Fall in the Smokies

Danny had a meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians last week. Conventions can be so much fun- especially during October, in the Great Smokey Mountains. Tuesday was a miserable rainy day, perfect for a trip to the aquarium. The coolest thing- homeschool rates. This family of five got in for under one regular adult admission price. Whoo-hoo. Jax wasn't too keen about the fish that were bigger than him. He would hide behind Danny's legs to watch them. He also wasn't sure about those funny looking Stone Crabs. Otherwise, we couldn't keep up with him.

Wednesday was a gorgeous fall day and the foliage was breathtaking. We loaded up the car and went for a ride in the mountains to the top of Clingman's Dome. It is the highest point in Tennessee and the second highest east of the Mississippi. On this clear, sunny day you could see for hundreds of miles and into seven states. This picture was the first pull-off along the road. We had been under a canopy of trees until this point. We had just rounded the curve to this view of the mountains. From the backseat we heard Jax say, "Oh, wow." Followed by Calen's, "That is fantastic."

Here is the view from the lookout.

This is the top of Clingman's Dome.

Our views along the way...






Not a road sign you see everyday. BTW 20 MPH is too fast for this loop!

Thursday brought us an afternoon of Trick or Treating in the convention hall. We have Optimus Prime, a cowboy, and a little ladybug. After our candy raid we headed to Cades Cove. We saw lots of deer (around 100), a couple dozen turkeys, several horses and no bear.




The bandit is making his getaway with his loot.




The most magnificent deer we saw was this massive 10 pointer.

Friday morning the kids and I headed out for a stroll and enjoy God's handy work. That afternoon before we headed back home we went out for another drive. Calen had mentioned maybe seeing a bear. I told him that most likely not because most were down for the winter except for maybe a few stranglers, but even then most likely not. Not three minutes later...

The Corn Maze

A couple weeks ago, the family headed to one of the local corn mazes for an evening of fall fun. We had to postpone it several times due to all the rain. Even though it hadn't rained in a few days, there was still lots of mud in some parts of the mazes. Typical picture- Calen's looking at Danny, Riley's looking at me, and Jax has just spied a bug.


The hayride on the way to the mazes.

Just hangin' out.


"Go thatta way"

"Which way?"

"No, that way!"

Country boys

A country princess?

Has anyone seen the boys?

The Big Oh-One

We're not sure when or how it happened, but last Tuesday we awoke to find a one year old in our house, and not a happy one year old at that. She was in the throws of cutting her second tooth. She didn't even smile while her bubbies sang Happy Birthday to her. It's her birthday and she'll cry if she wants to.
A quick note about this picture. That onesie Riley has on is the size newborn that she wore last year at four days old!

We left that morning to go to Gatlinburg for a few days, so we celebrated her birthday Sunday afternoon with our families. Our first girlie party- ladybugs. This ended up being appropriate since my mom's house has been invaded by them. I'm glad I didn't buy the expensive balloons with little ladybugs on them because we ended up with the real deal, all natural ladybug dotted balloons. This time Riley enjoyed everyone singing to her.

Here's the "tablescape."

Riley really enjoyed the pizza.

Pizza face



The ladybug theme cake.





Riley with her smash cake. It was the ladybug on top.

Yum-O

Who needs hands?

Excuse me, is this washable?

We were really surprised that she demolished the cake. We weren't even sure she would touch it, let alone try it. That is Jax's head in the picture. He was standing there trying to stick his finger in the icing. Riley keep saying, "mine...mine...mine...."

Riley's Statics:

Length: 29 1/4

Weight: 18.2

Head: 17 1/4
Teeth: 1

Pacifiers: 10

Diapers: ~2200

Feedings: ~3000 nursings; ~300 bottles ~320 jars of baby food; 7 boxes of cereal.
Baths: ~150 (not including sponge bathes, hose downs or quick dips)

DWTS

Last night about ten til 9 I heard, "Mom is Dancing with the Stars on tonight?" "Yes, why?" I ask. "Is it okay if I watch it?" Calen asked me. "Yeah, I guess you can watch some of it," I tell him as Danny and I glance sideways at each other.

Twenty-two minutes later, I'm in the kitchen heating water for hot chocolate. Calen walks in, and asks if it's ready. "I thought you wanted to watch Dancing with the Stars?" I ask him. He replies, "I do. I was. It's just repeating right now." "Oh," I say. Continuing on with the conversation... "So, Calen, what is it that you like about Dancing with the Stars?" "Well, um, I don't, I can't, it has to do with...I can't tell you. What do you mean?" Calen fumbles around. "Calen, what is it you like? What do you enjoy? Why do you want to watch it?" I say. "Well, it has to do with being married," comes the reply.

This has peaked my curiosity even more, and I continue to press. "I can't say it. It's bad," Calen stammers as he fidgets around the table. "Just say it," Danny says. "Um, well, it... can I just whisper it to you?" he asks me. I tell him of course. He comes up and stands up on tippy-toes as I bend down to meet his cupped mouth. "It's because they're pretty," he tells me. I hear Danny laugh behind us. Calen's whisper isn't the most secret. "Which ones?" I ask him. "All of them." he tells me, although I'm sure he would have rather scalded his tongue on the hot chocolate rather than go through that again.

Now, I'm confused. "Okay," I say. "So, what does that have to do with being married?" Calen sighs heavily before beginning, "You know. When we talked about me getting married....I can't.... You know..." He continues to be flustered. "You'll laugh at me." "No, I won't." I assure him. Although at this point it is all I can do not to crack a smile. "Okay, can a woman have two husbands?" Big, deep breath. We go on to discuss what the Bible says about marriage.

I explain to him that I am fairly certain that none of those ladies will ever be his wife. Hard lesson for such a young heart. I do tell him that I am certain that there is a young lady out there whose heart is being prepared by God to one day be his wife, just has he is being prepared to be her husband. I think it helped ease some of the embarrassment. I have a wonderful future daughter-in-law out there, and my son can't wait to dance with her.

Some Summer Fun in Pictures

My brain is fried, and not currently functioning properly. I can't really find anything to say. So that being said, here are some pictures of the kids.

Jax likes to help Calen with his schoolwork. A few weeks ago I was giving Calen a pop spelling quiz as we were driving down the road. I gave Calen the word "decide." Calen said, "decide...d....." There was a long pause as he tried to think what letter came next. Jax looked over at Calen and said, "cide, bubby, cide."

Yee-haw

Jax is now officially a full blown toddler who just celebrated his 2nd birthday with a "Wild West" party. We had a great time with family and friends. This birthday was the year of transportation. Jax rolled in with a bike, a scooter, and a Cozy Coupe car. It was rounded out some really cool cowboy boots, a Spike Jr. to match Bubbie's Spike, some Yo Gabba Gabba toys, a cute Doctor's Kit, a farm set, a Tonka truck set, and the much needed helmet with matching knee and elbow pads.

I made the invitation to resemble a "Wanted" poster. It is difficult to read, but it says, Wanted! Your presence at the the 2nd birthday party for Jackson "Sticky Fingers" Lewis. I put his eye and hair color and his height and weight around his picture. At the bottom I put the details. Round up your posse for (the date) We'll saddle up at the Lewis Homestead Vittles served at (time)
Holler at Ma or Pa with a Yee-haw or a Dang-nabit
On Friday, during lunch, Calen asked what kind of games there would be to play. I told him I wasn't planning on doing games because Jax wouldn't care. "What?! No games? What's a party with games. You have to have games at a birthday party. It's not a party without games. It's a party! You need games!" Calen proclaimed. "Okay, okay. I'll do some games," I said. So here are some of the games.

A "Shoot Out."

Lasso the Bronco

Ring the Cactus

And what's a birthday without cake?

I added little "buttons" with a "J" and a "2" to the cowboy hat cake. I also hid them among the patches on the bottom tier.

Next birthday, Riley, the big 1, October. About 8 weeks to figure it out. I'm behind.


Calen just finished his first week of first grade. We are off to a great start. The week went very smoothly and very quickly given what a hectic week it was. The longest assignment of the week was copywork. It took 20 minutes to copy 4 sentences. It was an average of 1 minute per word. One of the easiest things to do... One day he'll wish he could just copy the sentences, just like he will eventually miss those naps. Will they ever learn?


Riley is now 10 months old. She's a whopping 16 lbs. Saturday I put away her 3-6 month clothes. In the past week she has taken to eating some more textured type foods, and has even eaten a little table food. She also LOVES the water... dog dish, bath, toilet- she's not picky as long as it's wet.

In a Year's Time

How long is a year? 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. ~8765 hours. ~525, 948 minutes. ~31,556,925 seconds. Last night we measured the past year in inches. Inches? Yup. And here's how we did it.

This week is The Greene County Fair, and we took the kids last night to have a couple hours fun. What was immediately apparent was that last year Jackson was only a little older than Riley. He was sitting in the stroller taking a bottle and eating two jars of baby food. This year it was Riley in the stroller, and Jax was in and out because he was walking around and riding some of the kiddie rides.

As for Calen, last summer he was riding all the kiddie rides. He was barely tall enough to ridessome of the big rides with Danny. Okay, he wasn't tall enough-exactly... He would stand really straight to gain those last few fractions of an inch. It was really crowded, and the workers were strict.

This year was a completely different story. He was too big for most of the kiddie rides, but the workers let him ride with Jax. Wow, Jax needed an adult, and Calen was able to ride with him. As for the big rides, Calen could officially ride ALL the adult rides- BY HIMSELF! No mom or dad, aunt or uncle, just him, all alone.

We measured the last year in at ~5 1/2 inches. I had no idea he had grown that much. If he grows just 4 more inches- then next year he can ride most roller coasters by himself. Next year, Riley will be running around riding those kiddie rides. Jax will looking to ride some of those bigger rides in upcoming years. Just him and his brother. The two of them. No mom or dad.

Summer Break?

It's hard to believe that summer is drawing to a close and school is almost ready to start back. The local PS (public schools) are going back as early as this week. Calen and I have three more weeks of vacay, although our awesome new curriculum is ready to go. It will be interesting to see how those first few weeks go with another mobile baby cruising the room.

We've had an incredibly busy summer. I'm not sure who decided to refer to this time as summer break, but there hasn't really been any breaks in this household. Part of me is looking forward to the start of school so that life can slow down a bit. Yeah, I know it's a pipe dream.

We've had a calender filled summer filled with cookouts, VBS (three), visits with grandparents (three weeks), and swimming lessons (twice a week). Those three VBSs could have been FIVE, but two didn't work out. Whew!

Jax has also had a very busy past couple weeks-potty training. He is doing extremely well and doesn't have very many accidents at home. He can even stay dry on trips from home, but he wears a diaper and can tell the difference, so he may not tell us if he needs to go. He still hasn't done a poopy on the potty yet, but he will come find me quickly to change him. If we can just catch him on the potty once, I think he'll be good to go. He'll get two M&Ms for that! He is also using his new skill as an excuse to get out of bed during naptime and bedtime. Sneaky, sneaky.


Riley is cruising right along. She is getting so big, even though big is a relative term here. She is about the size the boys were at six months. She can pretty much go where ever she wants. She has yet to get her first tooth, but no surprise there. She loves "playing" with the boys Hot Wheels cars. Last month we made a trip to Wal-mart so Calen could spend some allowance money. Jax picked out a car, and Riley got a little butterfly that rolls across the floor. Jax just loves that butterfly, and Riley loves that car!

Hunter is growing like mad. He rarely has an accident in the house, but if he does our little potty monitor, Jax, will let anyone within earshot know about it. He loves to chew on the kids' toys, with his preference being the wooden ones. I've lost count of the destroyed puzzle pieces at this point. Right now he is curled up asleep on his pillow, and Jax is wallowing him, and Riley is trying to chew on his ear.

How much is a tooth worth?

If you don't have children or your children are small and all the children you know are small, then you may not know the economic value of teeth nowadays. When I was growing up (wow, that's an old person phrase), I got a quarter from the tooth fairy. Seems now it is $5.00. You may have had the same reaction I did when I found out. I'm not sure how the Tooth Fairy is staying in business these days.

Well, the Tooth Fairy gets to make his or her first visit to the Lewis household tonight. Calen lost his first tooth, via help of his friend, Wyatt's, foot while playing on the slip-n-slide. The boys were out playing in the yard, and Danny was sitting on the porch doing some work on the computer. He overheard Wyatt say, "You have to go tell your mom....but don't tell her I did it." Boys...

At first glance, Danny thought the tooth had broken in half, and his first thought (as a doctor) was that we would have to go have it abstracted. However, upon a closer look, he realized that it was the permanent tooth he saw. No wonder that tooth popped outta there.

Calen is very excited. Danny and I are a little sad. As for the five bucks, we've decided that will be the special rate for a first timer. All subsequent teeth will have the rock bottom price of $1. The kids gotta pay for college one day, and I don't believe the Tooth Fairy gives scholarships.

As for other firsts... Jax is now out of the crib and in a toddler bed. Last week I put him down for a nap and went downstairs. After a few minutes I heard, "Huun-tor, Hunn-tor." In the span of only a few seconds my mind went from thinking the monitor was loud to realizing it wasn't on, to thinking that his voice was very clear, to realizing that he was on the steps. I quickly went to the stairs to be met by an obviously proud 22 month old.

I told him back to the crib and put him in, only to have him out within seconds. After a few more attempts to keep him in I decided it was over. I had truly hoped to have another 8 months of crib use. I just wasn't ready for him to have the freedom that a bed allows. I threw the mattress on the floor, got a screwdriver and took down the crib. I could have kept him in it for those extra months, but I'm not sure CPS would appreciate me putting a lid on it.

He spent a week getting used to sleeping without the confine of the crib rails while we waited for his bed to arrive. Last night we put it together, and he very excitedly took his shoes off and ran to the bed saying, "Me bed! Me bed!"

As for RileyRoo. She is crawling right along and finding new and exciting things to get into. She has even begun to pull up. My head is spinning.

A Party, Pictures, and a Puppy

On Saturday Calen graduated from Kindergarten. We had grandparents, aunts, and uncles come to celebrate the occasion with us. What's a party without a theme? Calen and decided this called for a beloved author-Dr. Seuss. Yeah, that's Calen on his last day of school, still in his pj's (just one of the perks...) I was still in mine, too, as were Jax and Riley. Hehe.

We munched on Green Eggs and Ham biscuits, pigs-in-a-blanket, chips and goldfish crackers served in a goldfish bowl. We also threw in some pesky veggies. To round out our celebration-a Cat in the Hat hat cake. YUM-O.

Calen was presented with a diploma while wearing his snazzy cap and gown. We enjoyed looking back at his accomplishments over the past several months. He entertained the family by reciting most of his Bible verses, reading poetry, and reacting a Little Bear story. I shared some stories from his writing journal.

Here are the books we read- all 68.

Here's a shot of our other future graduate.

Here is a sample of the most recent pictures of the kids.




For some reason Riley always has a look of concern and uncertainty on her face when with her "bubbies."

And, as promised, pix of Hunter.

In other news. My dad is doing well. We are very thankful that he wasn't seriously injured. For those not up to date: Two weeks ago he was in a tractor accident. He and my brother and some friends were getting hay bales out of field. The tractor started sliding, and when my dad jumped off the trailer jack-knifed and pinned his left leg. He thought he had lost his leg, but he didn't. In fact, it wasn't even broken! Talk about a blessing. He still has a lot of work ahead of him since he did suffer from extensive muscle damage, but hopefully PT will help with that.

We are in monsoon season here in the mountains of TN. The heavens are just dumping water right now. Yesterday morning Danny went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee around 6:30. At 7:00 he was getting ready to leave for work when he stepped in something wet. The floor was covered in standing water and there was a bulging bubble in the ceiling. Some shingles had blown loose, and our roof was leaking. We will have to have the entire ceiling and some drywall replaced, as well as some light fixtures. I hated the light fixtures, fan, and chandelier in the eating area so I get to get some new ones. Might as well paint while we're at it.

We Did It!

We're ringing in a new month with new milestones. Calen completed his kindergarten curriculum and his first year of homeschooling- two weeks early. He is now officially in first grade. Over the "summer vacation" we will continue to read everyday and do math and phonics two or three times a week to keep his skills fresh.

We have had a wonderful time learning together. I asked Calen what he thought of our first year of homeschooling and he said, "I think it was a success." I agree. Before we began our year, I asked Calen what he wanted to accomplish during that time. He said, "To learn to read better, to learn more about numbers, and to learn more about Jesus." He is reading chapter books. He can count money, add, subtract, and can tell time just to mention a few. In November,Calen accepted Jesus into his life as his personal Savior and was baptized. Yes, I agree, it was a success-more than I can have ever imagined when we began. I can't wait to begin our next curriculum and am looking forward to doing it for many, many years to come.

Jax is now 21 months. He is an adorable ball of fire with a killer smile. He loves all things boys: cars, trucks, trains, tractors, blocks, balls, animals, mud, puddles, dirt, sand, climbing, swinging, running, wrestling. He is quite the problem solver and has the "where there's a will there's a way" attitude. Jax as a taste for all things red meat, sugary sweet and starchy. He's the ultimate meat and potatoes, sweet tea and homemade pies man's man type of boy. You can't turn your back on him for a second and he'll keep you on your toes.

He is climbing the rock wall on the playset and getting faster everyday. He insists on walking down the stairs like everyone else. The other day he climbed out of the shopping cart at K-Mart. He'll lock or unlock the doors, and he loves to climb in the car before anyone else and get behind the wheel. At the table his plate and fork has to be just like ours. Everyday his speech is improving and his vocabulary is growing. He loves to "...go outside, play." He loves to draw, just the other day he discovered the joy of murals. Thank goodness for Magic Erasers. We are also in the beginning stages of potty training.

Riley is now 7 months. I can't believe we are in the second half of her first year. She has grown by leaps and bounds this past week and a half. Up until then she was still exclusively nursing every three hours. She refused a bottle and any type of food in her mouth. She loved to watch you eat and drink, would try to grab your cup or plate, but as soon as it hit her tongue- out it would come. When we had to get her a new pacifier a few weeks ago she wouldn't take it for a few hours. The only difference was that it had a silicone nipple, whereas the old one was latex.

As of today, she will take a bottle at night and is eating a full serving of cereal and fruit for breakfast and a serving of cereal and vegetable at dinner. She may not be petite for long at this rate. She is still wearing 3-6 month clothes. Also, in the past week she has begun to sit up independently and is trying to get into crawling position. It won't be long until I'm chasing another one.

Another Lewis Family Member

Take a slow, deep breath. Ready? Sure? No, I am not pregnant. Last Friday morning, at 9 am, our newest addition arrived to our already busling household. His name is Hunter, and he is a 8wk old Boxer pup. Calen finally got his dog. He got his brother. He got his sister. He got his playhouse. He got his trip to the beach. The boy got his dog. Calen's doing pretty well.

For the first hour he shook like a leaf. He was scared on his new surroundings. With these kids that is fair enough. There was also a terrible thunderstorm outside; adding to the anxiety. He sleep most of the morning, but by late afternoon was entering the puppy blues. He missed his mom and his siblings. He didn't eat at all that day. That night was long. His crying disturbed Riley and she would cry. She ended up in our bed so we could at least get some form of sleep. Hunter would have also been content to sleep with us.

Saturday, he was still in his puppy blues. He wouldn't eat, but he would have little bursts of energy. He would play with the kids. We also began training for basic commands and setting rules for our newest little fella. That night he finally ate. He went to sleep really well, but when he woke up, the crying started.

*Note: it has now been one week today that Hunter joined our family. Everyone is doing well. Jax can't keep his hands off him, but Riley doesn't mind. She's getting a reprieve. Calen said last night, " I have a baby brother and a baby sister and a puppy. What big responsibilities I have." Yes, you do.

Hunter is proving to be 100% housedog. He doesn't like to go outside and is eager to come back in. He doesn't like the chilly night, the wet dew, or the dark. He fits in so well with our family.

By Sunday, we came to the conclusion that Hunter is the ultimate house dog. He has little desire to go outside unless necessary. Then he is usually right on the heels of someone. He is eager to come back inside. He also wants "to be with his people." At night, he is fine if we are in the same room with him.

At this moment. Riley is asleep in the glider. Jax is playing with legos. Calen is doing is bookwork, and Hunter is curled up at my feet between the boys. All is calm, but I know that a storm awaits with three active, curious, natuarally clowning around boys. The thing is the dog will be the easiest to train.

*Update: Hunter is now 11 eleven weeks old and been with us for three weeks. He is the perfect dog for our family. He has blended right in, and Danny and I enjoy watching him be one of the kids- most of the time. The kids couldn't love him more. He loves, loves, loves to go ridin' around and is now sleeping through the night now that he is sleeping with Calen. Now, if we can just get Riley reprogrammed not to wake up at 12am, 3am and 6am.

**NOTE: pictures will be added once I retrieve them from the camera. The camera has taken to holding pictures hostage, but has yet to demand any form of ransom. Motive: unknown. Solution: a new camera without the attitude.

Florida Here We Come

We just got back from spending 8 wonderful days the Sunshine State. Danny had an AMSSM meeting in Tampa to attend. Because I am still exclusively nursing Riley, we decided we would take the entire family. We have also been telling Calen we would go to the beach for the past two years. It would be a vacation/educational experience- just one of the perks of homeschooling. We also decided that it would be easier to drive than to try to get everything we needed to an airport, on a plane, and in a rental car.

We packed up the car with all of the essentials and left on Thursday evening when Danny got home from work. About an hour into the trip, we got our first ever, "Are we there yet?" from Calen. We laughed and told him "no, no".

We drove just south of Atlanta, stopping only twice. There we spent the night and was on the road by 10 the next morning. During this leg, we only had to stop five times. First for lunch right outside Moultrie. (Brooke, I almost called you to see if I could borrow your washer/dryer. Jax had a stomach bug). Next, Wal-Mart near Valdosta for a Shout and detergent run. Even though it was vactation, I would still have to do laundry with that tag along bug of ours. The third stop was for a "we need to get out of the car/stomach bug" moment. We spent about 15 minutes at a Burger King before we hit the road again. The next two stops were potty breaks for Calen. We pulled into Tampa at 6 pm.

Enjoying the pool

Come on in! The water's fine.
Brrr. That nice breeze is cold when you first get out. Who cares? The pool is soooo overrated.

Saturday, Danny had meetings all day long, but the kids and I enjoyed just lying around the hotel room. We even enjoyed pizza in our room that night, followed by a walk around the boardwalk, and then Calen and Danny headed to the pool for an evening dip. Sunday evening we went to the Florida Aquarium. The kids really enjoyed the watching the fish, otters, birds, and stingrays.

It's official. Calen was hatched from an egg.

Man, those things are fast!
I don't get it.

Monday was Busch Gardens. Calen road his first big roller coaster. Unfortunately, it was the old, wooden one. He thought at all would be as rough as that one so we had to do some coaxing to get him on the next one. He perfers the metal ones right now.

Jax rode his very first ride with "Bubbie"

This egg doesn't taste like the ones momma makes.

So, how fast can these baby go?


Oops. I barely missed that elephant.
I'm ridin' the rails and watchin' the deer and the antelope graze.

See!? I knew my bros were wildebeasts!

The boys were having so much fun, and Riley was being such a trooper that we stayed all day. We even went back Tuesday morning and stayed until 1:00 before Danny had to head back for some meetings.

Let me drive! Nobody's lookin'!Finally! Everyone's one the other side of the fence, and I'm on my own!
Can we put one of these in the backyard? We're pooped.

On Wednesday morning we checked out and headed towards the official vacation spot- Amelia Island Plantation. On the way we stopped at Dinosaur World.

Then a few miles down the road, SeaWorld. The kids had a blast! Calen loved touching the sting rays. They felt soft, smooth, and slimy.




Jax wanted in with the dolphins.

The shows were "awesome," "cool," "amazing!"

After we had drained all of our energy, we hit the road once more. When we arrived at Amelia Inn, we went out on the balconey. Although, Calen could hear the waves, he couldn't see anything at 10:00 at night. We went to bed and awoke the next morning to the sun rising over the ocean. I woke Calen up and told him to go look out the window. He pulled the drape aside just a little bit. Then with awe and amazement he said, "Wow. Oh, man" as he began eagerly pulling the curtains out of the way for a better look.

We spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning relaxing on the beach and playing in the waves and sand. When we first went down to the beach on Thursday morning, Calen would walk into the water and then run back towards shore yelling, "there could be a jellyfish out there" or "there could be a shark" or "there could be a stingray." Yes, Calen, there is we explained. After about 10 mintues he forgot what lurks in the ocean and was frolicking in the refreshing, salty water.

Stingrays, jellyfish, sharks. Oh, my!

I'm a beach bum

I'm a beach bunny

On Friday afternoon, while Jax and Riley were taking their nap, Calen and Danny headed back down to the beach. They were playing in the "wildebeast waves" as Calen called them. Immediately after getting hit with a wave, Calen would call out, "Shore!" But, Danny kept him in the water and they continued playing. At one point, they had just had a wave and Danny was helping Calen back up; however, Danny had made the mistake of turning his back on the ocean. As he was trying to help Calen regain his balance he heard it behind him. Before he could do anything he was hit full force in the back by a huge wave. It knocked Danny off his feet and swept Calen about 10 feet away from where they had been. After Danny was able to stand back up and get Calen, who at this point says he was thinking he was going to die, they both yelled, "SHORE!" at the same time. As they getting out of the water Calen looked at Danny as said, "That was the KING of the Wildebeasts wave!" They spent the rest of their time that day at little closer inland. That evening though Calen was back out, but this time on the lookout.

Ah, the easy life

The fish ain't bitin'

Saturday morning we spent more time enjoying the beach before we packed up and headed back home. By 9:30 that night we were in our garage. The kids did fantastic. They travel really, really well. Our biggest challenge was bedtime.
Catchin' the waves



Ridin' the waves

A Little Backyard Project

*Pictures to be added after I get them off the camera.

This is something every family should tackle as a backyard project- a wooden playset. Last month we bought the kids a "Sky Fort" to put in the backyard. We looked at all the different types available and finally settled on one that fit our family's needs. There is such a age gap between Calen and his brother and sister that it was difficult to find one that was a "one size fits all."

We went to Sam's, loaded all four large heavy boxes on the truck, and brought them home, slowly, to put them in the garage. That night and the next day, I spent three hours sorting the pieces and then putting them in alphabetical order to ensure a quick find of required pieces. We had a 50 page instruction manual. The cover informed us that with two moderately skilled adults it would take 20-24 to assemble the Sky Fort. Not too bad. That means with Danny and his father, who is an extremely skilled adult, it would only take them 40 hours or so (Danny is addition by subtraction in situations like this, you see...)

The one set back was that we had to use our large unattached garage for the job instead of the drive-under garage near the construction site. Oh, well, the excerise is good for you.

So, anyway, I sorted the pieces with the plan to have Danny's brother and dad and my brother and dad come help put it together. My mom and sister was also going to come help watch the kids so I could help the boys. Well, that weekend it rained. Calen drove us up the wall the next several days asking when we were putting it together.

The next Saturday arrived, beautiful, clear skies, and a warm 76 degrees. It was lovely. The weather I mean, not the project. We began by marking off the area and clearing the grass. The we put together the base of the fort. Then the boys began leveling the ground underneath before we could do anything.

Then my dad and brother arrived and began helping work on the fort. At this point, we has too many chiefs and not enough Indians. A few things got turned around and had to be redone. There was also questions about the directions. Sometimes, guys, it is best to follow the directions.

By the end of the day we had accomplished a bulk of the playset. That night my mom and sister spent the night so we could work the next day. Yes, it was Sunday, but Calen wasn't going to wait until next Saturday. While mom and Amanda and I got the kids ready for bed, Danny went to the garage to assemble the climbing wall. After the kids were in bed I went out to help him. We assembled the ladder and monkey bars and called it a night. We were nice and burnt from the sun's hot rays.

The next day, after church we headed back out. It was another gorgeous 78 degree day. We attached the ladder, climbing wall, slide, swing set arm and swings, and the mokey bars. Calen was able to play on it that evening. They only thing we lacked were the crow's nest, picnic table, and finishing the base. We had spent a total of 18 hours at this point- including the sorting and leveling.

We didn't get a chance to do anything else for several days. That gorgeous 70+ degree weather turned to snow. We were sunburnt and wearing sweaters. The next week Danny and I would take the kids out and work an hour here and an hour there, trying to finish it. We still lacked the crow's nest. So the following weekend we finished that.

The Great Turkey Slayer

Calen had quiet a weekend. He started it off Friday afternoon by going with Danny to Thunder Valley. More about that in the next post. On Saturday, he headed to the woods with my dad to "hunt" turkeys. Calen spent the afternoon and evening cutting branches down and playing around. There weren't any turkey around anyway. The rest of the blog is Calen.

Sunday morning, Papaw had to drag me from the bed to the couch. I didn't want to get up 'cause I was sleepy. I knew I had to get up because I wanted to go turkey hunting, so I did- finally. I was still so tired mamaw and papaw had to get me dressed over my pajamas though.

After I was dressed, we went to the truck and drove to the mountains. We got to the gate and started walking to Tim's treefort. We climbed the ladder and papaw started calling for turkeys. Then the turkeys started flying down out of the trees and coming in. I saw a big one, but papaw said it was a hen. We can't shoot them. We had to wait on a gobbler.

A little while later papaw saw two gobblers out the window. They had white spots on their heads. They were huge. Papaw helped me pick up the gun and hold it because it's still too big for me. He told me to move my arm for a second so he could aim for me. Then he told me when the turkey popped its head up to pull the trigger.

We waited for a few seconds. The turkey popped its head out from around the tree. He was strutting and all puffed up. When he popped out, I shot the gun. The turkey started flapping around. Papaw climbed down out of the tree fort to go get the turkey. He told me to wait, but I got down by myself while he was trying to pick up the turkey. He was so excited. I was shaking. I couldn't believe I got a turkey on my first weekend hunt!

Papaw and I went back home. Everyone was still in bed because we hadn't been gone that long at all. I ran into the house shouting, "I got one, I got one, I got one!" I ran to mamaw and told her to come see what I got. I ran and told Aunt Amanda to come see what I got. I think papaw got Uncle Justin up to come see.

Aunt Amanda sent mommy and daddy a picture of me with my turkey. They were still at home and weren't there to see it yet. When they got there they couldn't believe I got such a big turkey. Daddy took a couple pictures, too. Papaw said he had never killed one so big.

I had to go with papaw to check it in at the gas station. I got to sign my own kill tag by myself. I was so excited I accidentally wrote Calem instead of Calen. It was a good looking "m" though. I said, "Uh-oh. I made a mistake on my name. I wrote it wrong. I put two humps instead of one for my "n." They told me it was okay.

When we got back home papaw and Chris skinned it for me. They took out the meat. We're going to eat it at Easter dinner. Then we took the turkey to this man's house. He's going to stuff it for me. It's going to look like it's flying down from a tree. He's even going to put it on a limb. I'm going to put it in my room!

My first turkey

March 22, 2009
20 lbs.

11 in. beard

1 1/4 in. spurs

Yo Ho Ho. It's a Pirates Life for Me

Yesterday we celebrated Calen's birthday-finally. It was scheduled for last Saturday; however, Friday evening he spiked a fever of 103.5 and began complaining of leg pains. We decided it best to call everyone to cancel his party-again. By Tuesday his fever had subsided, and his appetite (and antics) had returned. We decided to go ahead and have his party on Saturday.


The orginal invitations where on parchment style paper, and I burned the edges and some holes in them. I put a red "X" on the bottom left corner.

To set the mood I had made signs that said "Enter at Yer own Risk" to hang on the front door and another was hung on the door to the guest room. I also had several signs warning, "Beware, Pirates" that we hung up throughout the house. In the living room I set up a card table and decorated it with a treasure chest, treasure map, and telescope. We also sat the presents on the table. Next to the table we placed "Mr. Bones" guarding his gold and silver along with the sign "Dead Men Tell No Tales." We also had lots of black and red balloons inside and out and Jolly Rodger flags along the walkway to the porch.

Cap'n Calen's crew began arriving at high Two. What's a pirate with a sword or eye patch? So they each got one of eye. After playing for about fifteen minutes, it was time to begin our adventures.

They had to Walk the Plank, if they dared. Arrr.

Then we had a rousing game of "Tic Toc Find the Croc" in the house that they had to capture.

Tic Toc. Where is that croc?

After the croc was discovered (thankfully it was only a tiny one), Cap'n Calen and his maties were famished. They chowed down on some Sea Dogs (hot dogs), Fish 'n' Chips (potato chips and goldfish), Lagoon Dip w/ Peg Leg Veggies (ranch dip and celery, carrot, and cucumber sticks), and Treasure Salad (fruit salad). To quench their parched throats, they guzzled Ocean Water and Shark's Blood (blue and red Kool-Aid).

With full stomachs, we were off for some more adventures on the high seas. They had to Feed the Shark. Then we took their picture posing with the shark. I'll include their pictures with their Thank-you notes.

After our shark was well feed, we divided the kids into two crews to play Cannonballs Away. Each crew had a ship and fifty "cannonballs." They faced off in an attempt to "sink" the enemy ship. The kids had a blast with this game and played it four times!

After feeding the shark and battling enemy ships, the lil' pirates were ready for something sweet. I made Calen's cake per his request, a pirate ship on the ocean with an island.

After cake and ice cream, the pirates had one more swashbuckling adventure waiting- a treasure hunt. I had six clues for them to solve and find. The final clue led them to the treasure, a pinata treasure chest filled with chocolate and bubble gum coins.

The children left with quite a booty. Their treasure chests were filled with coins from the pinata, and a pirate assortment of pencils, compasses, yo-yos, stickers, telescopes, suckers, tattoos, and bubbles-plus their swords and eye patches.


Next party, Jax and the Wild, Wild West. YA-HOO!

What a Week-end

WARNING: This is gonna be a long one.

This past week Danny and I both were under the weather. We didn't start feeling better until Friday. On Saturday, our Sunday School class had a "Valentine's Day 80's Party." We may show the pictures, we may not. Then Sunday was Calen's sixth birthday. I hate throwing two parties, but since his "Pirate Party" isn't until March 7th, I needed to do something for him. He can, after all, understand a calendar.

I wrestled with the idea of the multiple parties for several days. Finally, I decided to go ahead and have dinner and cake on Sunday with our families after church. This also made since because my mom was coming down on Saturday to watch the kids for us so we could enjoy an evening out. I told Danny that I was going to ask Mom to ask Mamaw if she wanted to come, too, but I kept forgetting until Friday.

Saturday was hectic as we prepared for both the 80's party and Calen's party. My sister called and told me that Mom would be on her way soon and that Mamaw was coming, too. They arrived around 4:30. We didn't have to leave until 6:00. Mom brought some kites, so we took the boys outside to fly them. It was a beautiful, windy day.

We finally were dressed in our 80's best and ready to leave for the party. We had a good time talking and watching everyone dance. The DJ had a projector and showed the videos to the music. It was cool to see some of the videos for the first time (Danny and I are more of 90's kids).

I like to dance, but didn't feel like it. Jax had been sick all week (actually for the past month) and Riley hadn't slept well the night before either. Around 8:30 we started talking about going home. For the next hour it was basically one of asking, "Want to go?" and the other saying, "In a little bit." Finally, around 9:00 we ventured out onto the floor and danced a few songs. It certainly beat dancing with the Wiggles.

Around 9:30 Danny began to suddenly feel worse. Uncharacteristically he said, "I really don't feel like helping clean up. Let's go ahead and go so we won't have to." I laughed and told him, "I should really go check on Riley anyway." She had never had a bottle before and this was the longest we have been apart since she was born. My mom wouldn't call me if she was tied up in the closet. So we gathered our things and left.

We around home shortly before ten to find Mom and Riley hanging out in the chair. Jax was fast asleep, and Calen and Mamaw were downstairs watching cartoons. We talked with Mom for a few minutes, actually asking the basic questions. How were the kids? Where they good? Did they eat? What time did Jax go to sleep? Did Riley do okay? How did she take the bottle? etc.

It was now 10 and Riley was ready to eat before she went to bed. I sat in the living room feeding her and talking with Mom. Danny went downstairs to get Calen and Mamaw. They came up and we continued chatting while Riley ate. Danny told us that Mamaw had said she would sleep on the couch downstairs, but he had told she would do no such thing. We have a perfectly fine bed in the guest room.

Shortly, after I finished feeding Riley, we decided that it was time for bed. We were going to church in the morning. I didn't have the cake made yet, nor were the kids' bags packed for church. We would have to get up early so we would have enough time. Danny and I both went upstairs with Mom, Calen, and Mamaw. We took Mamaw to the guest room. I closed the blinds, turned off the fan, and got another blanket for the bed. Danny turned up the heat a little. We said good night and closed the door. I went into Calen's room and told him and Mom good-night. Danny and I headed down the stairs with Riley. Danny and went to our room to get Riley ready for bed.

I was changing her diaper and Danny was setting the alarm on the clock. We were groaning about having to get up that early. I heard something in the hallway. I sounded suspiciously like Calen slinking to our room. I called out to him in a fairly annoyed voice. Mom was sleeping with him so there wasn't any excuse for him to be coming to our room. No answer. I called out again using the middle name this time. Still no answer. "Calen Reid Lewis what do you want." I demanded in that firm momma voice. As I looked up, I saw Mamaw come to the doorway. "Oh, Mamaw, need somethin'?" I asked. She put her hand to her chest and the other hand to steady herself in the doorway. "I can't catch my breath," she said as she turned and walked away. Danny and I looked at each other. "Alice." Danny called. "Alice!" He took off after her while I quickly finished putting on Riley's diaper. I could hear him calling, "Alice, Alice. Deep breaths, Alice. Does anything hurt? What happened?" I put Riley in the bed and took off down the hallway. Mamaw was sitting on the couch and Danny was kneeling beside her checking her pulse. "Go get your mom, Mamaw's not acting right," he said.

I went upstairs and got mom. It had only been 2 minutes since we said good-night to each other. By the time I got downstairs, Danny decided we had to get her to the hospital. We only live 2 miles away. It would be faster for him to talk her than to call 911. He ran to throw on some pants and shoes. Mom ran upstairs to get her coat and shoes. I tried to put Mamaw's shoes on and told Calen, who by this time was on the stairs watching, to go to our room. Of course, he keep trying to stale. I finally said, "Calen just do as I ask. Mamaw is sick and needs to go to the hospital." Off, he went without another word.

I asked Mamaw if she could get up. She tried but couldn't. I helped her and told Mom that she was weak. She tried to walk, but after a couple steps, doubled over. I yelled to Danny, that she couldn't walk. I called 911, Mom called my sister, and Danny sat Mamaw back down on the couch.

The 911 operator answered and I told her we needed an ambulance to our address. She asked what was wrong, and I told her my grandmother was having difficulty breathing, was disoriented and was gray. She wanted to know her age. I had to ask mom because my mind was blank. Then she asked, "Is she saying she's having chest pains?" To which I responded, "She can't breath so she can't tell us anything!" At this point, Danny had grabbed his bag and said tell her we need an ambulance now. She was in the process of asking some other question when I said, "My husband is a doctor and he said we need an ambulance, NOW!" To which I got, "Okay, ma'am they on their way." All I could think is that this couldn't happen to my mom again so soon.

I called my uncle to let him know that I had called the ambulance to come get Mamaw. While I was on the phone, I saw the life slip from Mamaw as she collapsed on the couch. Danny quickly laid her flat and started CPR. I hung up and tried to distract my mom. She had just lost Papaw under eerily similar circumstances this past Father's Day. I then called 911 again to tell them that CPR was in progress. I went and talked briefly with Calen, and came back and talked with Mom. I could see the ambulance come around the curve, about 1 mile away. It seemed like it took forever for it to make it to our street.

Right as the ambulance was making the turn off the main road, I heard Mamaw cough. The EMS personnel came in and began working with Danny. Shortly thereafter, another ambulance arrived. Our neighbor came over to see what was happening. She offered to keep the kids while I went to the hospital. It was decided that they would take Mamaw to the hospital then air lift her to the JCMC. It had now been about 15 minutes since we had said good-night.

We all arrived at the hospital. First, a stroke or heart attack. Maybe, a blood clot. Then COPD. After several hours, she went from the ER to the ICU. She was on a vent, and it didn't look good. Maybe, if she made it through the night, she would make it. By Sunday afternoon, it was amazing. Not only was she still alive, but she was off the vent. She remembered that, "it hit all of a sudden" and she "couldn't catch her breath." Thankfully, she couldn't recall anything else until later on in the day. When Danny went in to see her, he asked how she was doing. "Not much better than I was last night." To which Danny laughed, and told her she "was doing MUCH better that she was last night."

My mom got a kick out of telling her that she flew in a helicopter to get there. Mamaw has always been afraid of flying and said she never would. Life doesn't always go as planned. We told her we would get her a T-shirt and she can go sky-diving now. She's still a little sore due to at least two broken ribs received from Danny during the CPR, but otherwise no pain. Yesterday, she wanted to walk a bit. She also gets to come home later today. She'll stay with my parents for several days. She says she'll be here for Calen's party on the 7th. I told her she can spend the night- if she behaves.

We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father. His guidance was patient and direct. Even while Danny was doing CPR, I was in awe at the work He had already been doing in our lives a good month before this night.

1. Had there been no parties Saturday and Sunday and she had not come to our house, she would have passed away alone. My sister may have found her late Sunday if Mamaw's friend called to say she wasn't home when she went to take her to church or most likely Monday when my mom would go by to pick her up for work.

2.Had we come home from the party early we all would have went to bed, and she would have passed away upstairs in the bed leaving Calen and/or Mom to find her the next morning.

3. Had we let her sleep downstairs, she would have never had the strength to make it up the stairs. We are amazed she was able to come down our stairs and to our room to make that one, ever-important statement, "I can't catch my breath."

In fact, my mom told me on the way to the hospital that she didn't even ask Mamaw to come with her until that afternoon. She was taking a shower and she said, " I thought, I better ask Mom if she wants to go with me to Jessica's." So she hollered at my sister to call her and ask. Mamaw said, "Why, sure. I just need to get my things together." God's timing is perfect, and we are truly thankful. The glory is all the Lord's.

Mamaw has been diagnosed with Chronic Lung Disease. She needs to quit smoking. Please keep her in prayers as she has been smoking for 60 years. She will require some oxygen as needed, and she will need to take it easy for a while.

In other news. The boys have ear infections. Riley is fine. Danny is feeling better. I have a head cold. My right ear is stopped up, and last night I had an ear-ache in my left. At some point during the middle of the night, my eardrum busted relieving me of the pressure and the pain. It should heal back on its own. This morning I put the oven on Self-Clean. A fire broke out, smoked up the house. I may need a new stove. Four of our caterpillars are now chrysalides and in the next week we will have Painted Lady butterflies, given the smoke didn't smother them.

Okay if you read all of that, then you deserve a laugh.

The 3 Amigos enjoy some

cuddle time with mommy on Saturday morning.

Jax enjoying a

book with Calen

Riley

We finally got Riley's 3 month pictures today. We just can't get over how big she is. Plus, she did such a fantastic job posing, smiling and laughing.

Long Time No Blog

It's been a while since we've blogged. The only thing that really been going on (or around) the Lewis household is the crud. The menopausal weather isn't helping much either. We had a week of snow and cold. Then last week was absolutely lovely and spring like. This week- cold again.

This coming week is a week of growth (age wise) for the family. As I mentioned to a friend today as we were talking about the kids, our littles one don't stay little long. Calen will be six on Sunday. Jax will be 18 months and Riley 4 months the end of the month. The days (and nights)
are long, but the the years are short.

I'm looking forward to Spring, warm weather, longer days and the smell of flowers and freshly cut grass. Danny shouldn't mind mowing our 1.5 acre yard this year. I'm hoping to plant a garden on part of it, and the rest Danny will get to mow with the super-duper Bush Hog rider he bought from my brother. In a few years, I suspect, Danny will have to fight the boys to cut the lawn. Jax already loves climbing up on the "little" rider we have to pretend driving it.

Celebrations

As you may or may not know, February 12th is the 200th birthday of two historical men that made huge impacts upon our society- Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. They are both revered as heroes among many, many people throughout the world.

Next week, Calen and I will be studying both men and the impacts their lives, ideals, values, and beliefs had on the course of history. We will also compare them and look into their similarities and differences. I'll also touch upon some of those here.

Similarities:
Lost their mothers at a very young age
Bouts of depression
Notorious for writing notes about everything
Were about the same age when they made huge contributions to their respective societies
Both changed the nature and course of history significantly

Differences:
Lincoln was primarily self or "home" educated, whereas Darwin was institutionally schooled
Lincoln in his Emancipation Proclamation endeavored to free black men, whom he believed to be created equal with all men. Darwin's The Descent of Man fuels the inferiority of the black men and the superiority of one race above another.
Lincoln acknowledged God as Almighty Creator. Darwin promoted natural selection as a way to explain life without God as Creator.
Lincoln's view of life was from the point of "Where are we going?" Whereas, Darwin asked, "Where did we come from?"

According to Darwin's view, we came from primordial ooze. The next logical step is that we can live lives without allegiances, without responsibility, without accountability. We came from nothing and will return to nothing. How depressing. A Creator lifts us up and gives us and our lives a purpose. We are loved and we are intentionally created for the purpose of God's glory.

A common phrase is, "Lincoln freed men's bodies; Darwin freed men's minds." In fact, Darwin's philosophies bind us and block us from a fulfilling life. We are left feeling that our lives are worthless and meaningless. We are nothing special because we were an accident or a mutation. We are left with more "Whys?" than with answers. We are left empty and in search of answers. The theory of evolution enslaves our minds and limits our thinking. Faith in our Creator truly sets us free in body, mind and spirit.

Now, since this is a big day for Darwin, Evolutionists and atheists have been hitting the streets so to speak. I came across a few articles that discussed a group in Brazil was putting signs on the side of buses. One sign says, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." UH? Another states, "There is good news and bad news. The bad news is there is no God. The good news is we don't need him anyway." WHAT?

The first statement of "probably no God" really got me. That leaves lots of room in my mind. Not to mention it's a fallacy of thought at best. It brings several "what ifs" to mind.:

The second sentence reflects their lack of knowledge in the Bible. God continually commands, COMMANDS, us not to worry (it's a lack of faith), as well as to enjoy our life. The Bible is filled with His encouragement for us to trust in Him and reap joy and pleasure out of the lives He has given to us. If we enjoy our lives, then we are living in His glory. It is written, in the Bible, for us to eat, drink and be merry. I think most people believe it's from Shakespeare.

My first thought to the second sign was, "When did they prove this?" This also shows a lack of knowledge and individual thought. What a bold statement to make. I suppose they also hold the answers regarding UFOs and Bigfoot. With little research, one can find there is actually more scientific evidence for a Creator as opposed. My next thought was, "What planet are they living on?" We DO need Him. People are in search of something to fill the voids they have in their lives. They may not really realize it, but they try to fill it with toxins. The answer to their questions, the answer to their search is right in front of them.

It can be both the easiest and hardest thing to do. First, to believe. Then, to receive. Receiving, probably more so. If your skeptic or a "seeker of truth," then please pursue the truth about Jesus honestly, openly, and with enthusiasm. Pray to God, whom you're not sure exists. Ask Him to open your heart and mind and guide you to the truth.

Febuary 12th is also the birthday of another important, influential, yet less well-known man, my dad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

Speaking of time...

Took yet another trip down the "Daggum, I'm getting old" road tonight...

I love remakes of old songs. Now, granted, the remakes rarely have the quaility of the originals, but I appreciate artists paying their tributes to their idols and putting their twists on the originals. I especially appreciate the effort it takes to switch a song's identity, whether taking it from one genre to another or by switching genders of the performers. To this point, for the most part, I remember the original songs, but I don't remember when the originals were the new version...

Until now.

I was helping Jessica clean up the supper dishes and we had the radio on. I heard a familiar tune begin, and then realized I recognized the voice- it was Carrie Underwood. I then realized... I knew the words- the song is called "I Told You So." Three things went through my mind.

1) I loved this song....

2) Back when Randy Travis sang it...

3) No way it's been long enough to be remade!!!!

I then realized the song came out around 1988 (1987 was the release date for the album "Forever and Ever"), and that was... gulp... 21 years ago now! For the first time, I flashed back to the day I bought the original cassette and playing it in my room and, later, in my first truck...

Time.... where's it goin'?

Three Pieces of Cheese!!!

Time?

Where does the time go? January is almost gone, Riley turned 3 months yesterday (pictures to come) and Jax will be 17 months on Saturday. He has doubled his tooth count since Christmas. Calen and I began our third quarter of school on Monday. That two week "break" certainly went by fast. Calen spent a week with my parents; enjoying the snow...and candy...and staying up late...and sleeping in. It's a wonder he came back, oh yeah, he didn't really want to. Right now he's doing his math, addition; counting change, and counting volume. He said he didn't "need my instructions or help." He could "do it by himself." He is.

I am well in birthday planning season. Calen's birthday is on the 22nd. We will have family over after church for dinner and cake. He can open a couple presents to help hold him over until his party on March 7th. We are praying the weather will cooperate and be warm. This year he is having a pirate party! I have lots of fun activities planned for the kids, hence the hoping for the outdoor party. I am also taking on his cake- a 3-D pirate ship complete with deserted island. I even have Jax and Riley's planned out, too. Of course, with a two and one year old, we don't need nothin' too fancy.

Some Calenisms from the past couple days.

On Sunday, on our way home from church, Calen wanted to know when we would have "breakfast again at church." At first Danny and I thought he was talking out our Sunday school class. We have a potluck breakfast the first Sunday of every month. Then it hit me he was talking about the Lord's Supper. When we asked he said, "Yes, that's what I'm talking about, the Lord's Supper." "Why?" I asked. "Because I wanted to know, " he said. "Are you excited about getting to do it next time?" I said. "YES! I can't wait to drink wine. I've never had wine before, and I'm excited to try wine." Danny said, "It's really grape juice." To this Calen replied somberly, "Oh, well, I've had grape juice before." Nothing else was said about it.

Monday evening Danny had a meeting to attend. Jax was in bed, and Calen was holding Riley. Calen had taken her down in the floor and was playing with her. He had said he loved her so I began to ask him some questions, "What do you love most about Riley?" Calen, "She my baby sister, and she's soooo cute." "What do you love most about Jax?" "He looks just like me, we're twins. Almost identical twins." What do you love most about mommy?" "You home-school me." "What do you love most about Daddy?" "He's a doctor that helps people get better." "What do you think you would like to be when you grow up?"

This question opened a can of worms. "I want to be a teacher like you, well, I want to be a doctor like daddy, too. I want to be a doctor and teacher. How can I be a doctor and home-school my kids?" Inhale. We began to discuss ways he could be both a doctor and a homeschooling dad. He's five! Why are we having this discussion.

I happened to notice that his lip was quivering and turned upside down. I asked him what was wrong. "Do I have to leave this family when I grow up?" Inhale deeply. I explained to him that he would always be a part of this family, even if he had his own. I wanted to tell him that he never had to leave, but knew we needed to have an honest discussion. I explained that as he grew up he would want to leave. He would want to go away for school. He would meet a girl and want to have family.

"Well, that's what scares me," he said. "What scares you?" I asked. "It's the kissing part. I'm nervous about kissing. I don't think I like that." I laughed and hugged him tightly. I told him that he needn't worry about that, and that as he gets older that will change. I told him he had a long time until he would think about leaving. He asked for a number, and I threw out 20. "That's not that long," he said. "Yes, it is. You have lots of time," I told him. "No, I'm five. Five, ten, fifteen, twenty. It's not that long at all." We continued this discussion for well over 30 minutes, most of it with him in my lap, sniffing, wiping tears and us hugging. Our children's hearts are amazing. And he's right, it's not that long...

Just a note for anyone interested. I've also started a new homeschool blog. In addition to blogging about our homeschool journey; I'll also be posting fun experiments, lessons, field trips, lapbooks, etc. The blog is www.homeschoolblogger.com/forhisglory

Three Goals

In 2009 we've hit the ground running so to speak. On Monday, Calen learned to tie his shoes. It feels good to accomplish one of my goals for the new year within the first week. That means it's most likely going to take the remainder of the year to potty train Jax and fix the yard.

Riley had her shots on Tuesday. She didn't do well at all and the remainder of the day was very bumpy. She weighs 10.8 pounds and is 23 inches long. She looks like a little peanut because her head is in the 5oth percentile. If you've seen our boys noggins then you understand that her "normal" head looks tiny to us.

Friday was a very exciting day for the Lewis clan because Calen and I have reached the halfway point of our curriculum. GOAL. Calen is officially half way through his kindergarten year. In a few short months I will be ordering our curriculum for first grade. I think I may go ahead and order the math and reading so that we can continue on with those skills over the summer months.

I know that there have been days that it seems as though the challenge is too great; however, Friday I was amazed that it had gone by so quickly. I am also amazed at the material we've covered and the knowledge that Calen has gained. Math and science are by far his favorite subjects. His least favorite remains handwriting and c-o-p-y-w-o-r-k. Shudder

Friday night Calen finished his indoor soccer season. He scored a goal during the game. After the game, we all met at Pizza Inn for a party. My friend Amanda, whose son is also on the team, and I made some "soccer" cupcakes for the kids. We also ordered them some little soccer trophies to have. The kids were thrilled to get trophies.

Calen and two other boys were on the same soccer team this summer. We couldn't believe how much they had developed over the months. This summer they only won one game. This season they won every game but one and it was a tie. We parents were really impressed with them. Now they just need to remember to pass the ball (this requires sharing, ha) and that the kids wearing the T-shirts are their teammates (requires a non-egocentric perspective, ha). It was a fun team with a lot of strong personalities. They were certainly entertaining and if you went to Pizza Inn Friday night between 7 and 8 looking for a quiet meal...sorry about that.

A New Beginning

As we usher in 2009, we get the opportunity for a new beginning. As we look back, 2008 brought forth a wonderful year filled with many blessings for our family. We made it through the year safe and healthy for starters.

In the first half of the year God blessed us with another child, a job, and a home. During the second half of the year we moved into that home, Danny started his job, and I had Riley. We also gained a wonderful church family, some new friends, and are moving right along with homeschooling. Jax even made it through the year without a major injury to himself or Riley (any blessing counts no matter the size.)

As 2009 begins, we are excited for what awaits us. We will have new (and I'm sure some old) challenges. I can't imagine anything more wonderful than what we already have. I do have some goals (no resolutions here) for this upcoming year.

I really want to re-landscape our yards. I also want to make some updates around the house, the white/brass combos have got to go. I hope Calen will learn to tie his shoes and that Jax will be potty trained. Riley will be running around in the madness by this time next year (another pang in the heart).

We wish each of you a bountiful year of blessings. We also hope that Tennessee kicks some butt this upcoming 2009 season. GO VOLS! It's a new beginning.

Family Christmas

We just love the Christmas season even though it is often hectic. It's busy because we have lots of family and friends we care about and that helps replace the "need to" attitude with a "want to"attitude.

This year was a little less hectic. For the first time in four years we didn't have to travel to visit family on Christmas, and at night we were able to sleep peacefully in our own beds. We still spent two to three hours on the road for three days straight, but it was worth it.

This Christmas marked Calen's sixth (a little pang in the heart), Jax's second (the tree survived-popcorn garland did not), and Riley's first (slept through most of it). Our traditional birthday present for Jesus this year was to buy presents for the youngest member of our Sunday School Classes adopted family. We try to instill in Calen that there is more joy to be had in giving to others. Next year he wants to make some fun bags for children at the hospital.

Below are our beautiful and precious gifts from the Lord; we are so truly blessed.

2nd (and 1st!) Nursemaid's Elbow

Well, tonight was a second (and first) for me. A couple of weeks ago, one of my nursing staff asked me, "Can you see a two year old with a broken elbow?" I said that I could, as long as it was a non-operative fracture. Well, the father brought the little girl in, and the x-rays were taken before I got in the room. I reviewed them, and there was no fracture that I could appreciate... I went in the room to evaluate the patient, and found a cute little girl sitting there with her elbow partially flexed and hand pronated. A quick supination and flex later, I heard a satisfying "pop" and told Dad, "I'll be back in a few minutes." When I came back in, Dad had a big smile on his face, and the patient was climbing up on the stool using her previously useless arm. I explained she had a Nursemaid's Elbow, which occurs when the annular ligament slips between the humerus and the radial head. After it's reduced, the patient regains use of the arm quickly (within 10 minutes usually but it sometimes takes 30 minutes to return to full use) and are as good as new. There are few things I get to do that are as quickly satisfying.

Well, tonight, as I was getting Jax ready to go to bed, he started to pitch a fit while I was holding his left arm. He went to sit down, I went to pick him up, and I felt a "pop." He cried out and I looked- yep, his arm was flexed and pronated. I picked him up, flexed and supinated him, and heard another "click." Five minutes later, he was as good as new. However, it's not as satisfying when you're the cause of it in the first place... Hopefully, that's my last family reduction- if Jax continues the way he is, however, I somehow doubt it.

Christmas Train

Last year Calen and I spent a day making a gingerbread Christmas train. We had fun making the gingerbread dough, cutting out the shapes, baking them, putting the train together and decorating it. It also tasted yummy. None of us were fans of gingerbread cookies until we tried them homemade.

This year we decided to do it again; it just took longer. The pieces were baked on Friday, but this weekend we had so much going on we didn't get to work on it. So finally this morning I decided to postpone our lessons to finish our train (homeschooling's awesome). Besides the assembly process is several lessons in itself (life's cool that way).

It took a while to get some of the pieces to stay put because royal icing can be very finicky, but we persevered and added more icing. After they had dried for a few minutes, Calen began to decorate the cars. He did a great job, and he can be a stickler for details (we have no idea were he gets it, haha). The train turned out great, and a couple wheels have already been sampled by some cookie monsters.

Shhh..I'm hunting wabbits.

Well, not really. Jax is more like that wascally wabbit. He turned 15 months the end of November. At his check-up he weighed in at a solid 27 pounds. He is two inches shorter and five pounds heavier than Calen was. While Calen was long and skinny, Jax is short and stocky. We call him Tank or Dozer a lot. He just plows right into and over everything, often leaving a path of destruction. His legs resemble small tree trunks.

Everyday Jax is doing something new. He has a vocabulary of about 30 words that we know; he also has his own language. We seldom have any idea as to what he is jabbering on about. After a few days of paying close attention to his speech, I realized he would often repeat the same "words" or "phrases." I'm trying t0 match a particular word or phrase to what he is doing or what he wants. It's not very easy. The pediatrician told me that Calen will pick up on the lingo sooner and will probably be able to help. Riley will probably be in on this secret language if it continues over the next several months. Us parents could get left out of the loop. Sigh...

Last week, Jax discovered something fun (aside from the Christmas tree). He has come to find there is great joy to be had in being sneaky. He will now "hit the deck" and crawl past us in an attempt to get somewhere or something he shouldn't. He will cover his mouth if he giggles uncontrollably at something. He will also flatten (best as he can) against the wall around the corner from mom or dad. If we discover him, he will quickly cast his eye downwards towards the floor. If he can't see us then it stands to reason we can't see him. You can see the little corners of his lips turned upward as he tries to stand very still and very quiet.

Jax has also taken to hiding things. Last week he was following me towards his room when I noticed he had stopped and turned back to the kitchen. I called him a few times with no luck. I walked back to the kitchen, and he was standing with his back towards me. I said, "Jackson," at which point he spun around with one of Calen's new toys in hand. As his eyes locked on mine, he quickly threw the hand holding the toy behind his back. He just looked at me and smiled as if to say, "Hey. I'm just hanging out doing nothing." There he stood with that incredibly cute grin and a hand behind his back.

Another sneaky trick that he tried last week on Danny had me almost in tears. This is one of those "Where is the video camera when you need it?!" moments. Danny was sitting on the couch downstairs. Next to the couch is Danny's cue stick rack. Jax keep trying to walk past Danny to get to the rack so he could pull all the cue sticks off into the floor. Every time he would try to get past, Danny would hold out his arm to block him. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get past Danny, Jax finally looked at Danny and then pointed up to a picture hanging on the wall. Danny brought it back from a Peru mission trip, and it has a couple llamas on it. Jax would point and jabber. Danny would look up and say something about the picture and look back a Jax. After a few times, I told to Danny to just keep looking up at the llamas. As Danny kept looking up at the wall, Jax turned around and pressed his back against the wall with arms spread out hugging the wall. With his eyes closely watching Danny, he took a big step sideways, squatting slightly, stood up and did it again until he was at the corner near the rack. Where DO they learn these things?

First Snow

While there are so many people, places and things we miss in Greenwood and Winston-Salem, we love being back home. The seasons here are wonderful. As we approach winter, we had our "first" snow on December 1st. We have actually had several days with flurries here and there since October 27th. None of them have stuck to the ground.

The boys have been so excited to see so many days with flurries. Calen is like me and loves to just sit and watch it, especially since he hasn't seen very many. This particular day, we had had flurries on and off. I happened to look out the window later that afternoon and see that the ground was a little white. I gathered up the boys and outside we went. This was Jax's first experience with snow, and he loved it! Calen helped him make his first snow angel.

Those first flurries bring excitement and anticipation of snow angels, snowball fights, snowmen and sledding. While it wasn't by any means a lot of snow, we were happy and thankful for it. We pray to more to come. A White Christmas would be nice.

Our New Home...

After Jessica's Thanksgiving post, I realized that we had not posted any pictures of our new home. As she mentioned, we feel as if this is the home that was meant for us at this time. Once we knew that we were coming to Greeneville, she did a wonderful job searching for a home that would be a fit for each of us. We needed lots of room for the kids, plenty of yard for them to play and grow in, as well as room for homeschooling and, of course, for my Man-Cave (lol). Greeneville is not a very big town, and there were not a large number of large homes for sale. Jessica spent a couple of weekends looking over homes, particularly in one marathon Saturday with our wonderful realtor (who may not have realized what he was getting himself into), and then brought my father and I along the next weekend to finalize the choice. There was no doubt this one was it once we had seen the others. A few hours later, after some extensive conversations between the two realtors, the home was ours.


At this point, we seem to have settled in nicely. Of course, any home has to be decorated for the holidays, and Jessica had a plan in mind for how she wanted our new house to appear for its 1st Christmas with the Lewis household. She has a wonderful sense of style and country grace, and she visualized things beautifully. It has a simple yet elegant look... I love how it turned out!


Just so everyone is aware, we have two large porches (symmetric on each side of the home) that are very inviting for company (hint hint- we'd love to have any of you up for a visit!) Jessica will be adding country style rocking chairs and a couple porch swings in the spring. If you come there will be lemonade and some cookies.

And, just for the Garretts and Spruills this Holiday season, I left out pictures of my Volunteer items from my Man Cave. Of course, not that anyone would want to brag about being a UT fan right about now...

Reasons for Giving Thanks

This time a year allows us to reflect upon all the things for which we should be grateful. There are so many things great and small to be thankful for that the list is endless. We, here in our household, are often not as thankful as we should be or even thankful often enough for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. The last few years have really reminded me to be thankful for the good times and the bad (even the bad times can often times be a blessing in disguise), for the blessings I've had, and for the blessings to come.


Here's our top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks this year.

1. Our children: Riley will be one month old on Thanksgiving Day. We are so blessed and thankful for our little surprise. She is sleeping and growing well, and loves to be cuddled. Jax will 15 months old on the 30th. He is a ball of fire that keeps us on our toes. He will be able to keep us young and die of a heart attack at the same time. Calen is zooming towards his 6th birthday. He is growing up more and more everyday. We can't believe how big our first baby is.

2. Homeschooling: What a blessing it has been for our family. We love almost everything about this time together. We are thankful for the good times and the bad (there is probably more to be learned during the bad times anyway...) At the end of this week we will have completed 1/3 of our school year. Calen would be thankful if he no longer had to do copywork or handwriting. These subjects are the majority of those bad times that really are a blessing in disguise. He'll thank me later... maybe.

3. Family: It has been nice to be back home in TN closer to family. I like not having to schedule extended periods to come visit. I enjoy being able to have our families over for their birthdays and cook them dinner and their favorite desserts.

4. Friends: How fortunate we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives! There are many that we don't communicate with as much as we would like, but we are still thankful for their part in our lives. God has blessed us by putting each one of you in our lives when and where we truly needed you, and for that we are thankful.

5. New Home: I truly believe this is the house we were meant to buy at this time. It had almost everything on my wish list. It has a large yard for the kids to play, bedrooms large enough for most of the kids' things, a finished basement that was completed with a homeschool area (THE selling point), a kitchen that has lots of cabinets, pantries, and counter space, and welcoming porches were you can seat, swing, sip tea or lemonade, nibble cookies and chat the day away if you have the time.

6. New Job: Danny's job is going very well so far. He's enjoying being free from the vigors and restrictions of residency and fellowship, and he's enjoying establishing his own practice style. His Sports Medicine clinic are expanding nicely, particularly for a location that has never had Sports Medicine before, and he's picking up new patients rapidly in his Family Medicine clinics (there's 11 new patients on the schedule for tomorrow so far). He's working with Tusculum College, and is beginning to get involved with teaching residents and medical students again. He's very thankful to be at a hospital where he feels a vital part of the system, and to be in a practice where it's not only all right to talk about God and Faith- it's expected to be part of his practice.

7. Freedom: We are so blessed to live in a country in which we are free to do pretty much as we please. The benefits are vast, but the cost is pricey. We are able to come and go as we please, get an education, attend the church of our choosing (or not), and speak our thoughts and opinions. It is often taken for granted without much thought of our we obtained it and how we keep it. Please pray and keep our troops in mind this holiday season, and thank a soldier and their families if you can.

Xerox is doing something awesome for our soliders. Follow this link, pick out a card, Xerox will print it and send it to a solider in Iraq. http://www.letssaythanks.com/

8. Eight and 9 are a combination of thanksgivings and blessings. On November 12th, Calen accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. In recent months, his questions and discussions about God and Jesus had become more detailed. He began to worry and fret about things that most children do not think about such as dying and the Rapture. Although he has always been a thinker and a worrier, it seemed more intense. We thought the Lord could be working on his young heart. He had also been asking how you got saved, when you knew to get saved, and so on. That night we were talking about something spiritual although the specific topic escapes me. We were in the car waiting on Danny. When Danny got in I told him that Calen had said he "couldn't wait to get saved." Calen then said with a cracking voice that he wanted to get saved but didn't know how. We told him would be talk and pray when we got home. He chose the couch for this special moment. We couldn't wait for that Sunday when we as a family joined the church, and Calen stood in front by himself to tell everyone that he had accepted Jesus into his life. He also couldn't wait to be Bapitized.

9. Calen (and Mom) are Bapitized. On the morning of November 23rd, Calen and I were Bapitized together. Although I have been a Christian for 15-16 years, I have not been Bapitized. For months I had been telling Danny that I needed to get Bapitized before Calen (I had a feeling he was getting close). In fact, on November 5th I had talked with a friend about it and said that we would be joining the church after the New Year and I had to get Bapitized before Calen. The next Wednesday Calen was saved and wanted to be Bapitized immediately. It is humbling to be reminded that God's plans for our lives are better than the ones we had. That leds me to the most important thing to be thankful for this (and every) season.




















10. Our Heavenly Father. I am thankful for His grace, love, strength and mercy. I love that He tells us that with Him all things are possible, apart from Him we can do nothing, and that if we let Him he will lighten our burdens and set us free. I am thankful for His gift of salvation. It is truly a gift, and it can not be bought or earned. All we have to do is accept it and be thankful.

Hope you all have a day of being Happy Giving Thanks!
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessaonians 5:18

I Hate Picture Day

Well, we've survived the week. Danny went back to work on Monday, and Calen and I began our second quarter of school. All has went well until today... picture day. This afternoon we had the kids' Christmas pictures taken. Well, actually, we attempted to have pictures taken. We settled on ones that would work. It took almost two hours including settling on the pictures we wanted.

I'm not sure what happens on picture day, but it is a day of stress and chaos. No matter how diligent I am, schedules are off as well as the kids behavior. It doesn't matter when I schedule to have pictures taken- one or more will be tired, cranky, hungry, thirsty, silly, sick, wet, dirty... (the list goes on and on). This session brought even more challenges because it required the cooperation of three children.

Calen is still in his cheese phase, but even if he starts out with his beautiful natural smile, it is strained by the time Jax is somewhat in the pictures. Jax, oh my, that child is all over the place. He can not sit or stand still for one second. His beautiful natural smile is seen walking directly towards the camera, climbing the chairs, trying to open the present props, or throwing the ornaments. Hey, they look like balls. As for the presents, after a birthday under his belt he knows what to do to that pretty little bow.

On top of Jax's antics was the lovely carpet burn to his forehead and gash to his eyelid. I tried to explain the the traditional Christmas colors are red and green not black and blue. He has had one accident after another since I booked the appointment earlier in the week. Thankfully his busted lip had healed, and he hadn't lost any teeth. Riley is not quite three weeks old, but she was not in the Christmas spirit during most of the picture taking. We did capture one picture of her dosing in the beginning and another with her eyes open. She looked absolutely beautiful after the session was done and we were picking out pictures to purchase.

So picture day is over for another few months. I hate picture day. Maybe the Christmas pictures in 2011 will go well. Calen will almost nine, Jax will be four, and Riley will be three. Unless... but I'm not going to go there right now. I hope to one day enjoy picture day again.

Green Eyed Monsters

Well, jealousy has descended upon the Lewis household with Riley at the center of it. However, it is not over mom's or dad's attention, but between Calen and Jax affections for their sister. Riley's love and attention has become a mini battle ground between her two brothers.

If Jax is holding Riley, then Calen will snatch her away all the while Jax is screaming at the top of his lungs. If Calen is hugging and kissing on Riley then Jax is screaming and trying to nudge his head in there so he too can love on his sister. There is screaming, and pushing, and nudging, and pulling, and smacking. Their eyes light up at the sight of little Riley, but darken when one is too close for the other's comfort.

Mom says that my sister and I were like this with our little brother. She has the pictures to prove it. One shows me holding Justin while Amanda sits beside us red-faced and screaming. We don't yet have pictures since I'm usually trying to make sure Riley is not injured or disturbed during these disputes. With Danny and I both around, it doesn't tend to happen as often or be as loud and physical than if it were just me. If there are two of us then we can generally distract either Calen or Jax.

We are so blessed that they adore their baby sister. I'm sure the "newness" of it all will eventually wear off. Until then, we'll just grin and bear it. Love can sure be brutal sometimes.

Where the Wild Things Are

How time flies! We welcomed Riley into the world a week ago today. It is so hard to believe that seven days have passed already. She is doing so well and even sleeping pretty good, although 3:30 AM is her social hour.

Riley and I came home from the hospital last Wednesday. Mom brought the boys over for a few hours to see their sister. I can not begin to tell you how much they love her. So far we've not seen one ounce of jealousy from either one. Calen was here just a few minutes until he climbed on the couch begging to hold her. While he was holding her, he gave us his blessing for another sibling. He had done the same with Jax, but I wasn't sure he would be this enthusiastic with two little ones. I was wrong. Jax was equally enthusiastic about his baby sister. He also wanted to hold her and keep running to whoever had her saying, "Sissy" "Sissy" over and over. Calen was a little sad to have to leave when it was time.

On Friday, Mom again brought the boys over for a few hours to visit so we could see them in their Halloween costumes. We went out for lunch, and while there Calen had to go to the bathroom. Before we headed to the restroom I asked Calen to pick up Jax's sippy cup because I couldn't bend over too well. On the way Calen made the comment that "You never know how many children God will give you." I told him that yes, that was true. As he went into the bathroom stall he was still talking about babies. I asked what if God gave him 10 more babies. "That's fine," he said. "What about 20 more?" I asked. "That'll be okay too, " he replied. Then I said, "What if God gave you so many brothers and sisters that you could only have one present at Christmas?" From the bathroom stall there was a brief pause, then a solemn, "Well, I don't know about that." Just thought I'd give him a different perspective...

Saturday, Mom brought the boys home- no visits this time! I had to go change Riley's diaper, and Danny was preparing Jax for a nap when Calen came into the room. "Do you have to be an adult to get married?" he asked. "Yes. Why?" Danny and I replied at the same time as we glanced sideways at each other. With Calen you never know exactly where the conversation is headed. "I can't wait to grow and get married." he said. Danny and I again looked at each other a little shocked. "I hope I grow up soon because I can't wait to get married. I hope I find a pregnant one quick!" he said. At this Danny and I both pretty much lost it. Maybe its time we start to discuss with some more detail how these babies are made.

Calen is also a sensitive soul. He kept my sister up on Tuesday night worrying about breastfeeding, getting enough to eat, if Riley will get to go to Heaven, and all sorts of other ponderings. He has also come to tears several times over the thoughts of Riley turning one, Riley growing up, Riley not being so cute once she gets bigger, Riley getting married, Riley having a baby. The things he thinks about astonishing. He worries over things most five year olds could care less about.

Overall, the adjustments home have gone well for Calen and Jax. Jax has a bilateral ear infection so he's a little whiny, but overall in good spirits. Saturday night was a little rough for him to go to sleep. Then the time changed, and he was up earlier than normal. Sundays are also rough for him because he is such a creature of habit. Yesterday and last night and tonight went much smoother. Calen adjusts fairly quickly at this point in his life. Danny and I feel so blessed that they are so in love with their little sister. I kind of feel sorry for the guys who will come calling in the future between her Daddy and two big brothers.

Happy Birthday Riley!

Yesterday morning we welcomed Riley Elizabeth to the world after months of anticipation (and some inpatience on my part). This pregnancy seemed to last forever; however, it only appeared that way because it ran together with Jax's. I have been pregnant for 18 of the past 22 months! These morning my uterus is relieved although sore.

Riley was certainly not an easy pregnancy although there weren't any complications (well, major medical ones). She spent most of her time breach and transverse so when I was standing up it felt like she was going to fall out at any moment. After 35 weeks she decided to get into the proper position. This put her right up under my ribcage. The past week and half I was uncomfortable to sit and lean forward even the slightest amount. I felt dizzy, light-headed, and as though I was going to pass out. Now I'm just doing the "old lady shuffle" as I move about the room.



It was very frustrating to go into labor the night of my scheduled c-section! I labored for seven hours until it was bumped up an hour. Not only do my abs hurt, but my back, sides, and shoulders do also. Yesterday my jaw hurt from gritting my teeth that last hour. There were times I forgot to breathe the pain was so intense. Having had two previous c-sections, the worst labor I could have had was back labor and lower uternine contractions. Well, that's what I had, and with every contraction my uterus felt like it was going to explode.



They finally gave me something for pain, but I was carted off to the OR about 15 minutes later. Now I was drugged off my butt. I tried really hard to concentrate on what everyone was telling me and to participate in the conversation while at least trying to sound like I had some intelligence. My eye lids felt like dead weights. I managed to stay awake until Danny took Riley to the nursery. I dosed in and out why they cleaned me up and put me back together.

All in all everything was great to be unexpected and unplanned- just the way our family likes.

Famous Last Words...

Jessica and I went to visit one of my dearest neighbors from my childhood yesterday, as she made us a beautiful quilt for Riley. As we were leaving, Jessica and she were discussing labor, and Jessica said, and I quote...

"I'm not going into labor. I could take off and head to California tonight, and I'd be fine."

We came home and prepped the house and went to bed. Around 1:15, I was awakened by Jessica moaning softly. Now, it's not been unusual for Jessica to be moaning with reflux or other assorted maladies recently. I sleepingly said, "Jessica, go to sleep... Have to be at hospital... four hours."

Imagine how awake I was when she said, "I've been contracting every 2-3 minutes for one and a half hours." No more dreams for me! Over the next coulple of hours, she began to have some bloody show and continued to contract, with increasing pain. Needless to say, we came to the hospital sooner than we were scheduled to arrive!

Long story short.... Jessica progressed through the first stage of labor and lost her mucus plug when the MD decided to bump up the C-section start time. Therefore, at 7:46 AM, Riley Elizabeth arrived!

Riley Elizabeth Lewis

Oct 27, 2008 at 7:46 AM

7 lb 13 oz

20 1/4 inches

Mother and baby are doing great, and Big Brother #1 and #2 couldn't be prouder...

"See, Jackson? You do it like this..." "Wow! She's smaller than me!"

Riley Elizabeth and Big Brother #2

The New and Improved Lewis Family

More pics to come as I get them loaded...

Waiting with Bated Breath...

After months of anticipation, the day is almost upon us... At 5:30 AM, Mommy and I will depart for the hospital, and, if all goes well, will welcome you into the world a couple of hours later. It seems like only yesterday that we were undergoing the same preparations for your older brother. Of course, it doesn't seem to be that long ago that we were sitting in the doctor's office being told that we were going to the hospital to welcome your eldest brother. My, how the almost six years since have flown by... your brothers are both awaiting your appearance, as are a multitude of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and curious friends and family. Of course, your wonderful Mommy, who has undergone more struggles than any of us in awaiting your presentations, will be the most joyous Mother in the hospital, I'm sure...

I'm thankful for the gift that God is going to bestow upon us with your presence, particularly given the struggles that we went through while waiting for Jackson. There is no doubt that God has a plan for each and every one of us, and that we must be patient and prayerfully await His promises. While I am sure there will be difficulties in raising two siblings 13 months apart, I'm even more sure that the blessings and benefits will far outweigh the burdens.

Your oldest brother helping to prepare your room

Your new crib...

Miss Riley Elizabeth, I can't wait to meet you!

Love, Daddy

Miscellaneous Musings

You know, we should work more at blogging on a more regular schedule, rather than in bursts of activity. Oh well... I thought I'd catch everyone up on a few things that have happened recently. I'm sure that they'll be several blogs dedicated to Riley (including one in the next few minutes...), so I thought I'd dedicate this one to the other two lights of our life.

Calen and I attended a Father-Son Campout with our Sunday School class a few weekends ago. We were camping at Paint Creek, which is on the fringe of Greene County. Turns out that, between the foilage, distance, and the weather, Daddy couldn't get his pages, even though he was on call- Uh oh! Thankfully, we were able to drive out and get one of my partners to agree to cover for the rest of the night. It was rainy and a little cold; however, we had a great time and can't wait to go back.

Speaking of Calen...

He just finished his first organized sports season, as he played on the rowdy Red Rockets soccer team in the YMCA Fall Soccer League. His team was the youngest one in the league, and, at times, it showed. There are seven boys in the picture above, which was our average attendance even with a team of 10 or 12 kids overall. I was pressed into service as a volunteer coach most games, in spite of my not even knowing the positions on the field. Turns out it was ok-- none of the kids knew where to go either! The Red Rockets won once, tied once, and had lots of fun the other eight games.... no one kept score, but yet, somehow, everyone knew who won or lost.... Calen scored one goal and spent quite a bit of time at goalie, which he seems to love. Looks like the Indoor Winter League is next...

We also recently, as a family, went to Myers Pumpkin Patch here in Greeneville. Just a tip to all the guys-- don't trust your wife's directions if she's pregnant. Jessica diligently wrote down directions to the Patch-- but forgot to put mileage. Approximately 20 miles out of our way, we realized we'd passed the road we needed to turn on.... oh well. We made it and had a great time going through the Easy and Moderate corn mazes (only got turned around really good once!), taking a hay ride, and then roasting hot dogs and Smores over a campfire...

As for Jax, he's either climbing anywhere or everywhere, or he's....

Eating. This boy, for the last few months, could outeat his brother- seriously. He seems to have slowed down some recently... good thing, or I don't know if we'd have been able to keep him fed. Here he is reating a Chicken Wing on the left, and enjoying his first taste of Kool Whip below....

A Memorable Milestone

We've done it!!! Calen and I just completed the first quarter of our first year of homeschooling. It is hard to believe that it has been nine weeks so we began this amazing and awesome journey. We were so excited as his read the last story in his reader, and we were all smiles as we packed up all our books to put away for his two week break.

Not a minute after putting the books into the cabinet, Calen said, "I can't wait 'til we start our new books next." YAY! Neither can I! We've had such a great time learning together.

Let me just say that Calen is not only a wonderful son, but a fantastic student. He makes the job easy for me (unless that "Y" chromosome is acting up). Calen is also a kinestic learner, although we're not sure where it comes from because Danny nor I am not. Anyway, on those days he needs to have his hands busy to listen so play-doh, clay, blocks, or even a pen can help him focus. Although, it drives me secretly crazy (well, maybe the craziness isn't much of secret...but whatever).

We will be starting back on November 10th for our second quarter and even more homeschooling adventures as this time I'll two little ones to work with!