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G is for God and JeJus has a birthday

On the way home from Furr's Cafeteria yesterday (no we are not senior citizens, we just enjoy a place where LittleMan can eat beans and meat and PrincessGirl can eat mashed potatoes and pie and DaddyMan and I can eat spinach or greens without stinking up the house after a morning full of worshiping our Lord, thank you very much) following church, DaddyMan and I overheard PrincessGirl talking to her brother in the back seat.

PrincessGirl: Brother, do you want me to tell you about God?
LittleMan: Ess
PG: Did you say yes, brother?
LM: Ess
PG: OK, God starts with G just like you and He can live in our hearts with Jesus.
LM: JE JUS???
PG: Yep, Jesus. He has a birthday in December just like you. It's called Christmas.

DaddyMan and I shed a few tears over that little exchange. I am so glad that God picked me to be their Mommy.

Bye Bye Paci, Hello Big Boy Bed

LittleMan has had his paci a lot longer than PrincessGirl had hers.
He only gets in in his crib when he is going to sleep, but he loves it.
Even two at at time on occasion.

So, you know that I'm an aunt, right?

Well, I offered up our crib for precious nephew. You know what that means...time to evict LittleMan. I'm sure that Graham could wait a while longer since he is still cozy in his little isolette in the NICU, but when I get something in my head, it has to be done.

We knew that LittleMan would probably need a little motivation to make this move, we decided that a car bed was the way to go. We checked out ToysRUs, BabiesRUs, an upscale kids furniture store and settled on Craig's List. I had no idea how fun that list was! After only a few clicks and a short drive up the street, LittleMan was the proud owner of a Ferrari Bed. This is not your run of the mill plastic LittleTykes race car bed, it is a red lacquer Ferrari Bed!

You should know that big boys don't take their pacifiers in their big boy beds, so it was time to say ByeBye. LittleMan and I headed out to purchase a big bouquet of balloons. We picked up DaddyMan and PrincessGirl and headed to the park to release the paci. We tied our two remaining pacis to the strings of the balloon while LittleMan enjoyed a few last seconds of his Paci bliss.

Eventually, the wind picked up and pulled the paci right out of LittleMan's mouth. The balloons carried them away. LittleMan was quite shocked and even chased after the balloons for a few seconds before he realized that his attempt was futile. He began crying big ol' tears and saying, "Bye Bye Paci! Bye Bye Balloons!" DaddyMan scooped him up and they watched as the balloons carried the pacis toward Denton.

We then played at the park for a while.

Finally we returned home to build the big Ferrari bed. LittleMan was crazy about his big car bed and new sheets and blanket. When bed time came, he climbed in and went to sleep with very little trouble at all.

He is so big!

Night-night LittleMan, I love you!

I am an aunt!

Check out my sister's blog in the coming days for updates on their little baby. He is in the NICU and needs to gain some weight and get stronger so he could really use your prayers. While you're at it, pray for my sister and her husband as well. Janet and Alan are doing so well, but adoption in general is stressful by itself. Adding the stress of a tiny NICU baby is really tough!

Griffin's First Year - A Video

You are what you eat.

...To ease the political tension, DaddyMan offers the following post...

I do not believe this to be the case. At least I hope it is not.

You see, Thursday night is Girl Power night at dance class. Consequently, it is Man Night at home.

I am not exactly sure sure what the pink team is learning in expensive tights, but I know exactly what the blue team is learning. We are learning to throw stuff, how to make stuff, how to make stuff dirty (and how to clean it up quickly when we hear the pink team drive up), and how to eat like a caveman.

Here follows the evidence that Time for Timer was wrong - you are not what you eat.
1) I am not a pile of guts and yet I have eaten many.
2) All weiner jokes aside, I have yet to morph into a hot dog.
3) Spicy is the name of the game on my plate, but I am truly Plain Jane.

Therefore it follows that maybe, just maybe; I have not made a dramatic mistake in feeding my man-child tonight.







Yep, you guessed it, his first Manwich.

If I am wrong and he sprouts hair in odd places overnight, I apologize in advance to the family... It just sounded like a delicious meal.

On the other hand, PrincessGirl just got in trouble for having a toot festival while saying goodnight. She had a nice princess something for supper from the deli tonight, so again I offer that Anthelme Brillat-Savarin is possibly incorrect.

This station will now return to regular programming.

I AM JOE

...DaddyMan interrupts this family friendly, cuddly, sweet, lovable blog for a serious announcement...
---It's longer than it needs to be, but you're not doing anything anyway---

I AM JOE.

Don't believe me? Check my yard.

If you are wisely ignoring the media these days, you may be unaware of this phenom - I'll clue you in.

So kids... Imagine yourself in the front yard of your middle-class house in a plain old neighborhood on a random afternoon. You would like to go _____ (insert your fun here), but it's wiser to stay home. You're playing with your kid and enjoying the day. The neighbors drive by and you wave, you chat up the mailman when he delivers, you know the name of your ice cream man/lady. After that, there is a line of big cars and media coming down your street. They stop and greet you and ask you a few questions. Hey!, it's Barack Obama and he's likable fellow; you're a friendly sort so you chat with them for a bit. Next thing you know, you are over your head in political and economic discussions and just trying to figure out what all that means to you.

All you know is that this is the greatest country in the world. Your country has been the premire destination to work hard and be repaid for those efforts for the last 200 some-odd years and still is today. It worked for your dad, granddad, ad infinitum. So for all you know democracy and the free market works. On top of that, you were educated to believe that the politicians and the representatives work for the people. Remembering something about government of the people, for the people, and by the people you aren't scared to share your view or opinion. Jiminy Christmas, this presidential candidate stopped you on your own lawn, you didn't go interrupt his game.

It's a pleasant enough conversation and in the back of your mind you are making plans to personally put forth the risk and sacrifices necessary to better your situation. You are scared because you know full well that the burden lies on your own back and no one else's. There will be no bail-out for you and no collective liability. And, hey!, this guy who might win the election is in your driveway asking you what you think. Alright you think, let's talk. It has always seemed strange to you that just because you make more money that you should pay more taxes. Something like a flat tax sounds about right. Heck, it's worked for the Church all these years...

You ask a legitimate question about this fellow's ideas on tax policy. The answer is confusing, but in the dialogue you hear something like 'just spread the weath' or "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success too." Inspired by this rhetorical version of 'shock-and-awe' you spit out something to the effect of 'that sounds like socialism, dude'. Laughs and the shaking of hands transpire and everyone goes on their way.

The next morning you wake up to holy-heck-fire and a shoot-storm in your life. The candidates have grabbed you like the last Beanie Baby/Barbie/Tickle-Me-Elmo on Earth and are cuddling you or stomping you at their whim. The media (which I must remind you we all pay gladly (after taxes) to support) is investigating you ala the KGB and telling the world how much you make, how many back taxes you owe, and that your name is not even Joe.

Let's wrap this up because I could (and still might) go on and on and on.

Know this, I don't care who you vote for. The point is not party or candidate related. Many better men than I have given their lives and their families have suffered to protect your right to vote. Please don't waste it. Learn the truth and know what you are voting for - whatever that might be. I believe that both parties and both candidates think that they are doing the best thing for their country. It is not about them.

The point is simple. This guy, this American, this neighbor has been wronged. He asked his question when asked and is paying for it. Sure, he'll get well paid from the publicity and may well be the next governor of Ohio. That is beyond the point.

This is the point. This one event should serve as a warning America. Let me be more clear, this is a shame people. Friends, allow me the opportunity to be concise. This guy, working as best as he knows how under the guarantee of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, asked a candidate a question about his standings - when provoked. Let's be crystal clear here, he did not go looking for trouble, it came to his home. When he disagreed with the candidate's answer, he was pursued and investigated quicker than Ted Bundy. Maybe not directly by the candidates themselves but definitely by the media.

Don't know if you have read Atlas Shrugged, don't know if you have seen either the sci-fi or historical flicks about being persecuted for speaking your mind. Don't know how much you value your freedom. Now that I think about it, there are a lot of things I don't know.

What I do know is that I work hard for what I have and don't want it given away without my approval. I give to the needy (because I want to). I pay my taxes gladly. I don't want to be French no matter how good their food is. It makes me sad to see my country behave in this manner. It makes me angry to see my fellow/neighbor treated unjustly.

I am Joe. Not Joe Sixpack, not Joe Consumer, not Average Joe. Just another American Joe who loves and cares for his country and his family. Just a guy who wants better for his kids and want to protect his family; just like his dad and his dad and his dad and his dad... but makes a conscious choice to either work for it or do without.

- Guest poster DaddyMan

T~H~A~T

LittleMan went to bed early tonight so DaddyMan and I could watch the Vice Presidential Debate.

We were sure PrincessGirl would busy herself with coloring, playing or otherwise finding Tomfoolery to engage in.

Instead, she sat on the sofa, criss-cross-applesauce, tallying the times she heard Sarah Palin say the word "that". After all "that" is one of "our sight words".

"That, t~h~a~t , that spells that." "Did you hear that lady say that?"

Know any other 5 year olds that were paying attention to the VP debate?

Song sung around the house ALL WEEK LONG was:

That
(Sounds like “Oh, Susanna”)
T-H-A-T, T-H-A-T, T-H-A-T spells “that.”
Well, I tell you that
Your dog is fat!
T-H-A-T spells “that.”

Thanks Heidi Butkus and Mrs. Incredible!

What's Not To Love?

PrincessGirl loves school.

She loves her teacher, Mrs. Incredible.
She loves her friends.
She loves her PE teacher.
She loves to read.
That's right, read.

Having been an elementary school teacher myself, I have tried to convince PrincessGirl that she is a reader for years now. It took Mrs. Incredible 3 weeks to convince her that she is a reader.

On Another Note:

Friday was a special day in Kindergarten. It was the first time the students were allowed to buy ice cream if they had money in their lunch account. It was a special day. I sent money in an envelope for PrincessGirl to put in her lunch account and buy ice cream for the next 20 Fridays. It was a special day. I told her that she would have plenty of money for ice cream days.

Today, I wasn't at school because I had a meeting. It was a different kind of special.

It seems PrincessGirl had a stand off with her Incredible Teacher. See on FRIDAY, I sent money for PrincessGirl's lunch account. On FRIDAYS, Kindergarteners are allowed to buy ice cream if they have money in their lunch accounts. PrincessGirl did not get the concept of FRIDAY. She told her teacher that her mom said she had plenty of money to buy ice cream any time she wanted. She told her teacher that SEVERAL times. Mrs. Incredible had to tell PrincessGirl that, "Mommy is not the boss of lunch!"

PrincessGirl then said "OK" and moved along to eat her "lunch from home" with no ice cream - because, clearly, today is not FRIDAY. And clearly, Mrs. Incredible can tell PrincessGirl things and PrincessGirl listens. And clearly, I love Mrs. Incredible, too!

And finally:

PrincessGirl brought home her first "Love Me, Read to Me" book tonight. The goal is 100 books by mid April. I couldn't help but post this picture of PrincessGirl and LittleMan cuddled up with DaddyMan reading. I love school.

Devistation!

Hurricane Ike!

Hurricane Yikes!

First Day of Kindergarten

PrincessGirl has offically entered the world of public education. She began Kindergarten last Monday and has LOVED every minute of it. She has talked about friends and PE Gym and Music and the Library Lady and of course, her teacher! I got to see her everyday at lunch while I did Cafeteria duty. I had no idea how cool it would be to have her at my school. Not every parent gets to take their kid to work with them every day! With the start of Kindergarten, DaddyMan and I decided that she could take on another "activity" so we enrolled her in dance lessons. She is really good at it and her dance teacher requires the students to be VERY disciplined in class - no playing around. Although this may prove to be difficult for PrincesGirl, I know she will benefit from it. There was a REALLY long nap after the first day of school and tears at some point after each of the following days but all in all, it was an amazing week.

First Annual Back to School Date Night

Tonight was a special night.

DaddyMan and I took PrincessGirl on a date. LittleMan stayed with KayeKaye (our fantastic neighbor and friend). It was just the three of us. I decided back in the spring to purchase prepackaged school supplies for PrincessGirl - best $35 I've ever spent. So we stole the idea of making a special evening out of picking out a new backpack and lunch box from our friends that have experience with school aged children, (thanks guys)!

PrincessGirl, being the guest of honor, got to pick ANYTHING she wanted for dinner - her choice - sushi! It was amazing. I highly recommend MK's Sushi in Bedford. The sushi chef made PrincessGirl an adorable fish sculpture made out of rice, shrimp, octopus, and cucumbers. She ate the cucumbers, rice and shrimp. She chewed on the octopus and spit it out. After she finished her edmame, the chef made her a "Mickey Mouse" out of an orange. PrincessGirl loved it because it was cute and delicious - who doesn't like cute food?

And we set out to buy her a new backpack and lunch box and first day of school outfit.

I decided on Grapevine Mills Mall as our shopping destination because they have SEVERAL places that I thought we could look for cute backpacks. We began at Children's Place where PrincessGirl promptly chose the first backpack and lunch box she saw - leopard print and bright pink. (Weird since I would have looked at that one, loved it, shopped in every other store in the mall that may have backpacks and several that don't before returning to buy first backpack that I saw.) She also had her heart set on wearing a skirt on the first day of school so we got a really cute pink and brown skirt and a darling brown T-Shirt with sparkles on it - because, clearly, we aim to blend in!

I got some red and brown shoes (exactly what I wanted and "needed") and we got a dessert to go at Corner Bakery.

This was an amazing night. It was so special to hang out with our little girl one more time before we send her out into the world where undoubtedly, she will change.

Stay tuned for pictures from "Meet Your Teacher" and The First Day of Kindergarten.

And meet me back here next year for a recap of the Second Annual Back to School Date Night because this, my friends, just became a family tradition.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub ~ What's that in the tub?

I am fully aware that this may cause me to lose friends and my family may decide to disown me, but I feel compeled to share with you the following pictures.

We are not the only family that experiences gross stuff. There's this and this and this and this. I could go on and on, people.

But I must comment on the pictures - first of all - I took care of the boy who was crying after the unfortunate event happened and DaddyMan took care of the tub. His remedy included gloves, paper towels and a gallon of bleach. Second - how did something that big come out of my little boy? He has man poop!

Chick-fil-A Never Ceases to Amaze Me

Have I mentioned my love of Chick-fil-A?

I have yet to find a menu item at Chick-fil-A that I don't like.

Recently, a friend turned me on to the Chick-fil-A sauce.

Several of us discussed the Chick-fil-A sauce and the Honey Roasted Bar-b-q sauce.

I highly recommend both of them. However, despite the opinions of others to the contrary, they are different sauces.

Chick-fil-A is featuring their old Chick-fil-A sauce as the perfect condiment for the new and improved Chick-n-Strips.

For those of you int he DFW area, you can get some free Chick-n-Strips to go with the Chick-fil-A sauce on August 7th from 5:00-8:00 pm - check your local store for details.

3 New Posts in one day!

Is there an award for me?

I probably don't deserve an award since my blog updates are a direct result of me procrastinating the chores that I don't want to do and that I have needed to do all summer but haven't done yet.

I go back to work on Monday... I may not have crossed everything off of my "TO DO:" list, but I have blogged, yes, I have.

Please scroll down and click on older posts to see the slide show I created of Karsen's 5th birthday party. I posted it with the June posts so it would at least be in her birth month!!!

Highlights of the Salyards' Family "Sucktacular" Vacation!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Wall of Frame!

My friend Sarah recently helped me (and by helped I mean pretty much did it for me) with transforming a wall in my hallway into the most beautiful display of pictures I have ever known. Thank you, Sarah for your part in making such a meaningful change in our home.

Before:

After:

I know you can't tell from this post how amazingly beautiful this is, but just imagine Daryl and I standing in the hallway at 11:30 PM staring at it with tears running down our cheeks. (I can hear Daryl saying, "Shut up!" to me in my head because I outed him on that. Sorry, Babe! But it's true, people.) Please give me a call (so I can prepare some snacks and run the Dyson first) if you want to come over and take a look for yourself - it is worth the trip, indeed.

18 Questions for Janet

Here's how this came about.

Sarah asked Kim and Kim asked Jenny and Jenny asked Rebekah and Rebekah asked Angie and Angie asked me.

Now it is time for me to ask Janet who will ask Sarah and then we will start something new because this was just plain fun!

I'm going to ask Janet some questions that I know the answers to but I'll throw a few in that I don't have a clue about...

1. How long have you known Alan and how did y'all start dating?
2. Where did you spend most Sunday afternoons and evenings during your Freshman year of college?
3. Do you collect anything?
4. What is your favorite article of clothing?
5. If you could only have one crayon, which one would you want?
6. Besides the toilet snake, any other fears?
7. Describe a "great" Saturday.
8. If you could have any spa treatment once every week, which one would you want?
9. What magazine subscriptions do you have?
10. What are you longing for when you want "home cookin'"?
11. Craziest thing you've ever done?
12. Bath or shower?
13. What product from your "getting ready" routine is a "must have"?
14. If you could play any musical instrument without ever having a lesson what would you play?
15. What is/was your favorite cartoon?
16. Someone wants to get you a gift card to your favorite store. Where should they go?
17. Household chore you would most like to delegate?
18. What accomplishment you are you most proud of?

I love you, Jane!

maintenance may be necessary...

embarrassing but true...

i feel i owe it to you to tell the truth...

even if it is embarrassing for me...

you know how when a little boy gets a "buzz" haircut and his head just feels so cool to touch?

that must be the sensation Griffin was getting as he stood perfectly still rubbing my stubbly legs just now while watching Shark Week...

now you know...

Food for Thought

I may have just perpetuated the problem.

There was a bug - a big bug - and I pride myself on the fact that I can "take care" of a big bug without any help or intervention from the male species.

So, I did what I always do and scooped him up in a tissue and careful not to squeeze him because although I can "take care" of them by myself, I cannot stand to hear or feel them squish. I carried him to the bathroom, lifted the toilet lid cause at the Salyards' house the lid always gets closed, and dropped him in.

As I flushed and watched him journey out of sight, I thought, "What if there is a toilet snake down there that wants nothing more for breakfast than a nice, juicy, unsquished bug?"

I may have to think about the way I choose to "take care" of bugs from now on.

Attention Please!!!

Janet (my sister) and I (pregnant with Griff)

My precious sister needs advice. She just posted a request for help over on her blog. This is a fashion emergency, people. If you have a couple of minutes, please consult with her via our good friend Blogger! Your help could be instrumental in her future as a momma!

I like toast!

About 4 months ago I had the opportunity to admire my friend Sarah's wall of frames for the first time. She has a beautiful display of amazing pictures on this wall and I became inspired.

Not inspired in the way that causes immediate action. But inspired.

Fast forward to today. I called my friend and told her it was time. Mind you, I have talked to her SEVERAL times about the wall of frames, asking questions and formulating my plans. But today the inspiration required action.

I headed out to the hardware store that promises to help me do it and they believe that I can (their commercial says so) and bought some paint for the wall that is going to undergo the transformation to greatness. At which point I called Sarah to ask her where I should go for frames cause Target and Hobby Lobby weren't cutting it. She suggested Fancy Pants Frame Store and even better news was they were having the one cent sale and I didn't even need a coupon - I could get the deal just for showing up.

We attempted to do this monumental task with our 3 kids - what were we thinking??? After Karsen tooted and blamed it on Margaret, Sarah got angry and insisted that I take them home. (Just kidding - about Sarah being angry - Karsen really did toot and blame! Gross and Rude!) Sarah suggested we meet up later that evening when daddys were home and could parent (notice I didn't say babysit - cause it is their job, too, people - they are not babysitters) the kids.

We got the 20 frames I needed but all of that is just background information because guess what?

NO - we didn't see KJ there.

But Rebekah met up with us AND they invited me to go to Wal~Mart with them. Sure they were lingering by their cars and waited until I drove off and talked it over before calling me and asking if I wanted to go with them BUT they invited me none the less and it was fun.

Want to know the best part?

Rebekah spotted this in the parking lot at Wal~Mart!

We took our picture with it using Sarah's camera phone so hopefully you can see it soon here.

And to think, just yesterday I was mowing the yard and playing in the kiddie pool. I'm just saying... this has been an amazing day and there wasn't even free mascara involved.

The Unthinkable

Yesterday I did something that I have not done since Daryl and I lived in Lubbock.

I mowed.

It was only some of the back yard, but I did it.

Then I told my husband how much I love and appreciate him for taking care of our yard work every week.

Then I played with Karsen and Griffin in our kiddie pool.

Please don't be jealous! It is not always this glamorous at the Salyards' house!

After church and a delicious lunch at Furr's I had spent the afternoon watching 3 episodes of Criminal Minds while my kids napped. I was feeling guilty (see previous post) so the mowing actually helped!

Is it bad?

I have been blessed with the gift of guilt. I have a tendency to feel guilt over things that many people wouldn't give a second thought to. These are a few things that go on sometimes at my house and I just wonder...
Is it bad...

• that I have put princess girl in time out in her bedroom before and forgotten to free her, only to find her, say 15 minutes later, still sitting on her bed waiting to say her sorrys?
• I look forward to Tuesday nights because that means that we get to eat Chick-fil-A after Karsen's gymnastics (see I'm looking forward to Chick-fil-A, not gymnastics)?
• on Thursday nights before we had DVR I would put Karsen to bed early so I could watch Grey's Anatomy uninterrupted?
• I have knowingly thrown away not quite empty snuff cans that my husband has left laying around on a kitchen counter top?
• that on occasion, I will leave Griffin in his crib for a few extra minutes for "quiet individual playtime" after he has awakened from his nap so I can finish watching Criminal Minds or unloading the dishwasher or folding laundry or whatever I'm right in the middle of?
• that I secretly love it when my husband watches his World War Whatever airplane reenactment shows that are recorded on DVR because they are wonderful to fall asleep on the couch to?
• when Daryl used to travel, I would fall asleep on the couch almost every night right after I had the kids in bed and then wake up sometime around 1 AM and go to bed?

I'm sure there are others that I could go on and on about, but I'll end there. What kinds of things do you feel bad about?

Tonsils Out

I didn't realize how hard it was gonna be on my girl for her to have her tonsils removed. She was a real trooper on Monday when it was done.

Tuesday was kinda tough.

Wednesday was HARD.

Today (Thursday) she told me that she'd rather not go to the movie like we had planned until tomorrow because she would "feel much better tomorrow".

See, she's planning to feel better. She isn't milking this. She wants to be better.

This very minute, she is sitting right beside me watching Noggin and holding on to my arm while trying to drink a Sprite. This is sad, people.

Monday night for the first time in her life, I slept with her. Again on Tuesday. Last night I went to bed with Daddy, but when I got up to give her pain meds at 12:00, she was so miserable that I didn't feel like I could leave her alone.

I'm looking forward to getting my busy big 5 year old girl back any minute. But for now, I'll just hold her and get her Popsicles and ice cream and Gatorade and pretty much anything in the world that she thinks she wants - hoping I'm a good enough momma to make her all better real quick.

Karsen's 5th Birthday Party

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It is so hard to believe

6~19~03

That was one of the most precious days of my life. You see that was the date that our tiny princess made her grand entry into our lives. Here's some of the details of her debut as it is etched on my heart and in my memory.

After being approved as adoptive parents, I carried my (rather large) cell phone with me everywhere I went. I had special permission to keep it turned on while I was teaching, I took it with me even if I was just running a quick errand, it was by my bedside. I probably took it to the restroom with me. I was in the workroom at Parkway Elementary when I got the call that we had been selected by a birth mother and that she would like to meet us in person. I was put on speaker phone and introduced to T. She told me that she would like to meet us and that she wanted us to be the parents of her baby girl. Daryl and I took a day off of work (I missed field day) to go to A. to meet her. We wanted to take her some sort of gift that she could keep to thank her for the sacrifice she was making for us. We decided on pearl earrings. Pearls are June birthstones. The meeting went really well. We fell in love with her and we were in love with the baby she was growing for us, too. The baby was due in 4 weeks.

I continued to carry that phone. We got regular updates after doctor appointments. I checked on T. regularly but I have to admit, I would have preferred to just move to A. for 4 weeks and take care of her until the baby was born. On June 18th, we were out to dinner with some friends, Stewart and Michelle. The phone rang several times during dinner - time would stand still as I looked at Caller ID and always reported to the other 3 that it wasn't her. As we finished dinner, Michelle remembered that her baby book came with some pages to use if the baby was adopted, she wanted us to have them, so we went by their house on the way home to get the pages. Stuart ran inside to get them as the rest of us waited in the car. The phone rang again. I looked at the phone and saw T's number. I looked at Daryl and Michelle and shook my head yes as I answered. She said it was time.

Stuart and Michelle took us home (it was 4 blocks but it seemed like it took 4 hours) as our minds went into overdrive. We were thinking about all of the things we needed to gather and take and most of all we were thinking about that baby that she said was ours. We trusted God that He had made this plan for us but we were still apprehensive. So apprehensive in fact that Daryl threw up several times before we even left and several more along the way. We decided to get on the road before we started making our calls to family - we didn't want to delay progress. As we gathered our stuff, Stuart videoed the progress. He added some commentary from behind the lens all the while documenting the departure process - sideways. He did not realize it, but the camera was sideways the entire time. Ask me to show it to you sometime - it is a hoot.

In route, we called our parents to let them know we were on the way to A. My mom and sister would come the next morning and soon to follow would be Daryl's mom and dad and my dad. When we arrived in A., we quickly found T's room and went in to see her. She looked gorgeous. She was on a petocin drip earlier, but the doctor had stopped it and would restart it the next morning at 6 am. We visited for a while and met T's friend that would be with her during delivery. Her friend turned out to be a really neat girl that "tells it like it is" and that would turn out to be a very good thing. T needed her rest for the big day, so we left. We were greeted in hallway by a nurse that told us they had prepared a hospital room for Daryl and I. We couldn't believe it. We were going to be able to stay right there in the hospital that night. We were both thankful we were going to be so close. We didn't sleep at all.

The next morning, we got up and showered and spent time with T and her friend. T told us that she would like us to be in the room with her right up until time to push. We were thrilled that she would want us so close. I don't have any idea what all we talked about that morning, but we talked alot. I was especially touched by the way T referred to the baby as "your baby" meaning mine and Daryl's. I think that gave us even more confidence in her decision. We always left the room while T was being examined. With our inexperience, we didn't know how long a thing like that might take so we'd usually take a walk or make a call to update our folks about the progress. One time, T's friend came looking for us. She told us that we need to get back in there because T really wanted us in there with her. She said it was good for T and reminded her that she had done the right thing. You better believe we didn't go far from that room from that moment on.

When it was time for the baby to be born, Daryl and I were moved to an adjoining room. It connected to the delivery room by a small supply closet. The baby isolette was in this adjoining room and suddenly all the pediatric nurses appeared. They talked to us about what would happen when they brought "our baby" in. I don't know if Daryl heard any of what they were saying. I know that is the only time in my life I have ever felt like I was having an out of body experience. I sincerely felt myself watching myself and Daryl and all of the activity. We were taken into that little closet and the nurse told us to listen. Daryl and I were holding each other so tight and so close and listening with all we had in our hearts. By the time our minds recognized the fact that our ears were hearing our baby cry, Karsen Jane Salyards was in view. The nurses quickly took her to the isolette and worked on her a bit as we cried, held each other and watched. At one point, the nurse turned around to us and said, "You can touch her, she's yours!" We melted as we stroked her tiny face, hands, feet and tummy. She was beautiful. The nurse kept asking me how much I thought she weighed. I sure didn't have much experience with things such as guessing a baby's weight but she looked little to me so I guessed 6 pounds. He said that he would be surprised if she broke 5 pounds. Karsen weighed in at a whoppin' 4 lbs 12 oz.

She checked out fine and we were able to take her back to our room and feed her and love on her for a really long time. During this time, my mom and sister arrived. It was perfect timing. They took pictures as we went into the nursery to give Karsen her bath. We all spent time holding her and telling her how much we loved her and how glad we were to be her family. Daryl's mom and dad arrived later that afternoon and they were smitten with her as well. Daryl and I also spent some more time with T. We also got to meet more of her friends and show Karsen off to them. They were all very sweet to us. We gave T a pearl necklace and made her promises to love and care for Karsen and to make sure that she grows up knowing the love and sacrifice that T made for her.

We spent the night in the hospital again that night, this time as a family of 3. It was really funny because we had lactation consultants knock on our door several times to ask if we needed any help with feeding Karsen. We just said no thanks. We were dismissed the next morning. We got our directions from the nursery and pediatrician and we left with our baby. We were to stay in A. until we signed paperwork so we checked into our hotel with a nice suite and waited.

One of our friends visited us in the hotel. She told us how she and her husband were eating out the night before and while she was in the restroom, she overheard someone on their cell phone. This lady was telling the person on the other end how great T had done and how tiny the baby was and how nice and sweet and proud the parents were and how glad T was that she made the decision she did. She was clearly talking about us. What a gift that was that our friend overheard this conversation. What a gift that will be for Karsen someday.

A birth mother is required by law to wait 48 hours to sign her paperwork. That would have been on Saturday. T wanted support from her family when she signed and that meant that her papers would not be signed until Monday. Daryl and I were not anxious about the additional wait at all. God just gave us a perfect peace about the entire situation. Monday morning came and it was time to make it official. We drove to the agency and signed our paperwork and took pictures and were free to go back home.

It is so hard to believe that was 5 years ago. Our baby is going to kindergarten soon. She is kind, beautiful, inquisitive, energetic, loving, strong and brave. We are proud of her and we are proud to be her parents.

Happy Birthday Princess Girl!

Griffineese - Proper Translations

I recently worried for about 38 seconds that Griffin's sign language was getting in the way of his actual speech. He would sign thank you, please, more, and all done. He would never attempt to use his voice to convey those particular words. The only words he would say with consistency were Momma, DaaDaa, Dog and ball.

I talked to a few friends about it. I worried for about 17 more seconds. Then I started counting words that he knows. My worries are over:

baa - ball
baa - block
baa - book
(I know that those words probably all look the same to you, but he clearly uses a very similar translation for the three words.)
shish (while signing) - fish
caw - cow
daa - dog
cacker - cracker
juuc - juice
siser - sister
shus - shoes
uuu - up
dn - down

Sounds for animals - I seriously need to video these skills for you all to see. The animation he adds while imitation farm animals is very spectacular.
aak - Quack
OOOOO - Moo
uff, uff - Woof
eow - Meow
rrrrr - Grr

I finally knew his speech was going to be just fine when he turned to Jax (our dog) last night and while pointing at him said, "Agh baa shi mak baa daa bgg mas, Daa." He clearly knew exactly what he was saying to Daa. Better yet, Jax seemed to understand perfectly.

Enough said.

Precious Things

After snack this afternoon, Karsen came up to me and said she had to show me something she had for me in her pocket. These things are usually "unusual woodchips" or "shiny rocks" or plastic pieces of trash that she collected at school. Today she began to pull out little dead flowers. Seven or eight of them. All different varieties. Three different colors. She said, "I collected these for you today, Mommy!" What a precious treasure - I have not only the beautiful flowers that she selected and saved just for me, but the memory that she thought of me in the midst of her busy day full of playing with friends, learning letters, using clay and glitter and glue and markers - what more could a mommy ask for?

Pictures - Typical pocket contents (found in the backpack today) and today's specially selected treasures.

DaddyMan Scoots EVERYWHERE!

So last weekend, DaddyMan took out for the grocery store...

On the Scooter!

He strapped a cooler to the back so he could store his purchases for a safe journey home!

Another adventure included a trip to the hardware store and PetsMart. He came home with a 50 lb bag of fertilizer and a 40 lb bag of Eukanuba.

Get a scooter, people! You will be glad you did.

Some new (and old) things we DVR

• America's Test Kitchen
• America's Funniest Home Videos
• Good Eats
• Grey's Anatomy
• DogFights (airplanes, people, not animals)
• 30 Days
• The Verminator
• Wiped Out - coming this summer - can't wait
• The Mole
• Criminal Minds
• Scrubs
• Mythbusters
• So You Think You Can Dance
• Burn Notice - soon to be back on - it's a summer series

We anxiously await the return of:

• Pushing Dasies
• Dirty Rotten Money
• Private Practice

This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a glimps into our programing picks. We actually do more than sit around and watch TV, however, it may be hard to tell by looking at this list. But when we have those days when we don't want to do anything but "sit like a bump on a log" there is never a shortage of things to watch!

Gender Specific Marketing

As a general rule, we don't give into the "gender specific marketing". If Karsen wants to get a truck or a SpiderMan for a prize, sure thing. If Griffin picks up a baby doll and carries it around the house for a while, no big deal. Karsen helps DaddyMan in the garage as well as in the kitchen. Griffin is just as happy "helping" me do laundry as he is in the yard with Daddy.

But it is what it is. Boys and Girls are designed differently. When it comes right down to it, here's what you get. Griffin sleeps with a stuffed animal of some sort - usually a Billy Goat - and either a truck or a ball. Karsen sleeps with a number of "people" as she calls them - a various assortment of stuffed animals and dolls. Another one is added almost every night and eventually we have to kick some of the "people" out of her full sized bed so there is room for her to sleep.

I'm not a very good cook

Daryl is truly the culinary expert at our house. He has a degree in Resturant, Hotel and Institutional Management. I have a Teaching degree. We should all use our strengths!

I am not a very good cook.
I'm more of a "heater" than a cook.
I am proud of myself for just preparing dinner.

That said, I have recently discovered that if I follow a recipe and use the ideas of others, I CAN cook. So I'm challenging myself to prepare at least one meal per week this summer that I have never tried to cook before. So please help me. Share your best (easy) ideas for delicious meals I can try this summer. I really do WANT this to become more natural to me but I will need some help and probably even some encouragement.

If you see Daryl or the kids, ask them how this challenge is going then tell me what they really think. I need to know and although Karsen and Griffin are usually pretty easy to read, Daryl tends to be very encouraging when I attempt to cook (even if he needs to add LOTS of ketchup).

Summer Things I've been thinking about

The fact that we had a 3 day weekend and had to go back to school is just NOT right! Write your state representatives and let them know that (scream it with me, now) "SCHOOL'S... OUT... FOR SUMMER" should begin prior to Memorial day!

None the less, after just a little taste of the freedom, these are things I'm looking forward to this summer:

• Lunch and play time at Chick-fil-A with friends (wanna come?)
• Art - complete with paint, clay, markers, chalk, all of it. We are gonna create!
• Structured times - I've decided that the only way all 3 of us are going to make it through this summer is if I structure our time each day - time for play, outside, books, art, field trips, etc.
• Play dates with friends (wanna come?)
• Field trips - I'm thinking: Children's Museum, Apple Orchard, Omnimax Movie
• Whining Wednesdays at Movie Tavern
• Swimming at neighborhood pool
• Cooking school at Market Street with Karsen
• Waterpark Membership
• Going to Target anytime I want to!
• Naps!

If any of these things interest you, please let me know. If you're free, we can get together, unless it is nap time or we're already at Target.

PS - If you have other idea, let me know 'cause this little family needs to stay busy when we are not at Cookie and PawPaw's or camping or on vacation.

The Grocery Game is for Weinies

That's right, readers! I said it!

The Grocery Game is for Wienies!

If you are interested in true savings, go out and buy yourself a scooter. Last week my husband spent $90 on fuel for his truck. This week, he spent $4 on fuel for the scooter. Try saving $86 a week by clipping coupons in your Sunday paper. I think this type of investment in our Earth should be mandatory. Although it is not practical for the mom who has to deliver her children to school or daycare each day, it is highly feasible that most men could do this. We still own the truck because we need it for things like towing our camper, hauling large items and for when Daddy Man has to pull Daycare duty. However, for those every day runs to the work place, this is the mode of transportation he will use.

Just doing our part, people.

We may not be toting around reusable shopping bags just yet, but we are saving fossil fuels and cash!

Un-Memorial Day - Disclaimer - Do not read unless you are ok with gross poop stories.

I'm pretty sure that on this holiday where Americans take a 3 day weekend to remember our fallen heroes and loved ones, it is simply un-American to be stuck inside with 2 kids that have the stomach virus. Griff only has a touch of it so far. Karsen has it pretty bad. Remember from a previous post that she has a very clever way of putting things. These comments have come from my pretty princess' little mouth:

• Mommy, I have crazy poop, again!
• Bring some cleans in here, Mom so I can make sure that I get it all.
• I tried to make it in time, Mommy, but that poop squirted out of my hiney so fast that I just couldn't get there in time.
• I'm not going to throw up again, that is too gross!

Let's just say this Memorial Day is one I'd rather forget.

So We Own a Scooter!

Texting that occured last week:

Husband - Can I have a scooter?

Wife - How much?

Husband - Not too much.

Wife - I don't care.

Within 48 hours there was a scooter in our garage.

I'm still trying to justify the whole purchase in a way that makes more sense than "the Salyards Family attempt to go green."

But is seems to make hubby happy. And at least if it ends up being just another hobby, then oh well. Perhaps our little attempt to buy less fossil fuel will have been something.

Besides that - I secretly think it is cool - though not as cool as a motorcycle.

Baby's Breath

There's a flower named after it( http://home.howstuffworks.com/creeping-gypsophile-creeping-babys-breath.htm ). And I've always heard people talk about "baby's breath" like it was something magical. But I've always thought it must be some concept that just eludes me much like "puppy breath" - which I happen to think is just as gross as dog breath even though I love my dog and think that puppies are most adorable. Recently, however, I experienced baby's breath in the way that is, in fact, very magical.

I rock Griffin every night. Don't misunderstand me, he doesn't have to be rocked to sleep, he just gets rocked as part of the bed time routine. I'm sure it is as much for me as it is for him, but none the less, he gets rocked. Eventually, this process will evolve into a routine much like Karsen's, but for now, he is rocked. It happens the same way every night, he gets his paci, I hold him up on my shoulder and rock and count in my head. Sometimes I rock to 50, sometimes it's 100. But we rock and I count. It is beautiful.

One magical evening, I was rocking and counting, when it happened! Right on my neck, I could feel the rhythmic breathing of this precious little boy (that is baby number 2 for a reason - that reason is - Karsen is baby number 1). I wasn't holding him differently, all I can think is that it must have been the tank top that I was wearing that allowed his breath to dance across my skin. It was magical. Baby's breath must have nothing to do with the smell but with the feel. I must have rocked to at least 300 that night.

As two of my favorite people experience disappointments and pain in growing their families, I was experiencing the blessing of baby's breath. All I could do at that moment was recall reading the precious words of another mother that was hurting. Just think about this. Even though our dreams don't seem to be coming true right now, even though we may be hurting or disappointed or sad and feeling like we are going to "Plan B", God doesn't have a "Plan B" - everything that happens, every single day, is His "Plan A". It is perfectly planned and is happening just as he orchestrated.

I want to be an encouraging voice to you both right now for I have been in right where each of you are. I am blessed beyond measure by what I once saw as "Plan B" and now realize and recognize and rejoice in God's Plan A - the perfect plan is just as it was meant to be.

I am praying for the magic of baby's breath for you, too.

A lot of catching up to do

In an effort not to forget about all the things I've been thinking I should blog about, I've kept a list. That's very "Type A" of me, isn't it? I just want my audience to know that more is to come, and you all know that I have a lot to say! Just bear with me 'cause now that TAKS is pretty much over, I'm going to let all of my thoughts just run away.

OK Entry Where I Mention A Far Fetched Idea For Local Retailers And Service Providers

So a few weeks ago, a friend (who shall remain nameless in this particular blog in case weirdos are reading it) had some of us girls and our kidos over for a fun little play date.

(Good times had by all - Karsen is still talking about it and I can't seem to shake the notion that I really should be labeling all of the items in my house to teach my kids to read and {I know this is a run-on, but I'm making a point here} I really want to get some more frames for pictures, both professional and candid, so I can make a wall like hers in my house and how I'm going to provide such a fab assortment of snacks when I host the play date.)

But before we went over there, Friend was giving me directions, "Pass the Church of the Wise (name changed for anonymity) and turn at the VERY GOOD CHICKEN (name kept the same because it is the point of this post, people)."

I go down the street that is home to the VERY GOOD CHICKEN often. Every time, besides thinking my friend is near by, I can't help but think how much I wish that everything was this easy. What if places offering goods and services were named in such a way you could have this conversation...
Hungry?

Yep.

What do you want?

I'm hungry for some very good chicken.

You got it! (And we'd know exactly where to go!)

~OR~

Hungry?

Yep.

What do you want?

Not too picky tonight, how about OK Italian.

Sure, and you'd know where to go.

Here's some places I'd visit regularlly if they would only clearly identify themselves.

• Fresh Smelling Dry Cleaners
• Very Cute Shoes
• Inexpensive But Adequate Haircuts For Children
• Cell Phone Place That Won't Try To Sell You Stuff You Don't Need
• Pretty Scrapbook Supplies That Are Easy To Use
• Grocery Store Where Sackers Know To Put Frozen Foods Together And Will Always Help You Out To The Car So You Can Keep The Kids From Running Out In Front Of Crazy People Circling The Lot To Avoid Walking A Couple Hundred Feet
• Perfectly Sanitized Nail Salon
• Comfortable As It Gets Dentist
• Discreet OB/GYN That Won't Remind You About The 10 Pounds You Ought To Loose

I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the idea. Like me, I bet you think signs like these would just make more sense. I don't really need fancy fonts and flashy lights, I just want to know what to expect. Because there are times when adequate will do, but when you want VERY GOOD CHICKEN, it would be nice to know that's just what you're gonna get!

WOW, That feels better!

Although I love to write, (I guess I always have) I have recently procrastinated an important writing assignment. I am in the process for applying for my first Principalship in my school district. Part of the process includes producing a project that focuses on implementing a model called Working on the Work. (More sophisticated Bloggers would insert a link here so you could check out the model yourself, but I'm still a Bloggin' Baby, so...no.) My sincere hope is that I will be considered for an interview for the position and gain some confidence in that setting. You all know that I'm a firm believer in the "grow where you're planted" theory and that I believe that leaders (I'm talkin' all leaders here, people, not just world leaders) are divinely appointed, therefore, if I'm right for this school and this school is right for me, that's where I'll be but "anywho" (Holla, Sarah!). I've been working on this work - the project - and I'm almost done. And amazingly enough, as I work on it, my confidence in what I know and believe as a public school administrator solidifies. I know in my heart and in my mind that even if I don't get this job, I do have what it takes to do the job (a lot to learn, I know) but the core of who I am and what I believe is necessary for students to be learners at high levels is there! Thus, I say WOW, that feels better! Till then, I'm gonna keep on growin' right where I've been planted and for me, for now, that's just the right place.

Easter Fun!

Easter smiles for everyone.

Karsen may decide to hunt eggs professionally.

She seems pretty happy doing this job.

She even spotted the one on Cookie and PawPaw's camping house.

Griffin spots one begind the iris plants.

After pointing for a LONG time, he decided to go for it.

Alas, notice it was pink so it promptly got snatched by his sister.

She sweetly offered him one of hers that contained none of her favorite colors.

This egg was by far Griff's favorite. He picked it up and replaced it no less than 12 times.

Sarah, I fear he may have a touch of your "condition".

The Best Egg Hunt Ever

Karsen has always been a pretty good hunter. Don't get too excited, Uncle Alan or PawPaw, we're talkin' eggs here not real game. But this Easter was pretty amazing due to the fact that she had a little bit of competition. It was really fun to see Griff spy an egg from across the yard and take out toward it. (He is a pretty good walker now and it is his preferred method of transportation, however, he still has greater speed with the crawl.) Needless to say he didn't take out toward the eggs with enough locomotion to "win" his sister to the cackleberries. She is highly competitive lately with her attempts to "win ya" at just about everything. We use this to our advantage when we are attempting to get her to brush her teeth, load up in the car, eat green things, etc. But it is not so handy when it comes to egg hunts with a brother who is newly mobile and easily distracted. We did marvel at the kindness big sister showed little man. She eagerly gave him all eggs that did not have pink or purple markings on them. She was a bit overly zealous in locating even a trace amount of pink or purple on eggs she thought she wanted to keep. When you see the pictures, I'm sure you will agree that it looks like fun!

Smokin' Crack or Pokin' Crack

So today I get a call from the Karsen's Preschool. She has just visited "the office". She was not there to show off her alphabet skills, get a birthday sticker or deliver a note for her teacher (all considered acceptable reasons for visiting the office by those residing at our house). Nope - She was in trouble. Teacher had been reading a story to all of the little boys and girls. Each and every one of the uniformed tykes were gathered around her, engaged in the story, I'm sure, when Karsen must have noticed that someone's khakis were riding a little low.

I know not everyone has the opportunity to sit at the back of a 4 year old class as often as I do so I'll just tell you - there is not enough Spackle in a good carpenters tool box to fill all the cracks you would count during story time. (Someone should definitely talk to the makers of 4-6X clothes. They simply don't fit right!)

Well Karsen apparently couldn't help herself.

She poked the crack.

And went to the office for it.

Imagine my reaction. I was called from the school because my daughter was pokin' crack. When the initial shock wore off, I had to laugh. After all, crack is funny - at least when it is creeping out the top of someone's size 5 khaki uniform pants.

Pretty Lights Aren't Just For the Holidays

The day started off when I was running a wee bit late and decided to take my favorite short cut. You all have one - admit it! It's the street that you just know will have very little traffic and NEVER has a patrolman. That's what I was repeating to myself as Karsen inquired from her booster seat in the back of the mini van about why her Hannah Montana music had to stop, why we were stopped and why "that car back there" had "pretty red and blue lights going around and around." I love the way she sees things - so different from my jaded maturity. I don't think I've ever looked behind me to see "pretty" red and blue lights. Mostly I've only seen the ones that make me want to say ugly words.

So I'm a rule enforcer, right! Every day I spend time helping others realize why we have rules, why we should follow rules and what happens if we don't follow them.

That's my job! That's what I do!

(Isn't that a line from a country and western song, Bicknell?)

I "consult" with the students, teachers and parents. I'm very creative. I consider myself a very logical person when it comes to consequences for actions that my have been wrong. I want to achieve the biggest change in behavior with the smallest consequence. But this takes time. And time can never be wasted as school, so I have a red box. It's not an actual box, it is just tape on the floor. Lots can happen in the red box but mostly it is just for exercising. Nothing too strenuous. I'm fairly certain ALL of the students work harder when they play during recess. But exercising in the red box in my office really seems to stink - and I usually get my point across. I'm fairly certain that most kids would rather just get detention or isolated lunch or something and get it over with. But they get the red box. This is not so different from how I was reprimands this very morning. The kind officer with the pretty red and blue lights just gave me a warning. This warning went on FOR EVER! At some point in my head (I'm fairly certain mixed amongst the ugly words) I thought that I'd rather just have the ticket - but I was stuck in that red box! No ticket (we've determined the mini van is impervious to them) but changed behavior, no doubt. Tomorrow I'll look for a different short cut.

Karsen's Top 5 Recent Phrases

So we are constantly amazed by the things Karsen says. These are just a few of her best over the last couple of weeks:

• (Pointing upward as she speaks) Then the spider climbs up to the darkness and builds his web.


• Mommy, when I'm a grown up girl, I'm going to go to Cookie and PaPa's church and get married to Daddy.


• This sickness is making me very tired!


• Do you know who can count to hund-one-dred?


• Is is Valens-Time yet?

He Walks!

It only seems fitting that on the day I decide that I should devote some time to starting a blog, my sweet little boy decides to achieve a milestone that is blog-worthy.

He Walked!

That's right, ladies and gentleman! In the midst of a terrible stomache virus, 14 month old Griffin just leaned into my stretched out arms and walked. I took a step back and he took two forward. I could hardly believe my eyes because I have been trying to get him to walk for 2 months now. That's when I squealed for Daryl to watch and it was confirmed - steps have been taken. Now I'm wondering when Griffin will realize the power that comes with being a pedestrian. When will he know that he can walk into his sister's bedroom and begin digesting Polly Pocket's clothes, Barbie's shoes or the countless other miniscule objects that were just moments ago out of his range of mobility? When will he realize that on two feet, he has a pretty good chance of catching up with Jax the dog and grabbing those ears he is so enamored with? When will he realize that those two feet are the same ones that will be carrying him off to kindergarten? It seems that I just realized that with this milestone reached, my baby is, indeed, growing up.

So it took a major event to get me bloggin'...

The Roto Rooter and the Rota Virus have a lot in common!

Both are extremely effective at cleaning out the plumbing. We would know because our whole family got the lovely virus for Valentine's Day! Yes, while the rest of the free world was all hugs and kisses, our family was all toilets and flushes! Although the health department has not yet arrived with hazmat suits and caution tape, we are turning away all visitors and trying to contain our germs to our humble home. Bleach and Lysol are our allies and we feel confident that we will be able to rejoin society soon. Until then, I am trying to use my "free" time wisely by diving into the world of blogging.

A Nice Day To Play Outside

Thanks to unseasonably warm Texas weather, we were able to spend almost the entire day outside February 2nd. What fun it was to soak in some sunshine, work to prepare our garden and play on the swings.

It was so sweet to see Karsen reach out and grab Griff's swing to keep it going!
Griffin really loves the swing.
Karsen recently learned to (as she says) "push" herself.
She's pretty handy because she can also push her brother.
What a joy these two are. We are blessed, indeed!