 will be the year to try to live it all out.  We'll see how that goes.  Praise God for grace!

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

So fast...

My baby girl is 1 today!  How on earth did that happen?!  It's been such a good year with the sweetest little cupcake ever.

7 Quick Takes

1~  My lovely friend "Aunt Mari" is in from Paris right now.  The kids were beyond thrilled to see her, as was I.  We've stayed up too late the last two nights, but it was worth every second of catching up.

2~  Annelise's legs are getting stronger by the minute, and I am so grateful for the friends who helped us get her here.  She loves to stand and dance now...it's adorable.

3~  For a few days earlier this week, I really thought I might be pregnant.  At first I had a "oh crap!" reaction...but only very briefly.  The beauty of NFP is that God always has a shot to accomplish His will.  There are no chemicals in the way.  We have to trust that if even if we don't feel it's the best time for another baby, God may think otherwise, and we might get a baby when we weren't expecting one.  I must admit that I was disappointed when my cycle started.  Many mamas will tell you...even though it's doesn't feel like the best time to have a baby, thinking you might be pregnant and finding out you're not is a let down.  Deep down, in heart and soul, we mamas were made to do this...to welcome life.

4~ I am in list-making mode for the holidays.  I want to purposeful and spontaneous, but I've learned that if I don't plan ahead quite a bit, spontaneous just doesn't stand a chance around here.

5~ Fall, thank you for coming back in the last couple of days.  It was not so great when the temps were back on the rise earlier this week.

6~ Two more weeks.  That's all I have left of her first year.  Two measly weeks.  How in the world did that happen?  She's finally sleeping a bit better, usually waking only once.  She remains such a cuddle bug.  She absolutely delights in her siblings, and they in her.  She puts her head on our shoulders if we say "Love Mommy!" or "Love Daddy!"  She loves to eat, loves her almond milk, still loves to nurse, and will lick your face for a kiss.  This is your warning.

7~ We celebrated the return of FND last night.  Being the terrible mom that I am, I forgot the camera.  However, I remembered all four children, pina coladas, pizza, plates and OFF.  Courtney had the camera.  I'm sure she'll share the pics.

Off to be productive...even if that's only making gobs of lists.

Random Things...

~Mom and I were grocery shopping at Wal Mart on Monday evening.  She was carrying Annelise, and as we were walking side by side toward the checkout, my sweet baby reached her hand to reaching out for me and placed it on my arm that was pushing the buggy.  She turned her head to look at me, then she looked back at Mom, and that's how we walked out...Nana holding her, but with one arm on Mama.  It was adorable.

~ We enjoyed a wonderful family day out at Big Woods on Tuesday.  Phil took the day off to come to Pioneer Day with us.  The girls sewed, Jacob tied knots, they all made butter and learned to start a fire, and the bigs went on a really cool nature hike.  Annelise was stellar...I couldn't have asked for an easier, more laid back baby that day.

~FND was out again this week!  Our friends have been sick.  What a bummer.

~Last night we went to Wisdom's first "Supper and Substance" couples' night.  It was awesome!  The fellowship, food, and speaker were all fabulous.

~I am LOVING crocheting!  It feels like such a "Fall" thing to do...curl up under a warm blanket with a cup of coffee or hot tea, and create something warm and cozy.  I made another hat last week that was supposed to be a Christmas gift for one of the parrains, but it barely fit Annelise.  It's cute as a button, though.  My gauge just must be off.  I measured his head last night to try again.

~Annelise plays peak a boo.  She puts her blankie over her face and waits for me to say, "Where's Annelise?"  Then she yanks it off and belly laughs.

~I discovered chai tea with french vanilla creamer this week, and I loved it.  I've always wanted to be a tea drinker, but no matter how many times I've tried it, I've never liked it.  The chai tasted much more like a cider than like grass (which is what I always feel like I'm drinking when I've tried other teas).  I'm looking forward to actual tea times this winter.

~Annelise has not been standing up at all; the lazy little thing scoots everywhere on her rump.  She is lightening fast.  I'd started getting concerned that she couldn't bear her weight, so I called some friends who are both PTs, and they checked her out for us.  She's got a bit of low muscle tone in her quads, so they aren't holding her knees steady enough to stand.  They gave me some tricks, and I am amazed at the difference already.  They both said she'll be doing it on her own in no time.  What a relief!  And really, I'm tired of having her clothes being black on the butt at the end of the day, not to mention the sides of her feet being just nasty after a day of scooting.

~The bigs all slept over at Phil's parents' last night for the first time.  They picked them up yesterday morning to go to the zoo, and we got so much accomplished!  Fans are clean, the island is caulked and spackled, birthday invites are being created, the blog is being updated, the laundry room has a new shelf, and the floor is mopped.  There more to do this morning before they get back!  Whew.

I'm hoping to come back to add pictures to this post, but I'm out of time!

7 Quick Takes

1~  We celebrated St. Therese on Friday morning.  It was lovely.  The weather was spectacular for the first time since we've had these parties, and it was our first morning party so the kids loved being outside.  We had French toast, crepes, rose cupcakes, and rose lollipops, and finished the party off at Mass.  The only bad part?  I did not take one picture.  Boo.

2~  Ava went to a party at The "Bullay" Studio on Friday.  She was in Heaven, telling the little girl's mom, "It's just like I imagined!".  Then we went to my brother's football game where she shook her booty to YMCA for anyone willing to watch her.

3~  Yesterday we went to a baby shower for my cousin Claire.  Ava was the gift assistant, and she almost stole the show with her "OH! It's soooooo cute!" after every gift.  Claire really got some lovely gifts, and it was wonderful to see her fabulous six chicks again.


On that note, I crocheted my first hat for Claire's baby, Elise.  It was so fun, mildly frustrating, and a hit with the mama to be.  Here it is:

4~  Mary-Grace called me from a birthday party last night and left a message on the machine.  I will never erase it.  She sounded so very grown up and mature.  Here's the transcript:  "Hi, Mama! I was wondering when you could, um, come pick me and Zoe up.  Call me back soon, but be quick!  Because we're about to watch Jack & the Beanstalk and I really want to watch Fashion Fairytale.  Bye, Mama!  I love you! God bless!"  Cutest thing EVER.


5~  I missed FND this week.  Because of the football game and birthday parties on Saturday night, it just couldn't happen.  I realized just how good for my soul it is.  I'm anxious for this Friday already.


6~  Annelise hit 11 months on Thursday.  I can't believe her first year is coming to a close.  I so enjoyed her baby-ness.  She gave me the gift of two full nights of rest this week!!!  That was a first.  Birthday plans are underway.  I can't wait!


7~  The cool weather does so much for my soul.  The change of seasons brings such thankfulness for so many blessings, amped up prayers for things to come, and smells that I absolutely crave.  Welcome back, Fall!  I'm so glad you came.

7 Quick Takes

1~ My brain is so not what it used to be.  The short term feels non-existent way more often than I'd like.  I guess  the four kid thing finally caught up to my good ole memory.  I'm so sad!

2~ FND was amazing as usual.  Gregg had to bring the "kennel" for John John because that sweet lil puppy just can't be contained otherwise, and his mama and I cannot have any kind of a cohesive conversation if that boy's not trapped.

3~ Book study filled my cup just as expected.  I have lots of great nuggets to chew on...

• "I need more of You.  I desire more of You in this situation."
• How are you going to give glory to God as you grow up?
• To St. Monica from her spiritual director: "You need to stop talking to Augustine about God, and start talking to God about Augustine!"
• Rise on time.  Stay recollected.  Glorify God in your eating and drinking.
• Exaggerate the good and positive to effect a change.

4~  We have NO plans the rest of the weekend.  I don't remember the last time that happened.  I love having a blank slate

5~  We will celebrate St. Therese one week from today.  She begins October for us, one of my favorite times of year.  I'm looking forward to planning a sweet feast day for us and some dear friends.

6~  "I can rally."  Courtney looked it up.  "rally:  1 a: to muster for a common purpose.  b: to recall to order.  2 a: to arouse for action  b:  to arouse from depression or weakness  3 a: to come together to renew an effort.  I foresee lots of rallying in my future.  This might just be my new favorite phrase/action.

7~  We went to noon Mass twice this week!  We cashed in on a gem of a parish that's literally minutes from our house, and the wonderful, holy priest offers the Holy Sacrifice in about 20 minutes.  Now, I'm not one to look for a short Mass, but when you're going with four children, 20 minutes is great.  The kids asked to go back...they really enjoyed it.  Big score in the grace department!

Lookie Here...

Jacob's latest creation...

Last night's dinner...homemade calzones.

Last night's dessert...cupcakes from Sophi P. Cakes=pure heaven.

The gadget that will allow me to perfect Oreo Truffles...make them into cupcakes!

My latest ebay steal:  new with tags cupcake shoes ($9 with shipping).  They should fit for her birthday and match her dress that Nana's making.

My littlest cupcake showing her inner genius.

Ava's Birthday Cake!

This Is How We Wake Up

Morning cuddles with "ba ba ba".

Ava trying to wake up, Annelise saying "What's taking so long?", and Mary-Grace trying to let go of those fingers.

Mary-Grace still working those fingers, Ava waking up enough to play with the baby, and Annelise saying, "What the heck are you trying to do to me?"

Just Because

Couldn't you just eat her?

Today's Cupcakes

Here is my bread store purchase from today:  $15.33!

2 loaves butterbread

2 regular loaves white bread

1 giant loaf white bread

1 loaf whole wheat

6 packs of 20 tortillas

1 pack hamburger buns

1 pack sandwich thins

1 pack of 6 large bagels

Post bath sister lovin'.

And these little "cupcakes" are the shoes I scored on ebay for my littlest cupcake for next spring.  Couldn't resist.

This is the batch of cupcakes that my cupcake friend showed up with today...I ate six, I think.  She left four for Phil and I to share...he never saw them.  They were delish!

And here is sweet John John in the only place we could think of to keep him still for more than a nanosecond. We even tried blocking him in with the loveseat, but he got through a small crack.  He also discovered how to turn our tv on and off, much to Joseph's chagrin.  John was proud of his mischief.  Hehe.

Today's looking better...

It got off to a rocky start, but my littlest is now sleeping, my middle is at school, and my bigs are currently outside and NOT dying from the heat.

The coffee this morning was grander than usual, school is about to finish up nicely, and the afternoon brings a promise of naps, a play date (kids and moms!) and an evening of listening to Papop sing at the park.

Oh, and the laundry is caught up.  Life is good.

But I still want a cupcake.

One of those days...

...I need a cupcake something fierce.

7 Quick Takes

1~  After a morning of playing in the back yard, I told the kids they needed to shower before rest time.  Then, in a shameless attempt to buy myself some more cleaning time, I offered Mary-Grace a dollar to bathe Ava.  Ava caught wind of the money offer, so I offered her a dollar if she cooperated.  Worked like a charm.  I could potentially go broke with this kind of deal, but it's very tempting to repeat it on a nightly basis for the next few years until Ava can tend to herself.

2~  FND:  Green Apple Bite Smirnoffs hidden in ghetto paper bags with our names written on them....pancakes....pigs in blankets....Pioneer Woman cookbooks....girls singing Barbie songs but changing the words to make it a Boy Scout cheer....boys disappearing for hours in their Legos and Mars Missions....juggling babies and crankies and drinks and flipping pancakes and waiting on daddies/husbands.  Perfect way to end a week.

3~  We started school on Tuesday.  The first two days went smashingly well.  The second two were good enough.  I'll take it.  I'm so glad I waited.  It was a gentle start and worth the wait.

4~  Annelise is flying on her hiney.  She's going to have great abs and hip muscles.

5~  I rearranged my den today.  I might take pictures tomorrow if I finish up all that's in my head.

6~  Cool weather, WHERE ARE YOU?

7~  More fun tomorrow...a morning with just the baby, afternoon naps, Mass, and take out with Courtney and our four babies.  Can't wait.

Ava-isms

"We had language muffins for snack today."  (English muffins)

"I love carbonated drinks!  They just make me happy."

While playing at the Hamiltons':  "Mom, it's raining!  Now we'll have to stay here for the rest of our lives!"

She's something else, this love of mine.

I don't want to forget...today's joys

...the joy of waiting for our FND friends to arrive (and waiting to have my Smirnoff).

...two new lipsticks and letting my friend try them out.

...watching John John play Wii Outdoor Challenge.

...Annelise's kisses and sweetness.  This kid is totally a cupcake.

...a great nap.

...girls playing Barbies.

...boys playing Legos.

...babies playing sweetly tonight.

...my husband doing the dishes.

...all of this and it's only Friday night.

7 Quick Takes

1~  Annelise will not crawl.  She will however get almost anywhere she wants to go by scooting on her butt.  It is adorable.  She is so lady like in her demeanor, and I just imagine her deciding that dirty hands and knees are so not worth it.  Sliding on her rump is working just fine.

2~ Our bathroom tile will be installed on Monday!!!  It will be so nice to have two toilets again...with five people needing a potty, having one is just a pain.  I am so grateful to Andrew Bollich who has offered his time and expertise to help us get this done.

3~  I am out of coffee creamer and being forced to drink what I refer to as ghetto coffee (milk and truvia).  Wal-Mart jacked up the price by fifty cents a bottle.  That just seems crazy. I might be permanently out.  This might be the way I will kick the coffee habit.  I'm checking around for a better price.  If I don't find one, at least I know that it will actually be a treat when I do buy some.

4~ If the next two days go as planned, I am leaving town on Sunday morning for a 24 hour getaway before we start school on Tuesday.  Can. Not. Wait.  (I'm bringing the baby and my Smirnoff Ice.)

5~ I am very much looking forward to FND.  Beignets, eggs, sausage, pina coladas.

6~ I bought stuff this week to have a cupcake party for Annelise's first birthday.  I know that first birthday parties are really for the parents, but I am really looking forward to celebrating her first year with a reasonable amount of gusto.  She is such a joy, such a sweet little cupcake.

7~ I am in love with all things cupcake.  It is just contagious.  After a whole summer of hanging out a whole lot with the Hamiltons and their cupcakes, I have caught the cupcake love.  At first, I thought it was precious and fun and so sweet to see cupcakes at their house, and also so sweet to see joy in my friend's face.  But, by George, it's caught me.  And since she doesn't have a little girly girl to have a cupcake party for, I'll just have to do it for mine.  She got the rough and tough linebacker who's learning to be gentle with my girly girl.  One day, these cupcakes will be great friends.  I can feel it.

Has It Really Been a Whole Year?

photo credit:  Charlotte

One year ago yesterday, August 31, 2009, (when I was 7 months pregnant) I was present for the birth of my godchild, John, while in the room next door, another friend delivered her 18 week baby who was stillborn.  One mother grieved as one rejoiced, and yet the prayers each offered for the other were so profound and so Spirit-filled that our Lord saw fit to have them deliver within minutes of each other.

The very next day, one year ago today, I got a call telling me that a sweet friend's three month old baby had died in his sleep.  I cannot imagine the pain and devastation of such a loss, let alone the kind of faith it takes to pick oneself up from such a tragedy and continue to be faithful.  I have been amazed by Colleen's faith over and over this last year.  She even shared her journey with Faith and Family last week:  http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/dealing_with_loss/.

Having my fourth baby just two months later was a very different experience than my first three births because I was so acutely aware of the frailty of life.  I was much more cognizant of the fact that these little children have only been entrusted to me; they are not truly mine.  I think it was one of those grown-up realizations because it brought pain and joy in the same moment.

Today, we remember St. Bryce Philip and the sweet family who will forever miss him in this life.  Last year on All Saint's Day, Colleen posted this clip that had been made by her dear friend.  I started to watch it, but had to stop very quickly because I had a two day old baby, and the hormones just couldn't have handled the whole thing.  Time really didn't make that much better, but I was changed somewhere in my soul when I did watch it for the first time.  Here's the video (scroll down to see it): http://www.footprintsonthefridge.com/2009/11/the-feast-of-all-saints-tender-mercy-for-a-grieving-heart.html

God is good.  He is faithful.  He sees us through.

7 Quick Takes

1~  We began doing a little bit of school each day this week.  Just a math sheet and some Explode the Code to review.  The first couple of days were a little rusty, but it's improving quickly.  We'll continue this next week and hopefully be all ready to go for September 7th.

2~  Book study on Tuesday was as amazing as expected.  I am always so inspired by Sally Clarkson, but also by the triumphs and fallings (not using the word failings on purpose) of my precious friends.  It is such a gift that we have each other to walk this motherhood journey with, and that we feel free to be open, honest, and vulnerable with each other, knowing that there is no judgement.  Just love.  Encouragement.  Joy.  Blessings.

3~  Michie spoke of Eucharistic Adoration, and I am once again reminded that I need to make this a priority. She said, "It's changing me.  It is physically changing me.  Being in His Presence is changing me."  I desire that.  Annelise is now at an age that I can pull this off without her, so it's time to see where it will fit in the schedule.

4~  I SO missed FND last night!  We, our whole family, were at the wedding of a childhood friend of mine.  It was beautiful and lovely and pure, and that is refreshing.  The kids had fun, tried six different kinds of cake only to decide that they didn't like a single one, danced it up in our own little corner, and stayed up WAY too late.  But, we missed our FND friends.  We will make up for it tonight with gusto.

5~  Speaking of the wedding.  Last night was our first taste of having to really get ready with women in the house.  I spent over an hour straightening Mary-Grace's hair.  Thank goodness Ava's only needed to be dried.  I got mine done during my 4:00 hair cut.  And still, it felt like a zoo trying to getting it all pulled together.  But we did it, and they were all lovely and handsome.  I think I lost a few pounds in the process.

6~  The weather these last few days have been such a Fall tease.  It feels like a treat.  I bought some autumn simmering potpourri at Hobby Lobby a couple of days ago, but I haven't brought myself to simmer it yet because my house has been a mess.  I need it to look like it smells....gotta paint the picture I see in my mind.

7~  I'm baking cakes today for FND...one for our John John who will be ONE on Tuesday, and one for his daddy.  We won't say how old he is!

Then and Now

We had our first marriage proposal yesterday.  After trying to kiss Ava on the lips, and being told, "No, on my cheek. We're not married," Micah asked Ava, "Wanna get married?!"  She looked at him and pushed him away, then said "When we're bigger."

Later at our house, they talked about it again.  Ava repeated the "when we're bigger," and followed it up with "I'll wear a beautiful dress!"  Micah replied, "And I'll be a firefighter!"  Ava: "And I'll be a rock star!"

Out of the mouths of babes...these two are a mess individually, and they are certainly a big mess together.

But, really, they are the best kind of mess.

Growing Up....

Yesterday was a lovely day.

It began with coffee with Creme Brulee creamer, as all good days do.

I straightened my big girl's hair (a major feat!), and she and I got all gussied up.  I even let her wear my wedding pearls.

We went to a fancy tea party with all of her sweet friends...laughter, silliness, learning to be gracious and proper, sharing gifts, making memories.  And the mamas had a great time too.

Beautiful mini-cupcakes that Mrs. Mary Kay got for the girls.  They were delicious.

I love that no matter how many times you tell children to sit on their bottoms to watch others open gifts, they just can't help but lean in close, full of excitement, wonder, curiosity.

It's quite possible that these three were still recovering from the sugar high their mothers gave them the night before...

Then came a surprise.  I offered Mary-Grace a trip to the mall with Zoe, Marie and Ani (and their mamas) to get her ears pierced.  At first, she said no even though she's been asking for awhile.  Then she asked if we could just go to the mall to check it out, see if anyone else was getting theirs done so she could watch.  So off we went.

This is Mary-Grace's first mall experience with just the girls.  I'm so glad I pulled out the camera when I did.  Thank you Kelle Hampton!

Not so sure about this...

Thankfully, Mrs. Kessie knew to ask for two ladies to pierce both ears at the same time.  We found the right place.  We watched a man get his ears pierced (Kessie went and told him that he had to smile the whole time because a little girl was watching him).  She was unsure.

We picked out earrings, sat in the chair, asked the friends to go walk around and not to watch, and commenced wiggling and crying.  The lady cleaned her ears and she FLIPPED OUT.

Then I found out that once the earrings were opened I still had to pay for it.

I begged and pleaded, telling her that I didn't care either way, but could she please just do it since it was paid for.  I said that I was paying this time, but that was it.  The next go round was on her dime.  She cried and wiggled and said no.  A lady and her daughter (she looked about 10) were waiting their turn, staring her down.  I told them to go somewhere else; I hope I was polite, but I really don't remember.  I was trying not to lose $30.

Then my girl got smart on me.  She asked for a treat, like an ice cream, if she did it.  I said sure, absolutely.  Then she asked if she could get a toy if she went through with it.  I said I'd think about it.

Then I got smart. I said, "If you do this, I'll buy you a flexible Barbie."  This is the Barbie she's been wanting for months, but we've been telling her she had to wait until Christmas or her birthday.

She was sold.

I held her arms, the ladies pierced, she SCREAMED, then curled up on my lap and cried.

Her friends, and more importantly my friends, were watching through the glass from afar.  They came running in with yays! and you did its!, and she was so proud.

I think this is my favorite picture of the day. I love the glisten in my girl's eyes, still left from her tears, and the support of her friends around her.  It feels prophetic...like there are so many of these joy-filled and tear-filled moments ahead of these girls...moments they will share together. And I was beat red in the neck, just like my mom gets when she's hot and stressed. Last night after Mass, we went on a wild goose chase for the Barbie.  We'd already been to the south side Target with Kessie and Zoe.  Dad and the siblings came along and we hit ToysRUs, Walmart, north side Target and Albertsons.  Would you believe we found the darn thing at Albertsons?!  And for $5.50 more at that!  But my Gracie was happy, and that made me happy, so there you go. When we got home, we went about the bed time routine, and sat on beds for prayers.  I looked at Mary-Grace sitting on her bed by her Daddy, with her freshly straightened pony tail and newly pierced ears, wearing her new cupcake shirt, and it hit me:  she is a big girl now.  I looked at Phil and mouthed, "she looks different".  She looked older, bigger, less "baby".  I was proud, sad, overwhelmed at what's to come, but mostly just grateful that she's ours. And then I snapped this picture... She's still my big baby girl...she always will be.  And tonight, I'm not so worried about getting her to stop sucking the fingers and give up the blankie.  There's plenty of time for that...later.

7 Quick Takes

1~  Annelise can sign all done.  I'd have to check the scrapbooks, but I think this makes her the earliest signer.  Jacob might have been earlier, but not by much.  I have LOVED signing with our children, and the big kids love relearning all their signs with a new little.

2~  Mary-Grace lost her second tooth this week...pulled it out all by herself.  What a woman!  Her brother would not even consider this option.

3~  FND consisted of beignets, Smirnoff Ice, beer, cupcakes (both the edible kind and the kid kind), lots of belly laughing, lots of bouncing-off-the-walls kids, and, I'm not sure how we fit it in, some real good adult conversation.  Joseph and Annelise still love each other.  When she was fussing at the table, he starting making kissing sounds at her to make her smile. I know he's full of "my do it" and "no" at his house right now, but he's such a little gentleman around my little lady.

4~  Today Mary-Grace and I are going to her Little Flowers Tea Party...this ought to be a hoot!  Afterward, I am surprising her with a trip to the mall to get her ears pierced.  A few friends are tagging along.  I'll report back with pictures if it's a success.

5~  I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and walked through the Fall decor aisles.  I could smell crisp air, football, gumbo, pumpkins, and camping.  All in Hobby Lobby.  Come on Fall!  I'll even take 80 degree temps.

6~  My Christmas shopping list is mostly made.  I'm such a shop-ahead girl.  For the most part, I don't like buying at the last minute.  I like to stay home during Advent, reading picture books, sipping coffee/cider/hot chocolate, and waiting for Him.

7~  My monthly moms' book study is on Tuesday, and I can't wait for my cup to be filled again.  It's time...I think I've forgotten everything I learned last month (which of course I swore I'd NEVER forget.)  Ahem.

Little Sisters