Team Babetz

Chocolate, Jewlery and the Facts

2012-01-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

Last week my girl and I went on a date...

We had a conversation about life...

We giggled...

We had chocolate fondue...

Because chocolate makes everything better...

I gave her this...

So when she feels like things are a little crazy...

She won't forget...

She is just how He made her.

This is a Claire approved post.

Grace in the Front Row

2012-01-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

We were late to worship yesterday...

now to appease my false guilt I'll tell you it was the nursery's fault... there I feel better.

Anyway there we were walking up the side of the sanctuary... all 7 of us... all - the - way - down - to - the - front - row. At least at that point they were still standing to sing so we weren't too distracting.

But I feel the pressure.

The way our sanctuary is set up we are now staring at the first 10 or so rows of the opposite side...

Maggie's only 3 and very much in the throws of training to sit in big church. Will this be the day we have a meltdown? How fast do you think I can get out that side door right up front? Which way is this thing gonna go?

Then we sit.

There were some glares exchanged between the oldest two regarding the location of Philippians...  and a few times early on that Maggie did the 3 year old whisper...  which is not really a whisper but a scratchy yell type thing.    That and the waving at Peter every time he ventured over to our side of the stage... nice.

All in all it was not too bad and I was thankful because I was fully aware of how wrong it could have gone in a hurry.

But as we were sitting there I have to admit I was distracted with the thoughts of the last 11 years.   There was a good 5 to 6 of those years that I spent swaying a baby back and forth in the lobby wondering why I bothered going to church at all. At the time it felt like those years might never end.

But there we sat...

I know our kids are still young and we have many a trip out of big church in our future as we continue training Mags to sit though the service, but that light at the end of the tunnel is so much brighter than it used to be.   As I watch Sam laughing at the jokes he gets now... he's listening. And the top 3 all feverishly writing to fill in blanks before they flip to the next slide.

Sometimes He pours out His love to us in letting us see the fruits of our meager labors and His tremendous Grace to our family.

And I was grateful.

It MUST come down today!

2012-01-07T10:02:00.001-05:00

It's Jan. 7th and as I type the tree is glowing behind me...

ornament I made for the annual ornament exchange

Yep, it's still up and today it MUST come down.

I love how cozy the house feels with it up and the soft glow of the tree in the corner. But our house is so small by this time I'm really ready to get it all out of the way...

But then our house is so small, so having the boxes all over the place while we take everything down makes me crazy.

But I have lots of helpers {insert shaky smile here} so it should go really quick... right?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news I'm thinking of opening an etsy shop. I've been toying with it for a while. Mostly wondering why anyone would buy anything I made... but I'm concidering giving it a go.

I've hit some road blocks though... like what to name it and what exactly I would sell. Just hats or maybe several different things. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Here's a few things I've done:

fall leaves

baby hat

maggie

blanket that will probably not be done till the kids go to college

another hat

I also made some indian corn for Thanksgiving that was really cute and some really nice dish rags but I don't have a picture of those... so any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm off to the attic to pull down boxes...

Enjoy your Sat!

2012

2012-01-04T09:07:00.000-05:00

Here we are, 2012. Where did last year go?

I want to write more here but really just haven't felt like writing. What of value could I possibly have to say. I'm struggling through my days just like everyone else. Maybe that's the helpful part... knowing we're not going through things alone. At any rate I'll try to be sharing more.

We had a fun train ride over Christmas. A gift to our family. In the mountains of NC there is a Polar Express Train.

Gregg took a whole Sat. off {a rare treat in and of itself} and we went over the mountains and... you know. The kids wore PJ's, except Sam... he's too old for that sort of thing anymore. {insert sad face here}

We have one (or so I thought) who gets motions sickness so I loaded her up with medicine before we left. But we actually have several...

As we were pulling into town Henry is tossing his cookies in the back seat. Nice.

Then as we are on the train Claire and I walked through 2 train cars to get to the bathroom while she's holding her mouth and... again... nice.

But I brought the meds with me so all was good in the end and I now know amusement parks are not in my future and I'm just not that sad about it.

Everyone got a sleigh-bell and we even got a picture with Hobo Joe.

Then on the way home we stopped and ate at a restaurant, which shall remain nameless, where my girls were served and actually ate some raw chicken... ish. But no one ended up getting sick. A testament to Gods Grace most of all and maybe a little to my not so stellar housekeeping skills... and lack hand sanitizing at every turn, which builds the immune system no doubt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In other news.... we finished our Advent this year. {Hip Hip Hurray} This was our 3rd year and I finally finished all the ornaments and we made it to the 25th. It was really nice. If you have younger children and have tried to do a Jesse Tree or an Advent of some kind, don't get discouraged. They get more into it the older they get and we really enjoyed it this year.

We had family in town over the holiday and they have gone and we miss them. School is back and we are now settling in for, what feels like, the long part of winter. Lots of inside time with homework and games and hopefully some crocheting. We're loaded up with good books to read and so these short days will surely fly by... we'll see. I hope the new year finds you well and looking forward to what God is bringing this year.

I've chosen the word ORDER for this year. We have lots that needs to get done and it begins with order. I'll be spending a lot of my time repeating Prov. 21:5 to myself and my children...

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

I'm not talking monetary abundance but an abundance of peace and order is welcome to make a place in our home.

I hope your week is a lovely one.

re-surfacing...

2011-10-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

Things here have been so busy and I've been struggling to keep up. I loose papers and forget Dr. appointments and school open houses. Not my best start to a school year. I think things are getting better so here are a few things that have been going on...

The last few years Gregg's boss give us tickets to a Clemson game. This year he took 3 out of the 5 and even though our blood runs a little deeper orange the kids had a great time.

In case you hadn't heard... Emma broke her arm. She is very proud.

So maybe I shouldn't let them do stuff like this...

My Aunt gave us a new chair, so it was time to say goodbye to our long-time friend...the yellow chair. Some of us had a harder time than others. And I admit it was a little sad to see it go. I grew up with that chair.

But it didn't take long for the new chair to find friends and a purpose here at it's new home.

It is well loved indeed!

And lately I've been waking up to this... it's a little crowded, but most nights I don't even know they get in. And I also know that it will not last... they will, at some point, grow out of it and so for now I'm good with it.

Now I have to go try and find the paper for Claire's parent/teacher conferences that I seem to have miss-placed...

sigh...

Florida & a ridiculous amount of pictures!!!

2011-07-19T11:25:00.000-04:00

We had a great time visiting with my sister and her family.

Somewhere in this house I have a picture of Gregg and I under the same sign 13 years ago on our honeymoon... but I put it somewhere safe (which is code for now I can't find it).

We had pedicure night.

Played piano

Hello Cindy!

If there was a fountain around my kids where in it up to their elbows... or more.

We just had fun!

Maybe a sign they've seen one too many Tom and Jerry episodes???

There is a lovely lake near by that you can walk around. Very reminiscent of the lakes in Minneapolis. The kids had a great time watching the turtles and fish gobble up the bread they tossed.

There is a fun little fountain show set to music every night near by too. The kids really enjoyed it.

Maggie loves Annie

We went to the Zoo too. The boys got new hats.

Annie... always there to help Maggie.

Grammy & Maggie

The zoo has this great little splash pad for the kids and they had a ball!

This was Maggie's seat at first... she wanted nothing to do with it...

She made faces for a while...

but then...

she got this look on her face. Took off her flip flops and ran...

my girls

We went home after everyone was good and pooped!

side note... look at that long hair... and she's part Voth too.

And back to the fountain for one more show.

God's creation in Florida is so beautiful. Very hot... but beautiful!

Dad was at work when we got home but he made sure we knew he was glad to have us back! We had a great time!

Summer...

2011-06-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

it's in full swing and it's been so rejuvenating. We move from one thing to another with little stress and I've felt the urgency of rush come and been able to say... why??? Where do we have to be... what do we have to rush to do... and it calms me and I could get too used to this life of 'sleepovers' and reading in our jammies out in the cool of the morning and playing with friends and popsicle in the shade of the pecan tree and swinging into the evening and playing in the rain.

...just enjoying them.

Friends...

2011-06-13T10:33:00.002-04:00

Sundays are hard. Full of tiny potty's and separation anxiety...

and love.

But yesterday ended with a lovely time on the deck of a new friend celebrating an old friends birthday. Sitting there, faces lit by tiny white lights strung in the bushes I couldn't help but be thankful for how God shows His grace to us through friends.

Friendships ebb and flow.

Some were close....

then not...

now are again, only separated by geography...

and those I see every week. And how God brings new friends when He knows we need them.

What an amazing gift.

My pages of thankfulness are sprinkled with their names...

old and new...

near and far...

and the encouragement, love and laughter they bring.

Truly a gift.

Goals Met

2011-06-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

The end of the year. It seems like a long one, but I can't say why.

I'm glad it's over.

This spring marks the end of the elementary years for Sam. From church, where he put his hand print on the wall and signed signifying that he's moving up to the youth group...

to the end of his elementary school career...

Sam is the last one... by the curtain

the congratulatory high 5

Another big milestone was Henry's kindergarten graduation...

Each day last week brought a different ceremony...

she's the one in pink

by the end... Maggie was done!

End of the year award ceremonies are always so humbling... this year they symbolized more then just hard work and goals met. It was more about Gods immense grace and protection.

Now we're looking forward to a great summer...

School is almost over...

2011-05-16T10:14:00.003-04:00

School is winding down and the next few weeks are filled with fun business and no homework. This is usually my least favorite time of year... we have to get in 180 days but the 'work' is over so the remaining days are full of, what I like to call, fluff. My normal tenancy is to wish these days away and complain about them not being over fast enough. But I wonder, over the past 6 years, what I missed in those last few weeks of school. My prayer is to slow and enjoy the end of Sam's elementary school career. I want to fully live this time with him, having my eyes wide open to Gods goodness and offering thanks... out loud.

Psalm 50:23a The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

Things on my list all out of order...

Sunday morning sunrise

Notes passed in church

Maggie

Moths that look like rock

boy covered in dirt

a boy and his legos

the wedding gift wind-chimes still singing

loosing teeth

girls growing up

Monday Fun

2011-05-02T19:07:00.000-04:00

Psalm 34:1-3 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

153. our yard... love it's flatness, it's shadiness, it's bigness, and it's fenced-inness.

154. flower for the fort

155. 52 baptized
156. worshiping outside... we had our annual outdoor service and it was so fun.

We took everything but the kitchen sink...

and some of us ate almost the whole time

157. little pink surprises growing through our back fence... the people behind us have moved and no one currently lives in their house so I don't think they would mind...

158. swinging to the trees...

159. warm sun with a cool breeze
160. pink skin... stinging
161. cleaning the dirt off
162. family fun
163. a week off from nusery
164. friends who write back... Tenaya :)
165. indoor plumbing
166. curling iron
167. the gift of helping my kids see historical events through a Biblical lens.

Stones

2011-04-25T11:50:00.000-04:00

Reading Trail to the Tree over the last few weeks was really helpful in bringing the significance of the Cross to our Easter. There were times frustration wondering if the kids understood. But remembering that it's not up to me to open their hearts. And He is good to give signs to encourage.

Our branches are dead...

so is the cross.

Our eggs are hollow...

so is His tomb.

Then the stones...

Sat. we carried dark stones to remember the tomb and to give us hope as we waited for Resurrection Sunday.

Sunday we exchanged the dark stones of waiting for clean white stones to give us hope for our future with Him. Rev.2:17

121. dead trees
122. hanging Savior
123. waiting Sat.
124. Risen Savior
125. Easter Sunday worship
126. 2 yr olds saying "He is Risen!"
127. 13 years - 5 kids - 1 dog - 2 houses - 6 cars... Gods grace, all of it!
128. simply stating his love of God in a public school hallway.

Isn't She Lovely...

2011-04-20T16:33:00.000-04:00

About 3 years ago Claire asked me if she could get her ears pierced. I had my hands full with Maggie and didn't want anything else to keep up with so to buy myself some time I threw out a number...

10

In July she'll be 10.

So when we found ourselves at the mall...

just us girls...

Why not!

before

during

Not sure... we told her they would use a 'gun' so we're thinking she thought it would be really loud. heehee

after

She's so cute and excited to tell all her friends.

but it's not her ears that make her lovely.

Trying Not to Wish Time Away

2011-04-14T09:45:00.001-04:00

Just waiting for dinner to cool. Kids play outside and a mower is going across the street. I'm sitting here trying so hard not to wish the next 2 days away. Spring break has been a long time coming and it seems to get harder and I seem to care less the closer it gets.

But I don't want to miss anything...

There might be some bit of beauty, a good laugh or even a lesson learned in the next two days that if I'm just plowing through for the sake of it...

might get missed.

I don't want to miss anything.

Kids are fighting now.

Here are some things we've been doing...

Claire's Challenge class had their 'Bridge Building Comp.' last weekend. I was completely dreading it...
5 Babetz kids + me + 80 gazillion other kids who's parents aren't really paying attention usually doesn't add up to a good time. But we really had fun!

This is how they tested the bridges and out of the 3 built from Claire's class 2 made it past 30lbs. But weren't pretty enough to win any awards.

Then they had little tables all over with activities for the kids and this is where we ended up...
really, is anyone surprised?

Then, of coarse they helped clean up because as long as it's not their rooms they are happy to help.

We also made our first trip to the zoo for the season with some new friends.

And I've been making these...

My girls love them, and they're really easy to make, but would anyone else like them???

Then just playing outside. It's been so pretty this spring.

Signs of Spring

2011-04-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

92. Him opening my eyes to understanding Scripture
93.Old white churches on back roads

94. girls with glasses

95. signs of spring
96. sidewalk chalk

97. sweeping... dirt in the house means happy play outside

98. blowing dandelions

99. ice pops

100. skinny, pale legs hanging out of shorts

101. scooters

102. sandals

notice the webbed toes

103. blooming... feels like the dogwoods and azaleas have been blooming for weeks... or maybe I'm just paying more attention this year. Either way it's been a beautiful spring here in the SC.

When it Gets Quiet...

2011-04-08T17:18:00.000-04:00

I find things like this:

or this:

OR, I find these kind of pictures on my camera:

Why yes, that is Lego Han Solo {Hoth} as a matter of fact.

and yes I'll be docking the maids pay for the condition of those base boards...

Naming Gifts from God... cont.

2011-03-21T09:43:00.001-04:00

11. the blue of the sky after days of gray rain

12. unexpected visits from friends
13. the sound of wind blowing in old, tall trees
14. swing sets
15. coffee
16. the sound of Claire's voice singing out praises to God

17. a community who encourages
18. 2 yr olds

19. a warm bedroom
20. a husband who still sees beauty in me 13 years and 5 kids later

Happy Birthday...

2011-03-16T10:37:00.001-04:00

video courtesy of Sam

Naming Gifts from God

2011-03-14T10:40:00.001-04:00

Count Your Blessings the old hymn sings...
it's not a new concept, but I've not counted...
named them one by one.
Today I start...
putting names to them.
Living gratitude out loud...
to more fully live Joy

1.   hearing rain on the attic roof
2.   watching rain from a warm, dry house
3.   a fixed computer
4. hero husband who fixes after an exhausting day of work
5. "mommy, will you hold me?"

6.   the smell of muffins baking
7.   checks on the to-do list
8. the tenderness of Sam's heart

9.   sleep
10. Nanny's coffee blanket...memories

Name gifts with us...

O THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF JESUS - Selah

2011-03-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

Valentines t-shirts 2011

2011-02-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

That's right, I'm THAT kind of mom. The girls wanted me to make a t-shirt for myself this year too. And it looks like this is going to be a fun Valentines Day tradition.
I hope you have a great Valentines Day!!!

Playing Catch-up

2011-02-07T11:54:00.001-05:00

Update...

We've been sick. From the last week of Nov. to about the second week of Jan someone in the house was sick. During that time we also managed to give said sickness to a couple of cousins, a Grammy and an Aunt too I think. Thankfully I was the only one who did not get sick.

Cuz lets be honest... it's not an option.

We also had our first EVER case of the 'for real... as in diagnosed' flu.

The first day was rough... poor thing, she really couldn't even walk. But after that every day got a little better and so we celebrated The 1st Ever Team Babetz Member to Get the Flu with some donuts and hot cocoa.

During that time my Nanny also passed away. So there was a quick trip to AL for her funeral also. Is it horrible to say it was a nice trip? Of coarse it was sad and I miss her, but it was really nice to see family that I never get to see. From cousins, who I've not seen for 30 some years,.

to my own sisters. There's only 3 of us so you'ld think we could get together more often, but it had been about 8 years... too long.

All of us... Aunts, Uncles, cousins... we laughed and had fun learning about each others families. And I enjoyed learning about Nanny too. I've been thinking a lot about her and what, of her, I can take with me and pass on to my kids. More on that later.

Then there was the 7 inches of snow that shut down our schools for a week. {insert eye roll} I don't think I missed that many days of school for snow in my entire educational career... and I grew up in MN! So they've tacked a couple of days on to the end of the school year... which just means more days for the kids to go to school and do nothing b/c by that time of the year the kids have mentally checked out and grades are already in. {another eye roll}

I've also been working on learning how to crochet. I'm doing OK for a beginner... who is 40 so you know what that does to the learning curve... but it's going alright. I'm excited to make a bunch of preemie hats to take to the NICU with Maggie around her birthday.

Those are just a couple... I've made some other things too that I'll show you later.

So there are the updates. As of right now... this very minute... everyone is healthy and Maggie is potty training, so I'd call that a good day!

Snow Day 2011

2011-01-10T12:58:00.000-05:00

Let the fun begin...

This was around 10 in the morning... almost 7 inches and counting.

I love the quiet that comes with snow. It just seams to block out all the noise... there are no cars and really no birds or animal sounds... just quiet

It was tough, but poor little Maggie made it all the way out to the street.

We had so much fun.

And then there's this...

Googly Eyed Dad

2010-12-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

There was a girl...

With a sliver...

And a dad in his 40's...

Who says, "I don't need to get my eyes checked."

Somehow, he makes even sliver removal fun.

Fancy Pants Chocolate Cake

2010-12-02T08:36:00.001-05:00

~1 yellow cake mix with pudding
~1 3.9oz box of instant chocolate pudding
~1/2 cup sugar
~3/4 cup vegetable oil
~3/4 cup water
~4 eggs
~8oz sour cream
~1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips) together for about 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into a well greased bundt pan. Bake at 350 for one hour.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving.

YUMMY and EASY

I only make this at Christmas...

seriously...

you can't eat a cake like this too often.

But WOW is it good.

So enjoy!

The Jesse Tree

2010-12-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

We started our Jesse Tree a couple of days ago and I'm so excited to share with you the new devotional: A Jesus Advent Celebration I found to go along with the fun of the ornamanets.

It written by Ann VosKamp at A Holy Experience. My kids have been so engaged in this story and it's only been the first two days. We did a Jesse Tree devotional last year too and frankly most of the Bible stories in the devotional are stories they already know, but she is a gifted writer and makes the words jump off the page. It's been fun to watch their faces as we've read.

I wanted to share the link with you because it is free to download. I made our ornaments last year but the devotional comes complete with the ornaments that you can cut out and use.

This has quickly become one of my very favorite Christmas traditions.

Wordless Wednesday - Hank the Tank

2010-11-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Classroom Champion

2010-11-16T11:26:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago Sam won an award.

Classroom Champion

We went to a Furman football game and he went out on the field. I think, for him, the bigger prize was that Gregg was off on a Sat. and able to be there with him. For me it was the fact that only one kid was chosen from each school in the county... but it was the teachers who did the choosing.

It was a beautiful day and I'm very proud of and thankful for Sam.

Wordless Wednesday - Preemie Clothes

2010-11-10T06:00:00.005-05:00

The Lottery

2010-11-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

We're playing the lottery.   Not the money kind, but the 'school choice' kind. We find out tonight if Sam will be going to the Charter school we applied for. 'Applied' really gives people the wrong idea. Applying would imply that we had something to do with the selection process. But other than filling out the application, we can't do anything. The students are chosen via lottery. They send all the names off into cyberspace (insert me waving my arms over my head all crazy like) and the computer randomly chooses the names of the children that will be attending. So crazy!

So I've been praying for the last month... and trying to find the balance between 'boldly' asking God to allow Sam to be chosen and preparing for the fact that this might not be what God deems best for Sam. I have a hard time with that. Balance that is. Always have. I find it incredibly hard to pray for something I really want or think would be great for my family and not getting my hopes up so that when/if God chooses otherwise I'm not crushed. Does that even make sense?

But, on the other hand, it is so reassuring to know there is nothing I/we can do to get in... other than the application. The choice is so clearly going to be the Lords and that is very calming.

So I'll let you know where we end up.   Where ever that is will be up to God.

Coloring Monday

2010-11-08T14:02:00.000-05:00

It's Monday afternoon and that means you'll find me on my sofa with a cup of coffee, colored pens and all the kids backpacks.

The amount of paperwork that comes home... even after "going green" is ridiculous RIDICULOUS.

Most of it goes right into our recycling bin after I've read it but I usually have something to fill out or a check to write... don't let anyone tell you that public school is free. Just sayin.

I have always color coded my kids. From the time they were in the womb they were assigned a color and that color is theirs for life.

Green Pink Purple Blue Yellow

This comes in particularly handy on Mondays. I won this fun little calendar/planner paper from scribbles-n-such.com and, at the time, I wasn't sure what to do with it. But now I'm so glad I won it. Every week I get out my pens and I put all things "school" on this planner. Everything from my time working at the school to important projects/papers and test... all in the appropriate color of coarse. It's been a huge help. At the beginning of the school year I was loosing track of who needed to do what on which day... it was crazy. But now I just keep the clip board handy and we just look to see what's coming the next day.

It takes some time on Monday's to get everything out, sorted, filed, and on the planner, but it's worth it. And I've gotten to where I look forward to Monday afternoons now so it's not so bad.

Oh and if you haven't color coded your kids yet... I highly recommend it. Makes things a lot easier.

He's My Hero

2010-09-14T23:16:00.000-04:00

Standing at the sink washing dishes and chatting with one of my girls I looked down to see my flip flopped feet standing in about an inch of water. It was flooding out of the already broken dishwasher that I occasionally run to keep the inside from getting gross. I ask my daughter, with some urgency in my voice, to get towels. She comes back with 2...TWO squares of toilet paper. (Which, now I can't stop laughing about but at the time) changed my urgent voice into an all out crazed mother yell, "TOWELS CHILD...I SAID TOWELS! BRING! ME! EVERY! TOWEL! IN! THIS! HOUSE!...NOW!!!" By this time the water has found it's way under the stove and is almost out of the kitchen all together.

Towels come and we at least stop the water from moving into other rooms of the house. I managed to, somewhere in the chaos, turn off the dishwasher and now I gingerly attempt to open the door... more water.

Sigh.

At this time I don't want my kids walking in the bacteria filled water that's been backed up in my broken dishwasher for who knows how long. So I give them free reign of all electronics in the house. Computer...video games...TV...anything. You can line up behind me for the mother of the year award...mmmk.

I then start sucking water out of the bottom of my dishwasher with a turkey baster.   Seriously, just typing that sentence out is sad... so sad.   While I was doing that I really wanted to get angry...I mean really wanted to get angry. But at who... or what. So I just prayed. Don't be too impressed. I don't feel right now that my prayer carried much reverence. But it was honest at least. And it wasn't any surprise to God that I was struggling at that moment. Anyhow, I don't know how long later, it was empty. I manage to wrangle all the wet towels over to the washer. (Which incidentally I have never been more thankful to have in my kitchen as I was at that moment.)   Then I mopped and sat down for a second to let the floor dry. Then we had sandwiches for supper because after the water went under the stove I was afraid to turn it on.

I don't care much about the dishwasher. It's been broken for going on 2 years. What I hated most was having to meet Gregg at the door with yet another thing that broke. Things are pretty crappy for us right now. A lot of uncertainty. And stuff keeps breaking. Or there are cavities that need filling. And stuff keeps breaking.   Did I mention that stuff keeps breaking. While I type this, I'm so thankful that we are healthy. I don't take that for granted. This is all external. I know this, but I really didn't want to add extra stress to Gregg with stuff like the stupid broken dishwasher. But I couldn't move the stove to get to the water under it.   And of coarse after the crazed mom yelling for towels episode there was no way the kids weren't going to spill the beans.

Anyway, he got home and was met at the door by 4 kids, all talking at once, telling a different part of the story. I just stood smiling at him and he calmly asked me what was going on. He changed out of his work clothes and immediately started working on the problem. About 2 hours later we had a huge hole in our cabinets and a broken dishwasher in our back yard. I'm not sure but I believe that actually qualifies us for higher white trash status.

Yep, things are kind of tough right now. We're trusting God to take care of us. Even through the struggles we are trusting... and praying nothing else breaks.

But as he was manhandling the dishwasher down the back steps, all I could think was... he's my hero, and I cannot imagine wading through the muck of our lives with anyone but him.   And I'm truly thankful...truly thankful!

Passed Down

2010-09-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

Look deep inside this truck...

Can you see it?

It's a desk and dresser and bookshelf...
They were Gregg's as a child...

This is our boys room before...

*******and after************

I love thinking of Gregg's hands riffling through these drawers to find some shorts and a t-shirt...
and 35 years later, his boys are doing the same thing.

I don't know if you can see it, but there is a built in light under the book shelf.
It's my favorite part.

I love thinking that these 2 little "treasure drawers", on either side of the light, once held Greggs treasure and are now holding the boys treasures.

There was no chair, but we had an extra one hanging out on the front stoop.

I used my trusty mouse sander that my husband gave me and...
Cushion courtesy of my new favorite store... IKEA
I think it came out pretty well...

I love that Gregg used to sit here at this same desk to do his homework and all these years later, his boys get to sit there and to theirs...

I know that non of the furniture in there matches and I'm great with that...

The bunk beds we bought...

The blue shelf I got at a yard sale back when Sam was just a baby...

And the desk/dresser/bookshelf came from Dad...

Thanks MawMaw and PawPaw for giving the boys their dads stuff...

Thanks to Aunt Katie for driving that HUGE truck up here to drop it off. I really wish I'd have gotten a picture of you in the HUGE truck with the desk and shelf. HeeHee

While I'm really sentimental, Gregg isn't the kind of guy to "gush" about this kind of thing, but I did ask him(as he stood opening and closing each drawer carefully) if it made him feel nostalgic. His answer...

"I can remember what was in every drawer."

The Secret Family Sign

2010-09-08T10:15:00.001-04:00

For more fun tips/recipes/good ideas head over to WFMW at We are THAT Family...

We have lots of rules here at Team Babetz and one that ranks pretty high is being kind to your brothers and sisters. Now I know all kids fight. You can't have this many bodies in this tight of a space without running into a problem here and there. But the funny thing is that we weren't running into the problem here. It was at school.

My girls would see their older brother and be so excited. Well you can imagine his reaction to their... warm greetings. Early on, when we had a 1st grader and a K5er, they would walk into school hand in hand(those were the years we didn't have a camera and I hate that the picture of that is only in my mind). But as they got older that was just - not - cool.

I don't care so much for being cool but I did understand that it was embarrassing to him for the girls to draw attention. He's not big on attention... kind of likes to blend in.

So we've had to talk to the girls about toning down their excitement and not embarrassing him, and we had to talk to him about not ignoring them when they did see him in the hall or at lunch.

Things got better for a couple of years, but now he's a patrol, working car line, and the girls would be upset if he didn't respond to them when 'on the job'. So we had a team meeting and came up with the idea of a sign we could give each other that would be secret... only for our family. They love the secret idea... lends an element of excitement to it I guess. We looked on a sign language web site and came up with a very modest (as in doesn't draw attention) sign that is meaningful.

{I'd show y'all the sign but then, ya know, I'd have to kill you...}

The kids have really bought into it. They give a little side grin and eyebrow raise along with the sign. HeeHee

And that's what counts... and what works for us... A secret family sign.

Blogimony

2010-09-06T05:00:00.002-04:00

Blog + Testimony = Blogimony

I'm humbled and excited to be sharing my 'blogimony' over at Gathering Inspirit today. Head on over and check it out and while you're there look around a little. Those girls have some really fun things going on over there.

Thanks and have a great Labor Day.

Steph

Marriage Fitness

2010-09-04T12:43:00.000-04:00

Stress can reek havoc on a marriage. Little things that pile one on top of another and get heavier and heavier. Slowly communication breaks down and selfishness leaks out and you feel like your way is the best.

Gregg and I had were talking about this recently as there's been some extra stress in our lives lately. We talked about communication. It's so hard to do. Sometimes our own thoughts are so confusing... how could our husband or wife understand if we don't? So rather than cause further confusion and in an effort to protect we stay silent. Trying to figure things out in our head before we say them out loud. But in the absence of communication, we often interject our own ideas of what is going on. Which are never truth.

We could see this starting to happen...

And Satan was on the doorstep waiting.

We decided that communication, even confused, and prayer were a better option.

See ya, Satan!

And at the same time, our church is doing a series on marriage called Marriage Fitness. I'm excited to build on what we already have to make our marriage even stronger. We love each other very much, but we also know it takes a lot to maintain a good marriage and when your tired and confused... it's easy to just sink into your separate roles and go about life trying to figure things out alone.

If your interested or know someone who may need some encouragement in their marriage... please let them know. Thanks

Happy Birthday

2010-09-03T05:00:00.006-04:00

There's a little more grey...

There's a little more stress...

There's a little less money...

There's a lot more fun...

There's a lot more noise...

There's a ton more laughs...

There's a little less time...

There's a few aches and pains...

There's a lot more love...

There's you and me...

There's our crazy kids...

And

There's Texas football tomorrow...

Happy Birthday

I love you.

Always!

Trip to DC

2010-09-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

My oldest had the opportunity to go to Washington DC last weekend with his grandparents to the Restoring Honor rally held on the Mall.

The Mall during the rally... wow

He's a pretty good little photographer...

I can't imagine being there and seeing all those people there just to show support for bringing honor back to our country. I watched the rally on C-Span so I could talk to him about it. He's funny, information sort of trickles out over time. So we will continue to chat about if for a while I'm sure.

He really enjoyed being with his grandparents and they got to see some pretty amazing things...

WWII Memorial

White House

You didn't think we'd actually get out of this without a reference to Star Wars did you...

Thank you MaMa and PaPa. He will never forget it and we love you very much!

Classy like that...

2010-09-01T06:54:00.001-04:00

This is how my youngest went through car line yesterday.

Shirt with food stuck on it - check

No pants - check

Purple crocs to match dirty shirt - check

Toothbrush in hand as chew toy - check

brother was home sick... only 3rd week of school... nice

So in the interest of full disclosure I want it to be know that we do this kind of thing often, cuz we're classy like that!

Teaching 2's...

2010-08-31T09:25:00.002-04:00

There are those who love to work with the teens in the youth group.

There are those who love to teach elementary Sunday school classes.

And there are those who teach adult classes.

And then there are those who would rather deal with littles who...
...like to eat crayons
...can't drink out of a cup without a lid.
...don't know more than 20 words.
...haven't learned the art of sharing... anything.
...think a tiny toilet is a toy.

That's me.

I was asked to be the team leader of the 2 yr old nursery and after some prayer and 'Team' meetings... we decided to take the challenge.

Yes we. Because it's definitely a family affair. Team Babetz will be serving these wee ones together.

Our church as 3 identical services, so here's our plan:

1st service: Kids attend their Sunday School classes. Gregg and I serve the two year olds.
2nd service: Gregg works in an adult class and the kids and I serve the 2yr olds.
3rd service: We worship together as a family... (that's 'big church' people).

So this is what we are going to be doing for a while on Sundays. It's a full day and I fully expect to be exhausted. But we believe it's really important that the kids learn to serve their own body of believers. I am looking forward to getting started and so are the kids. I love that it's a team effort.

Now I'm not without my concerns. We still have a young family, which lends itself to sickness. In fact, as I type we've got one who's missed 2 days of school with croup... but I believe this is what the Lord wants us to do, so I will leave the health issues to Him.

I'm also excited to bring you some fun stories from the goings on with all the toddlers each week. Because we all know they provide great fodder.

This last week the story was Zacchaeus and the questions was asked, "Wouldn't you love to have Jesus come to your house?" It was actually more of a statement because we all know 2yr olds don't really answer questions and have the attentions span of a flea. But one little girl piped up and said, rather mellow dramatically, with arms out stretched, "I would kiss Him!".

Awesome!!!!!!!!!

So we welcome all the challenges and excitement this new schedule brings and pray the Lords blessing on this little class!

K5

2010-08-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

Ah, school. Now that we've been at it for two weeks, we're starting to get into the grove a little better. I'll admit that this little guy is struggling a little with overtireditis. But I've learned over the years that it just take the younger ones a little longer to get their bodies into a good rhythm. I had to laugh when he came home Monday talking about how his little friend threw up... sigh. And so it begins. Germs that is. The discussion quickly digressed into color and texture so I ended it. Boys. And I had to laugh yesterday at the "Curriculum Night" when his teacher {who has had all our other kids} said that he was struggling with focus. To which I said, "well at least we're consistent... they've all had that problem". She didn't see the humor in it. Huh. I told her we would talk about it and pray about it. And I know that in time he will improve, they all did. And so the as the first two weeks of kindergarten come to a close I think the little guy's doing great. Thanks to all those who've been praying. I can't overstate how much we appreciate it.

A New Family Tradition

2010-08-24T21:51:00.001-04:00

My oldest turned 10 over the summer. He was excited. I gave him a choice to have either A) a big party with friends... or B) a trip to the closest Lego store. He of coarse choose B.

But it took us all summer to get there and so finally... the weekend before school started we went. It was worth the wait.

Here they are at the station where you build 3 of your own little Lego men. He's getting some creative help from his sisters.

It was so fun and we had such a good time just getting out of town for the day. We needed it!

The Lego store is in the ridiculously big mall in NC. They have everything there. But we were also just a few exits from IKEA, so we stopped there too.

And lastly, Gregg drove us by the Panthers stadium. The kids thought it was so cool. I took their picture by the big mean panther... you can hardly see it b/c it was getting dark out... and it took me a long time to convince my 5 year old that the panther wouldn't jump down and get him. But he was very manly and got in the picture for me. We had a really good time and now the girls are planning their 10th birthday trips. And I'm OK with that... this is a better alternative than the big party. I think we've started a good little family tradition here.

1st Day of School 2010-11

2010-08-23T11:20:00.000-04:00

First day of school...

Ready at the door... is it even light out side?

My 5th grader is a patrol, so he left for school early (7:10)and I didn't see him till the end of the day(3:15).

That was hard, I didn't like it very much, but he had a job so that's the way it goes.

{BTW, he was chosen to be team captain of his patrol team}

It's this guy's VERY first day of school...

They always look soooo small...

{I didn't cry till we got home. But then I cried off and on all week long.}

This pretty girl got to sit by her BFF...

{for the 3rd year in a row... very exciting}

I'm a horrible mother and didn't get a picture of this one at her new desk... but I can tell you she got a great teacher and is enjoying her new class.
{Even though she didn't get in the same class as her best friend, which lead us to the "But mom, you said God doesn't make mistakes." conversation}

And after the traditional stop at DD for donuts, this little girl was pooped!

Soapbox (chivalry IS dead)

2010-07-31T16:30:00.003-04:00

Leaving the mall today a well dressed lady held the door for us (the kids and I). There were two sets of doors to walk through and Sam was already holding the other door so I encouraged Henry to take the door from the kind woman and allow her to walk through.

She let go of the door and walked two doors down, proceeded to open her own door and walk through completely ignoring Henry and Sam's attempts to be courteous.

If the expectation of any gentlemanly behavior, from our young men, is gone it completely undermines my attempts, as a mother, to teach my sons such behavior.

And then chivalry really is dead.

But then...

About 14 years ago, in Atlanta... on the MARTA... I watched a young man give up his seat for an elderly lady... And that is when I knew I would marry him.

So we will keep at it. If you see us out, you'll see my boys opening doors, giving up their seats for ladies and even girls, letting ladies and girls go first and even walking on the outside of us {and yes that does include their sisters}! Not because they get thanked, but because that is how men should treat ladies.

And so here on Team Babetz...

Chivalry is NOT dead!!!

The Wandering Mind (it's almost school time)

2010-07-30T16:38:00.003-04:00

Well shoot, I thought I was ready. But I'm not!

I was fine at the end of last year when teachers would say, "Next year you'll be here." to him.

I was fine when we ordered his back pack.

I was fine when he made me attach his Lego Chewbacca key chain to said back pack like his siblings all have...

But then he picked out his lunch box and I was not fine anymore.

He's ready...

Well, he's ready in the sense that he wants to go. And lets face it, the boy's been up at the school with me so much he'll be giving tours to new students. He knows all there is to know about being up there.

But did I mention that he's my least prepared child to enter school. Um, and by least prepared I mean ehem, we are still working on writing his name... so sad. I can't believe I'm actually admitting this to the 10's of people who read this, but he's seriously unprepared. Actually it's a pride thing for me. He'll be fine, he knows his numbers past 20 and all his letters (he just can't write them all). He'll be behind some of the kids, but he'll be ahead of most and it won't take long for him to grasp the basics so I'm technically not worried...

Just officially embarrassed...

Mother guilt!!!!

But can I tell you how excited I am to get me some one on one with Maggie. I've not had consistent one on one any of my kids (except Maggie in the NICU) since Sam was 13 months old and Claire was born. I'm looking forward to enjoying time with her.

And I'll admit it...

I'm looking forward to grocery shopping with just one rather than... 5. There I said it.

Anyone who knows me well knows I love being with my kids. LOVE IT! But I do look forward to the days of NOT taking up an entire isle in the store... and not having to say things like:

"Line up behind me by age like a train."

Or
"Son if I have to tell you again to put your hand on the cart..."
Or

"No, I don't have room in the freezer for more ice cream."

Or
"Face forward when you're walking."
Or
"Please don't make her scream."
Or
"We don't need candy."
Or
"Son, you have to look where your going when pushing the cart."

I could go on... but I won't.

At any rate school is approaching like a speeding locomotive and the old familiar dread is starting to hit.

It's more a dread over the loss of this free as a bird summer life style where we have no schedule at all then it is over them actually going back to school. So it will pass and we'll all get excited about being back in the swing of things again soon. Until then we'll just enjoy being ~~cooped up inside b/c it's too hot to go out~~ together having fun and maybe even take a little vacation...

One can never tell about these things...

The Young Padawan...

2010-07-29T17:06:00.004-04:00

2003

Son, "I am not afraid."

Father, "Ah, you will be... you will be."

July of 2010...

Father, "Much to learn, you still have."

The Twirl Skirt

2010-07-26T16:48:00.005-04:00

My friend Beth... aka Super Woman... living out the last few weeks of her 8th pregnancy in this ridiculous heat in Oklahoma... sent me this awesome twirl skirt for Maggie Ann.

You can take a walk in it...

You can play the piano in it...

You can ride a bike in it...

You can have a snack in it...

You can cook in it...

You can even play the Wii in it...

You should really go by Beth's site and check out her handiwork. From bow ties to personalized pillows... and of coarse the twirl skirts.

And thanks so much Beth. We love our owly twirly skirt!!!

Using Their Powers for Good

2010-07-13T22:17:00.004-04:00

2 girls
Completely different.

One lives in a fairy land with all her best girl friends, who are transformed into flying horses who fight off evil horses to keep said fairy land peaceful and happy.

The other wants to swaddle her Bity Baby and rock her to sleep, help me clean or bake some cookies. Her world is grounded in the reality of a mom's job.

One craves affection, words of praise and attention.

The other doesn't care so much for hugs and stuff like that. It just slows her down.

One has a great little group of girl friends. They giggle and do all things girly.

The others best friend is a boy.

One likes to think or day dream... you can sometimes see the wheels turning.

The other never stops talking.

They are both stubborn.

They are both funny

And they both love Jesus.

Together we are learning to use the natural bent God has put in each of them in a positive way.

We call it "Using your powers for good."

Because we all know how easy it is for girls to use their powers for... not so good.

By nature we are bossy and moody.

Manipulative and snide.

So we choose to correct the above nastiness when it arises and channel that energy into the lovely blueprint God laid out within each of their colorful personalities.

You know... Use their powers for good.

And when I think about it... it's so simple. Why try and reinvent the wheel. God knew what he was doing when they were created.... so differently.

And I am humbled.

And thankful.

It's not you, it's me...

2010-07-10T10:21:00.008-04:00

The above statement always makes me laugh...

But today I was thinking about how true that statement really is in my marriage.

All marriages, even the good ones, have ebbs and flows. Times when married life is easier and we connect well. And then there are the times when we are... out of step with one another... and forgetful of the fact that we play for the same team.

In my marriage it is then, when we don't seem to quite land on the same page, that I open the door for Satan to waltz in and plant seeds of frustration. I'm easily irritated and it's harder for me to love or respect him the way I ought to. I'm quick to rationalize that it's all his fault. And quick to pick out all the flaws that make me feel such irritation.

{Um, excuse me while I pull the HUGE LOG out of my own eye...}

I have a prayer list that I follow for Gregg every day. I didn't always use this but recently found it on my cousins blog. It's been a huge help and I use it daily.

But I start by praying for me.

How selfish, I know...

But I have to rid my mind of my own selfish desires for Gregg and my marriage first, and humbly ask forgiveness for my not so respectful attitude. Then I feel free to ask God for His guidance in Gregg's life...

So Honey, it's not you... it really is me...

40's lookin better all the time...

2010-07-06T09:44:00.004-04:00

Today is my last day in my 30's.

It's good, I'm ready for the change...

I like even numbers.

{I know, I'm weird.}

My husband asked me what I was going to do today...

You know to usher out the old and ring in the new.

"I'm taking 6 kids to the DMV to get my license renewed." I said.

Makes 40 look really good.

Committing our Ways...

2010-07-05T06:11:00.001-04:00

Summer is never very long and I've already started thinking and praying about next year. Of coarse I began praying about the next school year as soon as school lets out. Mainly that God would begin to prepare our hearts for His choice of teachers for next year. And for those teachers, although I don't know who they are... He does.

This year I decided to have a little meeting with each school aged child and set some goals for the year. We talked and set some goals together and then picked out verses that they can claim for the year.

10 year old, 5th grade: wants to get straight A's and be more diligent about doing his homework (he's a dawdler). He wants to be a good leader to his fellow students and a help to his teachers. Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

9 year old, 4th grade: also wants to get straight A's and she is going to work on doing her homework without complaining. And doing her very best work. She is going to be kind to everyone and set a good example for her classmates. She also wants to be a help to her teachers. I Cor. 10:31 So, whether you eat of drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

7 year old, 2nd grade: is striving for A's and B's this year and is going to work on a more positive attitude (she's my 'debbie doubter' always saying she can't do this or that). She wants to set a good example and encourage her classmates, and like the others, be a help to her teacher. We choose Deut. 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

5 year old, K5: not having been in school before we talked things over and felt that 2 goals would be appropriate for this little guy. 1. To obey his teachers. 2. To do his very best. Eccl. 9:10a Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
As this next year looms off in the distance I can't help but feel that all to familiar fear rise up in me. There are so many 'what if's'. So many things that could happen. My desire to protect my kids is strong. But then I am reminded that God loves my kids better than I ever could. He will protect them. And although classes no longer begin with prayer and His commandments are not still lining the walls, He is there. Try as they might they cannot remove God. He is bigger and stronger and still there working through every Christian teacher and parent. And through the students who love Him and shine His light by setting good examples, doing their best work and being an encouragement to fellow students.
Our verse for this 2010-11 school year is Phil. 2:14 - 15 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

***UPDATE***
Sept. 1, 2010
We've been in school for 3 weeks now and it's going great. I put a copy of the kids goals in each of their notebooks and we've referred to them more than once already. We will be memorizing each verse as a way to 'stir up one another to love and good works.' Heb. 10:24

My son shot my dad on mother day...

2010-06-26T14:16:00.004-04:00

Here he is turning 10.

And after a decade of parenting a boy I suppose it should be assumed that I would be shocked by nothing...

But I'm still caught off guard from time to time.

Like the time I was joking with him about under arm hair...

Then he raised his arm and while there was no hair the odor nearly knocked me into the next room.

Or the time he, without having to be asked, gave up his seat for a girl.

But I tell you even Gregg was caught off guard by this one...

He's been asking for an airsoft gun for a while now and like any good mother I responded with...

"You have to ask your father, I am not getting involved in any weapons purchases."

But he went to a birthday party the Sat. before Mothers Day and that was the party gift for all the kids. A little airsoft pistol. Complete with very thorough safety training.

So the next day... Mothers Day... Grammy and Papa were over for lunch. My dad was standing outside with Gregg while he grilled our lunch and the boys were off shooting at... whatever Gregg said they could shoot at...

He thought he'd taken the clip out of the gun...

He didn't know it was loaded...

It just went off...

Gregg said he heard the click of the trigger and then a whizzzz right by his head...

Then my dad gave a kind of surprised, guttural, "Ohhh" and his hand went up to his chest.

And that is when we realized that um...

The clip was in the gun...

It was loaded...

And the gun WILL go off if you pull the trigger...

My poor dad, who had no sons and likes his grand kids best after they learn how to add so they can just sit down and play a good game of cribbage, would be the one who ended up in the line of fire.

Thankfully no one was hurt in the "incident" (except maybe Sam's pride) but the gun was shelved for a good while. And now we have EVEN STRONGER safety guidelines that are to be followed when shooting. Which is done only at a paper target placed on the mulch pile in the back yard. Although I'm pretty sure Gregg would allow him to shoot at squirrles, if we didn't think our neighbor would turn us in.

He's a good boy and growing into a good young man. Caught between the desire to be grown up and still wanting to play with his legos.

Learning to be a leader at home and at school, tender hearted and eager to do what is right.

Learning more and more every day.

I'm thankful for him. He teaches me much. And I love him.

Staycation idea #438

2010-06-11T17:39:00.002-04:00

Looks fun huh.

Practical tip

2010-06-09T12:39:00.008-04:00

This is my 2 year old...
She's cute...

But I think it's safe to say she's...

Busy, very busy!!!

And if you're a mom you know the worst... or hardest time of day is the dinner hour. Especially for the little ones who are hungry, tired from the 2 to 1 nap transition and just plain 2!

So this is how I keep her busy while I get dinner ready...

Cheese. Shredded cheese. It take a while to eat because all the sheds are little and she's hungry but it won't ruin her appetite for her dinner.

AND...
It keeps her in the kitchen where I can keep my eye on her.

Because like I said...

She's very busy, which is 'mom code' for mischievous.

For more Works for me Wed. tips head over to We are THAT Family!

Summer Projects

2010-06-07T21:19:00.008-04:00

This is my beautiful 8... almost 9 year old girl. But if you would, for a second, look past her to the body laying across the table and with his feet up on the back of the booth...

Um, I'd say our work is cut out for us this summer. Wouldn't you?

We're working on lots of things this summer.

Reading...

Math...

Slave labor - ur I mean team work, ahem, you know with chores and... stuff...

ATTITUDE...

That has gotten away from me over the past few months. A little too much sass going on here on the team, so we're gonna be praying about the heart issue as well as writing lots of sentences...

I will obey right away without complaining.

I will not talk back to my mother.

I will use a kind tone when speaking to my brother or sisters.

My mother is pretty and funny and always right.

OK OK, not really...

Anyway, like I said...
We've got our work cut out for us... sigh

For the Bible tells me so...

2010-06-04T22:12:00.007-04:00

In our dark little corner of the NICU I would hold her and sing quietly to her...

My favorite was Jesus Loves Me...

'Little ones to Him belong, They are weak but He is strong.' takes on a whole new meaning when your holding a 4lb baby with tubes and wires attached to her.

But now...

We sing it together. I love to hear her little voice sing to Jesus.

Post Game Wrap Up...

2010-06-03T16:01:00.007-04:00

Today was the last day of school. If you read this, you remember that I was very ready for the year to be over, so imagine my surprise when I got emotional while writing thank-you notes to our teachers. We had fantastic teachers this year.

I remember being so excited at the beginning of the year when we found out who the kids teachers were going to be. But I could never have imagined what God had in store for our kids. His plan is always so much better than ours. These 4 woman came along side Gregg and I and taught our kids not only their lessons, but also understood our desire for our kids to grow in godly character. They challenged them, cared for them and when issues arose, they reinforced our parental wishes at school.

In the grand scheme of things, we are early in our educational journey, but the Lord has used this year to re-enforce that we are right where God wants us. Taking Gods light into our little public school and joining the men and woman there who have made education not only a career, but a mission field.

On a lighter note, we took our annual trip to "the city" (which is Team Babetz code for down town... because we live in the boonies I guess) and had pizza for lunch and visited a store or two. A new pack of Silly Bandz was the reward for a year of excellent grades and behavior and then we over loaded on candy from Mast General.

Well that's another year under our belt. Now it's time to regroup and refresh and enjoy another uneventful, hot SC summer all while looking ahead to next year...

When my 4th goes off to kindergarten...

Oh, where's that paper bag I was breathing in....

Stinky Logic

2010-06-02T19:14:00.006-04:00

Me to stinky son: Son, you need to go take your shower.

Stinky son to me: Ahw man, I don't want to take a shower.

Me to stinky son: Sorry, but the more you smell the more you wash, thats just the way it is... here in America.

Stinky son to me: Then I'll move to Scotland

Really????

2010-05-20T22:09:00.002-04:00

Recently our sweet baby sitter graduated from High School. {YAY MISS KELSEY!!}

She has a beautiful voice and also attended an arts school, so she had a Sr. recital. It was AWESOME!!!

There were many folks there from our church including a lovely, seasoned mother of many who teaches the 4 year old SS class at our church. She has had all of our crazy kids in her class at one point or another.

Hank here loves her and when he saw her after the recital went straight over to her to chat for a while. They talked about what their favorite parts of the show were and how they love Miss Kelsey and then he said...

"You know what, you're going to die soon. Do you know why?"

{Gregg and I stood there trying to say something... but no words would come out of our gaping mouths}

"Because you're old."

Just further confirmation that God first has a sense of humor, and second, that he gives us children is to keep us humble.

Amen???

Amen!!!

Nap Time....

2010-05-10T08:33:00.000-04:00

Some days nap time can be rough!

The Wandering Mind

2010-04-29T15:27:00.007-04:00

I can tell its nearing the end of the school year.

I feel my grip tightening...

I'm having a harder time sending them out the door every morning...

Issues that were easy to deal with before now grind our afternoon activities to a halt and carry much more drama.

We are all exhausted.

I can tell its nearing the end of the school year.

The carnivals and field days are here...

Yearbooks are on sale and there's talk in the halls of pools and beaches.

The library is shutting down in preparation for stacks of text books to be returned, sorted and boxed up.

End of the year testing is now upon us...

I can tell its nearing the end of the school year.

It's all I can do to get lunches made every morning.

Their tears come easier and the attitudes are sassier.

It seems like a long time since August of last year.

I can tell its nearing the end of the school year.

And I for one am ready to be home...

with all my kids...

all day long...

all week long...

I can tell its nearing the end of the school year...

And I am glad!

Waiting...

2010-04-27T20:20:00.007-04:00

What makes a little boy sit by the door and wait?

His dad is on his way home.

Soapbox

2010-04-27T09:35:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard something like this:

"We went to church this morning and worshipped, got to eat lunch with some good friends and spent the afternoon relaxing with our kids... God is good."

I'm sure you've heard a version or two of the above. But, quite frankly, it's a sad commentary on how we view God's goodness.

So if the day had gone badly... would He not be good?

Off handed, quick comments like the above, albeit well meaning, make His goodness completely dependent on our circumstances.

He is good because He can't be anything else.

He is good because He is God.

That is all.

I'll be stepping off the soapbox now. Thank you.

Job Security

2010-04-21T22:34:00.005-04:00

I've heard it said that a woman's work is never done. And while that is true I think the reasons are wrong. That little saying is mostly used to describe the amount of work that goes into being a wife and a mother.

But I think it's more about the kind of work we do. The minute we are done with a job it is immediately undone.

We clean a toilet and... someone uses the bathroom.

We do laundry...all the laundry, but we still have clothes on that are dirty, place mats on the table that need washing and towels in the bathroom that belong in the hamper.

We wash our children's bodies only to have them spill juice all over themselves, color on their leg, or take their pizza covered fingers and run them through their hair.

We sweep our floors just in time for our kids to track dirt in from the yard...or our husbands bring in little clumps of freshly mowed grass.

We wash dishes, drying the last glass and putting it away and then a band of thirsty kids come trailing in the house.

At first we don't like it. It drives us crazy, but then we fall into the rhythm of it... enjoying it a little.

Then we realize how much we, as keepers of the home, depend on that rhythm. Our job is temporarily taken away from us, maybe because of sickness or surgery or whatever the reason, and we sit and watch others doing our job for us. We don't like that at all. We long to be back in the place of feeling the rhythm of the repetitiveness of our lives...

And that is when we understand it. We love that clothes are never clean and there are dishes that are never really done. Because we realize we are needed. We are depended on. We realize that it's not "jobs" or "chores" that we are doing. But rather small repetitive acts of love and kindness mostly unnoticed and usually thankless.

And so we smile at the clumps of freshly cut grass and sternly tell our children they are "only to write on paper" all the while giggling inside as we wipe the marker off their faces. It is then that we feel most secure in our post as "homemaker"... it is, in fact, our own form of job security.

We can't be fired... and even though we moan and grown from time to time...

We love it!

Shine

2010-04-17T16:07:00.001-04:00

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
To shine for Him each day;
In every way try to please Him
At home, at school, at play.

A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam;
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.

Nellie Talbot

We sing this everywhere. In the grocery store, in the car, walking Maggie in the church lobby. It's our desire as parents that they 'shine for Him each day'.

There are more verses, but we don't know them... just the first verse of an old, old Sunday School song that's been overlooked in our modern CCM day. So if you're in Target here in our neck of the woods and hear a chorus of little voices the next isle over you'll know...

It's just us... Team Babetz... shining.

When I grow up...

2010-04-15T15:27:00.000-04:00

From time to time I ask... but these answers are subject to change at any time... maybe I'll make this an annual post so we can see how the answers change from year to year.

So, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Sam age 9: "A sniper in the Army" pause... "Or a civil engineer."

Claire age8: "I want to be a mother and a story writer."

Emma age 7: "A computer worker or somethin... um, I don' t really know what I want to be."

Henry age 5: "A dad... or maybe a Jedi Knight."

Maggie age 2: can't talk yet... we shall see.

Why I Put Away My Whistle and Striped Shirt.

2010-04-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

It's a nice afternoon here and my kids are outside playing before it's time to do homework.

Actually, they are outside fighting.

I was sitting on the front steps listening to the arguing going on and on and on...

And finally I said, "Um, could y'all yell a little louder, the folks that live over there (pointing to the next street over) can't hear you very well."

They stopped for a moment...

And then went back to squabbling (a little quieter) over the division of driveway territory.

I don't break up too many fights here within Team Babetz...if I did, that would be all - I - did - all - day - long.

Frankly, they need to learn to work it out.

If I do get involved, it is when I hear "Mmoahahahahom" at which time I will remind them that there is no tattling and they need to work it out. Because if they don't, I will. And they dont' want me to pick a winner.

I usually pick me. And the loser's do extra chores.

Now I will break in if meanness starts. Or if physical violence breaks out. But for the everyday, run of the mill argument...

I've learned to just stay out of it and let them figure it out.

It's so much better than breaking in and trying to solve it for them.

They know all the scripture about preferring others above themselves (Romans 12:10) and what the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 & 23) should look like...

But they have to be left alone long enough to put those things into practice.

And that is why I have put away my whistle and my striped shirt.

Turning Left

2010-04-13T09:26:00.010-04:00

Driving on a 4 lane road I stopped to make a left hand turn, onto another 4 lane road.

Sitting in the right hand lane of a 2 lane left turn my son says...

"Mom, I'm sick."

Frantically I look for something... anything for him to throw up in...

Nothing.

{Oh why, WHY did I clean out the car...}

So, I do what any good mother would do...

Roll down the window and say...

"Don't get it on the inside of the car."

Cuz I'm compassionate like that.

And so as I begin to make that left turn...

With cars surrounding me...

My son tosses his cookies into the wind...

I tried to see the car next to me, but couldn't.

Maybe it's for the best.

I pulled into the Target parking lot and we finished our shopping...

Making sure to park in the back 40 so no one would have to see...

or smell it.

Then I went home and hosed off the car so the little patrol in car line at school wouldn't have to touch it...

And all afternoon I laughed to myself at the cars over to my left...

What must have been going through the minds of those folks...

But then, if you're a parent, you know...

It's just another day on the job...

For a mom.

Easter Music

2010-03-23T15:28:00.009-04:00

It's Easter time and as with all religious holidays, that have found their way into the commercial market, I try to find ways to make the 'true meaning' more real to my kids. That means we are taking this week and next to look at this book:

Passion Hymns for a Kid's Heart

I love this book because it teaches my kids hymns and we love music at our house, but as a general rule hymns are not as widely sung and I want my kids to know them. Also, it's focus is specifically on the Easter weeks events. From Palm Sunday with "All Glory, Laud and Honor" to Jesus ascending to Heaven with "Crown Him with Many Crowns". Each song on the CD (that comes with the book) has a story and scripture that goes with it. We read one a day till Easter and listen to the corresponding hymn, but we will listen to the whole CD as much as possible. In the car... when we are cleaning around the house... any time we are at liberty to sing out loud. It has been a really fun way to focus on Christ and His sacrifice.

The Wandering Mind

2010-03-23T09:02:00.007-04:00

I found the phone in the fridge yesterday and while I would love to blame my children for it that would be unfair because it was me who left if there.

I'm very good at putting things down right where I am and then forgetting that they're there.

It's a gift.

I was cleaning out the fridge when the phone rang and one of my girls brought it to me. I was at the point closing the trash bag and I needed 2 hands. So I set the phone down in the most logical place... the fridge shelf. It didn't even register with me what I was doing.

These are the things that happen when your trying to do too many things at once.

Good intentions gone wrong. Like when I scheduled an eye appt. for my 7 year old in the middle of a school day so I would not have to take all the kids only to realize the week of the appt. the kids were out of school that day. So we all went. I took plenty of food and things to play with but let face it, those trays of little glass circles or making shadow puppets on the eye chart are way more interesting.

Or when I grab a diaper and the wipes thing out a diaper bag to put in my purse but then forget about the juice cup until the next time I need that diaper bag... gross!

I wonder sometimes at women I know who suddenly, after their kids are a little older, appear to transform from a caterpillar to a butterfly. They loose a little weight or get a stylish new haircut, or seem to have a bunch of new clothes. I wonder if it's because they have 2 seconds to string together to really take a look at themselves in the mirror. Or maybe they were very well aware that the shirt they have on has a stain. But really, why bother putting something nice on when the odds are you'll get spilled on, or used as a napkin or Kleenex anyway.

I hope to be a butterfly someday. To not look like I've been through a war before I even step foot out of the house. And maybe with my new found stylishness I'll gain back a few brain cells. I know my husband will be thrilled because he won't have to look in the fridge to find his keys...

or a scissors...

or clean socks...

or the phone.

Car Sick

2010-03-10T20:57:00.005-05:00

We read a story about a class field trip today. The 1st question at the end of the story was:

What is your favorite part of a field trip?

Her answer:

Getting off the bus.

She gets car sick.

She also just had a birthday.

Happy 7th birthday.

You're the best best ever!!!

Tumble'read'

2010-03-06T20:36:00.005-05:00

It can be hard to find a quiet spot in our house sometimes...

So we do what we have to in order to hear ourselves think...

Or hear oursleves read.

Selfish or Just Weary?

2010-03-06T14:04:00.005-05:00

I just posted a note on FB to my BFF about how I would love to just hop a plane to MN and spend the day at the Mall of America with her and my sister.

I hit the "share" button and have felt guilty about it ever since.

This was supposed to be a really fun week. It's my girl's 7th birthday week. But she spent her special day with a bucket and stomach cramps. No fun. She wasn't the first of the team members to get the stomach bug this week...nor was she the last.

I had forgotten how hard it is to get a toddler to throw up in a bucket. We just made a run for the bathroom hoping to make it in time.

And honestly I'm sick of it. No pun intended.

I'm sick of disinfecting and doing ridiculous amounts of laundry.

I'm sick of asking my husband to go to the store for me after he's worked a long day.

I'm sick of trying to get rid of the "sick" smells that are stuck in my house.

My windows are open today and it's not even 60 outside.

But I have to...HAVE TO get some fresh are in this house.

So this morning while I was standing at the bathroom sink the thought struck me how badly I just wanted to sit with my friend and my sister in snowy MN enjoying some laughter and a good cup of coffee.

I love my children and I'm thankful that I'm able to take care of them and comfort them when they're sick.

but...

Selfishly, I want to hang with some girlfriends.

Or maybe I'm just a little...

Weary.

Looking Back...

2010-02-21T20:39:00.007-05:00

It's late Feb. again. My mind is floating back to 2 years ago. Dates flash on a calender and my mind is back in that hospital room as if traveling on a time machine. I wonder, will I always be this way this time of year. Or will the years to come dim my memory.

The feeling come back too. The loneliness, the concern, the relief, the fear, the guilt.

Guilt indeed. Guilt over many things.

Guilt over not being able to care for my existing children.

Guilt over watching my husband work all day only to come home at night and keep going to get the kids ready for the next day. All while being sick himself.

Guilt over being relieved that I could finally rest.

Guilt over not being happy about this baby in the very beginning.

You don't hear that much from woman. Infertility carries so much pain. How could I not be happy about another baby? But I'll tell you it was very real. In my heart I knew truth. God is the giver of life. We have a small part in it, but ultimately, it's all Him.

Yet my mind was still filled with the strange thoughts that come with a surprise baby. I was overwhelmed with 4...how could I add another to the mix. I remember our pastor preached a sermon on Mary and Martha right after I found out...I sat there praying and asking God how could I be more like Mary when He kept giving me more to do. And what if... what if this child is here to replace one we may loose. It was a paralyzing thought, but one my husband and I both had. An untrue thought. Truth be told God could still take one or more of our children away. Only He know the number of their days.

Then there was the dread of having to tell people. I didn't want people to know. I didn't want my friends or acquaintances, who struggle to have children, to find out. And having to listen to people's "funny" comments that weren't funny, just thoughtless. Even family could be so unkind. They sometimes expressed exactly what I was feeling, but because it came from them it made me defensive and protective of the sweet new life God had given us. Which then made me feel like I should be in a padded room somewhere.

Of coarse we warmed up to the idea eventually. It was never that I was ungrateful or angry, just uncertain of how it was going to all work out. And even through the uncertainty, we always wanted her. She was never unloved. She was ours. She was a gift to our family.

My years of having children are over...Lord willing. And looking back I learned a great many lessons. We ultimately have very little "control" over when or how we have our children. God allows us to think we do but honestly, He gives us what He wants us to have. What will grow us into the families He want us to be. Most times that family doesn't look anything like we thought it would. But that is the beauty of it... He knows us better than we know ourselves.

I cannot imagine my life without any one of my children. Each one has brought something different to our family. And just when I think I love them all I can...there's more.

I will always {until I see Him face to face and can ask} marvel at why God choose this for me.

But I'm thankful he did.

Humbled by the task.

Always making mistakes and learning.

Continually giving my very real fears to the Lord.

Occasionally looking back to remember.

But mostly looking ahead to what's next.

Sharing

2010-02-19T12:25:00.003-05:00

Sharing...

It's a word I say more than once a day. If you have kids, live by kids, work with kids, know kids you've said it. But that one simple command can turn around and bite you in a second.

Here on Team Babetz we have to...HAVE TO share.

We all share rooms.

The boys...

The girls...

I get to share a room with the coach...

fringe benefits...

But then we have to share bathrooms too...

And with only a living room and no den...office...familyroom...we share living space too.

Then there are the toys, and bikes, and video games, and DS's and even clothes sometimes.

We share just about everything.

So when my 5 year old asked me for a life saver yesterday while we were at school, I don't know why it didn't occur to me that he might share one with his little sister.

He did...

And yes, she choked.

She's fine. When she started coughing and couldn't seem to get much air I gave her a good whack on her back and it came up...

Along with the juice and sandwich she just ate...

Oh and the smarties too.

Yes, I'm the kind of mom that brings food with me everywhere to keep my kids quiet and occupied.

And because she had a messy diaper before we left the house I, of coarse, did not have wipes...

Just several packs of Kleenex. Which did the trick, but not easily.

I was amazed at the calm that God gave me. And make no mistake...it was God given. The fact that my 5yr old isn't still hanging by his toes in the school work room is evidence of that.

But it really wasn't his fault. He was just doing a good dead.

He was sharing.

So... lessons learned from yesterdays adventure:

Take all the food out of my purse.
Tell my kids AGAIN not to feed the baby.
Just take wipes...they WILL be used for something.
Remind them that sharing is good for everything but food, toothbrushes, germs and underwear.
Oh and note to self... remember to Febreze the stroller... gross!!!

Winter Wonderland

2010-02-13T15:47:00.007-05:00

We got some snow yesterday.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4 inches of fluffy white beautiful snow.

It was lovely.

We have a new albeit temporary member of the team.

Snowy

He's loved.

And for a few moments we moved from proverbial white trash to literal white trash.

But no worries the kids fort, made from old window screens and yucky camping chairs {which is strategically placed in a corner of the yard where it can be clearly seen from the street thankyouverymuch}will look it's old nasty self again when the snow melts.

And while this one is clearly not happy to see it go.

I am!

Because if you have a car port...deck...mud room...attached garage...etc... you should take a moment and BE THANKFUL.

As all manner of wet/snowy/muddy boots, gloves, hats, pants, socks, shoes, jackets have been left on my living room floor. *Sigh*

But it really did make for a fun, snow eating, hand freezing, hot cocoa drinking, snow ball fighting, snowman making, snot licking good time.

Valentines t-shirts

2010-02-09T22:21:00.007-05:00

My girls wanted Valentines t-shirts this year, but I couldn't find any that I liked so...

We decided to make them.

We went to Hobby Lobby {my favorite store} and got little pink shirts and iron on thingies.

Yes, iron on thingies is their official name.
At first I wanted them all to match, cuz you know, it's all about me...

But they ended up picking what they wanted and I'm so glad they did because their little personalities really came out in what they choose.
And they love them, which is really the important part.

And I think we may have many more iron on thingies in our future. They work for us!

And for more fun WFMW tips head on over to We are THAT Family.

This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let it Shine

2010-02-02T16:32:00.007-05:00

I know it's not Thanksgiving but this paper was just returned to my 4th grader today.

It makes me...

Thankful!

I will type it out too b/c it is a little hard to read...

{nothing was changed in the typing of the paper. Not even the incorrect spelling. A gift he gets from me.}

What I'm thankful for.

Every thanksgiving, I think of the things in my life. I feel great for all the things in my life. The three things I'm thankful for are God and Jesus, Dad and Mom and my brother and sisters.

This is the first thing I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for God and Jesus. They both love me. Jesus died for me and you. They are both ever lasting.

This is the second thing I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for Mom and Dad. They love me. They feed me. Sometimes they pay me.

This is the third thing I'm thankful for. I'm also thankful for my brother and sisters. They ceep me compony. They are fun to play with. They are really funny.

These are the things I'm thankful for. I'm glad for the things I have. What are you thankful for?

My children attend public school and this paper was hung on a bulletin board in the hall. I love to see them share their faith boldly.

Going for the Gold

2010-01-31T20:31:00.006-05:00

In the spirit of the upcoming Olympics... Baby did her best Shaun White...

She needs to work on her landing.

Hope

2010-01-30T17:24:00.001-05:00

There is a Day

There is a day

That all creation's waiting for,

A day of freedom and liberation for the earth.

And on that day

The Lord will come to meet His bride,

And when we see Him

In an instant we'll be changed

The trumpet sounds

And the dead will then be raised

By His power,

Never to perish again.

Once only flesh,

Now clothed with immortality,

Death has now been

Swallowed up in victory

We will meet Him in the air

And then we will be like Him

For we will see Him, as He is

Oh yeah!

Then all hurt and pain will cease

And we'll be with Him forever

And in His glory we will live

Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

So lift your eyes

To the things as yet unseen,

That will remain now, For all eternity.

Though trouble's hard, It's only momentary

And it's achieving

Our future glory.

We will meet Him in the air

And then we will be like Him

For we will see Him, as He is

Oh yeah!

Then all hurt and pain will cease

And we'll be with Him forever

And in His glory we will live

Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

Written by: Nathan Fellingham

I Cor. 15:51-57

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:"Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Big Picture

2010-01-29T08:31:00.004-05:00

I don't deserve my kids...

And they certainly do not deserve me.

But God gave them to me...us.

For many reasons.

And I'm so thankful.

So why is it so hard for me to see the big picture?

Why do great ideas of parenting come to me after the crisis is past?

Why am I more concerned about not being tardy than I am about the spirit of the child I'm pushing out the door?

Why does the stress of grownup life filter into my tone when speaking to them?

I had the opportunity, this morning, to teach my kids a great spiritual lesson. But it slipped away because I couldn't...didn't see the big picture.

I had to ask forgiveness before we even started our day.

I long to go to school and sweep them out of their classes to spend the day loving them.

I long to bring them back home and tell them what we should have done this morning.

I long to hug them and kiss their little faces and say what I should have said.

But I will wait.

And when we come home after school I will kiss their faces, hug them and say all the things I need to say.

Until then, I will go about my days activities with a spirit of humility.

Spending time with God.

Praying.

Listening.

And learning, always learning to look at the big picture.

Behaving Ourselves

2010-01-28T17:15:00.001-05:00

Below is a journal entry from my 1st grader...
{nothing was changed}

Dear Parins,
You are cind. You help me do my house work. My mom and dad have been good this week.

Just thought you should know we've been behaving ourselves.

The Joys of Car Line...

2010-01-27T15:26:00.004-05:00

Car line in and of itself is not stressful to most people.

I am not most people.

I find it stressful.

First of all, some of those parents are really scary. They seem to be in a hurry. Um, it's a line of cars that is stopping and starting based on how fast kids can get into the back seat. I hate to break it to you people, but...

THE LINE WILL NEVER MOVE FAST.

So honking at me b/c I'm letting someone, who is holding up traffic in the road by the way, cut in front of me isn't going to get you through the line any faster.

And then there are those who just cut you off. Ya nice example for your kids. And we wonder why our kids are selfish and nasty to others...hum...

Second, they put those kids right on the curb. Heaven forbid someone gets pushed and falls off into the path of a car. Who's driver isn't looking straight ahead at the road in front of them, but is trying to find their kids in the mass of kids sitting on the sidewalk.

And then there is the fact that when I finally get up to where my kids are they all pile in and start talking at once. But then there is my poor 5 year old who is soooo excited to see his brother and sisters that he pipes up too. And then the baby who will not go unheard.

Then my girls push to the passenger side back seat window and hang out to wave at all their friends. It's sort of reminiscent of those old war time movies when the families lean out the windows b/c they may not see there loved ones again.

But today was especially fun as we pulled up to the line and I stopped my 5 year old starts wailing and gaging. And before I could get anything back to him he started throwing up all over himself. Now when I say wailing I don't mean fussing because he doesn't feel good... I mean all out wailing. So I grab the Walmart bag hanging from the dash (the bag that drives my husband crazy) that we use as a trash bag and tell him to throw up in it...

Which he does. At some point I have to roll down my window and tell the man with the walkie talkie my name. He just looks at me strangely.

Then upon the patrol opening the door to let my kids in he says in a LOUD voice. "I threw up."

The girls of coarse start freaking out and talking about sick germs and not wanting to touch him. All before they are actually even in the car.

So now that everyone within earshot is staring at us... we get the door closed, I smile and wave and pull away.

Sigh.

But the good thing about car line is that I know we'll have another chance to create a ruckus tomorrow. Because it's always there. And in my case will be for years and years to come.

"Mom, we're bored"

2010-01-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Can youtell

what

Team Babetz

does to

pass the time

during the

long, cold, rainy

months of

winter...

Techno-work

2010-01-25T16:10:00.006-05:00

This is my 4th graders report on The Battle of Bunker Hill. Oh the times, they are a changin...

I know there are probably lots of parents who have been walking down this road for a while. But this is our first venture into using technology for homework. He wanted to do a power point presentation...

UHHHH (insert deer in headlights look on face here)

We don't even have power point on our computer, so I had to bring in reinforcements...

I'd like to give a big shout out to Aunt Diane!

We couldn't have done it without you.

Seeking Counsel

2010-01-20T21:31:00.004-05:00

Prov. 20:18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

We as parents like to ask advice. We want to know how other parents do things. From birth plans to drivers ed., we like to be in the know. But something I've found is that when we ask, we tend to ask of those who are in the same stage of life that we are. I've done it. It seems we find comfort in realizing that we are struggling in the same areas as others. Or maybe it's because we tend to befriend those who are in the same stages of life as us.

But in our almost 10 years of parenting we've realized that we learn more when we ask someone who has not only been in the trenches where we are... fighting the battle... but they've come out the other side and actually won the war. Now I know there are no guarantees, each child is different and has a will of their own, but Prov. 20:18 says, plans are established by counsel. So we have sought out families who are past our stage of life. Now we have friends who are in the trenches with us and we definitely seek their prayers and encouragement, just not often advise.

An example of this would be how Gregg and I chose to educate our children. We sought Godly counsel from parents who chose to home school, private school, and public school their children. The biggest factor were the kids themselves. We looked for kids who were spiritually grounded and seeking the Lord. We asked them what the struggles were, what the benefits where. How they saw their children grow. What they would have done differently.

We've started doing it again as we are heading into those stressful middle school years. Prov. 20:18 is pretty clear. Wars are not waged without wise guidance. But wisdom comes with having been through the war... knowing the right strategy... or the wrong one.

So as we look ahead at our parenting path my prayer is that we will continue to be humble enough to see that we don't know much about the road ahead and that we need to continue to seek out wise counsel.

Last First's

2010-01-13T18:07:00.004-05:00

When you're dealing with the baby of any family, there are a lot of last firsts.

The last first steps.
The last first solid food.
The last first words.

The list is tear stained and a mile long.

This morning we checked another last first off the list.

The last first hair cut and frankly, it's long overdue!

So, like any good mom, I bribed her with smarties and TV shows we don't normally watch because I knew that would hold her attention.
And this is the result. Don't look too close. Homemade haircuts are never straight. Especially on a toddler.

But it's cute and better than the birds nest that had taken over the back of her little head.

So the last first haircut was a success. A sad success.

Listening

2010-01-12T22:01:00.006-05:00

Ps. 4:4
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent...

Ponder, and be silent...

Silent.

I'm all for quiet. Especially when it's around 7:00 at night and my kids are going crazy. Running after each other with laser guns or light sabers.

Then, I am all about quiet.

But often when I pray...

I pray.

I praise.

I request.

I talk.

Be silent?

I know the Lord has much...MUCH to teach me. And I want have a heart that is open and ready to learn. So when I read this verse last week it kind of jumped off the page and thumped my nose. I need to spend some time being silent...

Pondering what I've read in His word...

Pondering directions He may be leading me...

Listening...

Ya see, I usually fall asleep with the TV on or while reading a book. But I don't think I'll do that any more.

I'll be silent.

I'll ponder.

I'll listen.

Ya know it's interesting, my children hear me better when it's quiet. When they are listening to me. So then it would stand to reason that I would hear my Father better if I were...

Silent....

Pondering...

Ps. 4:4
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

I hope you will take some time to be silent and ponder.

Roller Skating

2010-01-09T17:11:00.005-05:00

With 5 kids we get our fair share of birthday party invites. But with Gregg working Saturdays it can sometimes be difficult to accept.

I always chuckle at the folks who don't know us that well...

They are very quick to say, "Oh, just bring all the kids."

Um ya, they have no idea what they're offering.

Today my 8yr old was invited to a roller skating party. She's my social girl. She loves her girlfriends and I really want to cultivate that in her. But I also really wanted to see her try her hand at roller skating. So I got a sitter and we went.

By the by, roller skating is one of those things that hasn't changed at all in the last 30 years. Stepping into a roller rink is like stepping back in time.

I'm so glad we were able to go. She had a ball! She couldn't even stand up at first and she didn't even care. She had a grin a mile wide on her little face the entire 2 hours. She got a little better with some help from the wall.

She fell A LOT. But laughed and laughed. Her little friends were so nice to her. They didn't tease her or laugh at her. They helped her around the rink and waited for her to catch up. They are really sweet little girls. Anyway, they had a ball!
And right before we had to leave she got a good feel for it.

She's a great sport!

Brrrrr

2010-01-08T16:42:00.005-05:00

This little cold snap we've had here in the south has reminded me why I left MN.

We're looking forward to some warmer days...

Aren't you?

Texas

2010-01-07T19:41:00.005-05:00

Keep your eye on the ball...

Hook-em-Horns!!!

Panic...

2010-01-04T15:36:00.005-05:00

So we're driving home from school today and my son looks over at me and says, "Hey Mom, I know how babies are made."

Panic...

Panic...

Poker face...

Panic!!!!!

In a split second 1,000,000 thoughts go flooding through my mind all at once...

We were getting ready to have "the talk" with him but someone beat us to the punch.

Seriously, he's in 4th grade.

Those boys still think girls have cooties.

That boy probably gave him some school yard version of the birds and the bees that isn't even accurate.

Now I'm going to have to undo all the falsehoods and get his facts straight.

Where is Gregg, he would handle this so much better than I am...

Talking about how babies are made in 4th grade.

Ridiculous.

Then I'm jolted back to reality...

Well don't say it in the car with all you younger siblings, I think to myself.

Panic!!!!

Poker face...poker face...

And so as I am about to calmly say, "Hey Bud, why don't we talk about this when we get home."

He says, "I know how babies are made...with Legos."

Relief and nausea washes over me.

I listen to him explain the intricacies of Lego babies while silently saying a prayer of thanks to God for protecting my son's innocence.

And giving us a little more time. Not much... but a little.

And in case you're interested...

A block with no arms and no legs painted like its wrapped up in a blanket, and a head.

Changing Directions

2010-01-04T12:00:00.013-05:00

For years, I'd say the past decade, I have prayed about one specific thing. Well, I've prayed for lots of things, but one thing consistently.

For a certain circumstance to change in my family. For God to make things better.

You know, change things to be more like I want.

But He hasn't.

In fact, over the last decade things have gotten worse.

That is certainly not what I wanted.

But I continued to pray. And wrestle. And occasionally pitch a fit. And finally...

I got angry.

Angry at God for not making things the way I wanted. After all I wasn't asking for anything huge. Nothing is huge for God anyway.

Why? Why has He chosen not to answer? Or, even worse, to answer by making things harder.

That is how I spent a good portion of the last year.

Angry.

I don't recommend it.

So what changed you ask?

My attitude.

I realized, or rather God taught me, to look at things differently.

I remember a long time ago a friend of mine, who was struggling with fear, watched one of her children fall off their second story deck. As she was running to find her child, she began praying. Not that the Lord would protect her little one from broken bones or worse. But that He would give her the measure of grace needed to deal with what she found. She said that was when she knew God was at work in her life to conquer her fear.

While I was praying about this coming year God brought that story back to my mind.

And so...

I choose to enter into this year praying for grace.

Not change.

Grace to accept what I find.

Daily.

My circumstances haven't changed. They may never change.

But I am confident that God will give me my measure of grace for each day.

He said He would...

2 Cor. 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I can't do it. My sinful nature wants change.

I am weak.

He is strong...

For me.

And in case you're wondering. God did protect my friends little one. It was fall and he landed in a pile of leaves.

Amazing Grace.

2010

2010-01-03T15:45:00.008-05:00

Original title, I know. But I couldn't think of anything else.

I'm not big on resolutions. I don't like to set myself up for failure. But I do have some things in mind that I would like to work on. Like reading my Bible through in a year. I downloaded a great 'system' from Pipers Church, Bethlehem Baptist and so far... 3 days in... I'm doing great. But I also have no sick children.... Ya know!?

I really would like to just build on the work God did last year. Trust me...there is still plenty to be bone. I've been working on a kinder tone with my kids. For any family who was with me over Christmas you can stop laughing now. Christmas doesn't count. Too stressful. Just kidding...Just kidding. That is why I'm working on "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov. 15:1. I need more soft answers and less harsh words.

I am also working on being more deliberate in my prayer time. Maybe organize my thoughts and have a plan. There are some things that have been pretty heavy on my heart and since ICorinthians 14:33 says, 'For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.' I figure He won't mind if I make things a little more...peaceful...orderly. Not that I'm not praying in the mean time... oh, you get the idea I'm sure.

And then there is my home. {sigh} I MUST PURGE. I say that every year but this last year proved to be very frustrating and it's not going to change unless we PURGE. We have a lot in the attic that we would use if we had room in our actual living space. And now the attic is so full of stuff we don't use that we can't store the things we occasionally use up there. So our living space is too full of stuff and we are running out of room for people. Not that we're adding more people...seriously... alright Steph, get back on track. I don't see us moving anytime soon and I really want to enjoy the home God has given us. SO PURGE I WILL! And if the Lord sees fit to move us I'm sure it won't take us long to build up "stuff" again.

So there you have it. Not that any of you asked...but somehow writing it out helps. This is just a sampling of what I need to work on. I'm so thankful for God's grace and look forward to 2010.

Holiday in a Flash

2010-01-02T11:29:00.009-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. It was full to overflowing with God's goodness to us. From the gift of His Son to the gifts under our tree.
We always start at my mom's house. And in the beginning, I tried to organize the chaos.

Oh when will I ever learn...

It can't be done.

My Grandmother lives with my parents during winter months. I'm selfishly glad to have her here during Christmas and thrilled for the time my kids get to spend with her.
Gregg got a fancy pants new camera from his boss for Christmas so we had fun taking pictures of each other taking pictures. He took most of these pictures.

Our little one wouldn't let go of this football. She's her dad's girl for sure.
Can you tell what they are all yelling...
We goofed off with the cousins...
And my sister made these sweet dresses for all the girls...they love to match.
More goofiness. Actually it was an effort to get a few more minutes of happy out of the little one. Her poor schedule was destroyed but she was a trooper for most of the time. And that's the great thing about a schedule. You just create a new one when the time comes. For us, that's Monday. {sigh}
I stuck this one in b/c she's cute. That's all.
Then it was on to New Years. We always have finger foods and special drinks. Um, come on people... it's root bear. Barks. It's a standard at New Years for us. Now I know we are proud, flag waving white trash. But we're not THAT bad.
We don't set off fireworks, so in their place I got the kids glow sticks. They proved to be a great hit.
And so our new year was wrung in by a little light sabering with the glow sticks. They had to keep themselves awake somehow.
We had a great time and are looking forward to what God has for our little family in 2010.

Happy New Year everyone.

Our Confidence and Joy

2009-12-23T11:31:00.006-05:00

BREAK FORTH, O BEAUTEOUS HEAVENLY LIGHT

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright,
But hear the angel's warning.
This child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking,
Our peace eternal making.

Bach

Matt 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

Merry Christmas

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-12T08:51:00.007-05:00

Below is a picture of our 1st Christmas tree. It really was pretty.

I remember that tree for many reasons. But the most important is...

Nagging.

Did I just say nagging?

Yes...

This tree stood in our little living room until late in Feb.

But Christmas is over in Dec.

Yep.

We were in a standoff...

A holdout...

A war of wills...

I took all the ornaments off.

I took all the lights off.

And then I asked him to drag the tree to the curb.

I mean, that's the mans job... right?

But he didn't take the tree to the curb.

Did I mention we lived in a little house behind a house...

The curb was a really long way.

But still, he did not take the tree.

So I asked a little less kindly.

And that friends is when he dug his heals in and so began the Christmas tree standoff of '98.

He wasn't unkind.

Just kept saying "yes, I'm going to take the tree to the curb."

He just wouldn't say when.

I finally broke in late Feb. and dragged the tree to the curb. By that point it was so dead it wasn't heavy anymore.

It was a defining day in our marriage. That tree taught me a lot about how Gregg works. He will do anything I ask him to do. But he will do it on his time table. Asking him repeatedly and nastily will do nothing to help my cause.

And I have learned over the years there are many things I can do myself. And that is good b/c he works really hard for us and if I can do a few things around here to make it easier for him then I will.

But if there is something that comes along that I cannot do myself and I have to ask himfor help. I have learned he will do it when he's good and ready and not before. And I'll be honest, sometimes it gets on my nerves, but I've learned...

Not to say anything...

Not to nag...

Just to wait it out.

There are some serious problems in marriages today. This is not one of them. Ya know what I mean.

And if there is something I need done in a time sensitive manner, it helps for me to kindly explain to him why I need it done right away.

He's not mean.

He does love me.

He will help me.

We are, after all, on the same team.

Remember...

Use Words, Please!

2009-12-09T09:45:00.013-05:00

The other day we were driving and my oldest asked a question. The answer...

IDK.

You could probably hear the guttural sigh that welled up from deep within me. Along with the eye roll that could possibly have done as my mother said and left my eyes permanently positioned towards the back of my head.

Seriously... IDK???

NO.

My children, at this point, got a long... L - O - N - G talking to {lecture} about USING WORDS.

The Lord has given us brains...

Brains that are capable of many, many things.

Not the least of which is USING FULL WORDS when speaking...

To anyone!

So I am here to implore you out there reading. Will you come along side me in this endeavor?

If we don't, I fear we will someday be working in a society of managers and bosses who send out memos that look like this...

KUTGW. TQNAOTC. WHATYAOU.
NGBTW!!!

Keep up the good work. Third quarters numbers were off the charts. We have a tough year ahead of us.
Now get back to work!!!

Or something like that.

In all seriousness, it drives me crazy to here kids using letters as a form of communication...

Therefore, a new TeamBabetz rule...

You must use complete words at all times.

If not, I will throw a flag and there will be a penalty!

Head over to the WFMW party at We are THAT Family for tips, tricks and great ideas.

STOP

2009-12-07T08:49:00.007-05:00

I found this picture this morning...

Thanksgiving last year...

Thanksgiving this year...

It makes me want to stop time...

Or at least slow it down a little.

More than Just Ornaments

2009-12-02T19:36:00.013-05:00

This is my Christmas Tree...

Yes, it's blocking a door way and I'm not even going to go into why...

When I see my tree I don't see a beautiful tree with a color scheme with sparkling ornaments and flowing ribbons...

When I look at my tree I see years...
family...
memories from my childhood...
friends...
in the form of ornaments lovingly placed on the tree in clumps by my children.

A good many of the ornaments come from my Ornament Exchange Group. And so it makes perfect sense that I would have a picture of the group as an ornament.
Then there is the tree skirt which goes back many many years. The pattern is from... are you ready... my mom's sister's mother-in-law. My mom had one and took it apart and used her pieces to make the pattern for my sisters and mine. There are many woman out there with this tree skirt all connected by this one lady who went to be with the Lord many years ago. And that makes it even more lovely.
This little glass angle is surrounded by a string a pearls. I don't know if you can see them, but they came from the veil my mom wore on her wedding day. I love it.
This little picture and frame sat in my grandmothers house for as long as I remember going to visit her in Alabama. She gave it to me last year and I of coarse made it an ornament. It's my sister and my thumb prints.
Then I have some fun ornaments too...

Like Troy here, because nothing says "Fa la la la la" like the Cowboys. And lets face it. You can take the boy out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the boy!!!
Then there are the fun ones that we have picked up over the years that help me remember what stage of life we were in at the time.
I made these ice skates for our exchange one year.
But they were patterned after these which hung on our tree when I was growing up.
As did this...

And this. When I got married my mom gave me my box of ornaments that she had collected for me over the years. I have thoroughly enjoyed them and I'm doing the same thing for my kids as well.
My uncle made this broken glass Christmas tree for me. Many people on my dads side of the family have them hanging in their houses too.... Family....

It sits on the mantle above the stockings that we got at Walmart back a few years ago. I was going to make stockings for everyone using the stocking I had as a child as my pattern. But I can't. The year we bought these $2.66 stockings was a really tight year for us. I can still remember us all at Walmart together trying on Santa hats...and buying new lights for the tree and laughing. I can't replace them. It's a reminder of how our memories are not tied up in the "big" things we get at Christmas...but in the times we share together as a family. Even at Walmart...
And then there's Dixie. She's been gone for 3 year now but still a huge part of our memories even my kids. We just couldn't leave her out.

The blue wreath came from the Great Minnesota Get Together or the MN State Fair. We went every year, sometimes more than once. And I will go back again someday.

And of coarse we have the 1st Christmas ornaments for all our kids...

This was the 1st ornaments we bought as a couple. It's Rainbow Row in Charleston. That is where Coach grew up and also where we spent the 1st few days of our honeymoon.

So you see, when I look at my tree it's more than ornaments and decorations...

It's history...

Mine and my husbands...

And our kids...