For the love

Wow! My mouth really hurts. I got braces yesterday and I have to admit, I wasn't prepared for the amount of pain I'd be in. It's not so much my actual teeth that hurt, (well really, they hurt a lot too) as it is my mouth trying to get used to all the stuff in it. There are lots of poky things driving the inside of my mouth crazy. Thankfully, the dentist gives you lots of wax to put around the poky things to ease the pain. I also drank a glass of wine for a bit of relief, afraid the whole time my teeth would permanently be red.

Im not sure how this extravaganza began, but it's reality now so I'm trying to grin and bear it. Although it hurts really bad when I try and grin. I feel ridiculous talking too, because I can't get my lips around my flippin' teeth. Oh for the love.

On a different note, Joshy got a big boy bike and adores it. He rides all over Halyburton in the morning, and then while I push the other two, he rides his bike to Empie in the evening. What a big boy!. Lots of exercise for the little guy. We love it.

Peaceful Change

A great deal of change has sprung up recently. It hasn't been surprising, just difficult to swallow sometimes. In the past I've always welcomed change. I think because I was younger, without a family. I hadn't planted roots. Now I live in a town I adore, with a remarkable husband, three precious children, lots of wonderful friends, am part of a moving church.....it seems perfect. I don't want change, but it's happening. So in my freak out moments of "I don't want things to change," I do all I know to do which is pray. I'm praying for peace.....
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 I'm reminded each day how faithful God is. He hears my heart, knows my needs and answers my prayers. I feel thankful today, I feel His peace. I feel equip for change; the words from Isaiah 26:12 resonating in my heart...LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

-Robert Frost

A beautiful pair

Unbelievable how alike these two are. Their connection is awesome to witness. They could have cared less that I was above them taking pictures. Each in awe of the other.

dammaw's pig kill

Okay, so there is a precursor to this post. For anyone who may not be age appropriate or who does not wish to see how real sausage is made, Do Not Scroll Down.

Each winter at Dammaw's house, the boys take part in the pig kill. It's such an awesome event. The Bentley's, who have come years passed, also joined in on the fun. KJ and I mostly just played with kids inside, while the boys worked hard outside. The pictures are arranged from events occuring last to first. This was to protect fragil eyes. Don't look if you are not prepared. It's really not that bad, but I remember my first pig kill, and I cried. So I get that it can be a bit grusome.

Dammaw's new bath tub

Joshy playing hide and go seek

The long hallway served as a race track for George

Breakfast while watching TV. Does it get any better?

Ry's first baby doll

Preparing the meat

Jamie's mom has anywhere from 8-15 English Setters. Hence, Kidd. They usually bury the dogs on their property when they die. They think this is Domino. This was so cool to look at.

Geraldine and Spot

This is peach moonshine. The guy here asked me to try it. I thought it was pig testicles, so I declined. It wasn't though.

The sausage this year was abundant. It tasted so good too. When we got back to Wilmington, Chris made a huge pot of spaghetti sauce with meat balls.

The Daily Grind

Does it mean we all (meaning my family) have "too many" articles of clothing, or does every wife/mom do at least two loads of laundry each day for her family and still feel "behind on the laundry?" How can our baskets be overflowing everyday? I don't just wash the clothes either, I put them away. That could be the problem. There is always something clean to wear. Oh heavens!

I've even thought about purchasing more laundry baskets just so I don't feel overwhelmed by the tall stack of clothes staring at me each time I enter a room.

Bowling